The Impact of Leadership

This week's episode is titled Leadership Common Fears. In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of fear, exploring its impact on leadership and personal growth. Our guest, Steve Black, a partner and senior human resources manager at Brixey & Meyer, shares his insights on how fear can be unmasked and overcome to unlock potential and ignite passion. In this episode, Steve discusses the common fears that leaders face, such as people-pleasing, losing security, and losing comfort. He shares his personal experience with fear, including a diagnosis of a chronic illness that led him to confront limitations and make fear-based decisions. Steve emphasizes the importance of recognizing patterns of fear-based thinking and decision-making to grow through discomfort and achieve personal and professional growth. Steve introduces techniques to engage the senses and activate the thrive side of the brain, improving leadership and decision-making. Listen to learn how to unmask your fears, have vulnerable conversations, and grow through discomfort to unlock your potential and ignite your passion. Let's embark on this journey together and discover how to overcome fear and thrive in leadership and life. Don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with your friends and colleagues. Let's conquer fear together!

Welcome to the Impact of Leadership Podcast (brought to you by CCB Technology – The Best IT Managed Services Provider for Nonprofits & Small Businesses. – Go to CCB Technology today and get connected! At IOL we believe no one drifts into excellence. Last episode was with Kevin Calhoun, (Founder of Document Mountain by Cornerstone) where Kevin uncovered the must-have data points for buying a business, dive into acquisition frameworks, and learn from the successes—and failures—that come with this journey. If you missed it – you got to listen to it – it will impact your life on how to buy a business. This episode is Part 2 with Kevin Calhoun and he talks about his organic growth and leadership style that leads with “Empathy, Humility. It's Purpose-Driven Leadership Style for him” We dive deep into the minds of trailblazing leaders and uncover the stories that shape their journeys. Today, I'm thrilled to introduce Kevin Calhoun, a visionary business leader who has turned challenges into stepping stones and transformed his organization through purpose-driven growth. From navigating the complexities of scaling a company from $3 million to $5 million, Kevin reflects on the enduring struggles we all face—people, cash, sales, and marketing—and shares how these issues magnify as your business grows. With insight into organic growth and customer retention, Kevin highlights the obstacles and opportunities of balancing churn rates and conquering the mysterious realm of digital marketing. But this interview goes beyond numbers. Kevin opens up about the pivotal moments of his leadership evolution—from a “new sheriff in town” to a leader grounded in humility, respect, and resourcefulness. He candidly shares the lessons he's learned through trial and error, his shift to empowering his team, and his personal decision to embrace minority business partners as a step toward shared success. What sets Kevin apart is his approach to business as a ministry, intertwining care, empathy, and connection with strategic growth. He believes that the core of leadership lies in understanding the lives of your team, building trust, and recognizing the value of every individual's journey. Join us as Kevin Calhoun delves into his vision, his journey to developing pillars within his company, and how he motivates his team to embrace goals and share in the rewards of success. Whether you're striving to grow your business, navigate people challenges, or find the right balance between expectations and anticipation—this episode promises insights that are equal parts personal and professional. Are you ready? Let's dive in.

This week's episode is titled Buy vs. Build: We're living in a wild time—a time where opportunity and transition collide. You've probably heard the term silver tsunami. It's the wave of baby boomers retiring and leaving behind a wealth of businesses ready for new ownership. The marketplace is open like never before, with platforms like BizBuySell and BizQuest offering just about anything you could dream of acquiring. But let's be real—this isn't Wall Street. This is real life, with real people, and sometimes, real challenges. Here, we don't sugarcoat or fluff things up. We keep it raw, authentic, and genuinely insightful. In this week's episode, my interview with Kevin Calhoun (Founder of Document Mountain by Cornerstone) we'll uncover the must-have data points for buying a business, dive into acquisition frameworks, and learn from the successes—and failures—that come with this journey. From making sure your acquisition has structure, to crafting deals where the business pays for itself, to leveraging the talent and relationships that come with buying, we leave no stone unturned. Are you ready to explore the world of buying versus building a business, and find out which strategy is right for you? Let's dive in.

