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When we observe the breakdown of order in families, communities, and societies, we are witnessing far more than institutional failure or procedural collapse. We are seeing the manifestation of a profound spiritual reality: the deterioration of the internal systems that govern individual lives. Society is not an abstract entity but a reflection of the inner worlds of the individuals who comprise it.A system is an organized collection of interconnected ideas, principles, values, and standards that work together to achieve a specific function and purpose. In the context of the ecclesia as the starting point of redemptive order and restoration of creation, a system can be defined as the heavenly desired, designed operating system with multiple subsystems that processes kingdom information and principles, leading to accurate decisions that produce specific outcomes consistent with the essence of its apostolic mandate. This is what we see designed in Ephesians chapter 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [e]edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.This understanding pushes system beyond what we observe functioning in the natural material realm. What makes system work has to do with the configuration of individuals, which is linked to the principles of redemption. We cannot meaningfully discuss the breakdown of governmental structures, the dysfunction of municipalities, the failure of healthcare systems, the corruption in business, or the inefficiency of the private sector without first examining the individuals who animate these institutions. All external manifestations of systemic breakdown are symptoms of an internal collapse that precedes and produces the visible chaos.
Most revenue problems don't come from effort or execution. They come from unclear, outdated strategy. In this episode of the CEO Sales Strategies Podcast, Doug C. Brown sits down with strategic thinking expert Rich Horwath to explore how better planning, clearer priorities, and smarter resource allocation drive predictable revenue growth. Rather than adding more tactics, tools, or pressure, Rich explains how simplifying strategy improves execution, eliminates waste, and aligns teams around how to win. This conversation is essential for leaders who want growth without complexity—and results without burnout. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔️ Why strategic thinking—not more activity—drives consistent revenue ✔️ How simplifying strategy improves execution and team alignment ✔️ The eliminate–reduce–increase–create trade-off matrix ✔️ Why reallocating resources accelerates growth faster than new initiatives ✔️ How leaders evolve strategy to stay competitive
Recorded live at Caglary's SocialWest in June of 2025, this episode of the Marketing News Canada podcast features a conversation with Dave Thomas, Director of Strategy at Everbrave, hosted by Laila Hobbs, Co-Founder of Social Launch Labs.Dave breaks down his Strategy of Everything framework, a practical approach to improving strategic thinking for marketers, founders, and business leaders. The conversation explores how to set clear goals, align day-to-day work to long-term outcomes, understand constraints, assess risks and opportunities, and identify unfair advantages that drive better decisions.From navigating complexity and avoiding distraction to building common language across teams, this episode offers a grounded, actionable way to think more clearly, communicate better, and execute strategy with confidence.
Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Marine Corps Veteran Andy Gasper, CEO and President of Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, a nonprofit organization that has created Freedom Stations, recovery transition centers and housing facilities that provide injured Warriors with the acclimation time, guidance and resources to successfully make the transition from military service to civilian lifeProvide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestAndy Gasper is the President and CEO of Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting wounded, ill, and injured service members as they transition from military service to civilian life. Warrior Foundation Freedom Station provides transitional housing, peer support, mentorship, financial and career guidance, wellness services, and community connection through its Freedom Station residences in San Diego, helping medically retiring warriors prepare for long-term success.Under Andy's leadership, the foundation has expanded its mission to include a structured 18-month transitional housing program that offers wraparound support services designed to empower residents to pursue education, careers, and independent living. The program integrates peer-to-peer support, counseling, mentorship, and practical life guidance to foster meaningful community and improved quality of life for veterans navigating the challenges of recovery and civilian transition.A Marine Corps veteran himself, Andy brings both lived experience and professional commitment to his work, emphasizing the importance of community, dignity, and holistic support for America's warriors. Under his stewardship, Warrior Foundation Freedom Station has opened multiple transitional housing facilities and continues to scale its impact to serve more medically retiring service members and their families.Warrior Foundation Freedom Station supports service members and veterans who are seriously ill or injured, affected by post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury, undergoing therapy, or navigating medical retirement and reintegration into civilian life.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeWarrior Foundation WebsiteWarrior Foundation VideoPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is The PsychArmor course How to Build a Successful Transition Plan. Join General Peter Chiarelli, United States Army (Ret.), in PsychArmor's course “How to Build a Successful Transition Plan” as he discusses the importance of setting realistic expectations, goal-setting, and flexibility during your transition. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/How-to-Build-a-Successful-Transition-Plan Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
DEALING WITH TWELVE CONSEQUENCES OF NON-FUNCTIONAL SYSTEMSIntelligence is fundamentally spiritual in nature and by default divine in origin. This statement may sound unusual or even controversial to those conditioned by secular educational paradigms that treat intelligence as merely a function of genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental conditioning. But if we are to understand the original concept of how God has ordained and designed humanity to function, we must recover this foundational truth: we cannot effectively function without intelligence, and true intelligence is not merely biological or psychological, it is spiritual.When we speak of intelligence in the biblical sense, we are referring to spiritual intelligence, the capacity to perceive, understand, and respond to reality as it actually is, not merely as it appears to natural perception. This involves accessing dimensions of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that transcend the limitations of empirical observation and rational deduction.Spirituality, in its true definition and essence, is a reflection of intelligence. To be spiritual means to know, to possess knowledge that originates beyond the material realm. It means to have access into realities, truths, and dimensions that are closed to those operating solely from natural human perspective. It means to have understanding that penetrates beneath the surface of circumstances to discern root causes, spiritual dynamics, and divine purposes. It means to see things in a manner that is not limited to natural human perspective, to perceive with prophetic clarity, apostolic authority, and the mind of Christ.When we understand this foundational reality and then link it to the God-kind of intelligence, we are speaking of a dimension of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that operates from a higher dimension of existence—from the throne room of heaven, from the eternal counsel of the Godhead, from the infinite wisdom of the Creator who knows the end from the beginning.Two Kinds of WisdomThis is why Scripture consistently speaks to us about two kinds of knowledge, two kinds of understanding, and two distinct categories of wisdom. The apostle James makes this distinction explicit: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:13-17).Here we see the clear contrast: there is a wisdom that is earthly—rooted in natural human perspective, limited by fallen perception, tainted by selfish ambition, and ultimately connected to demonic influence. This wisdom may be sophisticated, impressive, and even effective within certain contexts, but it cannot produce the outcomes that align with God's kingdom purposes. Where this earthly wisdom operates, the result is “confusion and every evil thing.” On the other hands, there is wisdom that comes from above—descending from the Father of lights, pure in its nature, peaceable in its effect, gentle yet powerful in its application, and productive of good fruits that endure. This heavenly wisdom operates from entirely different principles and produces entirely different outcomes than earthly wisdom.
DEALING WITH TWELVE CONSEQUENCES OF NON-FUNCTIONAL SYSTEMSIntelligence is fundamentally spiritual in nature and by default divine in origin. This statement may sound unusual or even controversial to those conditioned by secular educational paradigms that treat intelligence as merely a function of genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental conditioning. But if we are to understand the original concept of how God has ordained and designed humanity to function, we must recover this foundational truth: we cannot effectively function without intelligence, and true intelligence is not merely biological or psychological, it is spiritual.When we speak of intelligence in the biblical sense, we are referring to spiritual intelligence, the capacity to perceive, understand, and respond to reality as it actually is, not merely as it appears to natural perception. This involves accessing dimensions of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that transcend the limitations of empirical observation and rational deduction.Spirituality, in its true definition and essence, is a reflection of intelligence. To be spiritual means to know, to possess knowledge that originates beyond the material realm. It means to have access into realities, truths, and dimensions that are closed to those operating solely from natural human perspective. It means to have understanding that penetrates beneath the surface of circumstances to discern root causes, spiritual dynamics, and divine purposes. It means to see things in a manner that is not limited to natural human perspective, to perceive with prophetic clarity, apostolic authority, and the mind of Christ.When we understand this foundational reality and then link it to the God-kind of intelligence, we are speaking of a dimension of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that operates from a higher dimension of existence—from the throne room of heaven, from the eternal counsel of the Godhead, from the infinite wisdom of the Creator who knows the end from the beginning.Two Kinds of WisdomThis is why Scripture consistently speaks to us about two kinds of knowledge, two kinds of understanding, and two distinct categories of wisdom. The apostle James makes this distinction explicit: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:13-17).Here we see the clear contrast: there is a wisdom that is earthly—rooted in natural human perspective, limited by fallen perception, tainted by selfish ambition, and ultimately connected to demonic influence. This wisdom may be sophisticated, impressive, and even effective within certain contexts, but it cannot produce the outcomes that align with God's kingdom purposes. Where this earthly wisdom operates, the result is “confusion and every evil thing.” On the other hands, there is wisdom that comes from above—descending from the Father of lights, pure in its nature, peaceable in its effect, gentle yet powerful in its application, and productive of good fruits that endure. This heavenly wisdom operates from entirely different principles and produces entirely different outcomes than earthly wisdom.
Intelligence is fundamentally spiritual in nature and by default divine in origin. This statement may sound unusual or even controversial to those conditioned by secular educational paradigms that treat intelligence as merely a function of genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental conditioning. But if we are to understand the original concept of how God has ordained and designed humanity to function, we must recover this foundational truth: we cannot effectively function without intelligence, and true intelligence is not merely biological or psychological, it is spiritual.When we speak of intelligence in the biblical sense, we are referring to spiritual intelligence, the capacity to perceive, understand, and respond to reality as it actually is, not merely as it appears to natural perception. This involves accessing dimensions of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that transcend the limitations of empirical observation and rational deduction.Spirituality, in its true definition and essence, is a reflection of intelligence. To be spiritual means to know, to possess knowledge that originates beyond the material realm. It means to have access into realities, truths, and dimensions that are closed to those operating solely from natural human perspective. It means to have understanding that penetrates beneath the surface of circumstances to discern root causes, spiritual dynamics, and divine purposes. It means to see things in a manner that is not limited to natural human perspective, to perceive with prophetic clarity, apostolic authority, and the mind of Christ.When we understand this foundational reality and then link it to the God-kind of intelligence, we are speaking of a dimension of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that operates from a higher dimension of existence—from the throne room of heaven, from the eternal counsel of the Godhead, from the infinite wisdom of the Creator who knows the end from the beginning.Two Kinds of WisdomThis is why Scripture consistently speaks to us about two kinds of knowledge, two kinds of understanding, and two distinct categories of wisdom. The apostle James makes this distinction explicit: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:13-17).Here we see the clear contrast: there is a wisdom that is earthly—rooted in natural human perspective, limited by fallen perception, tainted by selfish ambition, and ultimately connected to demonic influence. This wisdom may be sophisticated, impressive, and even effective within certain contexts, but it cannot produce the outcomes that align with God's kingdom purposes. Where this earthly wisdom operates, the result is “confusion and every evil thing.” On the other hands, there is wisdom that comes from above—descending from the Father of lights, pure in its nature, peaceable in its effect, gentle yet powerful in its application, and productive of good fruits that endure. This heavenly wisdom operates from entirely different principles and produces entirely different outcomes than earthly wisdom.
