Podcasts about team culture

In hour two, Mike & Jason continue to preview this morning's Canada Czechia matchup for Men's Hockey at the Olympics (3:00), plus they speak with former Seahawks kicker Stephen Hauschka (22:18) about how to build a good team culture, as well as it's importance. This podcast is produced by Andy Cole and Greg Balloch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Ryan Cottingham, the head coach of Spring Arbor University's men's basketball program, shared insights into his approach to building and sustaining a successful small college basketball program. He discussed the importance of creating a strong team culture based on core values of integrity, toughness, and unity, and highlighted various initiatives such as "Fun Week," leadership teams, and individual player meetings to foster this culture. Cottingham emphasized the role of player-led initiatives, regular recognition of individual achievements, and the involvement of parents in team activities to create a supportive environment. He also connected the program's success to its emphasis on developing players' decision-making skills and resilience, while maintaining a competitive yet respectful approach to the game.Episode Breakdown:02:17 Challenges and Rewards of Coaching at a Small College05:14 Core Values and Team Culture09:09 Preseason Fun Week13:31 Iron Teams and Leadership Development16:32 Culture Meetings and Heart and Head Sessions24:13 Circle of Trust: Building Team Unity28:44 The Power of Gratitude in Sports29:55 Individual Player Meetings: A Deeper Connection34:32 Service Projects: Giving Back to the Community38:50 Recognizing Excellence: Weekly Awards43:10 Post-Game Team Time with Parents45:32 Connecting Culture to On-Court Success

Episode Overview In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, Michael sits down with Ryan to explore one of the most persistent and underestimated leadership challenges: negative self-talk. The conversation centers on Ryan's newly released book on self-talk and team leadership, a seven-year project co-authored with Rhett Power and Susie Burke. What began as a belief that leaders could “defeat” negative self-talk evolved into a far more practical and honest conclusion: negative self-talk cannot be eliminated, but it can be managed. This realization shaped both the content of the book and its symbolism, including a cover that reflects the fragile, ever-present nature of our internal dialogue. For leaders navigating pressure, responsibility, and visibility, this episode reframes self-doubt not as a personal failure, but as a leadership skill gap that can be addressed with awareness and structure. Cracking Negative Self-Talk in Leadership Michael and Ryan unpack how internal dialogue directly influences leadership behavior and team culture. Leaders often assume they must project certainty at all times, but unresolved self-doubt frequently leaks into decision-making, communication, and trust. Ryan explains that the “monsters” of self-doubt live in every leader's head. The difference between effective and ineffective leadership is not the absence of these thoughts, but the ability to recognize and manage them before they shape actions and culture. For corporate leaders, founders, and people managers, the book's insights offer a language for understanding what is happening internally and why it matters externally. The Hidden Cost of Negative Self-Talk The discussion highlights how common negative self-talk truly is. Ryan references research suggesting the average person has roughly 6,200 thoughts per day, with the majority skewing negative. Left unchecked, these thoughts create a constant undercurrent of exhaustion, hesitation, and overthinking. Michael connects this to what he sees in burnout-driven leadership environments, where overthinking becomes normalized and decision fatigue spreads across teams. Leaders who struggle internally often unintentionally create cultures of second-guessing and fear. Recognizing negative self-talk is positioned not as self-indulgence, but as a leadership responsibility. Fear, Cognition, and Leadership Performance Fear emerges as a central theme in the conversation. Michael and Ryan explore how fear directly impairs cognitive performance, narrowing thinking, reducing creativity, and slowing decision-making. Ryan introduces the concept of “Edimentals,” a practical framework for addressing fear and negative self-talk. The process focuses on identifying the issue, understanding the internal “worry war,” and applying a three-step method: Catch the fear as it arises Confront it with clarity and logic Change the narrative before it drives behavior Rather than treating fear as weakness, both emphasize the importance of normalizing it. Leaders who acknowledge fear openly create safer, more resilient teams. Authentic Leadership in Times of Crisis Michael shares a personal story from the early days of the pandemic, when he abandoned a traditional reporting-style team meeting in favor of a human-centered conversation. Instead of metrics and updates, the focus shifted to personal challenges, uncertainty, and shared experience. That spontaneous decision became a turning point in building psychological safety and trust. The lesson was clear: authenticity in leadership is not a soft skill. It is a stabilizing force, especially during uncertainty. Leadership, Courage, and Human Connection The episode closes with a broader reflection on leadership and courage. Drawing from insights from Ryan's podcast, The Courageous, the conversation reframes courage as honesty rather than bravado. Both agree that sustainable leadership requires balancing strategy with humanity. Taking care of people is not separate from performance; it is the foundation of it. When leaders feel safe to be real, teams perform better, communicate more clearly, and navigate pressure with greater resilience. Listeners are encouraged to explore Ryan's work and resources for deeper guidance on courage, self-talk, and leadership under pressure. Key Takeaways Negative self-talk cannot be eliminated, but it can be managed Leaders' internal dialogue directly shapes team culture Fear reduces cognitive performance and spreads quickly through teams Normalizing fear builds trust and psychological safety Authentic leadership strengthens performance, especially in crisis Ryan shared his work through Courageous and inviting listeners to learn more at hedamentals.com and RyanBerman.com.

Stop using accountability as a weapon and start using it as a tool for growth. In this episode, JP Nerbun, Nate Sanderson, and Betsy Butterick break down why traditional "discipline" often fails and how to build a culture of mutual trust.Subscribe to join us for more discussions like this and go deeper with a FREE membership in the TOC Coach Community: https://www.skool.com/toccoachSubscribe to the Culture Toolbox Newsletter for the notes to this and every episode! https://tocculture.com/culture-toolbox Most coaches want accountability, but few know how to teach the actual communication skills athletes need to hold each other to a standard. We explore the "Trust Gap," the difference between punishment and outcomes, and a powerful story of how one athlete's confession transformed a team's culture.In this episode, we discuss:The Accountability Trap: Why athletes often have a negative association with the word and how to reframe it as "responsibility".   Skill vs. Fear: Why players don't speak up (hint: it's usually because they haven't been taught how).   Consistency is Key: How treating star players differently destroys team trust. Outcomes over Consequences: Shifting the language to emphasize player choice and education over compliance.   Building Mutual Trust: Practical ways to invite your players to hold you accountable as a leader.Chapters:0:00 – What coaches get wrong about accountability2:15 – Why athletes feel frustrated by "The Word"4:45 – The 3 things athletes need: Consistency, Clarity, and Skill7:30 – Accountability vs. Discipline vs. Feedback10:15 – Reframing "Consequences" to "Outcomes"13:40 – Deterrence vs. Grace: The "All-Boys School" example16:20 – A story of radical ownership: The athlete confession19:50 – How to build mutual trust with your players23:10 – Closing thoughts: Modeling the standard

Send a textOver the past few weeks, we've talked a lot about leadership, culture, and what really holds a salon together when things get difficult. But in this episode, we want to step back and explain something we realized while rebuilding our salon.Culture is not your branding.It's not your vibe.And it's not what you write on the wall.Culture is how your business behaves.In this episode, we introduce a simple five-mode leadership framework that explains how culture is created in real life, through operations, systems, leadership, strategy, and crisis. We walk through what each mode actually looks like inside a salon, how your team experiences your culture in each one, and why most salon owners only recognize two modes: daily operations and emergencies.We also share what it looked like to relocate our entire team from our building to another salon, and why that experience revealed more about our culture than any mission statement ever could.If you've ever struggled to clearly define your salon's culture, this framework will help you understand what's really shaping it and how to lead it intentionally.Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others.KEY TAKEAWAYCulture is how your business behaves, not how you describe it.Clients experience culture primarily through daily operations.Strong systems reduce guessing and build confidence for your team.Leadership creates psychological safety and accountability.Strategy creates stability, credibility, and alignment.Crisis reveals culture faster than any other situation.Most owners only operate in operations and crisis mode.Leaders must learn to shift between different modes intentionally.Written systems prevent frustration and miscommunication.Knowing what “mode” you are in changes how you lead.TIME STAMPS00:00 – Quick rebuild update + why this episode exists 01:30 – Jen's opening take: reacting with clients and protecting experience 04:00 – Todd's opening take: perspective and responsibility 06:30 – Culture is not branding or “vibe” 08:30 – Removing your team from your space reveals real culture 10:30 – What other salons and clients noticed about your team 12:30 – What clients actually say defines your culture 15:00 – Why culture shows most clearly when things go wrong 17:30 – Introducing the Five-Mode framework 18:30 – Mode 1: Operations 21:30 – Mode 2: Systems 24:45 – Mode 3: Leadership 27:45 – Mode 4: Strategy 31:30 – Mode 5: Crisis 35:00 – How the flood activated every mode 38:00 – Identifying what mode you're actually in 41:00 – Using the framework to stop reacting and start leading 43:30 – Closing thoughts + next stepsLinks and Stuff:Our Newsletter Mentoring InquiriesFind more of our things:InstagramHello Hair Pro Website

Description: Most painting business owners say they want freedom.But the way they run their week guarantees the opposite.In this Brush Busters episode, Coach Jesse and Coach Chris break down a simple truth that changes everything: rules create freedom. The owners who feel calm, profitable, and in control are not the ones with the most flexibility. They are the ones with the clearest boundaries.You'll hear why “winging it” turns into chaos, why your phone is quietly stealing your focus, and how one small habit before you walk into an estimate can instantly raise your presence and your close rate. Then they take it deeper into leadership, culture, and hiring: how to define non negotiables, set core values your team actually follows, and stop carrying fear around as the default setting.This is not mindset fluff. It's structure that gives you your life back.In this episode, you'll learn:Why flexibility without structure creates burnoutThe “leave it in the car” rule that changes your estimatesHow to protect your attention at work and at homeThe boundaries that stop your schedule from owning youHow to build core values and non negotiables your team can live byA simple way to replace fear with clarity and confidenceIf you've been trying to grow while feeling stretched thin, this episode will give you the reset.