In this week's episode, we dive into the powerful journey of transformation, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of growth with Steve Kohlmann, the Executive Director of IBAW. Steve shares how IBAW is a true testament to the power of resilience. Starting with just 80 businesses and now leading 252, this story is one of overcoming financial setbacks, leadership change, and a commitment to building something greater. We'll explore what it means to “eat what you kill” in business and how leadership isn't just about guiding teams—it's about fighting for your mission, learning from past mistakes, and fostering an environment where people can thrive. A key lesson I learned was Steve's teaching on the importance of perspective over advice. People get offended when you don't take their advice but not when you ask for their perspective. Set the conversation up for success with this one-word difference-maker. We discuss the difference between good leaders and bad ones, the power of hope, and how treating people fairly can leave a lasting legacy. You don't want to miss this inspiring conversation on leadership, business, and personal growth. Enjoy! 

Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast! Today, we have Part 3 with Jon Greenwood, a seasoned leader who has navigated the highs and lows of his career with resilience and passion. Jon shares his experiences of mentorship and coaching, highlighting the importance of having a peer to guide you through challenges and help you grow faster. We'll dive into Jon's journey, from his early days without a mentor to later having influential figures like Mary and Jim, who played pivotal roles in his career. Jon's stories are filled with moments of learning, laughter, and pushing beyond his comfort zone, including a memorable HR challenge that tested his leadership skills. Jon's retirement didn't slow him down; he continues to contribute by building a leadership program at Cedarville, focusing on personal development for small businesses, churches, and educators. His insights on authenticity, vulnerability, and passion will inspire you to take ownership and drive your business forward. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Jon's incredible journey and valuable lessons on leadership and growth.

This is Part 2 of the interview with Jon Greenwood, where the interview is focused on "Managing Conflict & Performance Improvement Plans". Neither is easy, especially when you have to manage many people.  But we believe it is a necessity if you want to see growth happen.  We discuss Jon's insights on handling disagreements, balancing empathy with assertiveness, and ensuring that team members are in roles that maximize their potential and contribute positively to the organization. Throughout our conversation, we will discuss the importance of open communication, collaborative decision-making, and continuous assessment of team dynamics to foster a productive and harmonious work environment. Stay tuned for an engaging and informative session that promises to equip you with practical strategies for effective leadership. At IOL, we believe NO ONE DRIFTS INTO EXCELLENCE!  This podcast is proudly sponsored by CCB TECHNOLOGY - The best Managed IT Service Provider for Small Businesses & Nonprofits across the United States!  Mention the IOL PODCAST to get a free gift!!!

Today we launch a three part series with John Greenwood, a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience at Huntington National Bank, where he served as Executive Vice President. During his tenure, Jon managed a vast network of over 1,000 branches and 6,500 staff members across 11 states. This interview was filled with GOLD LEADERSHIP LESSONS which required me to divide this one interview into three parts. I've never done this before but it is absolutely needed so nothing is missed.  This three-part series delves into the intricacies of leadership and organizational management. Part 1 – Jon shares his extensive experience and wisdom, highlighting the importance of the Five Driver Model for Success, which includes People, Culture, Strategy, Structure, and Process1. Part 2 –  Managing Conflict & Performance Improvement Our conversation explores handling conflict and improving performance within leadership and teams. We also discuss strategies for managing disagreements, balancing empathy with assertiveness, and ensuring team members are in the right roles. Part 3 – Set The Bar By Knowing Your Numbers As a leader, knowing your numbers is crucial because it demonstrates a deep understanding of your business. Jon Greenwood shares an experience where his CEO, Steve Steinour, would ask detailed questions to ensure that Jonn truly knew his business. This level of scrutiny helped Jon learn his numbers quickly and thoroughly. It also allowed him to make informed decisions and effectively manage his responsibilities. Jon gives us a taste of his current involvement in building a leadership program at Cedarville University which we will have him on at a later date to really go deep into this exciting new leadership program. Here is Part 1 with Jon Greenwood.