From ₵1,500 table-top hustle to branded plantain empire: Why discovering your gift early beats university degrees - and the brutal truth about family betrayals, contract-free partnerships, and the calculated risk-taking that separates victors from victims of poverty. In this explosive episode of Konnected Minds, Felix Afutu - founder of McPhilix plantain chips and Ghana's only branded plantain production company - dismantles the safe-path fantasy keeping young African entrepreneurs trapped in white-collar job cycles while real businesses get built under abandoned trees by kids who calculated their future salary at 20 and said "no." This isn't motivational business talk from Instagram gurus - it's a raw breakdown of why a young man from a broken home chose the roadside over tertiary education despite family expectations, why identifying your target audience before starting means choosing between Airport Residential, Spintex, and East Legon instead of selling to everyone, and why the partnership betrayals that sent him to police stations and turned family members into business competitors taught him the contract lesson most entrepreneurs learn too late. Critical revelations include: • The community value question: what problem exists in my community, and what exceptional value do I carry that can impact the community while generating income? • Why cooking was the discovered gift - no culinary school, just natural ability to prepare any local dish and perfect new recipes overnight • The food business exposure ladder: working with caterers, frying bread, selling yam chips, yam trophy, Ban Koon - multiple experiences across different food trades before discovering the gap • Why plantain chips was the chosen path: people were selling it in tight rubbers on the street, but nobody was packaging it to appeal to a specific caliber of clientele • The senior high school packaging knowledge: learning how to package a product to make it appealing to a certain level of client - not branding yet, just packaging • The target audience calculation: looking for working-class, business-class communities where people are too busy to cook and need quick snacks they can carry anywhere • The three community options: Airport Residential, Spintex, East Legon - calculated choices based on where the target audience lived • Why university was rejected early: discovering strengths and weaknesses early, calculating monthly salaries, envisioning goals before 30, and realizing the white-collar path couldn't get him there • The 50-50 risk acceptance: either you fail and get experience, or you win and become a victor - no regrets, only lessons learned • The ₵1,500 startup structure: family and friends contributed ₵100, ₵50, ₵500 loans - combined into capital for table, stove, gas, plantain, oil, salt • The packaging range: rubber packets ranging from ₵2-3 depending on size - nothing fancy, just standardized basic packaging on a table top • The partnership ignorance trap: wanting to help relatives and friends because of personal struggle, starting with multiple partners who eventually dropped out • The corporate branding pioneer move: opening a shop at American House to sell corporate gifts when corporate branding wasn't big in Ghana yet • The diversification strategy: using plantain chip profits to invest in other businesses while maintaining focus on the core brand vision • The family betrayal reality: a relative managing the corporate shop demanded partnership, got rejected, separated - then opened the same corporate business three days later right next door • The contract lesson learned too late: trust is good, but controls are better - Africans are great until you put a contract in place, then suddenly they don't want to do business anymore • The inexperience admission: just a young guy making money who wanted to support family and friends around him - no contracts, no legal protection, just trust that got betrayed The conversation reaches its uncomfortable peak with a truth that destroys family-first business fantasies: when you start making money as a young entrepreneur, relatives and friends will want to be part of your success. They'll help you manage shops, work alongside you, celebrate your growth - until the business becomes profitable enough to replicate. Then the same family member who rejected your partnership offer will open the exact same business three days after separation, right next to your shop, using everything they learned while working with you. And because there's no contract, no legal protection, no controls in place - you can only watch as trust becomes competition and family becomes your biggest business threat. IG: https://www.instagram.com/derrick.abaitey YT: https://www.youtube.com/@DerrickAbaitey Join Konnected Academy: https://konnectedacademy.com/ #Podcast #businesspodcast #AfricanPodcast
Strategy for nonprofits is not a plan to perfect but a human practice—built through care, curiosity, and intentional choices in the face of uncertainty. As the year draws to a close, episode 138 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact brings together reflections from a wide range of nonprofit leaders and thinkers, all responding to one central question: What should nonprofit leaders ask themselves to be more strategic? Across topics as varied as crisis management, equity, careers, evaluation, organizational design, culture, and innovation, a clear throughline emerges—strategy is deeply human work. Rather than offering abstract frameworks, the episode highlights: practical, grounding questions and practices that help leaders navigate uncertainty with clarity, intention, and care. An invitation to slow down, resist urgency, tend to themselves and their teams, Why it's important to surface assumptions, seek multiple perspectives, and make decisions rooted in both alignment and capacity. Together, these reflections offer a steadying guide for leaders facing complexity in the year ahead. Episode Highlights Setting the Frame: Strategy Through Reflection and Humanity [00:00:00–00:01:13] Caring for Basic Needs to Make Better Decisions [00:04:10–00:08:01] Don't Go It Alone: Expanding Perspective Through Support [00:08:01–00:10:31] Two Essential Leadership Questions: "What Am I Missing?" and "Tell Me More" [00:10:31–00:12:03] Surfacing Expectations and Assumptions [00:12:03–00:14:27] Asking "So What?" to Get to Strategic Impact [00:14:27–00:16:45] From Individual Practice to Organizational Insight [00:17:00–00:18:03] Interrogating Organizational Design [00:18:03–00:19:00] Culture as the Silent Driver of Strategy [00:19:00–00:20:33] Filtering New Opportunities Through Alignment and Capacity [00:20:39–00:21:59] Resisting Frantic Urgency in Favor of Sustainable Focus [00:22:05–00:24:00] Closing Reflection: Strategy as Moment-by-Moment Human Practice [00:24:08–00:25:53] Important Links and Resources: Independent Sector coalition data base Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them
Intelligence is fundamentally spiritual in nature and by default divine in origin. This statement may sound unusual or even controversial to those conditioned by secular educational paradigms that treat intelligence as merely a function of genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental conditioning. But if we are to understand the original concept of how God has ordained and designed humanity to function, we must recover this foundational truth: we cannot effectively function without intelligence, and true intelligence is not merely biological or psychological, it is spiritual.When we speak of intelligence in the biblical sense, we are referring to spiritual intelligence, the capacity to perceive, understand, and respond to reality as it actually is, not merely as it appears to natural perception. This involves accessing dimensions of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that transcend the limitations of empirical observation and rational deduction.Spirituality, in its true definition and essence, is a reflection of intelligence. To be spiritual means to know, to possess knowledge that originates beyond the material realm. It means to have access into realities, truths, and dimensions that are closed to those operating solely from natural human perspective. It means to have understanding that penetrates beneath the surface of circumstances to discern root causes, spiritual dynamics, and divine purposes. It means to see things in a manner that is not limited to natural human perspective, to perceive with prophetic clarity, apostolic authority, and the mind of Christ.When we understand this foundational reality and then link it to the God-kind of intelligence, we are speaking of a dimension of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that operates from a higher dimension of existence—from the throne room of heaven, from the eternal counsel of the Godhead, from the infinite wisdom of the Creator who knows the end from the beginning.Two Kinds of WisdomThis is why Scripture consistently speaks to us about two kinds of knowledge, two kinds of understanding, and two distinct categories of wisdom. The apostle James makes this distinction explicit: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:13-17).Here we see the clear contrast: there is a wisdom that is earthly—rooted in natural human perspective, limited by fallen perception, tainted by selfish ambition, and ultimately connected to demonic influence. This wisdom may be sophisticated, impressive, and even effective within certain contexts, but it cannot produce the outcomes that align with God's kingdom purposes. Where this earthly wisdom operates, the result is “confusion and every evil thing.” On the other hands, there is wisdom that comes from above descending from the Father of lights, pure in its nature, peaceable in its effect, gentle yet powerful in its application, and productive of good fruits that endure. This heavenly wisdom operates from entirely different principles and produces entirely different outcomes than earthly wisdom.
Intelligence is fundamentally spiritual in nature and by default divine in origin. This statement may sound unusual or even controversial to those conditioned by secular educational paradigms that treat intelligence as merely a function of genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental conditioning. But if we are to understand the original concept of how God has ordained and designed humanity to function, we must recover this foundational truth: we cannot effectively function without intelligence, and true intelligence is not merely biological or psychological, it is spiritual.When we speak of intelligence in the biblical sense, we are referring to spiritual intelligence, the capacity to perceive, understand, and respond to reality as it actually is, not merely as it appears to natural perception. This involves accessing dimensions of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that transcend the limitations of empirical observation and rational deduction.Spirituality, in its true definition and essence, is a reflection of intelligence. To be spiritual means to know, to possess knowledge that originates beyond the material realm. It means to have access into realities, truths, and dimensions that are closed to those operating solely from natural human perspective.It means to have understanding that penetrates beneath the surface of circumstances to discern root causes, spiritual dynamics, and divine purposes. It means to see things in a manner that is not limited to natural human perspective, to perceive with prophetic clarity, apostolic authority, and the mind of Christ.When we understand this foundational reality and then link it to the God-kind of intelligence, we are speaking of a dimension of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that operates from a higher dimension of existence—from the throne room of heaven, from the eternal counsel of the Godhead, from the infinite wisdom of the Creator who knows the end from the beginning.Two Kinds of WisdomThis is why Scripture consistently speaks to us about two kinds of knowledge, two kinds of understanding, and two distinct categories of wisdom. The apostle James makes this distinction explicit: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:13-17).Here we see the clear contrast: there is a wisdom that is earthly—rooted in natural human perspective, limited by fallen perception, tainted by selfish ambition, and ultimately connected to demonic influence. This wisdom may be sophisticated, impressive, and even effective within certain contexts, but it cannot produce the outcomes that align with God's kingdom purposes. Where this earthly wisdom operates, the result is “confusion and every evil thing.” On the other hands, there is wisdom that comes from above—descending from the Father of lights, pure in its nature, peaceable in its effect, gentle yet powerful in its application, and productive of good fruits that endure. This heavenly wisdom operates from entirely different principles and produces entirely different outcomes than earthly wisdom.