Leading a top-producing Real Estate business requires more than just sales numbers; it demands elite Leadership Skills and the ability to drop the ego. If you are struggling with turnover or low morale, you might be unknowingly showing Signs of a bad manager without realizing it.In this episode, I break down the two specific motives for leading: Rewards-Based (the "King" mentality) vs. Responsibility-Based (the "Guide" mentality). We discuss why true Servant Leadership isn't about being nice or passive; it is about having the uncomfortable conversations necessary to build a thriving Team Culture.You will learn exactly How to correct and prevent employee mistakes by hearing a personal story of how I handled a $4,000 error my admin made. Instead of firing her, I used the principles of Extreme Ownership to build massive loyalty.In this episode, we cover:✅ Why most agents fail to scale a profitable Real Estate Team effectively✅ The critical difference between rewards-based and responsibility-based leadership✅ Deep insights on Patrick lencioni accountability strategies for modern teams✅ Why I recommend The motive book for every business owner✅ Practical steps to mastering Leadership Skills and building trust today

In the early days, culture just exists. The founder's in the building. Decisions are fast. Everyone knows why the business exists and how things get done. It's messy, but it works. But then the brand grows. Headcount increases. Layers appear. Process sneaks in. Suddenly, the thing that once felt like an advantage starts to feel fragile. Not broken, just thinner. Harder to rely on.Today's Playbook pulls together lessons from operators who've been through that exact moment and come out the other side. Not by trying to “protect the vibe”, but by treating culture like infrastructure: something that has to be designed, maintained, and occasionally rebuilt.In today's playbook:Why team culture usually breaks during change, not growthHow to build trust before introducing process and structureThe role of communication rituals in stabilising teams at scaleWhy measuring trust beats chasing engagement scoresHow calm leadership prevents culture from fracturing under pressureUsing team culture as a quality control mechanism as you scaleConnect with EmmaExplore Culture KingsCulture Kings' episodeBirdsnest's episodeThe Body Shop's episodeEcosa's episodeSMS us to request a guest!Support the showWant to level up your ecommerce game? Come hang out in the Add To Cart Community. We're talking deep dives, smart events, and real-world inspo for operators who are in it for the long haul. Connect with Nathan BushContact Add To CartJoin the Community

In this episode, Jamie sits down with Colin Stevens to talk about the difference between communicating and actually connecting. They unpack why teams can look successful on the outside but be disconnected on the inside, how adversity reveals character, and why connection always carries risk. You'll also learn the two types of respect, the quiet trust-killers that damage teams over time, and the three controllables—effort, attitude, and energy—that determine whether connection grows or dies. www.YourHealth.Org

Show Notes: Allain Roy shares that he left Harvard to become a professional hockey player, signing his first NHL contract out of college. He recalls winning the national championship in 1989 and the team's tradition of reuniting every 10 years. Al mentions attending Coach Clear's 90th birthday celebration and running into former teammates, Tim Burke, Kevin Sneddon, Rich DeFreitas, Brian McCormack and Greg Hess, along with Chuck Hughes at Harvard games. Participating in the 1994 Olympics Al discusses turning down an offer to play in Moscow before graduation and signing with the Winnipeg Jets. He played for the Canadian national team in the 1993-1994 season, traveling the world and participating in the 1994 Olympics. Al describes his experience at the Olympics, including the silver medal loss to Sweden in a shootout. He explains his decision to move on from professional hockey after a player strike and his involvement in various businesses with his ex-father-in-law. Working for the NHL Al talks about missing the game of hockey and deciding to get back into the sport either as a front office executive or an agent. He met Dennis Polanich, an agent, during an alumni game, leading to his purchase of a small agency in 2000. Al grew the agency into RSG Hockey and became an NHL certified agent for 26 years. He explains the services his firm provides, emphasizing the importance of hockey expertise and personalized services.   The Success of the NRX Hockey Model Al details the services offered by RSG Hockey, including tax advice, estate planning, investment management, and concierge services. He discusses the NRX Hockey platform, which provides holistic solutions for athletes outside of contract negotiations and endorsements. Al explains the integration of North Rock Partners' services into the NRX Hockey platform to create a comprehensive system for athletes. He highlights the success of the NRX Hockey model and its potential to expand to other sports. Financial Challenges Faced by Professional Athletes Al addresses the financial challenges faced by professional athletes, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy and pro habits. He provides an example of an average NHL salary and the need for athletes to plan for their post-career financial stability. Al explains the role of his firm in helping athletes manage their finances, including reviewing cash flow statements and planning for retirement. He discusses the psychological and emotional challenges of retirement for athletes and the importance of planning ahead. Culture Fit and Team Work Al talks about the importance of culture fit and teamwork in his firm, moving away from a traditional compensation system to a team-based approach. He describes the growth of his agency from two employees to nearly 20 in North America, with partners in Europe. Al emphasizes the need for deep hockey knowledge among his employees to better serve clients. He highlights the benefits of a team-oriented culture, including regular team calls and constant communication. The Impact of NIL Legislation Al discusses the impact of the National Image and Likeness (NIL) legislation on college sports, turning it into a de facto professional league. He explains the challenges of the open portal system, allowing athletes to switch schools without penalties. Al also talks about pay-to-play schemes and the need for better governance of NIL deals. He describes the role of his firm in advising athletes on fair market value and potential pitfalls in NIL contracts. Addressing Stigma and Anxiety Al shares his enjoyment of returning to campus, including attending Harvard-Dartmouth games and visiting Pinocchio's pizza. He mentions his two children, both graduates of TCU, and his workaholic lifestyle, including traveling for the Olympics. Al discusses his firm's mental health initiative, addressing the stigma and anxiety faced by athletes. He emphasizes the importance of mental health conversations and support for athletes transitioning to post-career life. Harvard Reflections Al reflects on his favorite classes at Harvard, including astronomy with Dr. Latham and Dr. Gingrich, and the History of Genocide. He shares the impact of hearing personal stories from professors who lived through significant historical events, including working on The Manhattan Project, and guest speakers who worked on the first atomic bomb and saw the testing, and from a former concentration camp prisoner who testified at Nuremberg trials. Al appreciates the passion and unique experiences of his professors, which made their classes memorable. He also mentions the excitement of attending classes by notable figures like Spike Lee. Timestamps: 00:02: Journey from Harvard to Professional Hockey  01:10: Early Professional Hockey Career  04:37: Transition to Agency Work 06:41: RSG Hockey Services and NRX Hockey Platform  11:18: Financial Management for Athletes  32:20: Building a Team Culture  36:30: Impact of NIL on College Sports  40:21: Personal Reflections and Mental Health Initiatives  43:23: Memorable Harvard Classes  Links: RSG Hockey: https://rsghockey.com/ Northrock: https://www.northrock-x.com/ Featured Non-profit: The featured non-profit of this week's is brought to you by Bill Cheng who reports: "Hi. I'm Bill Cheng, class of 1992. The featured nonprofit of this episode of The 92 report is Team Rubicon. Team Rubicon is a veteran led organization that provides disaster aid all around the world. It was started in 2010 by a Marine veteran who is spurred by the devastation of the Haiti earthquake to bring a team of seven for hands-on support, and has since grown to become a major global relief organization. I first learned about it from my best friend who served in the Army and have donated annually in his honor. You can learn more about their work at Team Rubicon usa.org, and now here's Will Bachman with this week's episode." To learn more about their work, visit: TeamRubiconUSA.org.  This episode on The 92 Report: https://92report.com/?post_type=podcast&p=1893&preview=true *AI generated show notes and transcript  