Titan is a person of exceptional importance and reputation. We have a history of leaders - TITANS…who have impacted our world with their leadership. Today, new Titans are being recognized in Chicago, Colorado, Georgia, Philadelphia, Phoenix, St. Louis, Tampa, Wisconsin and more. The Titan 100 program recognizes a premier group of 100 CEO's and C-level executives in a region. It is a blessing that I have been inducted into the WI Titan 100 Hall of Fame with ten other Titans.  Representing both the private and public sectors, these leaders are Titans of industry who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, passion, and influence in their field.  This incredible community is led by one Titan that is leading the pack. Today's episode is with the CEO/Founder of TitanCEO, Jaime Zawmon. Today's podcast will give you incredible motivation to be the TITAN you were destined to be!

In today's episode, I will focus on  “CHOOSING A WORD FOR THE YEAR”. This word acts as a guide to help you make decisions, stay aligned with your goals, and bring more clarity to your life throughout the year. It serves as your personal motto or compass. How do you pick your word for the year? This 22-minute podcast will review these key focus areas to help you. Sit down quietly and review the previous year (highlights, challenges, etc.) Ask yourself hard questions  What makes you happy? What energizes you? What caused challenges in your life?  Where do you need boundaries? What habits do you want to start & stop this year? Key Relationships & Goals For Each Family Friends Faith Work Health Self Care Brainstorm  Narrow down your options Select your word & keep it front/center

In today's episode, Nicole Ryf (President of KABA); shares her passion for inspiring economic growth in her community.  Nicole has over twenty years of experience with economic growth. She is from Wisconsin (GO PACK GO!) but worked in Texas & Virginia, all on economic growth. She was recruited back to WI in 2022. She has been leading KABA since July 2023.   Inspiring economic growth is a team sport. Everyone has to come together and support the vision of a local leadership group like KABA. It takes many people, each with a unique talent, to help a community be successful. Nicole shares what she learned in those positions early in her career and the importance of mentorship. She is extremely vulnerable when sharing where she has made mistakes but has had great leadership support her in learning from them. Leadership is a lot of things, but one thing it is not cute!

Welcome to the Impact of Leadership podcast, brought to you by CCB Technology – The Best IT Experience Ever – They Guarantee it!) At IOL  we believe “No One Drifts Into Excellence!” I am your host Patrick Booth. This is the last episode for 2024. It's hard to believe but we released 25 episodes on many topics. Each year we like to do a little bit of a recap of what we experienced on the IOL podcast. Some of the key ones that you would know: LEADERSHIP TRANSITION - This is a massive opportunity for the roots of trust to be tested and go deeper. When facing a transition, get ahead of it early, give yourself more time than you need to. Ask over and over “What is best for the organization?” Make the transition visible to all as soon as you can. PASSION FOR YOUR JOB - You have to love what you do! Create moments that feed your WHY and PASION for what you do. Burnout comes at everyone but when you can remember your WHY then it will keep you going! You have to find the right people and put them in the right seats. Just because someone interviewed well doesn't mean they are in the right seat. Their performance and passion will determine if you need to make a change. Be The Buffalo -The buffalo is only animal that runs towards the storm so they can get through it quicker. That is what leaders need to do! Your team will follow you when you have confidence, don't be passive. Live without regrets! Being uncomfortable is not fun but that is where growth happens. Life is short, you only get one shot, live without regrets! There are a lot more so listen to this twenty minute recap for the past year and get ready for 2025! 

Happy Thanksgiving 2024!  This episode is part of our Legacy Builder series called "Count Your Blessings" because Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to think about all you have been blessed with in the past year.  What traditions do you have at Thanksgiving?  In our family, we have Turkey Tom/Tina. This tradition was started by my wife years ago. She brings Turkey Tom/Tin out at dinner a few weeks before Thanksgiving. She gives us each one or two paper feathers. She asks us to write out the things we feel blessed to have in our life on the paper feathers. My wife collects them all and glues each one onto the paper turkey.  This year has been one of the worst because of our family's health trials but God carried us through it!  Life is hard, but we aren't made to carry the burden alone.  I hope you find encouragement in the podcast. Here are some songs that encouraged me to trust God with this trial. Rest For Your Soul I Still Believe  Faithfully Evidence The Jesus Way Our God Will Go Before Us

The Legacy Builder series is focused on helping leaders understand how their impact at work and at home will leave a legacy for the future. This week's episode, "Be The Visionary" is dedicated to helping the CEO/Executive Director of the organization to understand their role and how it's vital for the organization to grow.

