Podcasts about leadership proven steps

At 29 years old, Brandon Dawson was on top of the world. He had taken his company public, stood on the American Stock Exchange floor, and rang the bell. He felt unstoppable until his private equity investors sold his company against his will. Most people would have quit, but Brandon learned from this setback, cracked the code to scaling, and went on to build and sell his next company for $151 million. Today, he helps business owners do the same through Cardone Ventures, a $500 million business he co-founded. In this episode, Brandon joins Ilana to share insights on scaling a business against all odds, why 97% of businesses fail, and how to be in the top 3%. Brandon Dawson is an entrepreneur, scaling expert, and co-founder of Cardone Ventures. With over 30 years of experience, he helps businesses scale using data-driven strategies, navigate breakpoints, and avoid common pitfalls. In this episode, Ilana and Brandon will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:47) From College Dropout to Top Sales Performer (03:45) Selling Everything to Start a Business (05:48) Getting Kicked Out of His Own Company (09:08) Surviving the Early Years of Entrepreneurship  (12:31) Turning Leadership Failures into Billion-Dollar Lessons (16:08) The $151 Million Exit That Made Employees Millions (21:57) Scaling a Family Business Without the Chaos (25:22) Staying Unstoppable in the Face of Hate (32:12) Why Most Entrepreneurs Fail and How to Avoid It (39:41) Making Data-Driven Decisions in Business Brandon Dawson is an entrepreneur, scaling expert, and co-founder of Cardone Ventures. As CEO of Sonus Corporation, he grew it to over 1,400 locations and raised $58 million before investors took control and sold the company against his wishes. He later founded Audigy Group, scaling it from $500,000 to $35 million before selling it for $151 million. With over 30 years of experience, Brandon helps businesses scale using data-driven strategies, navigate breakpoints, and avoid common pitfalls. Connect with Brandon: Brandon's Website: https://bdawson.com Brandon's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brandonmdawson  Resources Mentioned: Brandon's Book, Nine-Figure Mindset: How to Go from Zero to Over $100 Million in Net Worth: https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Figure-Mindset-Zero-Million-Worth/dp/B0C8G8CTQC  The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John C. Maxwell: https://www.amazon.com/Levels-Leadership-Proven-Maximize-Potential/dp/1599953633  The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell: https://www.amazon.com/21-Irrefutable-Laws-Leadership-Anniversary/dp/0785288376  Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't by Jim Collins: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996  Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck--Why Some Thrive Despite Them All by Jim Collins, Morten T. Hansen: http://amazon.com/Great-Choice-Uncertainty-Luck-Why-Despite/dp/0062120999  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

This week on Build a Vibrant Culture, we're diving into the world of happy workplaces with the delightful Megan Cook, Co-Founder and Chief Administrative Officer of Happy Companies. Megan is passionate about helping others build exceptional teams and believes in the power of understanding to foster deeper connections for personal and professional growth. As a self-professed data nerd, she loves diving into numbers and oversees critical functions like HR, finance, and administrative operations at Happy Companies. Megan collaborates closely with the Happy Science team to enhance workplace behaviors and dynamics through the Happy assessment. Her goal? To ignite passion in everyone, helping them feel understood and empowered to be their best selves. Megan shares how you can transform your company culture from "meh" to magnificent.In this episode, you'll discover:[02:30] Why HR needs to ditch the "principal's office" vibe and embrace people-power[14:45] The secret sauce for building trust and connection (even in remote teams!)[21:30] How assessments can be your BFF in understanding team dynamics[23:00] The power of the Happy Assessment in boosting workplace relationships[44:00] Why AI might actually help us be more human at work (really!)[50:00] The power of being a lifelong learner and book nerd (unite!)Ready to level up your leadership? Try these:[36:15] Schedule intentional connection time with your team (popcorn optional, but recommended!)[24:00] Embrace assessments to decode those tricky work style differences[46:30] Use tech to streamline the boring stuff so you can focus on the people stuff[51:30] Pick up a leadership book and get your learn on!A big thank you to Megan Cook for bringing her enthusiasm, expertise, and infectious passion for creating vibrant workplace cultures to our show. Her insights on building connections, embracing technology, and fostering continuous learning are sure to inspire leaders to create happier, more engaged teams. We're grateful for her time and can't wait to see the positive impact she continues to make in the world of work!Book Nook (aka Resources Mentioned):"Actualized Leadership: Meeting Your Shadow and Maximizing Your Potential" by William Sparks"Rocket Fuel: The One Essential Combination That Will Get You More of What You Want from Your Business" by Gino WickmanAnything by Patrick Lencioni (Megan's on a binge!)"Work Rules! Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead" by Laszlo Bock"The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential" by John Maxwell"Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness" by Robert GreenleafWant more Megan in your life? (We don't blame you!)Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megancook-hc23/Check out Happy CompaniesTry Happy FREE!! 

