The Leading Life Podcast.

Hi There!I want to talk a little about how we interact with others, how we can better interpret each other and we seek to understand one another better.Let's learn how to communicate better so we can avoid misunderstandings and judgements.Let's dive in!

So even if you're not the boss or the leader or themanager and you think of yourself as just an employee this is equally as important for you. Because culture is impacted by all of us together. I think it's time to think a little more progressive beyond a pizza party.If you agree, then lets dive in….

I want to also dispel some myths that are out there….Here's what I've learned over the years.-The people that get promoted are often not the hardest working ones in the group.-The people that get promoted are often not the one that everybody on the teamrespects the most.-The people that get promoted are often not the smartest and most intelligent.-The people they often get promoted often don't have the best results in yourterritory.So here are some reasons behind why you are getting promoted.Let's dig in!

I want to have an open and honest conversation about the workplace and how we can better navigate it.Lets talk about what to avoid and what we can do better!

I often think if I could go back with the knowledge I have now to when I was 16-25 years old; what would be the best life advice that I would impart upon myself.? So here's my list for today. I wish I had a real handle on these topics when I was younger. It would have saved me some heartaches and struggles. So like I said in the first episode…this is advice. I'm not saying this is answer for everything…just sharing what I've learned. Remember you're the leader of your life. Here's my best advice for the young I wish I had and took seriously and why I'm telling you. Let's dig in!

I often think back to when I was 16-18 years old and what would be the best life advice that I would impart upon myself. Remember you're the leader of your life. Here's my best advice for the young I wish I had and took seriously and why I'm telling you. Let's talk about it.

So we often talk about Vision on this podcast and we talk about things we want when we think about our life. Well today we're gonna talk about your anti-vision. I want you to start from what you don't want to happen. Let's dive in!

Hello There, are you fulfilled with your place in the world? Are you really happy right where you stand? Is it possible that everything around you isn't what it seems? Are you going through the motions or on this hamster wheel in your life? I really want to dig in with you today and ask you... is that you? Do you love who you are? Do you love your values? Do you really love the people that surround you? Do you love your place in this world? Let's talk about it!

Why do we as humans fear failing so much to the point that we don't even try? We don't even fully go for what we want in this life. Let's jump into this topic. Straight talk, real strategies and common-sense solutions...here we go! We are not going to let fear dominate our minds ANYMORE. Lets talk about it!

I'm gonna teach you in simple 3 steps how to reduce worrying in your life. We are also going to work through 5 examples of things that often worry us the most and what I recommend to help. So a couple of references for reading from this episode to further help: - Man's searchfor meaning by Viktor Frankel - How toStop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie Let's dig in!

I don't want you to waste energy on things that don't progress your business, your ideas, your fulfillment, better relationships, etcetera. And when it comes time for a promotion opportunity you want to have your best foot forward. And I want you to be remembered for being professional in all situations. So what I wanted to share with you today are some behaviors that I have made notes in my mind about seeing people successful people exemplify. Let's dig in!

This episode is about a secret Superpower that you didn't even know you had. Yes you listening to me right now…You have this secret superpower. A lot of people don't know they possess it. So while this may sound simplistic it is something that a lot of people simply don't realize when they get up every morning. It's all about your mindset! So grab your journal and dive in with me. As always going to be transparent with you…I have work to do here as well, so lets do this together!

Life is a perpetual motion of stepping up and that's where coaching comes in! So I think this episode will be beneficial to anyone who wants to improve employee development, their teams performance and follow through on expectations. I think it can be applied to many things so this is for you teachers out there, this is for your sports team, this is for your office, this is for whoever is under your leadership but also for somebody that is being coached. I want you to know what you should expect from a manager/leader working with you! Lets get better togeher!

So I've had a couple discussions lately where I wonder exactly when do we let go of a challenge or an emotional situation that we went through and we begin to move forward? When do you let go of a bad memory and start looking forward to creating new good ones? Let's talk about how to navigate through this together!

How does one develop a winning mindset? So we know how we need to wire our brain around thinking that way, but what are the next actionable steps to take.   So I put it into 7 key components that I think we can all do. 1.     Start with a vision. 2.     Set goals. 3.     Maintain confidence. 4.     Stay disciplined. 5.     Upskill regularly. 6.     Build your network 7.     Never play victim. Lets dig in!