In today's episode, you will hear how Tamarra's corporate life of twenty-four years helped prepare her for the job she feels called to at the Shalom Center. To build a community partnership you must have UNITY & SERVANT LEADERSHIP.  Tamarra believes "action is the foundational key to all success" and that has helped her build brand awareness for her organization's mission.  People must understand what your organization does, how you serve others, and where they can get involved. You have to promote your organization's mission so that others can join in the cause.  Nothing in life is a waste Tamarra believes there is a purpose and plan behind everything.  Get ready to be inspired by how Tamarra and her team are leading their community forward with action & loving hearts! 

Ron learned as a young boy, watching his Mother, give back to the community with her servant leadership. Ron asked his Mom "Why do you work so hard to help others?" Her words impacted his life forever and those were "It's not always about you!"   You will hear how Ron took that same passion to impact others through mentorship and servant leadership.

Leadership is hard. Leading others well is risky. It means taking the chance that things could go poorly, or failure could happen, people could be hurt, or you could be hurt. But it's worth it. I have many more scars now, which I'm very proud of because it means that I took the risks I needed in business.  I've noticed a lot of the scars I have fall into one of these three categories: SCARS from unfair assumptions SCARS from my emotional reactions SCARS from broken trust

Have you ever heard someone say "I love where I work?!" It's rare. Often we hear the opposite.  No one starts a business hoping their employees will hate where they work but why does it happen so much? One keyword will  make the difference: CULTURE Company culture can be defined as the set of values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape how employees interact with each other, their leaders, and the work itself in an organization.

This week's podcast is with Dave Strash, President and CEO of the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce. KACC has been impacting SEWI, specifically Kenosha, for 109 years. Under Dave's leadership, it is dedicated to helping provide businesses with opportunities to come together through events, leadership training, and other initiatives. How important is it for a community to come together as business leaders? It's critical! Listen and learn six critical takeaways that every leader will benefit from by hearing this podcast and putting them into action. Enjoy! 

Sales & Marketing have an interesting partnership when it comes to business development.   Marketing generates leads and sales converts those leads to paying customers.  But why is it hard for them to work together?!  Many times Marketing & Sales often exist like two separate silos, having their own systems and processes but it's powerful when they come together.

Keeping your business relevant is no easy task.  Adapt or die.  In order to stay ahead of the competition, you must have the right partnerships.  Success is not found by accident. No one drifts into excellence.  Today's episode is with Ryan Morris with Morris Management Partners. Ryan has 25+ years of consulting experience on how to keep your business relevant. 

Kevin Fillers, CFO for the Major League Paintball, is this week's guest on the IOL podcast. When Kevin was in middle school he decided it would be his dream to become a professional paintball player. Guess what? He did it for several years and now he is the CFO for the sport he loves. Kevin shares the story of how the MLPB has overcome crazy obstacles including a hurricane in 2022 for the World Cup. "Sometimes it feels like you are the only one pushing the boulder up the mountain but you realize there is a group and this is our strength as we work together." - Kevin Fillers Enjoy listening to Kevin's story as we all wish we could follow our childhood dreams.

Grant Buenger is the Executive Director of Racine Habitat For Humanity who believes in building HOPE & TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP through his leadership. For the past three years, Grant has focused on helping build a healthy leadership team and has implemented change management leadership so his organization can adapt when change is needed.

In Today's episode is my interview with Paul M. Neuberger – the man who never sleeps! He is the founder & CEO of C-Suite For Christ which has chapters across the US and an international following.  Paul is a keynote speaker of many topics like “Everybody's An Entrepreneur”, “Insane Productivity”, “Overcoming Fear” the author of the book “The Secrets To Cold Call Success” and he does Sales Development training.  Stop believing lies of fear, anxiety and doubt. Don't surround yourself with talent but instead with passion. These people will knock down doors. Many leaders are concerned with the impossibility of pleasing everyone. Ultimately, the responsibility rests with you. It's a long podcast but worth it - check it out now! 