The right rituals—and the right conversations—can transform how your team collaborates.Strong collaboration starts with thoughtful practices and clear communication. As Molly Sands, Head of the Teamwork Lab at Atlassian, emphasizes, the teams that thrive are the ones that regularly pause to align on what matters and how they're progressing. “You want to know if you're making progress,” she notes, “and you want ways to redirect early—before you're scrambling at the end.”Through her research with teams across Atlassian and around the world, Sands has seen how small, consistent habits—monthly goal reviews, transparent updates, shared spaces for spontaneous interaction—build alignment, psychological safety, and momentum. And in hybrid and distributed environments, she highlights how “bursty” collaboration patterns and intentional meeting design help teams move faster without burning out.In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Sands and host Matt Abrahams break down the rituals that make teamwork work, from OKR check-ins to collaboration hours to the rotating Chief Vibes Officer. No matter where your team sits, Sands shows how intentional communication unlocks connection, speed, and more satisfying ways of working together.Episode Reference Links:Molly SandsEp.241 Team Spirit: How to Make Group Work WorkConnect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:43) - Measuring Collaboration the Right Way (05:35) - Training Leaders & Goal Rituals (07:49) - Creating Space for Spontaneous Work (11:20) - Making In-Person Time Count (11:44) - Three High-Impact Team Gatherings (14:00) - Supporting Diverse Communication Styles (16:08) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. Go to Quince.com/ThinkFast for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
In this episode of SoundPractice, host Mike Sacopulos explores the critical skill of strategic thinking with Michael Gardner, MD, vice president and administrator of Women's and Children's Hospital at University Health in San Antonio, Texas. Gardner shares his extensive journey through physician leadership and breaks down why strategic thinking is essential for physicians who want to shape the future of healthcare. Michael Gardner is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology as well as maternal fetal medicine. He is a certified physician executive (CPE) and in 2025 became a fellow of the American Association for Physician Leadership. Why strategic thinking matters for physicians: Physicians bring a unique perspective that is essential for improving American healthcare. With healthcare consuming roughly 20% of GDP and outcomes that lag behind other developed nations, physician leaders must actively participate in strategic decision-making rather than exclude themselves from these conversations. Strategic vs. clinical thinking: While clinical thinking focuses on immediate patient care with narrow attention to detail, strategic thinking requires a broader view of internal and external environments, long-term organizational goals, and the ability to embrace foresight and ambiguity. The key difference lies in scope and timeline — strategic thinking means planning months and years ahead. Strategic thinking can be learned: Though some physicians may naturally gravitate toward systems-level thinking, strategic thinking is a skill that can be developed through mentorship, education, practice, and progressive leadership experiences. Starting with smaller leadership roles and building confidence prepares physicians for larger strategic challenges. Physician leaders as translators: Successful physician leaders must learn to speak both clinical and business languages. While they don't need to match their CFO's financial expertise or their COO's operational knowledge, they must understand enough to communicate effectively with administrative colleagues and translate strategic concepts back to medical staff. Gardner and his colleague Mark Guadagnoli, PhD, are developing a strategic thinking and planning course series for AAPL, including: - An online strategic thinking course - "The Who, What, Where, and When of Strategic Planning" course - A hybrid strategic planning workshop in 2026 where participants will create actual strategic plans with ongoing guidance and feedback. Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership at www.physicianleaders.org
Intelligence is fundamentally spiritual in nature and by default divine in origin. This statement may sound unusual or even controversial to those conditioned by secular educational paradigms that treat intelligence as merely a function of genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental conditioning. But if we are to understand the original concept of how God has ordained and designed humanity to function, we must recover this foundational truth: we cannot effectively function without intelligence, and true intelligence is not merely biological or psychological, it is spiritual.When we speak of intelligence in the biblical sense, we are referring to spiritual intelligence, the capacity to perceive, understand, and respond to reality as it actually is, not merely as it appears to natural perception. This involves accessing dimensions of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that transcend the limitations of empirical observation and rational deduction.Spirituality, in its true definition and essence, is a reflection of intelligence. To be spiritual means to know, to possess knowledge that originates beyond the material realm. It means to have access into realities, truths, and dimensions that are closed to those operating solely from natural human perspective. It means to have understanding that penetrates beneath the surface of circumstances to discern root causes, spiritual dynamics, and divine purposes. It means to see things in a manner that is not limited to natural human perspective, to perceive with prophetic clarity, apostolic authority, and the mind of Christ.When we understand this foundational reality and then link it to the God-kind of intelligence, we are speaking of a dimension of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that operates from a higher dimension of existence—from the throne room of heaven, from the eternal counsel of the Godhead, from the infinite wisdom of the Creator who knows the end from the beginning.
The secret to effective teamwork and collaboration.To collaborate, we have to communicate. As Molly Sands knows, “The more that we can get on the same page, the more effective we are.”Sands is a behavioral scientist and the head of the Teamwork Lab at Atlassian, where she researches how teams can collaborate more effectively and efficiently, especially in distributed and hybrid work environments. As she's seen in her research and within her own team, “People can accomplish a lot more together when they work well together.” The key to unlocking that potential lies in communication that aligns people not just in their activity, but in their deeper goals and vision. “The best work happens when you start by asking why,” she says, “getting people to really understand: why is this a problem, why do we wanna solve it, and how are we uniquely positioned to do that? The more that we can map this out together, the more effective our teams tend to be.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Sands and host Matt Abrahams discuss strategies for effective collaboration, from “page-led” meetings and asynchronous video messages to using AI as a collaborator. Whether your team is working face-to-face or across time zones, Sands' insights show how better communication is the key to better collaboration.Episode Reference Links:Molly SandsEp.241 Team Spirit: How to Make Group Work WorkConnect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:32) - How the Teamwork Lab Works (04:03) - Top Challenges for Teams (04:37) - Clarifying Goals & Alignment (07:19) - AI as a Collaborative Partner (09:25) - Atlassian's AI Onboarding Buddy (12:49) - Rethinking Meetings (15:58) - Three Types of Work Time (17:17) - Replacing Meetings with Asynchronous Video (20:02) - The Final Three Questions (24:11) - Conclusion ********This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Let Grammarly take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on high-impact work. Download Grammarly for free today Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
Work with Kevin to get the confidence to build the life you want. - - - - - The One with Rob Heyder In this conversation, Kevin Dairaghi interviews Rob Heyder, a successful real estate entrepreneur, about his journey from residential to commercial real estate. They discuss the challenges of property management, the importance of systems in business, and the impact of market changes. Rob shares insights on scaling a business, the role of mentorship, and the significance of having a strategic plan. He emphasizes the need for a strong support network and the value of learning from experiences. The conversation also touches on the future of real estate, including the integration of AI and the importance of financial preparedness. 00:00 Introduction 02:46 From Residential to Commercial Real Estate 05:51 Challenges of Commercial Property Management 09:05 Scaling Up in Real Estate 12:05 The Importance of Systems in Real Estate 15:00 Navigating Market Changes 17:52 The Role of Education and Mentorship 21:01 Forging Moments in Real Estate Career 23:59 The Impact of AI on Real Estate 26:51 Advice to My Younger Self 47:12 Strategic Thinking and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 49:42 Finding Motivation in Challenging Times 52:05 The Importance of Learning from Mistakes 53:46 Scaling Up and Down in Business 56:09 Navigating Financial Strategies in Real Estate 01:07:42 Innovative Approaches to Commercial Real Estate 01:10:40 Building a Unique Coaching Program Kevin is definitely available for more MC and speaking opportunities. Have a group, you'd like him to speak to - Your kid's team? Your team? Your church? Just ask us! New linktree: linktr.ee/kevindairaghi Limited Time Offering for Self-Guided Roadmap Course --> Follow linktree ^ & Use Code: RUCRAZYKEVIN2025 House Buying Website: www.RestoreSTL.com Connect with Kevin Dairaghi! Website: www.kevindairaghi.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kdairaghi Instagram: @thekevindairaghishow Facebook: www.facebook.com/kdairaghi Get free access to some of the tools we talked about at www.kevindairaghi.com/tools You are who you surround yourself with. Join the Tribe! RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple and Spotify. SHARE this episode with someone who needs it! A huge thank you to our sponsors: Lois Mans with Farmers Insurance - Insurance! (314) 283-1981 Greg Mans with Upright Construction - Roofs! (314) 374-1343 Adam Droege with CRS Realty - Property Management! (314) 325-8328 Jason Hudson with Red Maples Construction - Turnovers! (314) 312-2147 Please reach out to them - they are my real estate team! Tell them Kevin sent ya! Dealmachine Bonus: http://www.dealmachine.com/KDSHOW
Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Navy spouse Mackenzie Yaede, family communications and logistics coordinator for Luke's Wings, an organization that provides emergency travel planning services and airplane tickets for the families and loved ones of wounded, ill, and injured service members, Veterans, and fallen officers, during hospital recovery and rehabilitation.Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestMackenzie Yaede serves as the Family Communications and Logistics Coordinator at Luke's Wings, where she manages the day-to-day operations of the organization's flight assistance programs for wounded warriors, Veterans, fallen officers, and their families. In this role, she reviews and approves flight requests, coordinates with travel partners, supports program reporting, and collaborates with partner organizations—including military hospitals, hospice care centers, and law enforcement agencies—to ensure seamless and compassionate support for those in need.Before joining Luke's Wings, Mackenzie spent several years working in the field of education, where she built a strong foundation in program coordination, student support, and inclusive practices. Most recently, she served as an Education Specialist, leading special education assessments, facilitating individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting cross-functional teams to promote academic and behavioral growth. Her prior roles in both New Jersey and California focused on delivering targeted interventions, collaborating with families, and fostering equitable, student-centered environments.In addition to her professional work, Mackenzie brings extensive volunteer leadership experience, particularly in support of military families and individuals with special needs. For the last several years, she has overseen key aspects of an annual family camp that supports individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, coordinating inclusive programming and providing meaningful respite and community. While living in San Diego, she also founded and led a military ministry support group at her local parish, offering fellowship and support for military-connected individuals. Her broader volunteer work includes mentoring youth, coordinating service projects, and supporting faith-based outreach programs.As a military spouse with a deep personal connection to the military community and a lifelong passion for service, Mackenzie is proud to support Luke's Wings' mission of keeping families connected during times of healing and recovery. She understands firsthand the power of family presence and is honored to play a role in reuniting loved ones when they are needed most.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeLuke's Wings WebsiteDelta Sky Miles ContributionPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is The PsychArmor learning path, Self-Care for Caregivers. Learn how you can prevent burnout and care for yourself throughout your caregiving journey. After completing all of the courses in this series, you'll receive a "Self-care for Caregivers" digital badge to share on social media and highlight your learning journey. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/bundles/self-care-for-caregivers Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