Hi Everyone...I wanted to do an episode around what is a winning mindset and how do we develop one? I figured that it would not be enough in one single episode so I made it a two-part type of thing. With the first part really culling information from experts and psychologists. And the second part really being information and the strategy that I have put together. Before I started this episode, I wanted to answer 3 questions… 1)  What traits do winners have in common? 2) What is the Psychology behind the winning mindset? 3)  How does someone develop that winning mindset? Let's jump in and tackle this together!

Are we making work harder than it has to be? Let's stop spinning our wheels. Let's talk about a few things here that will help!

5 simple reminder to help you be a better co-worker... 1.     Always be encouraging. 2.     Check-in with your co-workers. 3.     Be a partner, be helpful. 4.     Make work fun. 5.     Celebrate their success.

So much of my leadership comes from my Mother. She instilled so many values in me hat helped prepare my for life. Here are a few the guided me the most: 1. Be a gentleman. 2. Choose Kindness 3. Show up. 4. Be the best partner you can be. 5. Stick to your values. Thanks for listening!

A couple simple lessons from my father that impacted my life.... 1. Accept both life is not fair, but more fair than for many others. 2. Prioritize what's truly important. 3. Put the hard work in. Do it 100% right the first time. Don't half way any project. 4. Always show respect. 5. Always tell the truth. Lets talk about it here....

How can we create better places for our people to work in? I call these the 7 “P's” of creating a great place for people to work. 1. Provide a clear explanation of goals, values and accountability for performance. 2. Provide a completely objective space for them to perform their best in. 3. Provide resources for them team to learn and excel. 4. Provide diversity, equity and inclusion. 5. Provide freedom to do there work. 6. Provide mentorship in work and in life 7. Provide an environment that makes them feel valued and appreciated. Lets talk about it some more here...

1. Stop complaining. Be apromoter of ppl. Be a promoter of ideas. Be a promoter of solutions. Action is everything, 2. Stop Stopping and keep building the next best thing! Then the next. 3.Lose the ego and demonstrate humility by practicing self-awareness.

Hi Everybody.... Let's not be afraid to do more acts of kindness, acts of love, acts of support.... We need more of this in the world.   So I'm asking you…will you take the leap? Will you take the chance to better embrace the humanity around you? I just refuse to believe you can ever be wrong in showing the world more love.   The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step…. Lets get started!

Hi I hope this episode has impact in one of two ways: One is if you report to a manager or leader then I want you to consider are they leading you effectively. Meaning, what are you getting from them? Are they interested in your development? Are they interested in thework you do? For those in a leadership position then I want you to think about what I am saying and reflect on this...Are you taking the steps to effectively lead your people? Are you challenging everyone to win? If they're falling behind, then what will you do to he them back on course? Join me and let's talk about it here!

We are the products of the life we design for ourselves and with that said Let's talk about Courage. Just one act of courage can change the trajectory of your life and of those around you.

So a couple things that I've learned along the way regarding finances. I'm not a millionaire and I'm not necessarily great with money. BUT I'm not bad either…so like the title of this episode says... get better with money right now. So if youcould be better with money, this is for you. I think we all have opportunities to get better. Some of this very, very is basic, but basic is sometimes all you need. So broke this down in 3 easy steps…Mindset, Discipline and Being Future Minded. Lets talk about it!

If you are a leader who changes his or her approach to fit in with the boss above them then please stop calling yourself a leader.   You're not a leader, you're a chameleon. You're a follower just trying to appease who's above you. Leadership is influence. And influence is the currency of true leadership.

The world is already full of average. Remember this… If you practice normal, you're gonna play normal. BUT if you practice harder and at a higher level of excellence then you will execute that on the field. Like Will Smith has said, “I've always considered myself to be just average talent and what I have is a ridiculous insane obsessiveness for practice and preparation.” We are all cut out for so much more.

Don't make these 3 career mistakes, do this instead! Let's talk about common mistakes others make out there and how to avoid them!