In this week's episode, I am bringing the focus on "ENCOURAGEMENT" as how it matters as a Legacy Builder at work and home. You will hear real stories on how encouragement can help create perseverance, empathy, trust and loyalty.  Words matter and your actions speak even louder. Never underestimate the impact you are making as many are watching. More is caught than taught through your words & actions.

One wasn't enough so here we go with Part 2 - Kent Evans, cofounder and Executive Director of Manhood Journey. In today's podcast we talk about the ups and downs of being a father. There is no perfect father, but we can strive to be the best. Tons of resources are available at the Manhood Journey website.

Kent Evans has been making an huge impact in millions of lives, all over the world for the past 14 years as cofounder & Executive Director of Manhood Journey. This is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Dads become disciple makers. Kent also has his own podcast called Father On Purpose.  The podcast has more than 100,000+ downloads focused on helping men be godly dads while facing real struggles at work, home and in life. 

Let's say the NY TIMES is going to write the final article about your life, what would they say about you?  Sharon talks about what it means to live without regrets. 

Nick is a Titan Wisconsin 100 winner focused on bringing the best solutions for each client while building a sincere partnership. Today's episode is focused on building a culture that tracks talent, making an impression in the community and having business values to accelerate growth .

This new series LEGACY BUILDER will bring teachings, speakers, books, movies, and real stories about how to build a legacy as a Husband/Wife, Father/Mother, Son/Daughter, friend, etc.

The Titan 100 is a program to recognize a premier group of 100 CEO's and C-level executives in a region. Representing both the private and public sector, these leaders are Titans of industry who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision, passion, and influence in their field.  This incredible community is lead by one Titan that is leading the pack. Today's episode is with the CEO/Founder of TitanCEO, Jaime Zawmon.

Picture it: For 25 years, you've been setting the example and influencing the trajectory -- now it's time to step back so the next generation can step up. People you know & love are trusting you to handle this well. Soon, the organization will be bumped by this change, and what's inside will spill out. This might be the defining moment of your leadership. Ready or not, the time to say goodbye is here. Mike Bullmore and Brett Wendle are both Christian men, husbands & fathers. Recently, Brett was installed as the new Senior Pastor of Crossway Community Church. Which was a historic moment in the life of Crossway; a Senior Pastor transition hadn't ever happened before. Mike was the senior pastor for 25 years, which takes Crossway back to its first days in 1999. This episode is about their leadership transition.

This episode honors the memory of Chris Booth—Patrick's father, who passed away in 2023. As an owner of multiple businesses, Patrick Booth knows what it is to take calculated risks and build trusting teams. He wants you to be better than he is. Through personal stories from over 20 years of leadership experience, Patrick sheds light on topics no one posts about.

When everyone expects you to have all the answers, what do you say when you're unsure? When everyone wants some of your time, how do you prioritize who gets a meeting? Where do you start when there are multiple issues that need to be addressed? What characteristics rise to the top for a leader willing and able to move an organization forward? Dr. Lynn Akey is the new Chancellor of The University of Wisconsin Parkside, and she is a leader you would follow. She's accomplished, passionate, inquisitive, and courageous. In this conversation, we get to know Parkside's new leader and hear how she's approached the transition into the role of Chancellor.

This episode focuses on our response to life's trials. Patrick recounts a very difficult year. As an owner of multiple businesses, Patrick Booth knows what it is to take calculated risks and build trusting teams. He wants you to be better than he is. Through personal stories from over 20 years of leadership experience, Patrick sheds light on topics no one posts about.

We hope you enjoy the 2nd part of this conversation with Liz! Liz Wiseman is a researcher and executive advisor who teaches leadership to executives worldwide. She is the author of New York Times bestseller Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter. This conversation focuses on her book, Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact.