You can write a glorious job add and have a killer interview process but if the vibe in your shop isn't conducive and attractive to top candidates they won't hire you as their employer plus how your technicians darting out to the front desk could be damaging your bottom line. Whispering Loudly, The Workshop Whisperer's Podcast. Thanks to Titanium Sponsor, Mechanic Desk and Diamond Sponsor Ventavid. Find out more about the Workshop Whisperer - https://workshopwhisperer.com/ Want to find out how The Workshop Whisperer team can help put your auto repair shop on the path to business success? Head to https://www.workshopwhisperer.com/whisperingloudly to claim your free Workshop Success Session with the team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I had girls come up to me and say, 'I haven't had my period in X amount of time, how do I get it back?'" Gracen Key, head coach for the Women's Distance program at Fort Lewis College (FLC) in Durango CO joins us to talk about creating a team culture where athletes feel comfortable asking questions like that.  Key joined FLC about two years ago, and is working hard to create a team cuture that celebrates fueling, regular periods, and self expression. After struggling with injuries, and eventually having surgery for a severe hip labrum tear, her personal athletic career seemed over but she was drawn to coaching by mentors in the sport. She's been at three programs so far, and feels strongly about her athletes having regular periods, eating enough, and performing in a way that feels best for them.  We got to bring a Lane 9 workshop to her team last year, and wanted to reconnect with Key to learn more about her coaching philosophies and approach. We hope it's helpful for you, too!  If you're looking for sports nutriton and marathon fueling support for your next training cycle, and/or a coach informed in REDs and women's health, go to our Lane 9 Women's Sport and Health Directory at lane9project.org/directory.  Follow Lane 9 on IG @Lane9Project, and contact us anytime via Lane9project.org

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This week, it’s all about implementation. After weeks of exploring community, culture, values, and visibility, Stacey brings everything together with a simple challenge: what’s the one thing you’re actually going to do? In this wrap-up episode of the Turning Culture Into Capital series, Stacey shares three practical, powerful steps you can take right now to bring your culture to life and make a real impact—without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll learn: ✨ How to define your mission, vision, and values—and why they matter✨ How to create action statements that guide hiring, leadership, and decision-making✨ The difference between visibility and impact—and how to choose a strategy that suits your current season✨ Why you don’t need a big budget (or a full team) to make a big difference✨ How to delegate, get creative, and take just one small step towards community connection Plus, Stacey shares real examples from her own early business journey (hello, sausage sizzles and walking laps while pregnant!)—reminding us that what matters most is starting where you are.

In this episode, Jen Kha, Head of Investor Relations, and David George, General Partner, discuss how late-stage private markets are evolving as AI reshapes scale, capital intensity, and growth timelines. They explain why AI-driven companies are staying private longer, how infrastructure spending is changing return profiles, and what this moment means for durability, value creation, and long-term outcomes in private markets.Timecodes:0:00 — Introduction04:21 — The Market Opportunity for AI26:48 — Pricing, Monetization, and Cash Burn43:15 — Companies Staying Private Longer51:30 — Portfolio Composition and Construction57:18 — Team Culture and Collaboration Resources:Follow Jen Kha on X: https://x.com/jkhamehlFollow David George on X: https://x.com/DavidGeorge83 Stay Updated:If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your friends!Find a16z on X: https://x.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zListen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYXListen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergNot an offer or solicitation. None of the information herein should be taken as investment advice; Some of the companies mentioned are portfolio companies of a16z. Please see https://a16z.com/disclosures/ for more information.  A list of investments made by a16z is available at https://a16z.com/portfolio. Stay Updated:Find a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Show on SpotifyListen to the a16z Show on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Ivoclar (AND US!) this February at LMT Lab Day in Chicago. Ivoclar will be offering 16 different educational lectures over the three-day event, giving dental professionals plenty of opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Visit labday.com/Ivoclar to view the full schedule and register, and be sure to stop by and see the Ivoclar team in the Windy City. Walking the Lab Day Chicago floor? Make it worth it. Stop by the FOLLOW-ME! hyperDENT booth (E-27, East Hall) and take part in their Milling Roadmap—a quick, scavenger-hunt-style activity that leads you to key milling partners like Axsys, Imagine, DOF, and Roland. Collect stamps at booths you're likely visiting anyway and get entered to win some great giveaways—including this year's grand prize: a foldable Honda electric scooter. You're already walking the floor. Now it might carry you. We welcome back longtime friend of the podcast John Wilson of Sunrise Dental Lab, returning for the first time since 2021—and this time as a fellow podcaster himself. What starts as a warm reunion quickly turns into a deep, honest conversation about passion, purpose, integrity, and what it really takes to survive (and stay sane) in today's dental lab world. John reflects on the evolution of his lab, sharing why he made the intentional decision not to chase endless growth, but instead to protect his team, his values, and his love for the craft. He talks candidly about “yesterday thinking,” adapting to digital dentistry without abandoning fundamentals, and why aligning with the right clients—not just more clients—changed everything. The discussion dives into what true lab–doctor partnerships look like, why trust is earned (not given), and how saying “no” can sometimes be the most powerful business decision you make. John also explains why single units matter just as much as full-arch cases, how education keeps technicians relevant, and why racing to the bottom on price is a losing game. Later, the conversation turns personal as John shares the inspiration behind his new solo podcast, Margins & Meaning—a storytelling-driven project created to document his journey, connect with technicians who feel alone, and leave something meaningful behind for the next generation. He opens up about legacy, creativity, fear, change, and why being heard matters just as much as having something to say. Join us at exocad Insights 2026, happening April 30–May 1, 2026, on the stunning island of Mallorca, Spain. This two-day event features powerhouse keynotes, hands-on workshops, live software demos, and top-tier industry showcases—all in one unforgettable setting. Barb and Elvis will be on site bringing you exclusive interviews, plus don't miss the Women in Dentistry Lunch, celebrating career growth, wellbeing, and the real stories shaping our profession. And of course, cap it all off with the legendary exoGlam Night under the stars. Tickets are limited. Visit exocad.com/insights-2026 and use code VFTBPalma15 for 15% off.Special Guest: John Wilson.

Thinking about moving or expanding your clinic - but unsure if the location, timing, or cost will really pay off? In this episode of the Grow Your Clinic podcast, Ben sits down with Bec Claire to break down what actually goes into a successful clinic relocation and new location launch. Drawing from Bec's recent move from a home-based clinic to a high-traffic shopping centre, they unpack why location and accessibility matter more than most clinic owners realise, how to use foot traffic to build brand trust, and what it takes to fill your books fast in a new market. You'll hear practical insights on launch marketing, financial planning, project management, clinic design, and training your client care team to turn walk-bys into long-term patients. If you're considering a clinic move or second location - and want to avoid costly mistakes while setting yourself up for rapid growth - this episode gives you a real-world roadmap.Need to systemise your clinic? Start your free trial of Allie! https://www.allieclinics.com/ In This Episode You'll Learn: 

Trae Dauby from Evansville, Indiana, details his journey in real estate, beginning in 2014. Transitioning from a background in construction to real estate, Trae grew his business from one sale to over 400 annually. He shares insights on building a supportive team and investing in strategic coaching. As the leader of Doby Real Estate, Trae's emphasis on work ethic, culture, and agent support stands out while discussing his partnership with Place and expansion plans. This episode offers valuable lessons on achieving significant growth in real estate. Connect with Trae at https://www.daubyrealestate.com/ ---------- Be sure to leave a rating and review and don't forget to go to www.builthow.com and register for our next live or virtual event. Part of the Win Make Give Podcast Network

Ready to take your community connection to the next level? This episode is for you if you've got a bit more budget, a bit more bandwidth, and you're looking for bold ways to make a big impact. In this final instalment of the Turning Culture Into Capital series, Stacey explores the high-time, high-investment strategies that build lasting visibility, loyalty, and brand momentum. From gala dinners to major fundraisers and sponsorships, these ideas are all about turning generosity into genuine growth—for your business and your community. You’ll learn: ✨ Why big events can pay off in big ways—when they align with your values and capacity✨ Real-life stories of Stacey’s $25K fundraising journey (and the ribs, rugby, and face paint that made it magic)✨ How to choose causes that matter to your team and your customers✨ The value of sponsoring vs. hosting—and why both can elevate your brand✨ How to avoid burnout by finding the right rhythm and capacity for your business✨ Why strategic community investment isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s a powerful business driver

Sales team culture building is what turns sales strategy for B2B into real performance - not tools, not talk, and not one-off initiatives. This episode explores how leaders build organizational culture that actually executes. On the B2B Sales Trends Podcast, host Harry Kendlbacher sits down with Susana Klotz, VP of Global New Client Acquisition at Kaseya, to unpack how high-performing sales teams move from process to performance by obsessing over culture, habits, and the buyer journey. This is a standout conversation from our archive - resurfaced because its lessons remain highly relevant for today's B2B leaders.