Which books are a part of your ‘must read' for 2024 list? Were there any books from 2023 that you never finished? Did they collect dust on your bookshelf and become a part of your office decor? Be intentional about the books and resources you pursue to support your development. Invest in your professional growth. You deserve it! Align your mind and your books with your growth goalsHere are our recommended books for 2024:1. "Extreme Ownership: How US Navy Seals Lead and Win'' by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.2. "Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear.3. The Leadership Challenge by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner4. 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John C. Maxwell5. Beyond High Performance: What Great Coaches Know About How the Best Get Better by Jason JaggardBonus:Talk it Up: A Guide to Successful Public Speaking by your favorite twins, David Suk Brown and Danny Suk Brown. Go ahead and also grab the Talk it Up Companion Workbook.Connect with us on LinkedIn and Thank you for supporting our programs. --- more ---If you are looking to learn the art of audience engagement while listening for methods to conquer speaking anxiety, deliver persuasive presentations, and close more deals, then this is the podcast for you.Twins Talk it Up is a podcast where identical twin brothers Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown discuss leadership communication strategies to support professionals who believe in the power of their own authentic voice. Together, we will explore tips and tools to increase both your influence and value. Along the way, let's crush some goals, deliver winning sales pitches, and enjoy some laughs.Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown train on speaking and presentation skills. They also share from their keynote entitled, “Identically Opposite: the Pursuit of Identity”.Support and Follow us:YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL18KYXdzVdzEwMH8uwLf6gInstagram: @twinstalkitupInstagram: @dsbleadershipgroupTwitter: @dsbleadershipLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/twins-talk-it-up/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/dsbleadershipgroup/Facebook: facebook.com/TwinsTalkitUpFacebook: facebook.com/dsbleadership/Website: dsbleadershipgroup.com/TwinsTalkitUp

Host Chaz Wolfe welcomes Michael Schiebel to the king's stage. Michael is the President and CEO of A Cut Above Painting Co. He shares his journey of turning his passion for painting into a 7-figure business and the tactics he used to unlock unprecedented success and expansion. Through intentional decision-making, surrounding himself with like-minded individuals, and focusing on the client experience, Schiebel has achieved incredible growth in his business while also pouring into his employees to help them be the best version of themselves.Starting as a general manager for a playground-building company, Schiebel found himself in need of a job when the company was about to be sold. With skills in networking and painting, he decided to start his own painting company, which has now been operating for seven years. In 2019, Schiebel shifted his focus to working on the business, which led to the hiring of a project manager in 2022 and plans to hire an estimator in 2023. The continuous growth of A Cut Above Painting Co. has allowed Schiebel to provide for his family and even expand into other ventures such as a party rental and bounce house business, and an upcoming marketing company launching in March 2023. Don't miss out on this inspiring episode of Gathering The Kings, where Michael shares his proven strategies for skyrocketing your business growth! Tune in now to learn how Schiebel took the leap and turned his painting company into a goldmine, and discover how you can unleash the full potential of your own business. Subscribe to Gathering The Kings and listen to episode 227 today – your journey to success starts here!During this episode, you will learn about;[02:06] Introduction to Michael's Business[02:49] Michael's Why[04:56] Michael's Switch From Warrior to King[11:09] Good Business Decision Michael Has Made[17:49] How to Pour Into a Budding Leader[22:42] Bad Business Decision Michael Has Learned From[31:26] One Metric Michael Would Track If He Had to Choose Only One[34:18] Making the Client Experience the Best You Can[37:37] Michael's Book Recommendation[38:22] The Importance of Networking or Masterminding[41:50] How Does Michael Obsess in All Areas of His Life[45:13] Advice for Young Michael[46:34] How to Connect With Michael[47:37] Info on Gathering The Kings MastermindNotable Quotes- Michael Schiebel"Networking is a major focus for us and one that I don't foresee diminishing at any point in time. After all, we need people in life and in business." - Michael Schiebel"Obtaining client feedback in real time is helpful, as it allows you to address any issues immediately rather than attempting to fix them at the end. You can resolve problems from day one." - Michael Schiebel"It's important to have someone close to you in business with whom you can discuss decision-making and the rationale behind your choices." - Michael SchiebelNotable Quotes- Chaz Wolfe“Because if you chase your tail and you are not paying attention, you don't even know why you have been doing what you have been doing.” - Chaz Wolfe“Networking. It's not going to go anywhere. In fact, if anything, it's only going to move up on your list.” - Chaz Wolfe"It simply means that as a leader, my best approach is to accept someone for who they are and place them in the position where they will excel." - Chaz WolfeBooks and Resources Recommended:Maxwell, John C. The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential. Center Street, 2011.