In this episode I want to talk about keeping it real. In a past episode, I spoke briefly about how people talk about keeping it real but truly don't vs. those who promote their business with optimism and positivity. You know the deeper I dive into the components of being an effective leader the more I realize I don't know. It's a big journey for many of us. I learn new things every day. I think I talk quite a lot about promoting our business, sports teams, department, project etc,…with optimism and positivity. I promise to always keep it real with you. And I'm going to give you 5 bullets points at the end to be mindful of. Let's dive in!

"Be Something Unexpected." I was reflecting today when I first got into the real job market around 1989 in the Washington DC area. And every job I showed up to interview for there was another thousand of “me” waiting in line. What I mean by that is that I felt like I was just another one of the same. How would I stand out? Let's talk about it!

My advice to you is Look out for others. Be the mentor, Be the coach, Be the voice. That will separate you immediately. Remember this…Generals don't win the war…the front lines do. So are we giving the front lines everything they need to be successful? 1.       What is their vision for themselves? The first thing we need to understand us where do they want to go? 2.     Really gauge what is their desire to learn and how will they learn? 3. We need to timely access everyone's skill level. 4.     Begin to build a career path and put together an action plan. 5. Use all available tools to contribute to their learning.  

So, I firmly believe how we engage with people and treat each other is everything. I think we can all agree on that. If you're not sure…Let's talk about it. Here's what happened to me....

Be willing to do the work that others won't do. If you truly want to be successful, then you have to get of the mindset of being just a solid contributor. Just showing up and doing what is required or a little more than required is not enough. Your mindset has to be in a constant state of innovation. Building and strengthening your brand and the people working for it every day. In this episode we discuss how to get in a better mindset to achieve more in our careers. Let me know what you think! Thanks for listening.

I can't think of anything more important than building partnerships as you move through your career. I think this is crucial and I see a lot of people make mistake around this in today's market. Never think you're too good for anything or making a connection with someone because you could miss out on some of the greatest opportunities and greatest people. If I had thought I was too good make a connection a few ago I would've never got the phone call that eventually led me to some of my best work. Seize upon opportunities. Making connection and networking is key. Build partnerships everywhere you can. Your network is your net worth, so join me and lets talk about it!

We have to sacrifice something to gain something. 1. Define exactly what it you want. You want to get promoted at work. Why do want to get promoted? Define the why behind it. What will this mean for your life? Ok what position are desiring, are you qualified for it? If you aren't what do you need to complete first? What skills do you need? 2. What will you sacrifice to get there? What is the discipline you will build behind that? I need to devote 3 hours a week to gaining this skill set. Lets you say to you need to get better at PowerPoint and giving presentations. I will give up part of my mornings or evenings, to take a workshop or training on PowerPoints and public speaking. Who is a mentor that you can connect with that's really good at PowerPoints? 3. What will you gain? You be better at public speaking and creating PowerPoints. Getting promoted will open up a wider career path and pay you more money. More money more access to your dreams. 4. What derails you to getting to this goal? Maybe it's Netflix, friends wanting to go out after work, other hobbies, etc…knowing what they are helps you be aware to stay away from them. 5. How can you avoid these triggers? Keep your eyes on the future you've imagined for yourself. Think about your goal every day. Track your progress. Your difficult to reach future goal has to be more compelling that your easy present.

This is Part 2 of a 7 Part Series of the most important Mindset Habits and tips to help you grow in your career. The three A's: Attitude, Authenticity and Accountability! Attitude: With a great attitude you hold in your hands the keys to the kingdom of success. Your attitude will be the key to unlock the doors to your best possible life! Authenticity: “true to one's own personality, spirit, or character” Be who you are. That's it. “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else”. Accountability: I want you to be 100% accountable for your what you do and who are you. No excuses. Accountability simply means you do what you said you were going to do. Don't tell ppl your busy or there's not enough time. “Creating a culture of integrity and accountability not only improves effectiveness, it also generates a respectful, enjoyable and life-giving setting in which to work.” — Tom Hanson

One thing I like to say is in order to live the very best life possible you have to put your energies into the things that give you the greatest reward. You just have to decide on what that reward is and it's different to everyone. Oprah Winfrey said in 1986…”I know that I am where I am now is because I always believed I could get here.” 1) Everything Starts with a Vision and Setting Goals.