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In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, we sit down with Ozzie Parente, head boys soccer coach at the Taft School and associate dean of students. Ozzie shares his journey from growing up in Connecticut to becoming a multifaceted leader in a boarding school environment. He discusses the importance of building team culture, forming meaningful relationships with players, and redefining adversity. Ozzie also covers his coaching experiences across different sports and how these have informed his approach to coaching varsity soccer. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the values of selflessness, humility, and community in sports.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:08 Ozzie's Early Life and Passion for Sports01:57 College Years and Initial Career Path03:25 First Job at Taft School04:22 Mentorship and Early Coaching Experiences05:53 Life in New Haven and Taft School Culture07:38 Coaching Philosophy and Evolution11:58 Balancing Multiple Roles and Family Life16:29 Experimentation and Learning as a Coach19:07 Challenges and Realizations as a Head Coach22:24 Exploring the Concept of Culture in Teams23:20 Building a Strong Team Culture24:36 Traditions and Practices that Unite Teams26:56 The Importance of Recognizing Individual Contributions32:01 The Role of Coaches Beyond the Field40:05 Redefining Adversity and Team Support43:43 Concluding Thoughts on Team Culture and Support

In this episode, we sit down with Carl Mattsson, VP & GM EMEA at Kong, to discuss one of the most remarkable scaling journeys in the industry. Carl joined Kong when it was at just $1M ARR in the EMEA market and has since spearheaded its growth to nearly $100M ARR. We explore the unique sales principles that shaped the organization, the "heart surrounded by science" culture, and how Carl navigated the transition from a single-product company to a dominant AI-governance platform. Carl also shares the incredible story of a founder's personal commitment that kept him at the company during a critical turning point.

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Lynn Smith, former NBC News, MSNBC, and CNN Headline News anchor, executive communication coach, and author of Just Keep Going. Lynn is best known for helping Fortune 500 leaders turn pressure into presence, but her newest book takes an unexpected form: a children's story about fear, resilience, and perseverance. That surprising choice is exactly what makes this conversation so relevant for leaders. Andy and Lynn explore why the same fears that stop CEOs are often the ones that show up in kids, how our inner critic or "Brain Bully" shapes behavior under pressure, and why the goal is not to eliminate fear but to metabolize it. Lynn shares deeply personal stories about rejection, family influence, and the lessons she learned growing up that shaped her approach to leadership and communication. You'll also hear practical techniques leaders can use to calm their nervous systems, give feedback that actually helps instead of harms, and model resilience for their teams and families. If you lead people or projects and want practical insights on emotional intelligence, confidence, and navigating fear, this episode is for you. Sound Bites "The one trait and the one skill that separates us from success is resilience. If you can acquire that skill, you will be successful. Hard stop." "Your greatest failure can be in service of somebody else." "We are biologically wired for fear. Trying to delete it is a fool's journey." "Bravery is doing something even if you are afraid." "How you show up within one tenth of a second is defining you for your audience." "Feedback leads to growth. Criticism feeds the brain bully." "When we calm our nervous system, we can make better decisions." "There's a mouse in all of us that needs the reminder to just keep going." "Ending what doesn't serve you is not quitting." "Fear often shows up as stress, pressure, or imposter syndrome, but it's the same circuitry." "Resilience is the greatest gift we can give our kids and our teams." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Start of Interview 01:55 Family Influence and Early Experiences 06:45 Recognizing the Brain Bully 12:28 Learning Resilience Over Time 14:08 Giving Feedback That Helps Instead of Hurts 15:50 Metabolizing Fear Instead of Eliminating It 20:05 Rejection and the Origin of the Book 23:00 Strategies from the Book for Big Feelings 26:15 The Business Equivalent of Jumping Up and Down 28:50 When Just Keep Going Does Not Apply 31:50 How Lynn and Her Team Help Leaders 34:10 End of Interview 34:47 Andy Comments After the Interview 37:30 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Lynn and her work at LynnSmith.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 462 with Margie Warrell, about going from playing it safe to speaking up. Episode 397 with Dr. Julia DiGangi, a discussion Andy continues to revisit for practical insights. Episode 394 with Joshua Freedman, one of the leading voices on emotional intelligence. Level Up Your AI Skills During the episode, Andy mentions the importance of preparing for an AI-infused future. Join other listeners from around the world who are taking our AI Made Simple course. Just go to ai.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com. Thanks! 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 a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. 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 leaders committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than five minutes a week, and it's all free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, Fear Management, Communication Skills, Executive Presence, Feedback, Confidence, Self Leadership, Team Culture, Project Leadership The following music was used for this episode: Music: Summer Awakening by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tuesday by Sasha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

You don’t need a massive marketing budget or a whole team to make a meaningful impact in your community. You just need intention, alignment, and a few smart strategies. In this episode, Stacey continues the Turning Culture Into Capital series by breaking down low-budget, high-impact ways to get visible, build relationships, and contribute to your community—without burning yourself out (or breaking the bank). You’ll learn: ✨ The best low-budget, low-time ideas (hint: T-shirt sponsorships and raffle donations still go a long way)✨ Creative low-budget, high-time opportunities to grow your presence and influence—from joining a local board to hosting networking events✨ Why your contributions don’t always need to be flashy—they just need to be intentional✨ Real talk on choosing opportunities that align with your strengths (not your nightmares)✨ How awards, volunteering, and showing up locally can skyrocket your brand credibility Whether you’ve got $20 or two hours to spare, this episode will help you find a starting point that feels aligned and sustainable—so you can start building real community capital your way.

Moravian's Lizzie Lustig shares how service, humility, and team-first leadership have shaped her journey. As a Kay Yow Servant Leader nominee, Lizzie reflects on how athletes can inspire communities. Support the mission at www.KayYow.com

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with James Davies about how to evolve your style when your team, culture, or market changes. James Davies is the Chief Executive Officer of Kinetic Data, a Minneapolis-based software company focused on empowering organizations to deliver unified digital experiences across complex technology ecosystems. With over a decade at Kinetic, James has helped evolve the company from its workflow roots into a leader in digital experience platforms serving both enterprise and government sectors. Before assuming the CEO role, James served in multiple operational and leadership capacities, shaping the company's growth strategy, culture, and partner ecosystem. Under his leadership, Kinetic Data reorganized around four key pillars—Growth, Product, Success, and Operations—creating an agile, scalable structure designed to drive collaboration and efficiency. James is known for his transparent and people-first leadership style, often communicating directly with employees through his “Friday Thoughts” updates—open reflections on company direction, lessons learned, and team progress. His approach blends operational discipline with an emphasis on empowerment and trust, traits that have earned him recognition for cultivating both performance and authenticity inside growing tech organizations An advocate for sustainable growth and innovation, James is passionate about bridging the gap between legacy systems and modern experiences—particularly within government and large-scale enterprises. He also champions the “low-code revolution,” believing that empowering small teams to build and adapt workflows quickly is key to organizational agility. A graduate of James Madison University, James credits his alma mater with shaping his collaborative, team-first mindset. Outside of work, he's known for drawing leadership parallels to his love of restoring classic Toyota Land Cruisers—symbols, to him, of durability, reliability, and purpose-driven engineering. Check out all of the podcasts in the HCI Podcast Network!

This episode of SANDCAST: Beach Volleyball with Tri Bourne and Travis Mewhirter features the Coaching Your Brains Out crew: John Mayer of LMU Beach Volleyball and Billy Allen of Stanford Beach Volleyball. Chapters with the Coach Your Brains Out Crew 00:00 Coaching Reflections and Achievements 03:06 Building Team Culture and Relationships 05:57 Practice Dynamics and Coaching Strategies 09:01 Feedback and Player Engagement 12:01 Exploring New Techniques and Learning 15:06 The Importance of Trust and Psychological Safety 18:11 The Role of Technique in Performance 21:02 Cultural Dynamics in Coaching 23:55 The Concept of Mudita in Team Success SHOOTS! *** WE'VE GOT MERCH! Check it out here!! Get 20 PERCENT off all Wilson products with our code, SANDCAST-20. https://www.wilson.com/en-us/volleyball Get 10 PERCENT OFF VBTV using our discount code, SANDCAST10 Want to get better at beach volleyball? Use our discount code, SANDCAST, and get 10 percent off all Better at Beach products!  If you want to receive our SANDCAST weekly newsletter, the Beach Volleyball Digest, which dishes all the biggest news in beach volleyball in one quick newsletter, head over to our website and subscribe! We'd love to have ya! https://www.sandcastvolleyball.com/  

In this episode, George is joined by Jon Yu to discuss various aspects of basketball coaching, focusing on the challenges faced by coaches, the importance of skill development versus technique, and the implementation of conceptual offense. They explore the dynamics of small-sided games, the significance of spacing and creating advantages, and share transformative tips for coaches to enhance their practice environments. Chapters: 01:00 – Taking Over a Varsity Program with Limited Resources 03:30 – Installing Principles of Play with Limited Practice Time 05:30 – Building Buy-In, Competition, and Team Culture 07:00 – Rethinking Pass-and-Cut and Teaching Spacing 10:00 – Defense, Closeouts, and Playing the Percentages 11:30 – Skill vs. Technique in Player Development 14:30 – The Form Shooting Debate and Motor Learning 18:30 – Structure vs. Chaos in Conceptual Offense 21:30 – Sets, Triggers, and When to Break Structure 26:00 – Designing Small-Sided Games and Constraints 29:30 – Scouting, Predictability, and Offensive Adaptability 31:30 – Physicality, Shield Tag, and Managing “Bad Habits” 35:30 – Transformative Tip Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

You’re already doing great things in your business—but are people seeing it? In this episode, Stacey continues the Turning Culture Into Capital series with a strategic (and deeply encouraging) look at how to make your community engagement visible—so your investment of time, money, and energy doesn’t go unnoticed. Because giving back isn’t just a feel-good bonus. When done well, it’s a business growth strategy that attracts loyal customers, dream team members, and powerful brand awareness. You’ll learn: ✨ How to make sure your community contributions are seen, celebrated, and shared✨ The ROI of visibility—why your fruit shop loyalty might be all about more than just apples✨ Smart ways to build brand awareness through sponsorships, local media, and partnerships✨ How to delegate visibility (hint: promote your most outgoing team member!)✨ Why alignment, not obligation, should drive your community involvement✨ What to avoid when choosing where and how to give back (including that 3am regret shift!) Plus, Stacey shares real stories from her own business and clients—reminding you that when you're strategic and values-aligned, your community investment won’t just feel good… it’ll pay off.