In today's episode of Category Visionaries, we speak with Sam Fonoimoana, CEO of Datajoin, a personalization platform that's raised $3.5 Million in funding, about why data-driven personalization is the future of marketing, and how Datajoin is positioning itself to be a driver and deliverer of that change. By integrating Salesforce pipeline and deal data back into marketing systems like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics or Google Ads, Datajoin provides a closed-loop, 360-degree view of a company's sales and marketing success, and insight into how they can move forward more effectively in the future. We also speak about what it's like to be a startup founder from the USA's most remote state, how Sam came to a career in tech to begin with, the power of personalized marketing to save money and develop strategy for Datajoin's clients, and why leadership is more about influence than purely your position in a company. Topics Discussed: Being a native Hawai'ian and what that means for Sam as he grows and raises a family while representing his culture What years in data analytics and in finance taught Sam about the solutions needed for modern, digital-native businesses The power of personalized marketing to deliver improved customer experience and save money on a marketing spend How a partnership with Adobe helped Datajoin break through the industry background noise Why Sam believes Datajoin has carved out their own unique niche in a crowded market sector Why a real partnership with clients means more than providing standardized services, and how Datajoin works to make sure every relationship is as beneficial to all sides as possible.   Favorite book:  The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential

Führung ist ein abstraktes Konstrukt. Es gibt viele Ansätze und Punkte zu beachten - dennoch existiert ein übergeordnetes System. Dieses System hat John C. Maxwell durch seine langjährige Erfahrung beschrieben und für alle zugänglich gemacht. Eure beiden Rhetoriktrainer Philipp Artmann und Max Mayer haben diese 5 Ebenen für euch aufbereitet, von der Definition bis hin zu Risiken und Chancen der jeweiligen Ebenen. Auch Möglichkeiten, wie ihr euch auf die nächsthöhere Ebene entwickeln könnt, findet ihr in dieser Episode. Weitere spannende Folgen rund um Rhetorik und Führung findest du hier in deiner Podcast-App oder ganz einfach unter www.getahead-podcast.de Solltest du Fragen oder Anregungen haben, schreib uns doch gerne an kontakt@getahead-podcast.de Quelle: Maxwell, J. C. (2013). *The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential* (Reprint). Center Street. Intro/Outro: Pamgaea by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4193-pamgaea License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

As entrepreneurs and investors, our time is by far our most valuable asset and often freedom of time is our motivation for being an entrepreneur in the first place!  Unfortunately, accomplishing the cherished time freedom that we long for is often easier said than done.  Luckily for us, today's guest has spent his life uncovering the secrets of how to lead an organization without burdening your time, and he shares these secrets with us in this episode! Today we have Dr. Tim Elmore, the Founder and CEO of Growing Leaders, which is an Atlanta-based non-profit organization created to develop emerging leaders. He is the author of The 8 Paradoxes of Great Leadership, and has spoken to over 500,000 leaders in business, universities, athletic teams, and non-profits, including The Home Depot, Chick-fil-A, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Stanford University to name a few! In this episode, we are going to discuss… The powerful lessons that Tim learned through his close relationship and numerous interviews with Truett Cathy, Founder of Chick-fil-A. How Tim went from the Doer of his company to the Dumper of his endless tasks, then to the Delegator of tasks, and eventually transcended into the Developer of new leaders. Tim's 4-pronged framework for developing a teammate or mentee to the point that you can fully pass on your responsibilities to them.  How you can effectively address drama in your organization and ensure that it won't be a problem in the future.  Which cultural trends will allow you to best incentivize young team members? Why Tim's hiring and onboarding process ensures the cultural fit of newly hired talent. How Tim discovered his revolutionary formula: More Time + Less People = Overall Greater Impact. If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, or leader, the highly researched and tested insights that Tim shares in this episode will be invaluable to creating your ideal business culture and personal lifestyle.  Take Control,  Hunter Thompson Resources mentioned in this podcast: 1. Growing Leaders 2. His book “The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership: Embracing the Conflicting Demands of Today's Workplace” 3. John Maxwell's book “5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential” 4. John Maxwell's book “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You” 5. The Arbinger Institute's book “Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box” 6. Jim Collins' book “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't” 7. Jim Collins' book “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies” Interested in investing in ATMs? Check out our webinar.   Please note that investing in private placement securities entails a high degree of risk, including illiquidity of the investment and loss of principal. Please refer to the subscription agreement for a discussion of risk factors. Tired of scrambling for capital?  Check out our new FREE webinar -  How to Ensure You Never Scramble for Capital Again (The 3 Capital-Raising Secrets). Click Here to register.   CFC Podcast Facebook Group

