Podcasts about southwest michigan first

Kevin Crittenden, Associate Director of Chamber Membership at Southwest Michigan First on the Kickstart Professional Development Workshop and Intern Mixer Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clarence Lloyd, Vice President at Southwest Michigan First and Director of the Chamber talks about the transition of Buy Local Greater Kalamazoo and meetings to explain the transition to business owners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clarence Lloyd, Vice President at Southwest Michigan First, previews a townhall with Kalamazoo City and Township officials to discuss topics of interest to business in the area. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clarence Lloyd from Southwest Michigan First gives us a preview of the newly expanded Restaurant Week event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Quincy native is the new Chairman of the Board of Directors for an area economic growth organization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clarence Lloyd, Vice President and Chamber Director at Southwest Michigan First talks about the Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Cookoff event January 25th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jonas Peterson, CEO of Southwest Michigan First with details on the Second Annual State of Economic Development event January 30th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petey Stephanak from Southwest Michigan First talks about the celebration of creators and innovators at the MIX Innovation Celebration December 11.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jill Bland, Executive Vice President of Southwest Michigan First, discusses the program to give middle school students exposure to career opportunities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Crittenden, Associate Director of Member Services, talks about the upcoming Choice Awards and how to participate in nominations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clarence Lloyd, Vice President at Southwest Michigan First, preview the first annual Chamber Bowling Classic, called "Pins Not Putts" coming in August.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petey Stephanak from Southwest Michigan First talks about the Summer Intern Mixer Series and the new Kickstart Professional Development Workshop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clarence Lloyd, Vice President and Chamber Director previews "Small Business Scams and Identity Theft" with State Attorney General Dana Nessel April 29th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dennis is joined by Jonas Peterson, the CEO of Southwest Michigan First and IEDC's Immediate Past Chair. Jonas also talks about his economic development career journey and his current role as the CEO of Southwest Michigan First, his time as the chair of IEDC, and the growth and future of IEDC. 

Southwest Michigan First Vice President Mason Everett talks about a new talent attraction initiative taking place in Southwest Michigan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Crittenden, Associate Director of the Southwest Michigan First Chamber talks about a new "lunch and learn" series focusing on military veterans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mason Everett from Southwest Michigan First talks about a brand new event the organization is hosting this month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southwest Michigan First's Petey Stephanek talks about the discussion series and the next session.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mason Everett from Southwest Michigan First talks about their MIX Design Initiative and an upcoming celebration. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southwest Michigan First CEO Jonas Peterson shares a brand new event hosted by the team at Southwest Michigan First.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southwest Michigan First's virtual entrepreneurial program, First Path, starts again this fall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First Aired May 31, 2023Economic development entity Southwest Michigan First, focused on Kalamazoo and surrounding area, announced in 2023 confirmation of something that has been discussed for more than 20 years: A downtown Kalamazoo event center. CEO Jonas Peterson talks about that development and how it fits in the region.Peterson also tells Community Matters about a renewed focus at the organization - with more emphasis on community development, not unlike that announced by Battle Creek Unlimited. He also gives accolades to BCU and calls for more regional economic development teamwork between the two organizations.Episode ResourcesSouthwest Michigan First websiteMLive: 10 things to know abou tthe new $300M arena planned for downtown KalamazooBattle Creek Unlimited websiteABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERSFormer WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays, 8-8:30 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com.Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln.Battlecreekpodcast.com and The Richard Piet Show are Livemic Communications podcasts. Livemic Communications helps businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs create customized, purposeful podcast content.

On this episode of "Research Uncensored," CEO of Southwest Michigan First, Jonas Peterson, joins us to discuss his accelerated career as well as the future of leadership in economic development. We'll be focusing on career development, exploring the importance of mentorship in developing effective leaders, and discussing the rise of economic development as a career-choice. Join us as we delve into the latest trends in economic development and what they mean for emerging leaders.

At times, you have seen the events and programs Chamber members benefit from. You may even have wondered, "Maybe it's time for me to join the Chamber." In this episode, Southwest Michigan First Chamber Director Clarence Lloyd helps Kalamazoo County business leaders (and others!) think about a few reasons NOT to join - and several reasons they should.Episode ResourcesSouthwest Michigan First Chamber Website More Information on Chamber membershipMore Chamber Episodes     New Director Discusses Southwest Michigan First-Led Chamber of Commerce     Chamber's Choice Awards Highlight the Best of Kalamazoo County—-Could your organization or business use purposeful exposure like this in order to share your story? Check out Livemic Communications for more information.