Liz Wiseman is a researcher and executive advisor who teaches leadership to executives worldwide. She is the author of New York Times bestseller Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter. This conversation focuses on her book, Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact. How we tricked her into being on the podcast is a mystery--enjoy Part 1 and come back for the 2nd half next week.

Every year has it's own challenges and surprises. Often times we don't remember how far we've come or how fortunate we are until we pause and reflect. In this episode Patrick Booth, the Owner of CCB Technology and The Impact of Leadership talks about the loss of his Father, a shocking company notice and the need for community.

This episode touches on work-life balance. What is it? Is it possible to have? As an owner of multiple businesses, Patrick Booth knows what it is to take calculated risks and build trusting teams. He wants you to be better than he is. Through personal stories from over 20 years of leadership experience, Patrick sheds light on topics no one posts about.

Senator Van Wanggaard is a man who has served his community for multiple decades. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him. I encourage you to put your political ideologies aside for 40 minutes and enjoy this conversation.

This episode highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. As an owner of multiple businesses, Patrick Booth knows what it is to take calculated risks and build trusting teams. He wants you to be better than he is. Through personal stories from over 20 years of leadership experience, Patrick sheds light on topics no one posts about.

Mr. Zach Jacobsmeier is the Head Principal of Gilmore Fine Arts in Racine, WI. He's an incredible leader and an example of what public education is shooting for. Zach is one of the reasons this podcast was started; to highlight incredible leaders who are right under your nose. In this episode: Costco vs. Sam's Club, remembering names of students, stereotypes of public education MJ vs. Lebron and best pump up playlists.

This episode highlights the differences between a good and a great boss. As an owner of multiple businesses, Patrick Booth knows what it is to take calculated risks and build trusting teams. He wants you to be better than he is. Through personal stories from over 20 years of leadership experience, Patrick sheds light on topics no one posts about.

One hundred years is a long time to survive as a business or a non-profit. Generations of people will have interacted with your organization. Hitting one hundred years is a milestone to celebrate, a time to reflect and envision people to the next chapter. That's, in part, what we'll do in today's conversation with my friend, Carolynn Friesch, CEO United Way of Kenosha County.

Leadership is a lot of things. It isn't cute. We're doing a few episodes test to see if you like the new series "Leadership Exposed". Short episodes with real life stories of bad hires, rage quitting, accidental successes and the lessons learned along the way. In this episode Patrick talks about the impact of a bad hire and the lessons he's learned to avoid them.

Daniel Ramsey is the president of Ramsey Solutions. His Dad is Dave. They run a family business out of TN.

Leadership is a lot of things. It isn't cute. We're doing a few episodes test to see if you like the new series "Leadership Exposed". Short episodes with real life stories of bad hires, rage quitting, accidental successes and the lessons learned along the way. Why are we doing this? In the words of Patrick Booth, "I want people to be better than me. And no officer that's not my bag." Let us know if you're enjoying it!

Imagine having someone to coach you on exactly what to say so that you'd nail your next public speaking opportunity. Now meet Eva. She's the person who comes in and gives you the honest feedback you need to level up your content and your delivery. Dave Ramsey leaned on Eva's expertise for several years while she was at Ramsey. You'll love this episode.

Bob Burg is one of the authors of “The Go-Giver: A little story about a powerful business Idea”. And it's now in my top 10 books that I recommend to people. During this episode, you'll be encouraged, challenged, and intrigued.

Arlin Sorenson. A farm boy from Iowa, who has over 35 years in the IT industry and believes those who give the most, gain the most. A serial entrepreneur, who loves Jesus and his wife more than success in business. In this episode Arlin shares his failures, lessons from the farm and a definition of excellence in leadership.

If you're in leadership, you'll encounter conflict. But are you prepared for it? *Enter the "Reframing Conflict as a Leader" workshop* We (Patrick Booth & Steve Scherer) are conducting a 1/2 day intensive hosted by our friends University of Wisconsin-Parkside on 4/28. The point? To equip you for tough conversations. Can't make it? No problem! We'll come to you. Check the links in the show notes for more info.