The Celtics got back home and took care of business against a hapless Bulls team. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White struggled, but Payton Pritchard, Anfernee Simons, and others picked up the slack. Chud and Doug break it all down, dive into the latest Trae Young trade rumors, show some love to Dillon "the Villain" Brooks, discuss the recent struggles of the Thunder, and much more!Follow the show on Twitter/X:@ChuddysCorner@KingChuddy@Doug_Outs@_nickpirainoSHOP OUR STORE at ChuddysCorner.com/storeLeave us a voicemail at ChuddysCorner.comLike, subscribe, and rate the podcast!00:00 Celtics' Recent Performance Overview02:54 Key Player Contributions and Game Dynamics06:03 Coaching Strategies and Lineup Adjustments08:57 Team Culture and Leadership Insights12:01 Looking Ahead: Future Prospects and Player Development19:50 The Impact of Tatum's Injury22:47 Reimagining Tatum's Role25:51 Team Dynamics and Future Prospects27:53 Game Reflections and Performance29:53 The Trae Young Trade Market and Player Value41:58 The Kings and Wizards: A Tale of Two Teams44:10 Dillon Brooks: The Unsung Hero47:46 The Phoenix Suns: A New Identity50:03 The Parity in the NBA: A Shift in Dynamics52:41 The Denver Nuggets: Injury Woes and Upcoming Challenges

In this first ever Leadership Bites conversation between Guy Bloom and Jamie MacPherson, two long time colleagues finally press record and get into what sits underneath the glossy talk of culture. They explore a blunt question: can the promise of a great culture ever meet expectations, or does it always fall short once real people, real pressure, and real leaders show up. They unpack the gap between the marketing story and the lived experience, the hidden corridor culture that never makes the posters, and the reality that most organisations do not have one culture at all but many, shaped by local leaders and daily interactions. Jamie frames culture as the aggregation of every interaction and offers three simple tests that cut through the noise: do interactions leave people clearer, more interested, and learning. Guy adds a hard edge to that with survival versus contribution, where people are either performing to stay safe or showing up with enough trust to offer half formed ideas, challenge, and honesty. They also tackle the uncomfortable truth of culture programmes: if you raise awareness and set a standard, you create a new lens people will judge the organisation by. If leadership cannot live it, the disappointment gets louder. Great culture is not Nirvana. It is averages, peaks and troughs, small behaviours done consistently, and the craft of leadership at senior level, where the work is granular, deliberate, and owned from the top. A candid, funny, reality based conversation about what culture really is, what it is for, and why the promise only becomes real when leaders have the courage to be specific, accountable, and human. 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Bites03:22 Exploring Culture and Performance06:25 The Promise of a Great Culture09:10 Defining Culture and Its Purpose12:27 Interactions Shape Culture15:15 Survival vs. Contribution in Culture18:26 Navigating Fear and Anxiety in the Workplace21:05 Setting Realistic Expectations for Culture24:36 The Pursuit of Realistic Standards25:54 Understanding Happiness in High-Performance Cultures29:46 The Difference Between Enjoyment and Satisfaction31:06 Reevaluating Expectations in Organizational Culture33:29 The Importance of Listening in Leadership36:39 Managing Expectations and Reality in Culture Change40:02 Crafting a Culture of Continuous Improvement43:03 Defining Specific Behavioral Expectations48:51 Embedding Change for Sustainable CultureTo find out more about Guy Bloom and his award winning work in Team Coaching, Leadership Development and Executive Coaching click below.The link to everything CLICK HEREUK: 07827 953814Email: guybloom@livingbrave.com Web: www.livingbrave.com

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Joel Hilchey, speaker, facilitator, and author of The 6½ Habits of Highly Defective Bosses. Joel brings humor, honesty, and a refreshing amount of grace to a topic many leaders quietly struggle with: becoming a boss without training, preparation, or a clear roadmap. Andy and Joel explore what it really means to be an "accidental boss" and why most bad bosses are not bad people. They unpack the four quadrants every leader must balance: tasks vs. people and short-term vs. long-term, and why focusing only on tasks can quietly erode trust and engagement. You'll hear practical ideas for avoiding mediocrity mongering, removing everyday hassles that drain teams, and providing clarity instead of whiplash leadership. The conversation also touches on why aiming to be "less terrible" is a surprisingly powerful leadership goal, how recognition can become a force multiplier, and why lessons from leadership often show up at home as well. If you're leading projects or people and want practical, human-centered ways to become a better boss one step at a time, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "Most bad bosses are actually good people with bad ideas." "If you focus only on tasks, people will hate working for you." "People don't expect perfection from their boss, but they do expect effort." "Recognition is one of the highest leverage tools a leader has." "The essence of strategy is saying no." "Be a lighthouse for your team, not a disco ball." "If you notice yourself getting frustrated that people are doing stuff that's off task or that feels off task to you, like why is this person taking time to do that? That's on you as the leader to say, oh, I must not have made this strategy clear." "You can spend the money without asking, but you must tell me you spent it next time we meet." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:08 Start of Interview 02:20 Becoming an Accidental Boss 07:10 The Four Leadership Quadrants 12:10 Warning Signs You Are Neglecting People 15:15 When Task Focus Goes Too Far 21:24 Mediocrity Mongering and Good Enough Work 25:47 The Value of a Crappy First Draft 30:00 Removing Hassles from Team Work 35:30 Lighthouse vs. Disco Ball Leadership 39:40 Why Being 'Less Terrible' Matters 45:40 Applying Leadership Lessons at Home 48:31 End of Interview 49:15 Andy Comments After the Interview 52:38 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Joel and his work at JoelHilchey.com. Make sure to try the complimentary assessment Joel refers to in the interview. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 468 with James Turk. It's a practical discussion about what to do when you are suddenly in charge. Episode 467 with Sabina Nawaz, former executive coach to Bill Gates, sharing insights on what no one usually tells you about becoming the boss. Episode 419 with Molly McGrath. Her book focuses on fixing your boss, but it almost always inspires listeners to become better leaders themselves. Level Up Your AI Skills During the episode, Andy mentioned our AI Made Simple class. Join listeners from around the world who are learning how 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: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, People Management, Accidental Managers, Team Culture, Recognition, Project Leadership, Manager Development, Communication, Prioritization, 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

​If you're ready to take your emotional growth to the next level, join the EQ Mafia at https://www.eqgangster.com/.

This week, you've got two episodes in one! Both were recorded live on stage at Unlock by Zillow in November 2025. The first half takes you inside Hiller Group on Florida's Emerald Coast and Opt Real Estate in Portland, Oregon.MARK HILLERFinding and empowering the right person allowed Mark to double production as a solo agent, start a real estate team, and set it up to scale. He shares lessons from that person and process, explains how he preserved profits as his housing market slowed to a halt, and gives you specific tips for working successfully with virtual assistants.Go inside Hiller Group, a 12-agent, 5-staff, 8-VA team in Niceville, Florida.Watch or listen for insights from Mark on:What allowed him to double his transaction count and start his teamSpecific things his Director of Operations did to set them up to double agent count without adding any additional costHow they successfully integrated 8 VAs into their organization and how they're taskedWhy quarter-to-quarter planning makes more sense for his team than annual planningHow he preserved profit while losing 100 transactions as the housing market halted back in 2022A top takeaway for you: “You can't scale chaos. Get your people aligned and watch the business become fun again.”His top takeaway from Unlock (standards!)DREW COLEMANOpt Real Estate is a 100-person company on pace to for 1,000 transactions and more than $500M in sales. But for Founder Drew Coleman, that's not a goal - it's an outcome of a dedication to “fabled service” for agents and their clients.Be sure to listen for a great Olympics metaphor that serves as an important reminder and even a caution about recruiting and retention!Watch or listen for insights from Drew on:His goal of becoming “the best brokerage that's ever existed,” how it's like a team, and what “best” meansWho's successful in the Opt systemThe transformative nature of FUB's open API and how tools like Sisu, Rokrbox, StackWrap, and HouseWhisper helpThe value of in-house and offshore talentWhat they walk agents through for annual business planningAn AI solution they're working on for 2026A top takeaway for you: “Success requires two things: a path for agents to grow and a culture that fuels, not drains, their momentum.”His top takeaway from Unlock (Zillow Pro!)Team Bot (free, always on):→ https://realestateteamos.com/botConnect with Mark Hiller:→ https://www.instagram.com/markhillerflConnect with Drew Coleman:→ https://www.instagram.com/drewcoleman→ (503) 351 3739Connect with Real Estate Team OS→ https://www.realestateteamos.com→ https://linktr.ee/realestateteamos→ https://www.instagram.com/realestateteamos/