Khari Worthy's company - Worthy Construction of Kalamazoo - has been in business since 2017. Like many entrepreneurs newly in business, Khari's company met with early success, but was ready for some growth guidance. At the same time, an initiative to assist minority-owned businesses with entrepreneurial growth and support was coming together. Khari was a perfect candidate."The Blueprint" is an initiative between the City of Kalamazoo, PNC Bank and Southwest Michigan First - and is led by Room 35, a business strategy and coaching organization based in Kalamazoo. In this episode, Southwest Michigan First Chamber Director Clarence Lloyd, Room 35's Joshua Gray and Khari Worthy discuss "The Blueprint" and how it has assisted Khari's business growth. As well, they discuss the overall goals of the program: Support traditionally underserved community businesses in growing their network capital and relationships - while working to address social wealth gaps.Episode ResourcesMore from the Southwest Michigan First Chamber: New Director Discusses Southwest Michigan First-Led Chamber of CommerceChamber's Choice Awards Highlight the Best of Kalamazoo CountySouthwest Michigan First Chamber websiteRoom 35 website —-Could your organization or business use purposeful exposure like this in order to share your story? Check out Livemic Communications for more information.

today's Southwest Michigan First segment, Ken talks with Clarence Lloyd See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 1999, Southwest Michigan First has been working as a catalyst for economic development and jobs growth in the region. So, it seemed like a natural fit to bring the business-connect mission of the Kalamazoo Chamber under the SWMF umbrella. Clarence Lloyd joined the Southwest Michigan First Chamber as its first director in 2021.Click to listen to this episode in which Clarence discusses the distinction between SWMF and the Chamber, the mission and vision of the Chamber and how members and potential members can benefit. As well - heard on The Richard Piet Show podcast before anywhere else - Clarence announces details of a new local partnership. This episode is sponsored in part by Arcadia Suites Business Center and Meeting Space.The Richard Piet Show is a Livemic Communications podcast.—-Could your organization or business use purposeful exposure like this in order to share your story? Check out Livemic Communications for more information.

Jim McKinney fills in for Ken Lanphear this week and talks with Petey Stephanak  Partner & Talent and Workforce Development, Southwest Michigan First See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ken talks with Jill Bland, Southwest Michigan First and Kathy Spackman, KRESA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ken talks with Carla Sones, President & Interim CEO, Southwest Michigan First See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ken talks with Carla Sones, Southwest Michigan First   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Rather than feeling bad about limited resources, the conversation became about forming partnerships to create more opportunities for a rural county.” –Cathy Knapp Economic development can look vastly different for rural areas; often, the local organization is a one-person shop. Challenges around needing to prioritize time for projects with office management tasks can be huge […]

Ken talks with Carla Sones, President and Interim CEO, Southwest Michigan First See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ken is joined by Carla Sones, President and Interim CEO, Southwest Michigan First See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ken is joined by Carla Sones, President and Interim CEO, Southwest Michigan First See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Michigan Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield this weekend took over as CEO of the regional economic development agency Southwest Michigan First. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ron Kitchens, CEcD, Senior Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Southwest Michigan First talk with Jeffrey Mosher on the Michigan Business Beat. Ron covers what return to work looks like in Southwest Michigan, key data points that people should know about how Southwest Michigan, and how Southwest Michigan First is helping to support local small businesses. Ron also shares how the organization is supporting community/place-based initiatives during this time.