Competing in the healthcare ecosystem is tough and it's even harder for regional health plans.  Despite the competitiveness, many regional health plans continue to thrive and Dean Health Plan is one of these gems.  Dean Health Plan is 35 years old and is headquartered in Madison, WI.  The Health Plan is an integrated, provider owned model.  Dean Health Plan is part of the SSM Health based out of St. Louis, MO. With us today is Les McPhearson, President of Dean Health Plan and Board Chair of SSM Health Plan.  Les has worked in several areas of the healthcare ecosystem including payors, providers and brokers.  He has experience in IT, operations, M&A and more.  Les will share his perspective as a regional player and tell us how Dean Health Plan remains competitive in the face of stiff competition. Show Notes: Books: Execution: The Discipline Of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan; The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide To Getting The Right Things Done by Peter Drucker: Team of Rivals: The Political Genius Of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin; 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John Maxwell

“The #1 responsibility of a leader is to define reality.”  How do you control your thoughts, decisions, and actions during a time of crisis? In EPISODE 50, guest Jason Stoughton joins us to talk about personal development and the steps you can take to provide clarity during difficult times. With easy tips and valuable insight, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!  :56 – Meet Jason – International speaker, coach & trainer in value-based leadership and personal development  2:39 – We all have a unique story – once we step inside our story and decide to own it we no longer have to stand outside of it and struggle for our worthiness  2:58 – Jason’s story – grew up in a toxic environment and believed he was the problem.  Contemplating suicide when he heard a message of hope that helped him to see life differently. 4:18 – Rather than letting circumstances define us, they should refine us  4:41 – To change your circumstances you have to first change yourself 5:20 – A house of mirrors – life can be distorted when your focusing on the wrong things 5:45 – Importance of intentional growth and proper focus 6:47 – We all battle distractions – as leaders we have to have the right context 7:25 – John Maxwell’s definition of a crisis – an intense time of difficulty requiring a decision that will ultimately become a turning point. 8:00 – Like all crises, they will pass – as leaders just need to stay strong and steady 8:27 – As adults, we get set in our ways and tend to lose focus, which results in 3 things 8:44 – First, mind wandering – focusing on what could happen instead of what is happening 9:27 – Second, negative thinking – everything that could go wrong is/will go wrong 9:36 – Third, uncertain anxiety – fear of the unknown 10:57 – Start with clarity – be visible and present  11:54 – Communicate from a position of awareness 12:40 – Hope is an active virtue 13:52 – Take the initiative – ask the question “Have you thought about this?” 15:33 – Assessment tools (DISC) – understanding how we are wired and the differences in human behavior 18:11 – Focus on ourselves and identify what we can do better 18:28 – ACT – A(apply) C(change) T(teach) 19:18 – Creating a leadership culture – test, fail, learn, improve 20:02 – D style learner – focus on controlling environment and achievement 20:48 – I style learner – cheerleader 21:18 – S style learner – supporting 21:46 – C style learner – committed to the bottom line 22:18 – Relationships are the foundation to success CONTACT INFO for Jason: Johnmaxwellcompany.com Johnmaxwell.com LinkedIn jason.stoughton@johnmaxwell.com BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS from John Maxwell: 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential

Today’s episode is one of my favorites that we’ve done. My guest Jody Zabriskie is an Empire Level Coach here at the Academy with 23 years of experience in the industry. She’s based outside of Salt Lake City and recently expanded to five locations of her centers, A to Building Blocks, having started from a small center with just 27 enrollments. Our discussion really highlights the power of positivity and leadership; two of Jody’s greatest strengths. You’ll be amazed by the trust she has in her team along with her commitment to accountability and honest communication. We also talk about what her biggest challenge has been, what makes her brand unique, and what the name means. This episode will really inspire you to stop making excuses, lead by example, and grow your center(s)!   Key Takeaways: [9:39] How Jody got started in childcare at the age of 11 and her journey from there. [11:22] Why Jody’s centers vary greatly in size. [13:49] More about Jody’s home life. [15:29] What makes A to Z Building Blocks’ program unique and how the name came to be. [19:37] How much does Jody want to continue to grow? [23:44] When did Jody begin her journey following Kris’ practices? [25:25] The importance of networking, deal flow, and being involved in your community. [30:02] More about “the lonely entrepreneur at the top” and how it shifted Jody’s mindset. [35:47] What is the biggest challenge that Jody has faced so far? [39:51] How does Jody promote a positive culture for staff? [44:49] What is Jody’s definition of a Child Care Rockstar? [46:00] Jody’s favorite resources for growing your business.   Quotes: “I never thought I would be where I am today.” — Jody “The only thing that I wanted is to make sure that children had a great place to be.” — Jody “Before I started the Child Care Success Academy I was done. I was going to stop at my third one.” — Jody “Sometimes as an owner, it can be lonely at the top.” — Jody “You need to have deal flow. You need to have things going on and be a mover and a shaker.” — Kris “If your state does not have an association that promotes your facilities or childcare (the industry), you need to get on board. And you need to develop an association.” — Jody “My team… they’re amazing because I allowed them their lanes and I do my lane.” — Jody “It’s just amazing when you find your lane and you allow your people to flourish, it will shine. It will shine if you allow them to.” — Jody “It all starts with you. If there’s something going wrong in your company, you need to look at yourself first.” — Jody “Your attitude can make or break you.” — Jody “It’s all about putting people in the right seats and communicating that to your team.” — Jody “If you’re complaining about your employees, guess what? You’ve just told everyone that it’s okay to complain.” — Jody  “It really is about the people.” — Jody “Put people where they need to be and they’ll flourish for you. I promise.” — Jody “The Child Care Rockstar does not necessarily mean one thing. The Child Care Rockstar is just… love what you do.” — Jody   Sponsored By: PB&J TV — Don’t forget to mention Kris Murray for a special offer!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit The Child Care Startup Challenge with Kris Murray and Friends A to Z Building Blocks Clockwork: Design Your Business to Run Itself, by Mike Michalowicz Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, by Gino Wickman 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential, by John C. Maxwell

Ty Magnin can create content, but he jumped into management early in his career. He describes himself as a T-shaped marketer—he knows content, but has experience in many other areas of marketing too. In this episode, we talk about Ty's transition from on-the-ground marketing to management. Here are some of the links we mentioned: The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential The Making of a Manager High-Output Management Leading by Design You can follow Ty on Twitter at @tymagnin.

Nathan Trunfio is the President of DLP Lending, a private mortgage lender providing innovative funding solutions for real estate investors. Nathan shares his thoughts on how to be a great leader, owning single-family vs. multi-family properties, and some of the common mistakes investors make when it comes to owning multi-family properties.   Key Takeaways: How did Nathan get started in real estate? The key to Nathan's success has been working on his own personal development and a better understanding of himself; He works hard to make an impact on others. Direct Lending Partners have doubled in staff since Nathan joined. What's been the hardest part of that journey? How does Nathan enjoy the success he's achieved vs. setting new goals and heights? You have to take the time to get to know your team members and what motivates them. Is it money, time, gifts? What are some leadership resources that Nathan loves to use? It feels like everyone is rushing to get into multi-family. We'll explore what's going on there! People are willing to pay more for the same product right now. If you do decide to own multi-family, dive deep, and research it. Always know what types of strengths you bring to the table. Nathan shares a story on how someone he knew broke into the multifamily space. What makes people fail in multifamily? Nathan shares his observations. How has lending changed, now that everyone is operating in this ‘new normal'? What advice would Nathan give his 20-year-old self? Nathan shares a little bit about his podcast, Talking Loudly, and what's it about. Interested in some direct lending solutions? Reach out to Nathan! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Connect with Nathan: Directlendingpartners.com, Talkingloudly.com & LinkedIn   BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: Leadership Wisdom from the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, by Robin Sharma Cs Chief Leadership Officer: Increasing Wealth So Everyone Profits, by Kevin W. McCarthy Not Taught: What It Takes to be Successful in the 21st Century that Nobody's Teaching You, by Jim Keenan The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership, by Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential, by John C. Maxwell Don't Wait To Enjoy Your Life Tomorrow, Live It Today! How To Grow Your Business, Expand Your Impact, and Experience Your Perfect Life: Get Access Now: Free 5 Part Video Training Series on "How To Quickly Generate The Most Qualified Motivated Seller Leads & Produce High Margin Deals WITHOUT Investing a Bunch Of Your Time and Money"