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with comedian and corporate emcee Adam Christing, author of The Laughter Factor: The 5 Humor Tactics to Link, Lift, and Lead. If you have ever hesitated to use humor at work because you were unsure it would land, or worried it might backfire, this conversation offers both encouragement and a practical path forward. Adam shares how his early influences shaped his approach to humor and why he believes every human is also a "humor being." You will hear why humor is more than chasing chuckles, including how it can build trust, improve learning, and strengthen relationships on teams. Adam introduces the concept of "laugh languages" and walks through examples such as Surprise and Poke, along with guidance on how to tease without crossing the line. They also discuss tailoring humor across cultures and how leaders can bring the laughter factor home with their families. If you are looking for practical insights on leading with humor, building trust, and bringing more humanity into your projects and teams, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "If you're a human being, you are also a humor being, and I would say not only do you have a sense of humor, but a sense of humor has you." "The audience is actually, whether it's three people or 300, they're actually rooting for you." "They don't want to be bored. They want to be entertained." "When we think back on the things that have made us laugh the most, it's often the flops that are the funniest." "They won't trust your humor until you do." "There's a saying in show business, 'funny is money'." "I really believe that humor is a bridge that helps you connect heart to heart with other people." "You're a leader. You need to be the one building trust." "Humor is a shortcut to trust." "Leaders help their people learn with laughter." "Increase your LPMs: laughs per meeting." "If in doubt, leave it out." "Every meeting really should be a party with a purpose." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:43 Start of Interview 03:38 Adam's Backstory and Early Influences 05:23 "I'm Not Funny" and the Confidence Barrier 10:36 Why Humor Is More Than Just Chuckles 16:00 The Laughter Factor Explained 18:10 Laugh Languages and the Power of Surprise 21:09 Poke: Teasing Without Crossing the Line 24:42 Using Humor Across Cultures 30:14 How You Know the Laughter Factor Is Working 32:17 Developing a Laughter Factor at Home 34:25 End of Interview 34:55 Andy Comments After the Interview 38:02 Outtakes Learn More Get a copy of Adam's book The Laughter Factor: The 5 Humor Tactics to Link, Lift, and Lead. You can learn more about Adam and his work at TheLaughterFactor.com. While you are there, check out the short questionnaire to discover your laugh language. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 316 with Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas. They are completely on this theme of humor being a strategic ability for leaders and teams. Episode 109 with Peter McGraw. Peter breaks down what makes something funny based on his book The Humor Code, an episode Andy still calls back to today. Episode 485 with John Krewson, a conversation about lessons from sketch comedy that nicely reinforce ideas from today's episode. 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 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: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Humor At Work, Trust Building, Communication, Team Culture, Psychological Safety, Cross-Cultural Leadership, Meeting Facilitation, Emotional Intelligence, Influence, Learning And Development, People Management, Project Management The following music was used for this episode: Music: The Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

This is the Engineering Culture Podcast, from the people behind InfoQ.com and the QCon conferences. In this podcast, Shane Hastie, Lead Editor for Culture & Methods, spoke to Gilad Shoham about building effective mentorship relationships, leading fully distributed teams and the evolving role of developers in an AI-augmented future. Read a transcript of this interview: https://bit.ly/3L8r7tm Subscribe to the Software Architects' Newsletter for your monthly guide to the essential news and experience from industry peers on emerging patterns and technologies: https://www.infoq.com/software-architects-newsletter Upcoming Events: QCon London 2026 (March 16-19, 2026) QCon London equips senior engineers, architects, and technical leaders with trusted, practical insights to lead the change in software development. Get real-world solutions and leadership strategies from senior software practitioners defining current trends and solving today's toughest software challenges. https://qconlondon.com/ QCon AI Boston 2026 (June 1-2, 2026) Learn how real teams are accelerating the entire software lifecycle with AI. https://boston.qcon.ai The InfoQ Podcasts: Weekly inspiration to drive innovation and build great teams from senior software leaders. Listen to all our podcasts and read interview transcripts: - The InfoQ Podcast https://www.infoq.com/podcasts/ - Engineering Culture Podcast by InfoQ https://www.infoq.com/podcasts/#engineering_culture - Generally AI: https://www.infoq.com/generally-ai-podcast/ Follow InfoQ: - Mastodon: https://techhub.social/@infoq - X: https://x.com/InfoQ?from=@ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/infoq/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InfoQdotcom# - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/infoqdotcom/?hl=en - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/infoq - Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/infoq.com Write for InfoQ: Learn and share the changes and innovations in professional software development. - Join a community of experts. - Increase your visibility. - Grow your career. https://www.infoq.com/write-for-infoq

In this episode, Paul Barnhurst looks into practical frameworks and leadership strategies for finance professionals with guest Brett Hampson. Brett discusses what he believes constitutes great FP&A and how grassroots finance transformations, rather than top-down technology implementations, can foster a proactive, value-creating FP&A culture. Brett Hampson has spent over a decade in corporate FP&A, working with some of the world's largest companies. He is the author of The FP&A Operating System, a book that outlines his approach to establishing a high-functioning FP&A department. Brett is also the founder of Forecasting Performance, a platform that promotes best practices in financial analysis and forecasting.Expect to LearnWhat grassroots finance transformation entails and why it's preferable to technology-centric approaches.How to implement Brett's FP&A Operating System and FP&A Flywheel framework to drive efficiency and value.The importance of setting a clear vision and objectives for FP&A teams to move from reactive to proactive operations.How to leverage attribution analysis and storytelling to enhance FP&A's influence on business decisions.Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“Grassroots finance transformation happens when each person on the team has their own vision and works towards solving specific challenges.” - Brett Hampson“Technology alone doesn't solve problems. It might fix one, but often creates new ones if cultural issues aren't addressed first.” - Brett HampsonWith insights into creating effective FP&A systems and teams, Brett Hampson provides a refreshing perspective on FP&A transformation. He highlights the importance of people, process, and then technology, in that order, as the foundation for a high-performing FP&A team.Follow Brett:Website - https://bretthampson.gumroad.com/l/proactiveLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-hampson/Newsletter - https://blog.forecastingperformance.com/subscribeFollow Paul: Website - https://www.thefpandaguy.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, and answer a few questions and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[02:12] - Brett's Background and Introduction[05:17] - The Creation of The FP&A Operating System[08:04] - Developing a Proactive FP&A...

This isn’t a regular episode—it’s a heartfelt thank you from Stacey to YOU. As we wrap up 2025 and head into a well-earned break, Stacey jumps in with a quick message of love, gratitude, and encouragement. Because running your own business is bold. Investing in your growth is brave. And you deserve a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate how far you’ve come. Inside this short and sweet episode: ✨ A huge thank you for being part of our podcast, coaching, and event community✨ A reminder to stop, breathe, and give yourself credit for all you’ve created this year✨ Reflection prompts to help you wrap 2025 and dream boldly for 2026✨ A gentle nudge to rest, delegate, and not try to do it all (yes, even during the holidays) Stacey also shares her love and appreciation for everyone who showed up this year—at Summit, the Roar Awards, ADEAs, in coaching, or right here on the podcast. You are what makes this community so special.

(01:15) Takeaways from the NBA Cup (12:30) Are the Knicks the Favorites in the East? (23:20) Knicks vs West Contenders(25:30) Fringe All-Stars(30:15) Which Team Would be Hardest To Resurrect as a GM?(32:00) Latest Chris Paul Report, Importance of Culture Building(37:25) Thoughts on a CP3 Destination(44:00) Austin's Experience as No. 1 Prospect  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In hour three, Mike & Jason chat with New York Rangers reporter Jim Cerny (2:35), as the Blue Shirts get set to host Vancouver this evening, plus the boys tell us what they learned (27:00). This podcast is produced by Andy Cole and Greg Balloch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Your culture isn’t just a poster on the wall—it’s your most powerful tool for attracting the right people, making confident decisions, and building a business that lasts. In this episode, Stacey continues the Community Capital series by exploring the power of identifying, communicating, and living your core values. From improving staff retention to making tough calls with clarity and confidence, she shares how culture can be your ultimate competitive advantage. You’ll learn: ✨ How aligning on values can reduce staff turnover by up to 28%✨ The difference between having values written down vs. lived out✨ Why empowering your team (even when it’s messy) leads to growth✨ How culture clarity simplifies decision-making, hiring, and customer alignment✨ Real-life examples of values-based leadership in action at Port Macquarie Performing Arts Plus, Stacey shares why giving your team ownership of your culture is just as important as creating it—and how doing so transforms jobs into careers with purpose.