In this episode, Dennis continues with his series from contributing experts on the current state of the economy. Few leaders have more insight and encouraging words than Ron Kitchens of Southwest Michigan First. About Ron Kitchens: Ron’s focus is to lift up leaders by accelerating their impact, influence and well-being in career, family and community. Ron is the senior partner and chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First, an economic consulting firm, which has grown compounded revenue at 20% annually during his 14 years as chief executive officer. In addition, Ron is the co-founder of Consultant Connect and a board member of Gibson Insurance, the past chair of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and a Trustee of Western Michigan University. Ron is the founder of the leadership conferences Engage, Next, ECONOMIX and Catalyst University, which combined have poured into over 60,000 leaders across North America. He previously served on the staff of U.S Senator John Danforth, and he was an elected Alderman at age 21. Ron is author/co-author of three books, including his latest release Uniquely You, as well as the bestseller Community Capitalism. He speaks globally on leadership, creating thriving, engaged, multi-generational teams and entrepreneurial cultures. He blogs and podcasts at www.ronkitchens.com and can be found on Twitter @ronkitchens and on Instagram @ron.kitchens. Ron’s Specialties: Leadership Creating thriving, engaged, multi-generational teams Entrepreneurial cultures Connect with Ron Kitchens Southwest Michigan First RonKitchens.com