Megan Wood is a mother to three kiddos and a loving wife. Megan is a blogger who writes about her experiences raising her three children who all have been diagnosed with autism. We talked about the initial denial when hearing each diagnosis but then having trust in God. The family recently moved to New York where her husband is leading a church as an executive pastor. What I loved most about our conversation is Megan’s authenticity about her faith, her children, and her ability to see the good in every small and big moment of life and the messy middle that comes along with it. Subscribe to Megan’s blog: It's Building Character Follow Megan on Instagram:  Megan Wood Megan’s favorite...  Scripture: Isaiah 43:19 - “For I am about to do something new. See I have already begun! Do you not see a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Book: The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John Maxwell Song: The Blessing by Kari Jobe and Elevation Worship ----- About Feed Your Spirit - Join Jill Dobrowansky as she has conversations with everyday people who have battled some of life’s difficult seasons. It is through these times when their faith was renewed because of God’s love and grace. On Feed Your Spirit, we like to say that we are imperfectly perfect people who are uplifting others through grace-filled encouragement. Feed Your Spirit is produced by 2 Scripture Sisters Become a FYS Supporter Today’s episode was edited by Chris Nesi. Find more information about Chris and his work at https://chrisnesi.com

Listening to podcasts is great! We love them. We love it when you listen to Beyond the Rut!Reading is still one of the best ways to learn from other people, especially people who are not accessible to us.We are talking about...Reading why you should have a reading plan our favorite titles from 2016 speed reading audio books how we hold onto the information we just took inAdd These Books to Your LibraryThe Three Signs of a Miserable Job by Patrick Lencioni (Brandon's Pick)Slipstream Time Hacking: How to Cheat Time, Live More, and Enhance Happiness by Benjamin P. Hardy (Jerry's Pick)Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh (Brandon's Pick)The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John C. Maxwell (Brandon's Pick)Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World by General Stanley McChrystal (Brandon's Pick...and now on Jerry's list) 

Success quote: Pick out five to ten goals that you want to pursue and write them down. Recite them daily and soon you will do it from memory. Best piece of advice ever received: “When you find yourself enjoying something, it is more than likely something you have an aptitude for and you should follow that.” Personal habit that contributes to success: Take time to think things through. Physical activity helps free up the mind to think more clearly. Internet resource:    www.dsgiving.com Book recommendation: The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John C. Maxwell Parting piece of advice:  Find something that you enjoy doing and will do past the point of when you're tired or even possibly something that gives you energy. Follow it and figure out if you can make it into a living. Contact info: bill@donorsearch.net  

A little about our guests.Tony and Alisa are married, have 2 children and host a successful podcast. The podcast, One Extraordinary Marriage, is based on the joys and heartbreaks of their own lives. In their 18 plus years together they come through storms including the loss of a child.Tony and Alisa juggle several businesses and the 24/7 job of being parents to two near-teenagers. A little about their business.One Extraordinary Marriage is more than a podcast. On the show Tony and Alisa talk about sex, love and commitment and how to make marriage a priority. They also coach couples on how to create their own extraordinary marriage and how to raise strong, independent children. One piece of advice (the nutshell version)Be intentional – whether in regard to your business or your personal life, when you know your end goal you line things up that are in alignment with that goal. When you lay out intentions, you line up the things in your life with your intention. Reading MaterialThe 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by John MaxwellThe 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential by John Maxwell Get in Touch with Our Guestswww.OneExtraordinaryMarriage.cominfo@OneExtraOrdinaryMarriage.comFacebook.com/OneExtraordinaryMarriageInstagram.com/OneextraordinaryMarriageTwitter.com/alisadilorenzopinterest.com/oneextraordinay