Work-life balance is a myth. Burnout is everywhere. And most leaders are lying to themselves about what it takes to win.In today's Spartan Leadership episode, Josh Kosnick sits down with JM Ryerson — Leadership & Performance Coach, bestselling author, and founder of Let's Go Win — for a candid conversation on authenticity, mindset, culture, and the realities of high-performance living.With over 20 years building elite sales teams and coaching top CEOs, JM breaks down:

What Does a Perfect Bowling Game Have in Common With Top-Performing Sales Reps? Walk into a bowling alley on a Friday night, and you'll see a scene that looks like pure recreation. The crash of pins, the rumble of conversation, the squeak of shoes on the approach. But beneath all that noise is something far more serious: discipline, repetition, emotional control, and the relentless pursuit of mastery. That's the real game. And it's the exact game top performers play in sales. Selling rewards consistency, mental toughness, and the willingness to execute the fundamentals long after everyone else has checked out. When you break the sport of bowling down frame by frame, it mirrors what we teach every day at Sales Gravy. Fanatical Prospecting. Emotional control. Owning your process. Staying steady under pressure. Winning one shot at a time. Each frame reveals a truth about the way elite sellers think and operate. Frame 1: The Approach — Fanatical Prospecting In bowling, the shot starts before the ball ever moves. The routine is deliberate: same steps, same breath, same commitment. That's where consistency begins. In sales, your approach is prospecting. It's the moment you decide whether you're a professional or a hobbyist. Pros don't wait for a pipeline crisis. They build a non-negotiable daily rhythm of fanatical prospecting, exactly the way Jeb teaches it. “One more call. One more conversation. One more connection.” That mindset is your approach. That's the discipline that separates a bowler stepping onto the lane with purpose from the one sitting at the bar making excuses. You pick a target, commit, and move. Frame 2: The Lane — Owning Your Sales Process A lane looks the same every time, but it rarely plays the same. Oil patterns shift. Friction changes. Conditions evolve. Your sales process is no different. You can't control a buyer's internal politics or shifting priorities, but you can control how you move through your process. You can control your cadence, your discovery, your follow-up, and your commitment to advancing every opportunity with intention. Average sellers blame the lane. Pros read it. They ask better questions. They recognize where deals stall. They adjust without abandoning the fundamentals. The arrows exist to guide the ball; your process exists to guide you. Ignore it, and you drift straight into the gutter. Frame 3: The Ball — Your Message and the Triangle of Trust A bowler's ball is drilled to fit their hand, weighted for their style, and chosen for the conditions. Your ball is your message—your story, your questions, your ability to connect what you sell to what the buyer actually cares about. When you balance logic, emotion, and values, the ball rolls true. Most sellers throw the same generic pitch at every buyer. Pros tune their message. They refine their openings. They speak the buyer's language. Hit with too much emotion and no substance, you lose credibility. Hit with pure logic and no emotional relevance, you miss the pocket of influence. The goal is simple: strike emotion first, let logic clean up the rest. Frame 4: The Pins — Prospects, Objections, and Physics Pins obey physics. They aren't out to get you. Prospects are the same. Some fall quickly. Some require finesse. Some need a second shot. This is where many sellers unravel emotionally. They take objections personally. They turn one “no” into a story about themselves. Objections aren't judgment. They're feedback. “We're happy with our current vendor.”“Call me next quarter.” Objections are indicators, and tell you where your angle is off. Pros adjust. Ask a different question. Reframe the problem. Bring a story that hits harder. Then take another shot. The frame isn't over until you quit. Frame 5: The Shoes — Mindset and Emotional Control No one bowls in street shoes. You'll slip, lose balance, and go down hard. Your mindset is your pair of bowling shoes. Without emotional control, every call feels unstable. Every objection knocks you off center. Every tough moment spirals. Pros prepare their mind before they prepare their day. They visualize tough conversations. They decide how they'll respond to setbacks before they happen. They choose composure over reaction. A confident mind produces a confident delivery. Buyers feel both. Frame 6: The Equipment — Tech as an Amplifier, Not a Crutch Pros carry multiple balls, tape, tools—gear that helps them adjust and stay consistent. None of it bowls for them. Sales is full of tools too: CRMs, AI, sequencing engines, dialers. But tools only multiply effort. They never replace it. Weak sellers hide behind technology. Pros use it to increase conversations and stay organized. Tools help you understand the “oil pattern” of your territory. But at the end of the day, it's still you, a buyer, and a conversation. No technology closes deals for you. Frame 7: The Team — Culture and Accountability Bowling looks individual, but leagues win seasons. Behind every high average is a team pushing each other, challenging complacency, and celebrating progress. Sales is the same. Great cultures are built around coaching, accountability, and emotional safety. Teams share insights, review calls, and collaborate on tough deals. When someone hits a strike, everyone feels the lift. When someone struggles, the team rallies. You're competing, but you're not competing against each other. You're competing against your potential. Frame 8: The Scoreboard — Metrics and Truth The scoreboard doesn't lie. It doesn't care how busy you felt. It only reflects execution. Your sales scoreboard measures the same: dials, conversations, opportunities created, conversion rates. These numbers are feedback tools. High performers study them. They adjust mechanics, behavior, and cadence based on the data. You can't manage what you don't measure. Frame 9: The Follow-Through — Closing with Composure A bowler's follow-through is controlled and deliberate. The ball is gone, but the motion stays disciplined. Closing requires the same composure. Many sellers execute well early in the cycle. Then, at the moment of truth, they flinch. They rush. They soften.  Pros stay steady. They recap value clearly. They ask directly and confidently. They handle final concerns without panic. Closing is the natural output of a disciplined process. Frame 10: The Final Frame — Finishing Strong with Follow-Up The tenth frame separates casual bowlers from champions. Tired, under pressure, and out of margin for error, pros sharpen their focus. In sales, the tenth frame is follow-up. It's the week after the demo. The stalled proposal. The buyer who goes quiet. Most sellers mentally check out and tell themselves the wrong story: “If they wanted it, they'd call me.” Pros don't buy that lie. Deals are won in the follow-up—professional, relevant, value-driven persistence. That's where reliability is proven. The Game That Never Ends Sales doesn't have a perfect 300 game every time. Some days everything strikes clean. Some days, you grind for spares. Some days, the ball finds the gutter no matter how good your form feels. The separator is what you do next. Pros study the lane. They adjust their feet. They breathe. They get back on the approach and commit to the next shot with the same intensity as the first. So as you head into your day, think like a bowler playing the long game. Lace up your mindset. Respect your process. Choose your message with intention. Read your buyers the way pros read the lanes. Lean on your team. Track your scoreboard. And never cheat the follow-through. The pins are set. The lane is open. You've always got one more frame. Step up with purpose. Roll with confidence. And when in doubt, make one more call. Ready to take your sales game to the next frame? Build discipline, track your process, and crush your goals with the FREE Sales Gravy Goal Guide. Start mastering your results today.