You've got seventeen AI tools scattered across your browser tabs right now, don't you? Yet somehow you're still manually doing the same repetitive tasks that drove you to purchase those licenses in the first place. Whether you're a solopreneur building your empire or leading a team trying to eliminate admin drag, here's the brutal truth - most entrepreneurs are picking AI tools like they're shopping for shiny objects at a tech bazaar, grabbing whatever looks innovative without any strategic thinking behind it. Kevin Williams, CEO and Co-Founder of an AI enablement company, has cracked the code that most of us struggle with: building a daily workflow using tools like n8n, Gamma, and Whisper Flow that actually simplifies operations instead of complicating them. This guy has taken his company philosophy of "adventure, education, automation" and applied it to create a personal tech stack that's so effective, he literally can't imagine working without these specific applications. In this episode, Kevin pulls back the curtain on exactly which tools made the cut and why - plus the strategic thinking that separates useful AI from expensive digital clutter. You'll discover his decision-making framework for evaluating new tools, how his essential stack works together to create seamless automation, and why fewer, better-integrated tools beat sprawling collections of disconnected AI applications. Because at the end of the day, it's not about having more AI tools - it's about having the right tools working together like a well-oiled machine to reclaim your time and focus on what actually drives results. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Kevin Williams about: ✨ Strategic Tool Selection Framework - Learn the decision-making process Kevin uses to separate genuinely useful AI tools from shiny object syndrome purchases. ✨ Essential Daily Workflow Stack - Discover the specific tools Kevin can't live without and how they work together to create seamless automation. ✨ Quality Over Quantity Approach - Understand why fewer, better-integrated tools beat a sprawling collection of disconnected AI applications. Learn more about Kevin Williams Connect with Kevin Williams on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Ascend AI Labs N8n Zapier Gamma Wispr Flow Magai Apify Scalability Audit Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Illusion of Productivity 01:44 Introducing The AI Hat Podcast 02:06 The AI Tool Dilemma 02:41 Meet Kevin Williams: AI Expert 03:31 Strategic Thinking in AI Tool Selection 05:25 Exploring n8n: The Workflow Game-Changer 10:23 The Power of Community and Shareability in n8n 18:07 Gamma: Revolutionizing Presentations 24:25 Discovering Wispr Flow: A Game-Changer in Dictation 24:54 The Power of LLM Layered Dictation Tools 26:00 Maximizing Output with Dictation 29:38 Integrating AI Tools in Daily Workflow 29:50 Magai: Simplifying AI for Businesses 30:48 Choosing and Integrating AI Tools 32:37 Philosophy of Adventure, Education, and Automation 34:00 Building Effective AI Workflows 34:37 Avoiding Common AI Tool Mistakes 36:47 Chaining Tasks with AI Tools 39:03 Auditing and Streamlining Your Tech Stack 44:06 Final Thoughts and Recommendations 48:00 Conclusion and Contact Information Show Notes & Full Transcript: https://theaihat.com/why-most-entrepreneurs-pick-the-wrong-ai-tools-an-ai-ceos-essential-daily-stack-that-actually-works/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of The extra-Ordinary Leader, I sit down with my first-ever returning guest, Roderic Yapp, former Royal Marine Commando and founder of Leadership Capital. Rod brings a razor-sharp perspective to leadership in complex, fast-moving environments, and this conversation expands how we think about context, decision-making, and performance.We explore why context is the overlooked foundation of leadership, how to tell whether your world is simple, complicated or complex, and why you may need to develop an unexpected capability: a small measure of strategic callousness.We also unpack the practical tools leaders can use to stay effective - from drawing systems on paper to understanding the Cynefin framework, experimenting for growth, and knowing when to empower…and when to take control.If you lead people, lead change, or lead yourself, this is one to keep coming back to.Inside This EpisodeWhy context shapes everything — and why most leaders miss itThe multi-tool metaphor: choosing the right behaviour for the momentHow the wrong leadership style destroys performanceThe Cynefin framework in clear, practical languageWhy experiments beat long-range plans in fast growthThree-year horizons and twelve sprints: a smarter way to planDrawing your systems to reveal bottlenecks fastWhere empathy helps — and where it holds leaders backBoundaries, accountability and the realities of performanceThe simplest tool for cutting overwhelm: write it downWhat to bin, what to put in: reflective habits for high-performing leadersRod Yapp: LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/rodericyappLeadership Capital: https://leadershipcapital.com/If you'd like to deepen your own leadership journey, my book The extra-Ordinary Leader is available here: https://www.dollywaddell.com/store/p/the-extra-ordinary-leader
Intelligence is fundamentally spiritual in nature and by default divine in origin. This statement may sound unusual or even controversial to those conditioned by secular educational paradigms that treat intelligence as merely a function of genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental conditioning. But if we are to understand the original concept of how God has ordained and designed humanity to function, we must recover this foundational truth: we cannot effectively function without intelligence, and true intelligence is not merely biological or psychological, it is spiritual.
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Dr. Katie Best, leadership coach and author of The Ten Toughest Leadership Problems and How to Solve Them. Drawing on years of coaching leaders across industries, Katie shares practical insights that help you tackle high-stakes leadership moments—especially when a coach isn't available. They explore Katie's SOLVE framework for problem-solving under pressure, the danger of performative busyness, and how to make better decisions when trade-offs and uncertainty rule the day. You'll also hear how to unlock authentic influence without manipulation, foster healthy debate on overly "nice" teams, and support psychological safety in leadership and parenting. Andy and Katie also dig into how to empower women in leadership and how small actions can create big shifts in workplace culture. If you've ever felt overwhelmed as a leader or wished for a coach in the moment, this conversation offers clarity, encouragement, and real tools you can start using today! Sound Bites "You only have power if someone believes that you do." "All interaction is manipulative, but that doesn't mean it's toxic." "Performative busyness is one of the biggest traps for high performers." "Draw the line, or others will draw it for you." "Influence is about being a decent human, not just using techniques." "If you've done the learning, don't let it go to waste." "The idea that people put on an act at work has always fascinated me." "We owe it to ourselves, and if we're leaders of other human beings, we owe it to them as well, to show that it's okay to switch off." "Performative busyness is that kind of, we're never allowed to stop, and if we continue to perform, we keep that idea going that everyone needs to be busy all the time." "We are so much better at learning from positivity than we are from negativity." "We have to recognize that lots of people don't like speaking up in meetings." "It's much easier to do a positive thing than to not do a negative thing." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:33 Start of Interview 01:45 Early Influences on Leadership 04:33 The Coaching Gap and Why She Wrote the Book 05:47 What Is Performative Busyness? 09:32 How Katie Protects Her Own Focus and Energy 12:00 Introducing the SOLVE Framework 18:00 Making Decisions with Uncertainty 20:40 Power and Influence: What's the Difference? 25:42 Why Influence Techniques Sometimes Backfire 26:43 Encouraging Debate in "Too Nice" Cultures 28:40 Building Psychological Safety on Your Team 31:00 Advice for Women Leaders (and the Men Who Support Them) 34:00 Leadership Lessons as a Parent 35:55 End of Interview 36:25 Andy Comments After the Interview 40:19 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Katie and her work at KatieBest.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 442 with Dominic Ashley-Timms. Excellent ideas on how to coach the people around us—and ourselves. Episode 391 with Adam Bryant. Insightful and engaging stories about how people make the leap to being leaders. Episode 385 with Vanessa Patrick. She wrote a great book about How To Say No. Very empowering. Pass the PMP Exam If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP! Level Up Your AI Skills Join other listeners from around the world who are taking our AI Made Simple course to prepare for an AI-infused future. Just go to ai.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com. Thanks! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader—that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Coaching, Decision Making, Influence, Communication, Psychological Safety, Conflict, Engagement, Organizational Culture, Team Development, Strategic Thinking, Problem Solving The following music was used for this episode: Music: On Point by Steven O'Brien License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tropical Vibe by WinnieTheMoog License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
In this episode of The Independent School Podcast, Juliet Corbett returns to the microphone for a new series focused on real-world leadership in independent and international schools.Juliet shares how her thinking has evolved over recent years through her work as a trusted advisor to experienced leaders, and her episodes of the Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast. She also introduces the ideas she has been developing for a book she's writing about leading sustainably through complexity and uncertainty.Juliet explores three themes that will shape this new season:Staying strategic amidst the daily bustle of leadership: Creating space to think clearly when operational demands never stopMaking high-stakes decisions in uncertainty and complexity: Understanding the difference between complicated and complex challengesCreating and empowering high-performing teams: Building cultures of trust, clarity and shared ownership so leaders are not carrying everything aloneJuliet also offers a preview of the first interviews already recorded, including conversations with Louise Simpson (CEO, The British School in the Netherlands), Charles Bailey (Headmaster, Worksop College and Ranby House, UK) and Joanna Povall (Principal, Wales International School, Abu Dhabi).This episode sets the scene for a thoughtful, reflective series designed to help leaders slow down, sharpen their focus and navigate complexity with clarity and courage.LinksSign up for Juliet's emails: www.consultjuliet.co.uk/signup1. Staying strategic amidst the daily bustle of leadership:Making time to think (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 1)What if slowing down helps you speed up? (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 20) 2. Making high-stakes decisions: problem-solving in uncertainty and complexity:Leading through complexity: Tools for thinking and acting clearly (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 43)The hidden reason your strategy isn't working (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 42)3. Creating and empowering high-performing teams:Are you delegating enough? (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 2)Leadership means changing hats – Is your team ready? (Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast, Ep 41)Explore the Quiet Leadership Revolution podcast: www.quietleadershiprevolution.comExplore all previous episodes of The Independent School Podcast: www.consultjuliet.co.uk/podcastThank you so much for listening to The Independent School Podcast. I would be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to send me some feedback here. This helps me make the podcast as helpful as possible to listeners. Thank you!