There is no shortage of gurus, processes, and quick-fix formulas. However, through life's trials and triumphs, Ron Kitchens shares leadership lessons to learn by being uniquely you! Ron Kitchens is a husband of 27 years, a father to their beautiful daughter, with the newest addition Finley River of Hoover's Mill, an adorable puppy. Ron is the senior partner and CEO of Southwest Michigan First, an economic consulting firm that has grown compounded revenue at 20 percent annually during his fourteen years as CEO. The organization was recognized by Best and Brightest Companies to Work For and Outside Magazine, the Wall Street Journal as the BEST place to work in America in 2018. In addition, Ron leads Consultant Connect, is the publisher of 269 Magazine, a board member of IMPACT Athletic, the past chair of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and a Trustee of Western Michigan University. Ron founded the leadership conference Catalyst University and co-founded NEXT, an invitation-only leadership symposium of global economic development leaders. He is a speaker, podcaster, and has authored three books with his newest release Uniquely You: Transform Your Organization by Becoming the Leader Only You Can Be. "Be your authentic self. The world pays millions for authenticity, and pays pennies for bad copies.” ~ Ron Kitchens   Connect with Ron Kitchens BOOK: Uniquely You Enjoy the multitude of topics discussed including leadership, mandarin oranges, Rachel Hollis, Nehemiah, and the Green Witch plus so much more. Team leadership Rolex watch John Maxwell Jon Acuff Instagram Media Growing Up Poverty The Banana Box Can of Mandarin Oranges Developing Leaders The color orange What's important? Destiny Identity Dyslexia Superpower Seed of Success Rachel Hollis Football The Nehemiah Journey That's not our plan! Nehemiah 6:3 Communications Millennials The Cul-de-sac Olivia Pope of Scandal Raw manifestation of Your Calling Validation Wicked on Broadway The Green Witch I am enough! Impact & Influence   Connect with Ron Kitchens BOOK: Uniquely You "You can change your plan, but you need to not let other people change it for you!" ~ Ron Kitchens #MyStrengthIsMyStory #CreateYourNow #RonKitchens   Quotes and statements within the interview: "The vast majority of them are under thirty." "Be you! The world has enough copies." "People don't value knock-offs. They don't value fakes." "And in the Ozark Mountains, in the 1970s, tropical fruit, whether it was can or fresh, was something rare and to be saved." "This can of mandarin oranges became a symbol for me that somebody loved me; that somebody cared enough in the world." "What it really has become is a symbol of my responsibility to take the role of those three men and give back to people, who I don't necessarily know, who I don't even necessarily know why they're in their situation, but I'm not called to know why. I'm just called to love them and called to support them on a journey." "And I want you in your career to find something that will remind you in a tangible way of what's important to you." "It's easy for the noise to drag us away from our destiny." "Being dyslexic, I wasn't diagnosed until I couldn't graduate from college." "But what I was embarrassed to tell people about, I now know is my superpower!" "Everyone has a unique seed of success in them." "And that's what I want for everybody is just to be happy and don't spend your life trying to be a bad fake of somebody else. Embrace who you are!" "It took me eight years of working part-time and going to college." "Cause I grew up knowing, the people who had what I wanted all had one thing in common. Their family had jobs." "This ladder is to remind me no matter how flattering, you have to stay up on the ladder." "I believe that the millennial generation has the ability to be the greatest generation that's ever been on the face of the earth." "So the one thing, if you want to be a great leader today, is the the ability to unambiguously communicate to this incredible generation to mentor and lift them up." "So as leaders, we've got to first determine: Am I stuck in a cul-de-sac or am I just slowed down on the side resting a little bit?" "What do you want?" "I don't really know why, except I've discovered that I'm the green witch." "And I think for a lot of us out there, it doesn't matter if you came from poverty or prosperity, we all have that voice in our heads that says 'You're not enough!'"   What has your story gifted you? Empathy "It's really easy for a lot of people to forget their own journey and lose their sense of empathy." "And if there's a sense I would never want to lose, it's that. Because it helps me understand." "My past has created this sense that 'I love everybody,' and I want them to have as many unbelievable opportunities that I've had."   Resources mentioned in the episode: Connect with Ron Kitchens BOOK: Uniquely You Always Forward Leadership Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/ronkitchens Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RKalwaysforward/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronkitchens/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ron.kitchens/   "One step at a time leads to miles of greatness!"   Subscribe to Create Your Now TV on YouTube. Listen to Create Your Now on Spotify and Pandora. Listen to Create Your Now on iHeart Radio. Click here. The Create Your Now Archives are LIVE!! You can subscribe and listen to all the previous episodes here.  http://bit.ly/CYNarchive1 and http://bit.ly/CYNarchive2 and http://bit.ly/CYNarchive3 and http://bit.ly/CYNarchive4 and http://bit.ly/CYNarchive5 and http://bit.ly/CYNarchive6 Contact me at YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com THE NO FUSS MEAL PLAN Instagram @CreateYourNow @Kristianne Wargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow   PERISCOPE USERS!!! Click here for ANDROID Users / GOOGLE  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.periscope.android Click here for APPLE Users  https://itunes.apple.com/app/id972909677   Read more from Kristianne, a contributor to The Huffington Post, MindBodyGreen, Thrive Global, Addicted2Succes, and She Owns It. https://addicted2success.com/success-advice/5-things-to-do-while-waiting-for-success-to-manifest-in-your-life/ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kristianne-wargo/ http://bit.ly/9amHabits https://journal.thriveglobal.com/how-to-configure-a-sleep-pattern-fit-for-you-d8edd3387eaf#.sniv275c3 https://sheownsit.com/when-failure-is-your-middle-name/   DOMESTIC BEAUTIES (Announcements) 1. Come and let's connect on Facebook - Women Of IMPACT  http://facebook.com/groups/thewomenofimpact 2. Create Your Now ~ Your Best Selfie can be heard on iHeart Radio, Spotify, and Pandora! 3. Create Your Now Archive 1 is LIVE! You can subscribe and listen to all the previous episodes here. http://bit.ly/CYNarchive1 4. Create Your Now Archive 2 is LIVE! You can subscribe and listen to all the previous episodes here. http://bit.ly/CYNarchive2 5. Create Your Now Archive 3 is LIVE! You can subscribe and listen to all the previous episodes here. http://bit.ly/CYNarchive3 6. Create Your Now Archive 4 is LIVE! You can subscribe and listen to all the previous episodes here. http://bit.ly/CYNarchive4 7. Create Your Now Archive 5 is LIVE! You can subscribe and listen to all the previous episodes here. http://bit.ly/CYNarchive5 8. Create Your Now Archive 6 is LIVE! You can subscribe and listen to all the previous episodes here. http://bit.ly/CYNarchive6 9. NEW Website! Go check it out and tell me what you think. http://www.createyournow.com 10. Sign Up for The A.I.M. Academy! You will be the first to learn all about it. http://createyournow.com/m-academy-2 11. Schedule a Discovery Call. This is a free 30-45 minute call for those serious about coaching with me. 12. Newsletter and Library: If you desire to get weekly emails, be sure to sign up here so you can stay connected. http://createyournow.com/library   Cover Art by Jenny Hamson   Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) 9t One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music -  Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Your favorite podcasters are celebrating with their families this week, so please enjoy this encore episode. Axioms are statements which are regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evidently true. Ron Kitchens with Southwest Michigan First is back to share 12 axioms his organization has adopted and is graciously willing to share them with you. In this episode, Dennis goes through each of them in this inspiring episode. For More on Ron Kitchens

Ron Kitchens, CEO of the economic consulting firm Southwest Michigan First, joins us for episode 34 of The Chris Craft Show. He and Chris talk about his personal story and journey ... Read moreRon Kitchens: On Leadership and Overcoming Adversity The post Ron Kitchens: On Leadership and Overcoming Adversity appeared first on The Chris Craft Show Podcast.

Ron Kitchens from Southwest Michigan First joins us to discuss the need for leaders to learn and how it led him to create Catalyst University. Today's podcast is required listening for anyone that wants to work on their leadership skills. Money, I'm Home!

The Guys Like Us is joined with Ron Kitchens who is the senior partner and CEO of Southwest Michigan First, founder of Catalyst University leadership conference, and author of numerous books. In this episode, Ron speaks on his latest book, “Uniquely You.” We discuss his background and how he was able to work through adversity with his dyslexia to become the leader, entrepreneur, and mentor he is today. He sees it as a gift, and not something negative! We have to embrace the things that make us unique, because these are the things that others value. Tune in to hear how he creates a positive work culture, with the” Always Forward” concept engrained in its DNA. Finally, Ron provides wisdom from his years of experience whether you are newly entering the work force or are a seasoned leader. You can find more at ronkitchens.com

In this episode, Traci interviews Ron Kitchens who is the the senior partner and chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First, an economic consulting firm which has been named one of the best places to work by The Wall Street Journal, Outside Magazine and Brightest and Best. So naturally, we talk about company culture.Ron has great tips on interviewing for companies and individuals. He also shares some great advice for Millennials about the importance of being uniquely ourselves in this world full of instagram, pinterest, and facebook.Check out Ron’s list of resources here: http://www.ronkitchens.com/resources/Ron’s latest book: Uniquely YouTalent+

Ron Kitchens is an entrepreneurial leader and expert on innovation-lead business transformation who has consulted and coached thousands from small businesses to Fortune 500 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), U.S. Senators to Faith-Based Leaders.   Ron Kitchens is the CEO and the senior partner of "Southwest Michigan First", an economic consulting firm, which has grown compounded revenue at 20 percent annually during his 14 years as CEO. The organization was also recognized by Best and Brightest Companies to Work For and Outside Magazine as the best place to work in America in 2018 under Kitchens’ leadership.   In his new upcoming book https://amzn.to/2Hpbp9v ("Uniquely You":)   https://amzn.to/2Hpbp9v ()   Ron Kitchens combines stories from his life journey with his sharp business acumen to guide readers in unlocking the keys to their own success.   Today on Words 2 Success (W2S), Ron Kitchens will captivate your attention with his wisdom as he answers powerful questions such as:    Who is Ron Kitchens and how did you get started in this path to become a CEO of a very big company?   If we go back when you were nineteen what are the things that would help you to know what you know right here right now?   What is what you look for in a leader?   Once you invest in a company, what are the piece of advices you give to the founder team/the people in charge?   What are those 3 actions that every CEO needs to do everyday?   How do you create a board of advisors?   What other powerful questions do you love to ask like the last question from John Maxwell?   If I ask as a leader in my 20's right now, what are the things that I should be careful of?   Success as a materialistic thing, can you talk about?   What advice do you have for young people to complete a road map for their lives when they do not necessary know what do they want, what to end up yet?   What was the process of writing your upcoming third book: https://amzn.to/2Hpbp9v ("Uniquely You")?   Ron, if we go into the future a couple of years, what do you hope to accomplish that you haven't accomplished yet?   What was the most interesting process of writing a book for you?   What are your "Words 2 Success"?   Be sure to tune in to https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/words-2-success/id1449513067 (Ron Kitchens’ episode), and listening to his great value to encourage and inspire emerging and existing leaders to greatness. As well as head over to the additional information about him:   http://www.ronkitchens.com/ (Ron Kitchens' Website) https://www.southwestmichiganfirst.com/what-we-do/team/ron-kitchens-cecd/ (Southwest Michigan First) http://www.consultantconnect.org/ron-kitchens/ (Consultant Connect)   Social Media:   https://www.instagram.com/ron.kitchens/ (Instagram) https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronkitchens (LinkedIn) https://twitter.com/ronkitchens?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor (Twitter) https://www.facebook.com/RKalwaysforward/ (FaceBook)   VAMOS!! VAMOS!! VAMOS!!   This episode is sponsored by https://vessifootwear.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwtMvlBRDmARIsAEoQ8zSEqzpyZiHVwfTihLhqZwKqfnSrbnGx9cnoZS-7koHdJCqCJhvLyNwaAruOEALw_wcB (Vessi Footwear)  