What Does a Perfect Bowling Game Have in Common With Top-Performing Sales Reps? Walk into a bowling alley on a Friday night, and you'll see a scene that looks like pure recreation. The crash of pins, the rumble of conversation, the squeak of shoes on the approach. But beneath all that noise is something far more serious: discipline, repetition, emotional control, and the relentless pursuit of mastery. That's the real game. And it's the exact game top performers play in sales. Selling rewards consistency, mental toughness, and the willingness to execute the fundamentals long after everyone else has checked out. When you break the sport of bowling down frame by frame, it mirrors what we teach every day at Sales Gravy. Fanatical Prospecting. Emotional control. Owning your process. Staying steady under pressure. Winning one shot at a time. Each frame reveals a truth about the way elite sellers think and operate. Frame 1: The Approach — Fanatical Prospecting In bowling, the shot starts before the ball ever moves. The routine is deliberate: same steps, same breath, same commitment. That's where consistency begins. In sales, your approach is prospecting. It's the moment you decide whether you're a professional or a hobbyist. Pros don't wait for a pipeline crisis. They build a non-negotiable daily rhythm of fanatical prospecting, exactly the way Jeb teaches it. “One more call. One more conversation. One more connection.” That mindset is your approach. That's the discipline that separates a bowler stepping onto the lane with purpose from the one sitting at the bar making excuses. You pick a target, commit, and move. Frame 2: The Lane — Owning Your Sales Process A lane looks the same every time, but it rarely plays the same. Oil patterns shift. Friction changes. Conditions evolve. Your sales process is no different. You can't control a buyer's internal politics or shifting priorities, but you can control how you move through your process. You can control your cadence, your discovery, your follow-up, and your commitment to advancing every opportunity with intention. Average sellers blame the lane. Pros read it. They ask better questions. They recognize where deals stall. They adjust without abandoning the fundamentals. The arrows exist to guide the ball; your process exists to guide you. Ignore it, and you drift straight into the gutter. Frame 3: The Ball — Your Message and the Triangle of Trust A bowler's ball is drilled to fit their hand, weighted for their style, and chosen for the conditions. Your ball is your message—your story, your questions, your ability to connect what you sell to what the buyer actually cares about. When you balance logic, emotion, and values, the ball rolls true. Most sellers throw the same generic pitch at every buyer. Pros tune their message. They refine their openings. They speak the buyer's language. Hit with too much emotion and no substance, you lose credibility. Hit with pure logic and no emotional relevance, you miss the pocket of influence. The goal is simple: strike emotion first, let logic clean up the rest. Frame 4: The Pins — Prospects, Objections, and Physics Pins obey physics. They aren't out to get you. Prospects are the same. Some fall quickly. Some require finesse. Some need a second shot. This is where many sellers unravel emotionally. They take objections personally. They turn one “no” into a story about themselves. Objections aren't judgment. They're feedback. “We're happy with our current vendor.” “Call me next quarter.” Objections are indicators, and tell you where your angle is off. Pros adjust. Ask a different question. Reframe the problem. Bring a story that hits harder. Then take another shot. The frame isn't over until you quit. Frame 5: The Shoes — Mindset and Emotional Control No one bowls in street shoes. You'll slip, lose balance, and go down hard. Your mindset is your pair of bowling shoes. Without emotional control, every call feels unstable. Every objection knocks you off center. Every tough moment spirals. Pros prepare their mind before they prepare their day. They visualize tough conversations. They decide how they'll respond to setbacks before they happen. They choose composure over reaction. A confident mind produces a confident delivery. Buyers feel both. Frame 6: The Equipment — Tech as an Amplifier, Not a Crutch Pros carry multiple balls, tape, tools—gear that helps them adjust and stay consistent. None of it bowls for them. Sales is full of tools too: CRMs, AI, sequencing engines, dialers. But tools only multiply effort. They never replace it. Weak sellers hide behind technology. Pros use it to increase conversations and stay organized. Tools help you understand the “oil pattern” of your territory. But at the end of the day, it's still you, a buyer, and a conversation. No technology closes deals for you. Frame 7: The Team — Culture and Accountability Bowling looks individual, but leagues win seasons. Behind every high average is a team pushing each other, challenging complacency, and celebrating progress. Sales is the same. Great cultures are built around coaching, accountability, and emotional safety. Teams share insights, review calls, and collaborate on tough deals. When someone hits a strike, everyone feels the lift. When someone struggles, the team rallies. You're competing, but you're not competing against each other. You're competing against your potential. Frame 8: The Scoreboard — Metrics and Truth The scoreboard doesn't lie. It doesn't care how busy you felt. It only reflects execution. Your sales scoreboard measures the same: dials, conversations, opportunities created, conversion rates. These numbers are feedback tools. High performers study them. They adjust mechanics, behavior, and cadence based on the data. You can't manage what you don't measure. Frame 9: The Follow-Through — Closing with Composure A bowler's follow-through is controlled and deliberate. The ball is gone, but the motion stays disciplined. Closing requires the same composure. Many sellers execute well early in the cycle. Then, at the moment of truth, they flinch. They rush. They soften.  Pros stay steady. They recap value clearly. They ask directly and confidently. They handle final concerns without panic. Closing is the natural output of a disciplined process. Frame 10: The Final Frame — Finishing Strong with Follow-Up The tenth frame separates casual bowlers from champions. Tired, under pressure, and out of margin for error, pros sharpen their focus. In sales, the tenth frame is follow-up. It's the week after the demo. The stalled proposal. The buyer who goes quiet. Most sellers mentally check out and tell themselves the wrong story: “If they wanted it, they'd call me.” Pros don't buy that lie. Deals are won in the follow-up—professional, relevant, value-driven persistence. That's where reliability is proven. The Game That Never Ends Sales doesn't have a perfect 300 game every time. Some days everything strikes clean. Some days you grind for spares. Some days the ball finds the gutter no matter how good your form feels. The separator is what you do next. Pros study the lane. They adjust their feet. They breathe. They get back on the approach and commit to the next shot with the same intensity as the first. So as you head into your day, think like a bowler playing the long game. Lace up your mindset. Respect your process. Choose your message with intention. Read your buyers the way pros read the lanes. Lean on your team. Track your scoreboard. And never cheat the follow-through. The pins are set. The lane is open. You've always got one more frame. Step up with purpose. Roll with confidence. And when in doubt, make one more call. Ready to take your sales game to the next frame? Build discipline, track your process, and crush your goals with the FREE Sales Gravy Goal Guide. Start mastering your results today.

Skills alone can't compensate for a broken culture. If the team is unhealthy, the ministry will always feel stuck. Today, we're laying out a reset plan — a practical roadmap to start rebuilding trust, clarity, and a healthy team culture. Let's get to work.   ============================= Table of Contents: ============================= 0:00 - Intro 1:12 - Why This Matters 7:53 - Value 1: Bring Heaven to Earth 11:52 - Value 2: Say the Quiet Part Out Loud 17:48 - Value 3: Yes Be Yes, No Be No 21:48 - Value 4: Disagreement Is Not Disrespect 27:06 - Value 5: Solutions First 33:05 - How to Use Values to Shape Culture   IMPORTANT LINKS - The Creative Team Culture Cheatsheet DOWNLOAD: https://prochur.ch/4az1JXQ - Pro Church Certified: https://prochurchcertified.com/   THE 167 NEWSLETTER

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with John Krewson, co-author of Pitch, Sketch, Launch: A Sketch Comedy Approach to Product Development. John's journey spans software development, acting, and even a stint with Saturday Night Live. He now leads Sketch Development, where he helps teams build products people actually want, faster and with more joy. In this conversation, John explains why project teams should behave more like creative troupes than traditional org charts. You'll hear how laughter can be a feedback loop, why messy first drafts matter, and how simple tools like sticky notes, Elmo cards, and Lean Coffee can radically improve your team's collaboration. We also explore how sketch comedy's "test before polish" approach can transform how we ship ideas, and what that looks like on real-world teams. From unblocking meetings to unleashing creativity, this episode is packed with practical tools and paradigm shifts. If you're looking to bring more energy, experimentation, and feedback into your team's workflow, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "The best ideas often start as bad ones. The magic is in iteration." "You're not building a product. You're testing a hypothesis in the real world." "Sketch comedy taught me this: if the audience isn't laughing, it doesn't work. Product teams need that same feedback mindset." "You can't argue with the emotion of a dead silent audience when you think you've got gold." "We often equate busy with productive. But they're not the same thing." "A meeting isn't productive just because everyone showed up. Did it move ideas forward?" "Troupes thrive on trust and feedback. Traditional teams often operate on fear and approval." "I was a mediocre software developer, which made me well-suited for management." "You are sucking the fun out of this. We are building software here. We get to play on computers. Let's make this fun." "There's this ruthless search for feedback that we learn how not to take things personally." "Nowhere in that iron triangle does anybody talk about whether or not the customer said, 'I needed that thing in the first place.'" "We're not just cross-functional. We're cross-committed. That's what makes a team operate like a troupe." "If you're building something new, you need a mechanism to decide if it's valuable. And if it isn't, you toss it." "The law of averages will tell you: 80% of the ideas need to be tossed." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:46 Start of Interview 01:57 Career Backstory 07:30 Acting Skills in Daily Work 12:00 Busy vs Productive 14:07 Project vs Product 17:20 Teams as Troupes 22:13 Meeting Tools and Techniques 27:37 Laugh Testability 33:35 Creative Mindsets at Work 35:21 Co-Authoring and Collaboration 38:00 Applying Ideas at Home 40:33 End of Interview 41:05 Andy Comments After the Interview 44:13 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about John and the book at SketchDev.io/pitch-sketch-launch. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 316 with Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas. It's a conversation on humor as a secret weapon in business and life. Episode 109 with Peter McGraw. It's also about humor, a fun follow-up, even though John's book isn't just about comedy. Episode 469 with Phil Wilson. It's packed with great ideas for unleashing your team, which ties in beautifully with John's approach. 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! 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! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Creativity, Feedback Loops, Team Collaboration, Agile Thinking, Innovation, Leadership, Project Management, Development, Meetings, Humor, Iteration, Trust, Team Culture, Psychological Safety, Growth Mindset The following music was used for this episode: Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Brooklyn Nights by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

The guys explore Pat Riley's legendary career, from his high school and college days to his NBA playing, coaching, and executive accomplishments, highlighting how he helped shape modern basketball. They discuss how his influence continues to resonate with the Miami Heat, a team now thriving on good vibes and team-first basketball. Joe says the Heat are better off without Jimmy Butler and calls him out for disrespecting Riley, emphasizing that the team's success reflects the culture Riley built

Great cultures aren't built in big moments. They're built in the consistent behaviors you repeat every day. In this episode, I sit down with University of Maryland men's basketball coach Buzz Williams, a leader known for transforming programs through his relentless commitment to culture, character, and daily habits. Buzz shares the leadership disciplines he builds into every team he leads, how he earns trust by investing in relationships, and why talent means nothing without the intangibles that separate good from great. Tune in for a masterclass on building a sustainable winning culture. More from Molly: Get Molly's latest book, Dynamic Drive Website: mollyfletcher.com