Show Summarywith Lesa Shaw, an experienced Indigenous consultant and community leader with more than 30 years of service across Tribal, federal, state, and municipal sectors. Lesa and I talk about PsychArmor's effort to develop training materials through their effort supporting Native American and Alaska Native Veterans and Service Members. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestLesa Shaw is a tribal leader, public-health consultant, and advocate dedicated to improving health outcomes for Native and Tribal communities, especially Native American veterans. She holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Oklahoma. Over her career, Lesa has held multiple roles across federal, state, tribal, and local government. She has served as a contracting officer and practice manager with the Indian Health Service, worked as a health-policy analyst for tribes, and served as a municipal-level elected official in the city of Shawnee at the request of the central tribes. In tribal service, Lesa has worked to bridge cultural traditions and modern health policy — advocating for culturally respectful care that honors tribal identity and heritage while addressing systemic inequalities in access to care. More recently, she has been part of the advisory committee of PsychArmor 's Native American & Alaska Native Veterans Health & Wellness initiative — helping guide efforts to make veteran care more culturally informed and supportive of Native and Tribal peoples. Lesa remains deeply committed to amplifying the voices of Native veterans and their families, building trust between tribal communities and federal care systems, and laying the groundwork for long-term, culturally grounded health equity.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeBTM214 – Dr. Melita “Chepa” RankBTM 220 – CSM(R) Julia KellyBTM222 – Dean DauphinaisPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course course Understanding the VA for Caregivers. This course helps caregivers navigate and better utilize the services of the VA – the largest integrated healthcare system in the country. The content for this course was developed collaboratively with a working group of various VA Departments. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/understanding-the-va-for-caregivers-2 Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
Is empathy truly a superpower in leadership, or does its endless demand threaten to drain the very leaders we rely on? Join me for this month's solo episode, as I explore the answer to this important question. As leaders are constantly called upon to exercise empathy, their reserves can run dry, leading to avoidance of hard conversations and emotional exhaustion. Together, we will confront these challenges, recognizing and normalizing our emotional limits while sharing practical strategies to safeguard our empathy reserves.This episode invites you to reflect on the multifaceted nature of empathy and its powerful role in both our personal and professional lives. We highlight the importance of maintaining empathy in a sustainable way, ensuring leaders can continue to show up with care and accountability. By prioritizing our own well-being, we also model healthy emotional boundaries for those we lead. Tune in to examine how balancing empathy with strategic foresight and ethical clarity can drive success for individuals and organizations alike.What You'll Learn- Dynamic strategies to conquer empathy fatigue- Techniques to seamlessly balance emotional labor with strategic thinking- How to establish robust boundaries- Ways to achieve lasting emotional resilienceKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Empathy, Empathy Fatigue, Strategic Thinking, Ethical Decision-Making, Executive Excellence, Setting Boundaries, Compassion Fatigue, Emotional Labor, Emotional Resilience, Sustainable Empathy, CEO Success
In this powerful conversation on the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, LA Williams and Sean V. Bradley sit down with F&I leader, author, and performance coach Adam Marburger to explore what's really happening inside today's finance departments… and where the industry is headed next! "The days where the F&I department is kind of on their own island are slowly fading." - Adam Marburger Adam brings a fresh, servant-leadership perspective to automotive F&I, sharing key lessons from decades in the business along with insights shaped by years of training, coaching, and martial arts discipline. Together, the trio breaks down the real challenges facing dealerships, the evolving role of F&I managers, and the cultural shifts required to build stronger, more profitable teams. "So the question is, why aren't more F and I managers doing the things that we're talking about now? Why are they not taking more tos? Why are they not getting involved? Why are they not being more present?" - Adam Marburger From leadership to communication, from customer experience to the rise of new technologies, this episode offers a forward-looking discussion that every dealer, manager, and aspiring leader will want to hear…without giving away the strategies you'll discover inside. "Jiu-Jitsu helps with every aspect of life—physically, mentally, spiritually." - Adam Marburger Tune in for a conversation that's equal parts mindset, mastery, and modern automotive leadership! Key Takeaways: ✅ Evolving Role of F&I Managers: Adam Marburger emphasizes the shift in the F&I role from being strictly transactional to focusing on building customer relationships and trust. ✅ Importance of Servant Leadership: A core theme is the necessity for F&I managers and leaders to adopt a servant leadership mindset, focusing on the needs and growth of their team members. ✅ Continuous Training and Development: Effective onboarding and ongoing training are critical to minimizing mistakes and empowering staff to excel in customer interactions and sales success. ✅ Integration of Technology: Embracing digital tools and AI is vital for future-proofing operations and enhancing customer experience in automotive sales. ✅ Value of Jiu-Jitsu in Leadership: Adam draws parallels between his discipline in martial arts and his professional life, highlighting how the principles of perseverance and strategic thinking apply to business success. About Adam Marburger Adam Marburger is an award-winning automotive leader, author of The Servant-Leading F&I Manager: Leadership Refined, and performance coach dedicated to redefining leadership in the car business. With over two decades of experience, Adam teaches teams how to lead with empathy, emotional intelligence, and purpose. His mission is to help professionals create cultures of excellence through mindset, mentorship, and servant leadership. Redefining F&I Management: Transformative Leadership in Automotive for 2026 Key Takeaways The evolution of F&I has seen a shift from traditional transactional roles to a more integrated, holistic customer-centric approach driven by effective leadership. Understanding the relationship between technology, proper training, and servant leadership can significantly influence dealership success. The application of martial arts philosophies in business, such as Jiu Jitsu, provides unique insights into persistence and strategic growth in the automotive industry. The Evolving Role of F&I Managers: From Transactional to Transformative The landscape of Finance and Insurance (F&I) in the automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Historically viewed as a transactional role focused on maximizing profits through product sales, the F&I manager's position is increasingly seen as an integral part of a cohesive dealership strategy. According to the conversation between Sean V. Bradley and Adam Marburger, modern F&I managers need to embody "servant leadership," where they prioritize the long-term satisfaction and well-being of customers and employees over immediate financial gain. The adoption of a servant leadership model within F&I suggests a profound cultural shift within the automotive industry. As defined in the transcript, "Servant leadership, it is kind of like everybody talks about it. It's action. It's not words." Marburger emphasizes that successful F&I managers actively assist sales teams, engage with service departments, and contribute to the overall dealership ecosystem. Implementing a servant leadership approach involves concrete actions rather than mere rhetoric. F&I managers need to actively engage with clients and colleagues, fostering an environment where all team members feel valued and supported. It's about "truly connecting with people on a daily basis with one common goal: to make them feel special, to make them feel heard, to make them feel valued, to make them feel safe." The Power of Training and Collaboration in Automotive Retail Training and collaboration emerge as pivotal themes for achieving success in automotive sales. As Marburger suggests, training should go beyond basic knowledge transfer, aiming to create a more integrated network of roles within the dealership. A robust training process allows staff to understand various dealership functions, ultimately improving communication and operational efficiency. "A lot of these conversations are flying, conversations where you might be walking back to the conference room together," Marburger notes, highlighting the importance of informal learning exchanges. For F&I managers, this means not only understanding their product offerings but also becoming well-versed in sales strategies and client management techniques. The ultimate goal is to craft a seamless customer experience where value is consistently delivered. Creating synergy between departments, especially between F&I and sales, is critical. The training should focus on equipping salespeople with the ability to introduce products effectively to clients before entering the F&I office. "Our customers actually enjoy buying if you try not to sell them; they actually buy them," Marburger explains, suggesting a subtle yet powerful shift in the sales approach. Martial Arts Philosophy: Persistence and Strategic Thinking in Business The discussion also explores how martial arts philosophies, particularly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, can influence business strategies within the automotive industry. Practicing Jiu Jitsu requires perseverance, resilience, and strategic thinking—qualities that translate seamlessly into the demands of automotive sales. Both Bradley and Marburger, as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts, draw parallels between their martial arts training and business experiences. Marburger states, "The black belt was one of the few things outside of my daughters being born that did give me a sense of accomplishment because I know what it's like. Like, it was hard." This sentiment reveals the patience and determination required in both fields. Incorporating these philosophies into a dealership's operational ethos can foster a culture of continuous improvement and strategic foresight. Employees can learn to maneuver challenges with the patience and precision demanded on the Jiu Jitsu mat. "It added something. It's like, as most people won't ever get that," says Marburger, acknowledging the rare and valuable perspective that martial arts training offers. Throughout this enlightening dialogue, the future of automotive leadership is painted as a dynamic interplay of servant leadership, comprehensive training, and strategic resilience. No longer confined to traditional roles, F&I managers are encouraged to embrace a broader vision—one that harmonizes various aspects of the dealership to create a superior customer experience. The lessons of martial arts underline the perseverance and strategic acumen necessary to thrive in this evolving landscape, reflecting an industry poised for transformation. Resources + Our Proud Sponsors: ➼ The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Mastermind Group in the Automotive Industry with over 29,000 members worldwide. Collaborate with automotive professionals, learn the best industry practices, and connect with top mentors, managers, and sales leaders. Join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today! ➼ Dealer Synergy: The automotive industry's #1 Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm. With over 20 years of proven success, Dealer Synergy has helped dealerships nationwide build high-performing Internet Departments and BDCs from the ground up. Our expertise includes phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, lead handling strategies, and management processes; all designed to maximize your people, processes, and technology! ➼ Bradley On Demand: The automotive industry's most powerful Interactive Training, Tracking, Testing, and Certification Platform. With LIVE virtual classes and access to a library of over 9,000 on-demand training modules, Bradley On Demand gives your dealership the tools to dominate every department: Sales, Internet, BDC, CRM, Phone, and Leadership. From sharpening individual skills to elevating entire teams, this platform ensures your people are trained, tested, and certified for maximum success. Equip your dealership to sell more cars, more often, and more profitably with Bradley On Demand!
Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Bob Delaney, a mental health advocate who has also had a full life: a college basketball player, a new jersey state trooper who went undercover in some of the biggest Mob families in new jersey, and his role as a high-profile NBA referee. Bob's insights have been sought after by senior military leadership to speak to troops about mental health and posttraumatic stress. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestBob Delaney is an NBA Cares Ambassador and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Special Advisor for Officiating Development. He served as the NBA's Vice President of Referee Operations and Director of Officials, after 25 seasons as an NBA referee. Prior to his career in professional basketball, Delaney was a highly decorated New Jersey State Trooper who went undercover to infiltrate the mafia; causing his post-traumatic stress journey. Delaney's firsthand experiences coupled with a passion to better understand mental health make him an expert on the subject. His efforts to educate and bring attention to the topic of post-traumatic stress have entailed visits to military troops around the world, including multiple trips to Afghanistan and Iraq. Described by retired General Robert Brown, U.S. Army Four Star Commander of the Pacific, as the "person who related to soldiers better than any visitor I have seen in my 36 years in the military," Delaney authored a book on the topic, Surviving the Shadows: A Journey of Hope into Post Traumatic Stress. He is also the author of Covert: My Life Infiltrating the Mob. His most recent book - Heroes are Human...Lessons in Resilience, Courage and Wisdom from the COVID Frontlines shares the emotional toll on our healthcare community as they fought an invisible enemy. He has been the subject of numerous media articles and shows including Dr. Sanjay Gupta CNN. Delaney is with the University South Florida Corporate Training and Professional Education Office as Lead Instructor for Trauma Awareness, Resilience, Selfcare programs.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeBob Delaney's Web sitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course course Understanding the VA for Caregivers. This course helps caregivers navigate and better utilize the services of the VA – the largest integrated healthcare system in the country. The content for this course was developed collaboratively with a working group of various VA Departments. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/understanding-the-va-for-caregivers-2 Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
Show SummaryNatalie Elliott Handy, a caregiver for her husband and mother and co-host of the Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Podcast. During our conversation, we share the commitment that she and her sister have to highlighting and supporting military connected caregivers. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestNatalie is someone who genuinely loves people. She has a natural passion for meeting new faces, staying closely connected with family, friends, and colleagues, and, most of all, helping others. Anyone who knows her will readily say, “Natalie doesn't know a stranger.” It's simply who she has always been.Raised in her family's hardware store, Natalie learned early how to engage customers — and how to count change — by talking to everyone who walked through the door. At church, she was the first to volunteer to sing, recite Bible verses in “big church,” and attend every youth activity, especially lock-ins. In school, her teachers often placed her in the front row to help minimize “distractions,” because she was, without a doubt, a social butterfly.Those gifts — her ability to connect, her quick wit, and her desire to support others — naturally led her into leadership roles throughout her career in the mental health field. She married young at 21 and, many years later, again at 39. She often describes her first marriage as a light-hearted “practice run” with someone kind, but not Jason, the partner she shares her life with today.From the outside, Natalie's life looked picture-perfect: a fulfilling job, a loving husband, a close-knit support system, and of course, her beloved dogs. But behind the scenes, she was burning the candle at both ends — working 12-hour days, six days a week, answering every request with, “No problem. Happy to help.”Everything shifted when Jason was diagnosed with cancer in March 2022. In the midst of that crisis, Natalie confronted the truth that she couldn't keep living at that pace. During those darkest moments, she reconnected with her faith and, through that, rediscovered her true self. She learned to acknowledge her imperfections and, more importantly, to love herself fully — flaws and all.Today, Natalie has reordered her life with clear priorities: God, herself, Jason, family and friends, and then work. She says “no” far more often, seeks silver linings in difficult moments, and is grateful for the journey that led her to live God's plan instead of her own. She embraces the mantra of being “perfectly imperfect.”Her mission is simple: to share stories and experiences that inspire, uplift, and — whenever possible — spark a little laughter. She strives to encourage others to be true to themselves while supporting the people they love. And along the way, she fully intends to keep making new friends.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeConfessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Website2024 Heroes Caring for Heroes series2023 Heroes Caring for Heroes seriesPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course course Understanding the VA for Caregivers. This course helps caregivers navigate and better utilize the services of the VA – the largest integrated healthcare system in the country. The content for this course was developed collaboratively with a working group of various VA Departments. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/understanding-the-va-for-caregivers-2 Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
Major General Mick Ryan, Australian Army (retired), Senior Fellow for Military Studies the Lowy Institute and author of the Futura Doctrina substack, joins the show to discuss the current state of the Ukraine war. We cover tactical innovations, the challenges of operations and strategy, the structure of the Ukrainian military, the political landscape under Zelensky, and the industrial capabilities of both Ukraine and Russia. ▪️ Times 00:00 State of Play 02:28 Tactical Innovations and Challenges in Ukraine 05:38 The Role of Drones 08:36 Russian Tactical Innovations and the Rubikon Units 11:45 Historical Parallels: Lessons from World War I 14:37 The Thousand Bites Approach: Russian Strategy Explained 17:46 Ukrainian Brigade Composition and Organizational Changes 23:19 Understanding the Ukrainian Military Structure 29:47 Challenges in Casualty Ratios and Manpower 37:37 Long-Range Strike Capabilities and Adaptation 40:29 Strategic Thinking in the Ukrainian Military 46:18 Industrial Base and Support Dynamics Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find more content on our School of War Substack
This inspiring episode reveals how intentional planning, aligned identity, and consistent daily action helped Justin Konikow transform his life and business, offering listeners a clear roadmap for personal growth, confidence, and long-term success.See full article: https://www.unitedstatesrealestateinvestor.com/rise-into-your-absolute-highest-success-potential-with-justin-konikow/(00:00) - Welcome and Guest Introduction with Justin Konikow(00:24) - Justin Explains His Role and Unique Brokerage Structure(01:34) - How Justin Entered Real Estate and Built a Company Model(03:56) - From Licensing to Building Momentum in a Tough Market(06:47) - Why Their Brokerage Operates as a Company Instead of an Agency(08:32) - Organizational Structure, Roles, and the Vision Behind the Business(10:06) - Using Business Planning to Support Team Growth and Personal Goals(12:49) - Justin's Personal Philosophy on Faith, Family, Fitness, Fun, and Finances(15:10) - Journaling, Self Reflection, and Language Shifts that Transform Identity(17:09) - Understanding Yourself to Create Systems That Actually Work(19:17) - Using Structure as a Tool Without Becoming Dependent on It(21:06) - Letting Go of Old Versions of Yourself to Grow Forward(21:53) - Turning Addictive Tendencies into Healthy High Performance(23:19) - Why Tough Markets Build Better Foundations for Long Term Success(24:34) - The State of the Market Across Asset Classes and Areas(26:37) - The Simple Daily System That Works in Every Market(28:24) - Company Marketing Versus Personal Branding(30:00) - The Power of Social Media Conversations and Community Intelligence(31:40) - Using Social Platforms for Follow Up and Algorithm Advantage(32:16) - Justin's Big Golden Nugget for Listeners(33:02) - Flow States, Deep Work, and Avoiding Modern Distractions(33:46) - The Value of Nature and Pause in Strategic Thinking(34:08) - Planning for 2026 and Breaking Down Long Term Visions(35:10) - Why Planning Should Not Feel Restricting or Identity Based(36:04) - Mattias on Living in the Future Versus Managing the Day to Day(36:29) - Books Justin Recommends and How His Faith Influences Business(36:59) - Where to Follow Justin and Closing Remarks(37:10) - Outro and Show Closing(37:17) - Final DisclaimerContact Justin Konikowhttps://www.justinkonikow.com/https://www.facebook.com/jkonihttps://www.instagram.com/justin.konikow/https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-konikow-20aa6127/https://youtube.com/@JustinKonikowhttps://x.com/Justin_KonikowIf Justin's journey lit a fire in you, let this be the moment you step toward your own higher potential. Stay intentional, stay aligned, and stay bold as you build the life you want. To keep growing with us, visit https://reiagent.com
BioTodd Hopkins is the Founder and CEO of the Strategic Thinking Network, an organization dedicated to teaching business owners and entrepreneurs to think strategically about how to scale their business and impact in a way that is grounded in Biblical principles. This is done through quarterly workshops held in Tampa. Todd also leverages his business experience as an investor, speaker, and business coach for entrepreneurs wanting to scale their business and achieve their dreams.
Want to start your own podcast? Watch my free webinar Podcast Success Secrets to learn how to start, grow, and monetize your own podcast: https://www.podcastsuccesssecrets.com Welcome to the optYOUmize Podcast where we help entrepreneurs build the business AND life of their dreams. Get tips, tactics, stories, and inspiration from interviews with business and personal development experts and lessons from my own successes and failures so you can make more, work less, and live better. You don't have to go it alone--we're here to support and motivate you, and encourage you to keep going until you reach your goals. Follow optYOUmize Podcast with Brett Ingram: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Website Summary In this conversation, Brett Ingram discusses the essential skills that entrepreneurs must master to succeed in their ventures. He emphasizes the complexity of entrepreneurship and the need for a diverse skill set, including leadership, financial management, marketing, sales, strategic thinking, problem-solving, time management, communication, networking, adaptability, technical skills, customer service, and negotiation. Each skill is explored in detail, highlighting its importance and how it contributes to the overall success of a business. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Skills 02:43 The Complexity of Entrepreneurship 03:12 Skill #1: Leadership 04:38 Skill #2: Financial Management 05:33 Skill #3: Marketing and Sales 08:21 Skill #4: Strategic Thinking and Planning 11:04 Skill #5: Problem Solving 12:29 Skill #6: Time Management 15:48 Skill #7: Communication 17:13 Skill #8: Networking 18:09 Skill #9: Adaptability 19:06 Skill #10: Technical Skills 20:04 Skill #11: Customer Service 21:31 Skill #12: Negotiation 22:28 Conclusion and Key Takeaways #entrepreneurskills #entrepreneurpodcast #lifehacks #personaldevelopment #entrepreneurship #optyoumize #brettingram #entrepreneurpodcast #podmatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Navy Veteran David Boone, a retired Rear Admiral and President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council or SDMAC. SDMAC is a nonprofit that advocates on behalf of the service members, veterans, and their families in the greater San Diego region. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestSan Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) President and CEO David Boone is the CEO of SDMAC (sdmac.org) which is a nonprofit that advocates, informs and connects the San Diego military with the community, industry and civic leaders. Previously, he provided consulting services for a wide portfolio of clients in the engineering and construction industry. He was the Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer for Michael Baker International responsible for both public and private sector development in the consultant and engineering industry from highway and bridges to water, construction services and planning. Prior to that, he was President of CB&I Federal Services and its successor organization, APTIM Government Services. He joined the CB&I team in December 2013 following a 30 year career in the Navy. He began in Strategic Development, and Business Development then promoted to Chief Operating Officer and then President in the Federal sector of Engineering and Construction, Environmental Services, Energy and Base Operating Services.Mr. Boone retired from the US Navy in 2013 as a Navy Civil Engineer Corps Rear Admiral. His last active duty assignment was the Director of Shore Readiness where he was responsible for overseeing facilities and energy funding and policy for 70 bases worldwide – a $9 billion annual budget. His tours as Commanding Officer included Underwater Construction TEAM ONE (Seabees), NAVFAC MARIANAS (Guam), and NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic.Raised in Yokohama, Japan, high school in Oregon, Mr. Boone first attended the University of Oregon and the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology. He then transferred and graduated from Cal Poly SLO in Civil Engineering with Masters degrees in Coastal Engineering and Construction Management from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a registered professional engineer (Virginia and Florida). He was a Navy contracting officer, a Navy Diver, and maintains a TOP SECRET security classification. He received numerous personal Navy awards, including the Nippon Zenkokai Award from the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan. He is currently a member of the Industry Leaders Council with ASCE Industry Leaders Council | ASCE.