5 Tips for Better Health! 1. Try to get at least 30 minutes or more of exercise a day. 2. Reduce your alcohol intake. 3. Cut out the sugar. 4. Stay away from overly processed foods. 5. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep.

Mr. Herman Cain, CEO of Self: "Success was not a function of what you start out with materially, but what you start out with spiritually." What I learned and put into practice from Herman Cain: 1. CEO of Self – You are in charge of your life…nobody else. It's up to you and only you. 2. Stay humble and always be open to learning. 3. Be fierce and bold in your leadership, you're in charge. 4. Lastly, you succeed through “Sweat Equity” …you got to work for it. “The tragedy of life does not lie in reaching your goals, the tragedy is not having any goals to reach for.” How can you be a better "CEO of Self?" What goals are making for yourself right now?

1. The Diary of Anne Frank. 2. To kill a mockingbird - Harper Lee 3. The Leadership Challenge. - Kouzes and Posner 4. Rich dad, poor dad. - Robert Kiyosaki 5. Profiles in Courage by John F Kennedy.

1. Talk possibilities and stop discussing limitations. 2. Starve the drama. 3. Stay calm, collected, and poised. Exude confidence. 4. Speak up to people. 5. Run to problems and SOLVE.

Be easy to work for. It doesn't mean you don't challenge people and it doesn't mean that you don't set aggressive goals and it doesn't mean you let people walk on you but it just means that you keep the main thing the main thing. Keep the game that we play the game we play. Have you ever met somebody that creates problems to make it look like they're solving them when there was never a problem to begin with? We've all run into this person. Being easy to work for means that you eradicate complexity. It's like when I talk to you guys about my leadership motto which is take care of your people, take care of the customer and crush your goals!

Don't let anything or anyone RUIN your day. so we all know there's 24 hours in a day right? Well if there's 1440 minutes in a day. There is also 86,400 seconds in a day. We can all agree that time is precious right? It's our greatest asset. I want you to carry yourself with the confidence that your day is going to be great. Believe in yourself, believe in your skills and believing the good intentions that you have for all the people around you today. I think the key thing is to not take anything personally and even if you feel like it's a personal attack laugh it off because you can't let those bullets penetrate you.

Every day before I go to work as a manager and a leader I remember this… Our people have hopes, dreams and aspirations. I watch a lot of managers out there forget this and it really drives me crazy. The job is not about you, the job is about the people that work with you. You already clearly have a career so what are you doing to enhance their career? Work can't just be this I'm going to milk every dollar out of you on our sales floor and then you can go home to wake to the next day and do it all over again. Work should be a vehicle for them to start to build the best life possible. Work should be the jump off point to this amazing life ahead of them. Our job is to open doors not close them.

You are Not Alone! Think about these simple things along the journey ahead.... We start with gratitude for who loved us into our existence. That we are given this amazing life to live and live it all we can. The world is a beautiful place! We have a foundation of confidence because we know we are loved…even if sometimes it doesn't feel like it. We find the good in ourselves and we love ourselves first. My wife always says, have a love affair with yourself first. Love yourself there's nothing wrong with that. We find others along the journey that we see amazing and beautiful things in. We aspire to be those things and incorporate that into your lives. We build our strength through a community of relationships and bridge humanity. We have a purpose to our lives. We may not know exactly what it is but are always striving to find it.

I read a joke one morning that changed how I looked at my work/life balance forever. Are you living life on your terms or on somebody else's? What are you putting your energies into? What's truly important in your life? We all have to make sacrifice somewhere, somehow, but how far are you willing to go?

Episode 7) Do You Want To Prolong Your Life? Based on a recent Harvard Study, here are the basics: 1. Get 6-7 Hours of sleep. (Early to bed, early to rise.) 2. Eat Healthier. (Greens, Greens, Greens.) 3. Exercise up to at least 30 minutes a day. (Keep the ticker ticking.) 4. Maintain a Healthy Diet. (Weight yourself weekly.) 5. Reduce Alcohol intake. (5:00 means live in the moment.) Check out Dan Buettner's Blue Zones. https://www.bluezones.com/

How do you choose to show up? 1) Morning Routine. 2) Your attitude is your Energy. 3) How do you look and sound? 4) Station THEN Destination. 5) Managing Stress.