What You'll Hear: Ron grew up very poor.  His parents were aged 14 and 15 when they got married Their landlord Mr. Countryman, farmer, invited his Mom to church, she said no but then he offered to take her kids to church He took Ron to church and paid for him to go to camp and gave him a shirt for Ron's baptism Someone brought a Chiquita Banana box to Ron's home with Christmas dinner including a can of mandarin oranges The can has been a symbol to him of the cost of a lack of education Ron runs a company called Southwest Michigan First, which helps people get jobs and get trained They have a company that puts on a conference annually called Catalyst University with 3000 people They have a company called Consulting Connect which is the largest economic development consulting firm in the country For most companies, 30% of employees are engaged, 50% are neutral, and 20% are disengaged.  At Ron's company, they have a 95% engagement rate and they've been voted one of the best places to work, partly due to their organizational axioms They encourage their employees to be a CEO of their own responsibilities They have everyone on their team (30) interview candidates to make sure they're the right fit Everyone has individual goals, small team goals, and corporate goals They meet with a mentor every 40 days Their employees are ultra accountable but also have ultra freedom to accomplish their goals There's just no enjoyment in over-managing people and if you hire the right people you don't have to Another axiom is Family First. Ron leaves loudly by leaving at 2pm to work out at the gym. They don't hide that they're going to a family event but rather they celebrate it It makes participating in their family the norm If you're in a negative working environment, get out if you can Bring everyone on the team in for a book club to change the culture Humility was demonstrated by Christ, who chose to speak to others because He was the expert, but He spoke about His Father, not Himself There's a difference between carrying the mission for the organization and self-promotion Great leaders talk about "we" not about "I" You were created by God to be great, but you didn't do anything to earn that, so bragging about that is damaging to God's gift and your ability to serve others Ron's 70/20/10 formula helps him to have joy.  70% of his activities are things that are high energy and have a big impact.  20% are things he doesn't like but have to be done.  10% are things he enjoys. The key to work life balance is to know what you want and what it takes to get there, and to take care of yourself Living out your Christian faith through your work is to make your faith the center of your behaviors We live a faith whose basic tenet is love and respect Ron's favorite scripture is Nehemiah 6:3 Ron recommends the Skim Podcast, Andy Stanley, and John Maxwell and audio books Go to www.RonKitchens.com

Need ideas on how to manage people and manage expectations? We’ve got you covered! In this episode, we talk about this and the importance of keeping a scoreboard for your team to take them to the next level! Today’s special guest is Ron Kitchens - CEO of Southwest Michigan First and the author of Uniquely You. Ron: http://www.ronkitchens.com/ Ron’s podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ron-kitchens-always-forward-leadership-podcast/id915108664?mt=2 Catalyst University: http://www.catalystuniversity.me/ Hoopla: https://www.hoopla.net/ For more resources, visit http://www.reallifeleaders.com/podcast Have a leadership question you want answered? Email podcast@reallifeleaders.com and you might even be in an episode!

On this episode, we’re joined by Ron Kitchens. Ron is the senior partner and chief executive officer of Southwest Michigan First, an economic consulting firm, which includes Consultant Connect and the Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund. He is the publisher of 269 MAGAZINE™ and founder of the leadership conference Catalyst University. Ron is author/co-author of 3 books, including Community Capitalism and Uniquely You. www.RonKitchens.com   Christianity in Business is the show that helps Christian business leaders to integrate biblical values into business. | Entrepreneurship | Marketing | Nonprofit | Church | Author | Startups | Marketplace | Ministry | Business as Mission | Faith and Work | Faith | Success | Leadership | www.ChristianityInBusiness.com

“How we treat employees relates to how they become brand ambassadors.” Your employees — your people — are one of your biggest brand assets. However, they can only do this if they’re engaged. As the Chief Human Resources Officer at an award-winning financial institution, Shawn Premer knows how organizations can harness their people power. We discussed employee engagement and culture on this week’s episode of the On Brand podcast presented by Twenty20. About Shawn Premer Consumers Credit Union has 300 employees, over $900 million in assets and is headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Shawn Premer is responsible for providing leadership in establishing and implementing strategic human resource strategies. Shawn’s primary focus is on employee and member engagement. Consumers is proud of its 98% member satisfaction rate, it’s over 11 years of recognition as one of West Michigan’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies and 4 years of being recognized Nationally as a 101 Best & Brightest Company! In addition, Consumers has been honored as a 101 Best & Brightest in Wellness Employer in Michigan and a Healthiest 100 Employer Nationally. Shawn holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Northwood University and an MBA with a focus in Global Business Studies from Cornerstone University. Shawn also holds SPHR, SHRM-SCP, and Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS) certifications. A wife of 24 years and a mother of three, Shawn is also an avid runner and yogi. In 2016 she was honored as Michigan’s Top HR Professional by the Michigan Council of SHRM. She also serves on the executive council for Michigan Chapter of Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), the board of Southwest Michigan First, the board of Senior Services of Southwest Michigan where she chairs the Human Resource Executive Committee. In addition to the organizations listed above Shawn also founded and chairs the Kalamazoo Area Wellness Networking group, which includes 20 area organizations who come together to share wellness best practices. Episode Highlights Employee engagement is great but … aren’t people scary? Won’t they say or do something on behalf of our brand that we won’t like? Sure, “you’re going to have some bad employee interactions but you have to make sure that you have more good than bad.” That’s why consumers is focused on wellness and creating a family environment at work. What does that mean? No negative water cooler talk. One policy Shawn has put into place at Consumers is banning negative conversations about other people. Instead, employees are encouraged to talk through challenging issues. “This same philosophy applies to interacting with members.” How can an organization currently doing nothing get started with employee engagement? “Listen,” Shawn reminds us is the first step. From there, she encourages organizations to ask three questions: (1) What makes you excited to get out of bed every morning and come here to work? (2) Conversely, what makes you want to hit the snooze button in the morning? (3) What would keep you here forever? The worst thing you can do? “The worst thing you can do is to ask these questions (above) and do nothing. Be ready to act.” Form a small, cross-functional team to analyze and take action. What brand has made Shawn smile recently? Proctor and Gamble’s recent “moms ad” at the Winter Olympics made Shawn smile by connecting with her emotionally.  To learn more, connect with Shawn on LinkedIn and Twitter. You can also visit the Consumers Credit Union website. As We Wrap … Before we go, I want to flip the microphone around to our community … On Brand “Super Fan” Sean Carpenter gave us a shout on Twitter for our recent episode with branding legend Laura Ries. Thanks for listening! Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. Thanks again to our sponsor Twenty20. Your source for on brand photography for your brand. You can get five photos with Twenty20’s one-week free trial at Twenty20.com/OnBrand. Subscribe to the podcast – You can subscribe to the show via iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn, and RSS. Rate and review the show – If you like what you’re hearing, head over to iTunes and click that 5-star button to rate the show. And if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review. This helps others find the podcast. OK. How do you rate and review a podcast? Need a quick tutorial on leaving a rating/review in iTunes? Check this out. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

Tim Terrentine, former leader in Derek Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation, current Southwest Michigan First executive, and recent inductee to Western Michigan University's School of Communication Alumni Academy joins the Real Sports Guys. Tim talked with the guys about the importance of mentoring, the correlation between leadership qualities and athletics, and other projects he is actively involved in. Tim also discusses three charities that are near and dear to him: Derek Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation, The Greg Jennings Foundation, and Kalamazoo Counties Ready 4's.  www.realsportsguys.com

Tim Terrentine, former leader in Derek Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation, current Southwest Michigan First executive, and recent inductee to Western Michigan University's School of Communication Alumni Academy joins the Real Sports Guys.  Tim will talk with the guys about the importance of mentoring, the correlation between leadership qualities and athletics, along with other projects he is actively involved in.  Other topics on the agenda include: Team USA Hoops Roster, NBA Talk, & Kobe Systems Commercials (Love or Hate it?).  Call in with questions/comments for the Real Sports Guys!