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeSan Diego Military Advisory CouncilSan Diego Emergency Action GroupPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Seeking Support. Transitioning from military service can evoke strong emotions. PsychArmor Institute's “Seeking Support” offers service members the tools and resources needed to seek support during and after military transition and into civilian life. You can find a link to the resource our show notes https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Seeking-Support You can find the resource here: https://psycharmor.org/podcast/chris-jachemic Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Amireh Amirmazaheri, CEO of PMO Solutions and a leading voice in the global PMO community. From growing up in Iran during a time of war to building a respected consultancy in Australia, Amireh shares how resilience and curiosity shaped her approach to leadership and enabling project success. You'll hear how PMOs have evolved from administrative hubs to strategic influencers, what it means to truly "speak the language of executives," and how to recognize when a PMO is at risk of drifting into irrelevance. We also explore how AI is transforming the work of PMOs and what leaders can do to stay ahead of the curve. Plus, Amireh offers practical advice on leading as a woman in project management and applying PMO principles at home as a parent. If you're looking for insights on elevating PMO impact, executive communication, and leading through change, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "Limitations aren't always bad. They push us into the creativity zone." "Executives don't want red or amber. They want to know where the ship is heading." "When PMOs chase BAU firefighting, they lose their strategic brain." "If PMOs stay educated and ahead of the game, they can influence the AI journey." "It's okay to cry. Then think, learn, and lead." "Um, should I tell you that my little one has a kanban board?" Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:31 Start of Interview 01:42 Early Life in Iran and Resilience 12:56 Lessons About Enablement 15:02 How PMOs Have Changed 18:55 Speaking the Language of Executives 21:22 Failure Clues and PMO Drift 25:11 Sponsorship as a Risk Factor 26:08 Using AI and Its Near-Term Impact on PMOs 32:25 Leading as a Woman 37:44 Applying PM and PMO Ideas at Home 40:22 PMO Global Alliance Overview 42:15 End of Interview 42:50 Andy Comments After the Interview 46:22 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Amireh and her work at PMOSol.com, or connect with her on LinkedIn. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 436 with Laura Barnard, about the IMPACT Engine Episode 429 with Bill Dow, about PMO insights Episode 187 with Peter Taylor, Bill Dow, and others, about the State of PMOs Level Up Your AI Skills Join other listeners from around the world who are taking our AI Made Simple course to prepare for an AI-infused future. Just go to ai.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com. Thanks! Pass the PMP Exam This Year If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you, too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader—that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Ways of Working Topics: PMOs, Executive Communication, Leadership, AI in Projects, Change Management, Strategic Thinking, Women in Leadership, Organizational Influence, Resilience, Stakeholder Engagement, Career Growth, Continuous Improvement The following music was used for this episode: Music: Brooklyn Nights by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
This episode of The New Abnormal podcast features Bulent Duagi, a 'cross-pollinator' in the Romanian futurists-ecosystem. He works with high-stakes decision makers, facilitating strategy execution and acting as a guide for organisations tackling tough challenges. He also works as a futures-skills trainer to help 'curious people stay relevant' via moderating workshops on core topics such as Strategic Thinking or Applied AI. Bulent has a passion for helping companies address their most critical business and organisational challenges, which has translated into a track record of him running over a hundred strategic initiatives over the last decade.Always exploring new fields and connecting the dots, he likes to help clients 'decide and move'. So, if you're interested in gaining an insight into the futures-ecosystem in Romania, this episode is for you!
Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Army Combat Veteran Jaymes Poling and Modern Warrior LIVE — a powerful blend of personal storytelling and music that explores the emotional weight of war and the journey toward healing.Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestJaymes Poling is a former infantry leader in the 82nd Airborne Division who served three years in Afghanistan. After coming home, he turned to writing to make sense of his experience, which led to the creation of Modern Warrior LIVE — a powerful blend of personal storytelling and music that explores the emotional weight of war and the journey toward healing.He's since become a speaker and mental health advocate, working with veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors across the country. Through hundreds of engagements nationwide, Jaymes brings a raw, honest voice to conversations about leadership, community, and post-traumatic growth. Links Mentioned During the EpisodeModern Warrior Live Web SitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Supporting Someone with Invisible Wounds. Not all wounds can be seen, and invisible wounds are just as serious as visible ones. This course introduces the four main types of invisible wounds - Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Substance Use Disorder, and Depression. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/supporting-someone-with-invisible-wounds Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
In this episode, we dive into how advisory boards can be a game-changer for small businesses with Barbara Taylor and Ed Henkler . Unlike corporate boards, these groups are built on relationships and connections—bringing together people who share their expertise, networks, and insights to help a business grow. We'll discuss how to form an advisory board, the role connections play in bringing the right people to the table, and the impact these relationships can have on guiding strategy, opening doors, and creating new opportunities. If you're a small business owner looking for guidance, or a professional considering how your network could make a difference, this episode shows how advisory boards turn connections into lasting business growth.Barbara Taylor, CPCU, offers 20+ years of expertise in business coaching, talent management leadership development and performance management. Barbara has built a reputation for designing creative leadership development programs.She has designed and implemented effective talent management strategies for numerous Fortune 500 clients including L'Oreal, Comcast, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, L3, Goodwill and The Kellogg Company.Currently, Barbara is a business partner of JanBara & Associates, a coaching and executive development firm specializing in accelerating the performance of people and organizations. The JanBara partners believe that purposeful human performance is the greatest contributing factor to a company's success. Barbara has co-created two leading-edge leadership programs: Silo-Busting Networking and Strategic Thinking for Middle Managers.Ed Henkler is a social entrepreneur who is passionate about improving the quality of life and employability of people who are blind or visually-impaired. He believes there is a business ROI to hire people with disabilities. He is working with several veteran-owned businesses which focus on increasing the meaningful employment of veterans, military spouses, and people with disabilities.Music by: jorikbasov from PixabayContact InformationBarbara Taylor- btaylor@janbara.comEd Henkler- edhenkler@theblindguide.com or theblindguide.comBenny Carreon- Velocity Technology Group- benny@velocitytechnology.groupDennis Jackson-WorX Solution- dennisj@worxsolution.com
What you'll learn in this episode:● How to create a “virtual” board of mentors that guide your daily choices● Why you already have the answers—you just need the right advisors to uncover them● The secret to modeling success from industry leaders● How studying great minds like Gary Keller, Tony Robbins, and Walt Disney can reshape your mindset● Why curiosity and consistent learning are your most valuable assets in growth
Shayna Humanitarian, in partnership with Unbound Stories and the Institute for Economics and Peace and with the support of Multicultural NSW, successfully delivered a two-month Youth Leadership Program for Assyrian youth. More than twenty young participants engaged in the program, which culminated in a graduation ceremony on Friday, 24 October 2025. The event was attended by parents, community members, and local leaders, celebrating the achievements of the graduates. This milestone marks an important step in the group's ongoing journey of growth as they continue to strengthen their communication, confidence, and decision-making skills.
In this episode, I talk with Ethan Bull, President and Co-founder of ProAssisting, ranked No. 2466 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, about his innovative approach to delivering high-level fractional executive assistant services. Ethan shares how ProAssisting's unique hiring and matching process connects leaders with exceptional EAs skilled in both strategic thinking and executive support. We explore the importance of mutual respect, curiosity, and clear communication in creating strong client-assistant relationships, as well as how these values reduce churn and drive success. Ethan also opens up about managing tough conversations and maintaining financial transparency and effective communication in his partnership with his wife, Stephanie. This conversation offers valuable insights for business leaders looking to elevate their leadership and maximize the impact of executive support. 6:41 Leadership Principles at Pro Assisting 13:12 The Role of Executive Assistants 16:28 Tough Conversations and Culture 23:47 Working Together: Business and Marriage 26:18 Conclusion: Insights on Leadership Redefining Executive Support In this episode, I sit down with Ethan Bull, Co-founder of ProAssisting, a company providing high-level fractional executive assistant (EA) services to businesses across the United States. We explore how ProAssisting differentiates itself from traditional virtual assistant services by focusing on top-tier talent capable of both strategic thinking and executive support. Ethan shares insights into their rigorous hiring process, emphasizing the importance of pairing clients with assistants who not only excel in administrative tasks but can also contribute to broader business strategy. This approach ensures productivity, long-term success, and meaningful partnerships between clients and their EAs. Respect and Relationships Mutual respect is at the heart of ProAssisting's culture. Ethan discusses how fostering respect between clients and assistants leads to stronger collaboration, higher satisfaction, and reduced churn. He explains the value of emotional and interpersonal intelligence in executive support, sharing examples of how assistants who prioritize empathy and understanding create more productive relationships. By aligning expectations and cultivating trust, clients and assistants can work together seamlessly, driving growth and enhancing organizational performance. Curiosity and Tough Conversations Curiosity is a cornerstone of effective leadership and executive support. Ethan emphasizes how asking thoughtful questions and actively seeking to understand client needs strengthen communication and alignment. We also dive into managing tough conversations, including how assistants can “manage up” and navigate shifting priorities while maintaining context and empathy. By approaching challenging discussions as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles, both assistants and executives can enhance collaboration, improve decision-making, and create a more resilient work environment. Lessons from Partnership Toward the end of the episode, Ethan shares insights from co-founding ProAssisting with his wife, Stephanie. He reflects on the importance of financial transparency, open communication, and structured processes in both business and personal partnerships. Their experience highlights the challenges and rewards of working closely with family while maintaining professional boundaries. Ethan's lessons provide practical guidance for business leaders looking to foster strong partnerships, whether with family, co-founders, or key team members, and underscore how these principles can enhance leadership effectiveness and organizational growth. Key Takeaways This episode offers a comprehensive look at how respect, curiosity, and open communication can elevate leadership, optimize executive support, and drive meaningful growth. Business leaders seeking actionable insights to refine their leadership style, strengthen client-assistant relationships, and maximize organizational impact will find this conversation particularly valuable.
Many leaders struggle with the difference between being tactical and being strategic. They spend their days firefighting and reacting to whatever comes up, leaving little time to think about the bigger picture.But strategic thinking isn't just for annual planning sessions—it's a skill that can and should be practiced regularly.Find the full show notes at: https://workmatters.com/Sharpen-Your-Strategic-Thinking--Todays-Essential-Leadership-Skill-with-Rich-Horwath
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Matt Ley about his new book Manage Your Gaps: Reclaiming the Awesomeness of Management. Matt challenges the myths and misunderstandings around management, explaining why clarity between contributors, managers, and leaders is key to organizational performance. You'll hear why he says managers are “multipliers” of value, how to recognize when you're being overled or overmanaged, and why he believes managers are not “junior leaders.” Matt introduces his EP!C Management model: Environment, Performance, Identity, and Communication. It's a tactical framework designed to help managers activate and optimize their teams. He also shares practical ideas for improving one-on-ones, measuring success, and even applying these same principles at home through the Four Cs: Care, Clarity, Consistency, and Communication. If you're looking for actionable insights to sharpen your management skills and strengthen your team's performance, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "The thing is, managers are zero value add." "Contribution is all about working in the business. Management's all about working on the business and leadership's all about working on the future." "A manager is someone who's titled with making sure that they're multiplying the value of that organization." "A leader's job is to look up and out. So their job is to define the new, whereas a manager's accountability is to look down and in. So their job is to refine the now." "If you're not doing one-on-ones on a regular, consistent basis? That to me is the beating drum and the heartbeat of management." "It's really hard to feel successful in something if you don't have two things. One, you need a definition of what you're doing. And you need a measurement of how you're doing against it." "We reflect on the different roles that we play, that we call four hats: our professional hat, our personal hat, our partner hat, and our professional parent." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:38 Start of Interview 02:00 Family Influence on Leadership 04:00 Career Journey to EP!C Model 07:20 Rethinking Roles as Spokes 09:40 Managers vs. Leaders 12:40 Over-Led or Over-Managed 15:20 Zero Value Add Concept 17:20 Introducing the EP!C Model 20:20 Identity in Management 22:20 One Practical Management Tip 24:00 Applying EP!C at Home 26:14 End of Interview 26:37 Andy Comments After the Interview Learn More You can learn more about Matt and his work at ManageYourGaps.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 363 with Roger Martin. Roger typically shows up in the Thinkers50 Top 10 and shares key management lessons that complement this discussion. Episode 47 with Henry Mintzberg. It's a candid, entertaining conversation with one of the most influential management thinkers of our time. Episode 11 with Susan Scott. Based on her book Fierce Leadership, this episode explores powerful communication and management lessons that still hold up today. Level Up Your AI Skills Join other listeners from around the world who are taking our AI Made Simple course to prepare for an AI-infused future. Just go to ai.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com. Thanks! Pass the PMP Exam This Year If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you, too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader–that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Topics: Leadership, Management, Role Clarity, Team Performance, Organizational Design, Communication, One-On-Ones, Change Management, Coaching, Strategic Thinking, Team Culture, Manager Development The following music was used for this episode: Music: The Fantastical Ferrett by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tropical Vibe by WinnieTheMoog License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Dr Ed Tick, internationally recognized educator, author and expert on the military, veterans, PTSD, Viet Nam, and the psychology, spirituality and history of global trauma, warrior traditions, and military-related issues. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestEdward Tick, PhD is a nonfiction writer and poet. He is a transformational healer, holistic psychotherapist, educator, consultant and international journey guide. Dr. Tick has been working to heal the invisible wounds of war and violent trauma for over forty years. He is honored for his groundbreaking work in the spiritual, holistic, and community-based healing of veterans and other survivors of severe violence who suffer Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and moral injury. He has published breakthrough books in this field, including the award-winning War and the Soul. His work introduced the ancient concept of soul wounding and how to heal it to our modern military, veteran and trauma studies worlds. Dr. Tick is an internationally recognized educator, author and expert on the military, veterans, PTSD, Viet Nam, and the psychology, spirituality and history of global trauma, warrior traditions, and military-related issues. For four decades he has conducted trainings, retreats and workshops across the country and overseas. He has trained staff, taught and worked with wounded warriors at major Department of Defense and Veteran Administration facilities and at colleges, universities, hospitals, health care and community centers across the country and overseas. Defense Dept. and VA facilities use his pioneering work and he has served as the US military's subject matter expert trainer on PTSD and Moral Injury for the past decade. Ed cofounded the nonprofit Soldier's Heart, Inc. with his partner Kate Dahlstedt and for 13 years served as its director from their national offices in Troy, New York. He now consults internationally on these issues. Links Mentioned During the EpisodeDr. Tick's Web SiteBooks by Dr. Tick Close Encounters in War Journal Healing a Soldier's Heart on PBSPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is a previous podcast episode on the topic of Moral Injury, episode 188 with Dr. Shira Maguen. In this episode, we discuss the diagnosis and treatment of Moral Injury as well as how the clinical community have come to understand the concept. You can find the resource here: https://psycharmor.org/podcast/dr-shira-maguen Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
Mastering Life Choices with Dr. Ali Asadi | The PEARL Model for Better Decision-Making | Dr. Foojan Zeine In this transformative conversation, Dr. Foojan Zeine sits down with Dr. Ali Asadi, author of "Mastering Life Choices", to explore his groundbreaking PEARL Model — a powerful framework for evaluating decisions using both emotional and logical reasoning. Together, they uncover how to navigate difficult choices, manage risk, avoid emotional bias, and even how AI can assist (but not replace) your decision-making process. This episode is packed with practical tools, psychological insights, and real-life examples that will help you make more thoughtful, impactful decisions in all areas of life — relationships, career, health, and beyond.
Show SummaryThis episode features a conversation with Kathleen Ellertson, the Founder and President of the Veteran Art Institute. The Veteran Art Institute is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit dedicated to honoring and empowering active-duty military and veterans through the arts.Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestKristin Saboe, PhD, is an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist that uses science and research to drive large-scale impact at the intersection of strategy, policy, and research. She is the Head of Employee Voice at Google, a professor at Georgetown University, and a U.S. Army Reserve futures innovation officer. Dr. Saboe previously led Employee Listening, Research, and Strategy at The Boeing Company. In this role she authored and led Boeing's talent strategy for veterans and military connected employees. Prior to this, she served as an Army Research Psychologist establishing strategy and policy for performance optimization, analytics, and talent management. She holds a PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, is a fellow of the American Psychological Association, Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and the Society for Military Psychology. She received the early career award from both the Society for Military Psychology and the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology and was recognized for her leadership impact by the President George W Bush Institute in 2019. She is co-editor of the book Military Veterans Employment: A Guide for the Data-Driven Leader and provides pro bono support leading Government Relations and Advocacy for the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology, as founding board member of the Military Psychology Foundation, and for several nonprofits.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeMilitary Veteran Employment: A Guide for the Data-Driven LeaderPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the previous episode in this MCON series, episode 236 with Air Force Veteran Chris Jachimiec, a dedicated speaker and proponent for suicide prevention based on his own experience as a suicide loss survivor You can find the resource here: https://psycharmor.org/podcast/chris-jachemic Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
When it comes to leading a team, there's no such thing as too much information.Good leadership is about good communication. And for General Stanley McChrystal, that means creating a culture of free-flowing information: “The goal is to have everyone know everything all the time,” he says.McChrystal is a retired four-star general, former commander of US and international forces in Afghanistan, and a renowned leadership expert. In his experience building cohesive teams in complex environments, he's discovered that successful teams are built on a “shared consciousness [where] all have a common contextual understanding of what the situation is.” The key to creating that kind of culture, he says, is radical transparency — from leaders and subordinates alike. Whatever your position, “You are responsible for informing other people of things that they need to know,” he says.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McChrystal and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to build shared consciousness within teams, how to communicate across cultural divides, and how to lead with clarity, context, and character.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:General Stanley McChrystalGeneral McChrystal's Books: On Character / Team of Teams155. Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly161. Do Your Homework: Know What to Say by Knowing Who You're Talking To Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:03) - Building Shared Consciousness (06:13) - Leading Across Differences (07:53) - Delivering Difficult News (10:18) - Communicating in a Virtual World (16:17) - Character as an Iterative Practice (18:27) - The Final Three Questions (23:23) - Conclusion ********This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Let Grammarly take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on high-impact work. Download Grammarly for free today Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.
Show SummaryThis episode features a conversation with Kathleen Ellertson, the Founder and President of the Veteran Art Institute. The Veteran Art Institute is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit dedicated to honoring and empowering active-duty military and veterans through the arts.Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestKathleen Ellertson is the dedicated Founder and President of the Veteran Art Institute (VAI). Inspired by her father, an Army Air Forces Veteran and WWII Bronze Star Medal recipient, Kathleen has channeled her lifelong passion for the arts into a mission to honor veterans through creative expression. With a BFA in Art History and years of experience curating veteran art exhibits, including a notable year-long exhibit at the Pentagon, Kathleen has established VAI as a platform for veterans to showcase their work both online and in local galleries. Since its inception in 2019, VAI has not only hosted numerous art exhibitions but has also cultivated a nurturing community where veteran artists can share their stories and find solace. Kathleen's unwavering dedication to giving back to the veteran community continues to drive her work, making a meaningful impact through art and advocacy.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeVeteran Art Institute Web Site PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Telling Your Story. Your experience in the United States military is one only you can tell and it's up to you how much you choose to share with others. In this course, four Veterans share their personal stories and offer insight. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-s-a-v-e Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families. You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com
Strategic planning is often seen as a senior leadership event, but this episode argues that everyone in the company has a role to play. Learn how to empower frontline employees to gather real-time market and industry intelligence that leaders miss. Discover how this constant flow of information can lead to earlier course corrections, prevent costly mistakes, and give your company a proactive advantage over being reactive. For more resources on developing leadership skills visit us at Revela. Where we've helped hundreds of executives lead productive teams and thriving organizations. This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.
In this episode of the Move the Ball podcast, host Jen Garrett kicks off a brand-new two-part solo series, The Power Performance Series: Energy, Focus & Execution at the Executive Level. Part 1, titled Energy Intelligence, explores how high-performing executives manage their energy—not just their time—to lead with clarity, endurance, and impact. Jen breaks down the four dimensions of energy—mental, emotional, physical, and environmental—and shares practical strategies, client stories, and executive insights to help you avoid burnout, sharpen your decision-making, and create sustainable momentum. Whether you’re leading teams, navigating high-pressure environments, or striving to elevate your performance, this episode shows you how to harness your energy as the true driver of executive success. Episode Highlights: Energy Intelligence as a Differentiator [4:18]Jen explains that energy intelligence—recognizing, protecting, and directing your personal energy—is what separates top leaders from the rest. The Five Energy Zones [8:02]The episode breaks down mental, emotional, physical, and environmental energy, with actionable advice for optimizing each zone. Burnout Prevention is Strategy, Not Self-Care [18:25]Jen reframes burnout prevention as a strategic system, not just self-care, emphasizing the importance of early warning signs and energy audits. Leadership Energy is Contagious [19:53]The energy you bring as a leader sets the tone for your team and environment—be intentional about the energy you transfer. IT'S TIME TO SHOW UP WITH CONFIDENCE, MAKE AN IMPACT, AND MOVE THE BALL: