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About the guest: Meghan Popoleo is the President of The O'Connor Group, where she has spent the last decade helping organizations grow through strong people strategy, culture, and leadership. She came into the business from the nonprofit world, openly admits she did not start out loving HR, and has grown into a values-driven leader known for vulnerability, execution, collaboration, and people-first leadership.About the episode: In this conversation, Steve sits down with Meghan to unpack what it really means to be “growth ready.” Megan shares why vulnerability is not weakness, but a leadership advantage, especially when you're scaling a company, building culture, navigating succession, leading hard conversations, and raising a family at the same time. For founders, executives, and high-performers, this episode is a practical reminder that sustainable growth starts with values, trust, and the courage to ask for help.Key Takeaways:Why vulnerability is essential for personal and professional growthMegan's journey from nonprofit leadership into HR and people operationsThe partnership between Megan and founder Marsha O'ConnorHow hard conversations strengthen leadership tandemsProtecting company culture during growthWhy “teammate” matters more than “employee”Women in leadership, motherhood, and asking for helpThe tension between saying yes, learning fast, and avoiding overwhelmBuilding new service lines without losing core valuesWhy relationships are a true growth leverCreating communities that support female leaders and entrepreneursLinks and resources mentioned:The O'Connor Group: www.tocgrp.comThe O'Connor Group on LinkedIn57th Street Partners Shadow HerSend a textSupport the showConnect with Steve MellorStay connected and keep growing with Steve:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReadyJoin the community and keep your growth journey going:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/----This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...
Mastering the Human Side of Leadership: Lessons in Agility with Bobby HumesIn a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sat down with Bobby Humes, Lead Consultant & CEO of BH Consultancy, to discuss the shifting paradigms of modern management. Bobby, widely known as "Coach Bobby," brings a unique perspective to the table, blending his high-level executive experience with lessons learned from coaching youth basketball. Their conversation explores the vital transition from technical expertise to people-centric leadership, the necessity of documenting institutional knowledge in a post-"Great Resignation" world, and how thoughtful leaders can leverage AI to enhance—rather than replace—human potential. This episode serves as a strategic roadmap for founders and executives who want to build resilient cultures that thrive on innovation and intentionality.Bridging the Gap: From Technical Expert to Thoughtful LeaderThe transition from a high-performing individual contributor to an effective people leader is one of the most difficult hurdles in the professional journey. Bobby Humes explains that while technical skills may earn a seat at the table, emotional intelligence and strategic delegation are what sustain a leader's impact. Many founders fall into the "dragon" trap—possessing so much passion and expertise that they inadvertently micromanage their team, robbing them of the opportunity to grow. Thoughtful leadership requires a shift in mindset where the goal is no longer to be the best player on the court, but to be the coach who harnesses the diverse energy of the team and directs it toward a cohesive, long-term vision.Building organizational resilience in 2026 requires more than just reactive hiring; it demands proactive succession planning and the meticulous documentation of critical knowledge. Bobby observes that many organizations were left vulnerable during recent market shifts because they lacked "desk manuals" or structured onboarding processes. When a key team member exits, the loss of institutional knowledge can be catastrophic if it hasn't been documented. By treating onboarding as a strategic priority and creating living documents of core processes, leaders ensure that their teams remain agile and capable of maintaining momentum even during periods of transition or sudden talent loss.Innovation within a company is often a byproduct of what Bobby calls a "culture of play." In this environment, experimentation is encouraged, and "failing forward" is seen as an essential step toward discovery. This spirit of play is where true innovation happens—during whiteboard sessions and open-ended brainstorming where team members feel safe to voice unconventional ideas. Integrating technology, specifically AI, into this culture can serve as a massive force multiplier for human wellness and efficiency. By setting clear guidelines—such as using AI to draft complex communications or automate repetitive administrative tasks—leaders can free up their people to focus on the high-value, creative work that truly moves the needle for the business.About Bobby HumesBobby Humes is the Lead Consultant & CEO of BH Consultancy and a highly sought-after executive coach. Known for his "Coach Bobby" persona, he specializes in helping technical experts transition into world-class people leaders. With a focus on emotional intelligence and strategic agility, Bobby works with organizations to develop leadership pipelines, improve talent retention, and foster innovative work cultures.About BH ConsultancyBH Consultancy is a premier leadership and management consultancy based in Seattle. The firm provides a holistic approach to organizational health, offering services that range from strategic planning and whiteboard innovation sessions to executive coaching and wellness integration. BH Consultancy is dedicated to helping businesses navigate the complexities of the modern workforce through thoughtful, intentional leadership.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeBH Consultancy Official WebsiteBobby Humes on LinkedInKey Episode HighlightsThe "Dragon" Metaphor: Why leaders must resist the urge to take over and instead empower their team to bring their own creativity to the table.Emotional Intelligence in Scaling: The critical need for founders to develop soft skills as they transition from "doing" to "leading."Institutional Knowledge Audits: The importance of desk manuals and process documentation to survive sudden talent transitions.AI as a Wellness Tool: Leveraging technology to reduce administrative friction and prevent burnout among high-performing teams.The Culture of Play: How fostering a safe environment for experimentation directly leads to business innovation.ConclusionThe conversation with Bobby Humes highlights that the most successful organizations of the future will be those that prioritize human connection and intentionality. By evolving from a technical expert into a thoughtful leader, you can build a team that is not only productive but truly resilient in the face of change.More from The Thoughtful Entrepreneur
Can you build a high-performance culture if you're not developing yourself as a coach? In this episode of the Coaching Culture Podcast, JP is joined by Tyler and Mark from SAVI Basketball for a powerful conversation on coaching competency, leadership credibility, and why your effectiveness as a coach directly impacts your team culture.We dig into why "culture eats strategy for breakfast" — but bad coaching makes you want to throw up. If your players can't trust that you'll make them better, no amount of team-building activities will save your culture.
No entrepreneur builds something great alone. Behind every successful company is a core crew—a team that believes in the mission, protects the culture, and stays committed even when the waters get rough. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down the importance of building a loyal team and creating a culture where people don't just work for a paycheck—they work for the vision. Too many founders focus only on resumes and experience, forgetting that loyalty, belief, and culture are the real foundations of long-term success. When your team truly believes in the mission, they push through the challenges, support one another, and help the entire organization grow stronger. In this episode, you'll learn: Why skills can be trained, but loyalty must be earned How strong team culture creates long-term success Why protecting your company's environment and energy is critical How leaders who work alongside their team build unbreakable trust When you build a crew that shares your vision and values, you create something far more powerful than a group of employees—you create a mission-driven team capable of achieving massive goals. Because in the end, your business will only go as far as the people who help you build it. Your Network is your NETWORTH! Make sure to add me on all SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Instagram: https://jo.my/paulalex2024 Facebook: https://jo.my/fbpaulalex2024 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhDAD1JyGGzSQUPD9lc9HQ LinkedIn: https://jo.my/inpaulalex2024 Looking for a secondary source of income or want to become an entrepreneur? Check out one of my companies below to see if we can help you: www.CashSwipe.com FREE Copy of my book “Blue to Digital Gold - The New American Dream”www.officialPaulAlex.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Jen Fisher, author of Hope Is the Strategy: The Underrated Skill That Transforms Work, Leadership, and Wellbeing. In project management circles, we often hear the phrase "hope is not a strategy." Jen challenges that assumption, arguing that real hope is not wishful thinking at all. Instead, it's a practical cognitive process that can help leaders navigate uncertainty, pressure, and change. In the discussion, Jen explains how hope requires three elements: clear goals, multiple pathways to reach them, and the agency to believe we can influence outcomes. You'll also hear her personal story of realizing she was languishing under constant performance pressure, and how a candid conversation with her boss sparked the beginning of a healthier and more hopeful way of working. Along the way, Jen shares practical tools such as possibility journaling, energy ledgers, and hope spotting. She also explains why vulnerability can be a leadership superpower and how simple language shifts can turn hope killers into hope builders. If you're leading teams and projects under constant pressure and looking for practical ways to sustain both performance and wellbeing, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "How would I describe myself? I'm a hope dealer." "Hope is not flimsy. It's not whimsical." "Real hope actually requires action." "What drives hopelessness is feeling like there's nothing you can do." "Hope is the belief that tomorrow can be better than today." "67% of managers said that they've never been trained in how to manage other people. We put humans in charge of other humans, but we give them very little skill and training in how to lead." "You can perform when you're languishing, but the question is really why should we or why would we want to." "For the first time in my professional life, I actually felt seen and heard and valued." "Toxic positivity only makes people feel worse." "Possibility journaling is really thinking about what might be possible here." "Vulnerability is proof that you're human." "When people are feeling uncertain, they want to connect to somebody that feels human." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Start of Interview 02:00 What Hope Is Not: Clearing Up the Misconceptions 03:45 What Real Hope Actually Requires 05:42 Agency and the Feeling of Hopelessness 06:24 Burnout vs. Hopelessness: Is There a Difference? 07:55 Wellbeing Intelligence: The Leadership Skill We're Missing 11:44 Languishing: That Gray Space Between Fine and Flourishing 14:15 The Hidden Cost of Time Pressure on Creativity 17:00 Breaking Through the High-Functioning Facade 20:15 Setting Boundaries as a Recovering People Pleaser 24:03 Practical Tools: Possibility Journal, Energy Ledger, and Hope Spotting 29:15 Vulnerability as a Leadership Superpower 33:46 Hope Killers and Hope Builders: The Language of Hope 38:00 The Hope Audit and the Hope Strategist Toolkit 39:33 Applying Hope at Home and as a Caregiver 41:30 Where to Learn More About Jen 41:26 End of Interview 41:54 Andy Comments After the Interview 45:18 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Jen and her work at Jen-Fisher.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 462 with Margie Warrell. Part of Jen's message in the book is the importance of agency—of believing that you're not a victim and that you have options. Margie is a fierce advocate for how to take action when you're feeling hopeless. I highly recommend her work. Episode 448 with Marie-Hélène Pelletier. It's an engaging discussion about burnout and resilience, and a fantastic follow-up to this discussion with Jen. Episode 396 with Thomas Curran. It's an episode on perfectionism, and I think you'll find it an excellent follow-up to this discussion as well. Chat with PMeLa You can chat directly with PMeLa, the podcast's AI persona, to get episode recommendations and answers to your project management and leadership questions. Visit PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com/PMeLa to chat with her. 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, Wellbeing, Burnout, Hope, Resilience, Vulnerability, Boundaries, Team Culture, Employee Engagement, Languishing, Psychological Safety, Workplace Performance The following music was used for this episode: Music: Imagefilm 034 by Sascha Ende 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
Managing Made Simple for Team Leaders & Small Business Owners
You know the feeling.Their name pops up on your calendar and your stomach drops just a little.They are not low performers. They are actually delivering.But something about the dynamic makes leading them harder than it needs to be.In this episode of Real Talk: Leading Small Teams, we break down three common archetypes that trigger leaders and how to handle each one without avoiding hard conversations.In this episode, you'll learn:Why “Praise-Seeking Polly” may not actually feel recognized, even when you think you are praising themWhat “Mindy the Mope” might be signaling about role fit and strengths alignmentWhy “Defensive Dan” reacts to feedback and how to lower defensiveness without walking on eggshellsHow to anchor feedback in shared expectations so high performers stay coachableIf you have someone on your team who makes you want to cancel your one-on-ones but is technically doing a good job, this episode will help you shift from frustration to strategy.
Feedback is one of the most powerful tools a leader has — and one of the most misused. Most leaders are either avoiding it entirely or delivering it like a surprise attack. Whether you're a manager trying to build a team culture where people tell each other the truth, or a professional who wants to handle feedback with more confidence and less defensiveness , this episode gives you a practical framework you can use immediately.In this episode:Why avoiding feedback feels kind but is actually costing your teamThe "permission slip" technique and the psychology behind why it worksHow to deliver feedback that lands instead of feedback that stingsWhat to do in the first 60 seconds when feedback blindsides youHow to separate the delivery from the data — even when the delivery is terribleThe one follow-up move that changes how people see you as a leaderSupport the showJill Griffin, host of The Career Refresh, delivers expert guidance on workplace challenges and career transitions. Jill leverages her experience working for the world's top brands like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton Hotels, and Martha Stewart to address leadership, burnout, team dynamics, and the 4Ps (perfectionism, people-pleasing, procrastination, and personalities). Visit JillGriffinCoaching.com for more details on: Book a 1:1 Career Strategy and Executive Coaching HERE Build a Leadership Identity That Earns Trust and Delivers Results. Gallup CliftonStrengths Corporate Workshops to build a strengths-based culture Team Dynamics training to increase retention, communication, goal setting, and effective decision-making Keynote Speaking Grab a personal Resume Refresh with Jill Griffin HERE Follow @JillGriffinOffical on Instagram for daily inspiration Connect with and follow Jill on LinkedIn
Building Healthy Leadership Teams: Strategic Insights from Stacey Bailey of The Intention CollectiveIn a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sat down with Stacey Bailey, Senior Consultant at The Intention Collective, to explore the foundational elements of high-performing organizational culture. Stacey, an expert executive coach, shared how small to medium-sized businesses can move past the friction of "moving goalposts" to establish sustainable growth through clear strategic planning. Their conversation provides a masterclass for founders and executives on how to bridge the gap between visionary thinking and daily execution by fostering deep clarity and robust accountability rituals.Cultivating Operational Excellence Through Clarity and 90-Day RhythmsFor many entrepreneurs, the greatest barrier to scaling is not a lack of vision, but a lack of consistent operational rhythm. Stacey explains that clarity is the cornerstone of a healthy leadership team; without it, ambiguity breeds resentment and stalls momentum. When leaders fail to be explicit about expectations, they inadvertently create "unkind" environments where team members feel set up for failure. By adopting a "clear is kind" philosophy, organizations can eliminate the hidden friction that slows down decision-making and project delivery, allowing the team to move in unison toward a shared objective.A central framework discussed in the episode is the implementation of 90-day planning rhythms. Human attention spans and motivation levels naturally fluctuate, often waning after approximately three months. By breaking down annual visions into quarterly sprints, leaders can maintain high levels of engagement while remaining agile enough to pivot based on real-world data. This structure prevents the common visionary trap of constantly shifting priorities mid-stream, which often leads to team burnout. Instead, a defined 90-day finish line provides the team with a predictable cadence of "doing" and "reflecting," ensuring that progress is documented and celebrated before the next set of goals is established.Ultimately, building a resilient leadership team requires a commitment to "frustration tolerance" and a growth mindset. Stacey uses the metaphor of learning a new craft to describe the leadership journey—it requires patience, a willingness to make visible mistakes, and the discipline to stick with a process until it yields results. Accountability in this context isn't about micromanagement; it is about creating a "system and soul" toolkit where feedback loops and weekly check-ins become the lifeblood of the culture. When leaders model vulnerability and invite honest critique, they build the psychological safety necessary for their teams to innovate and take the calculated risks required for long-term market leadership.About Stacey Bailey: Stacey Bailey is a Senior Consultant and executive coach at The Intention Collective. With a background in helping diverse organizations navigate growth and change, she specializes in helping leadership teams align their internal culture with their external strategic goals. She is a proponent of using structured rhythms to drive both professional excellence and personal fulfillment.About The Intention Collective: The Intention Collective is a consultancy dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses build healthy, high-performing cultures. By combining strategic planning with leadership development, they provide organizations with the tools to create clarity, implement accountability, and drive sustainable growth. Their "System and Soul" approach ensures that both the tactical and human elements of a business are optimized for success.Links Mentioned in This Episode:The Intention Collective Official WebsiteStacey Bailey on LinkedInKey Episode HighlightsFrustration Tolerance in Leadership: Why embracing the "messy middle" of learning new skills builds the resilience needed to lead through uncertainty.The Clarity Mandate: Implementing Brené Brown's "Clear is Kind" principle to eliminate team resentment and improve execution.90-Day Sprint Rhythms: How to align organizational goals with natural human attention spans to maintain year-round momentum.Defining "Done": Strategies for founders to stop moving the goalposts and start celebrating measurable milestones with their teams.System and Soul Toolkit: Creating feedback rituals that move accountability from a chore to a core cultural value.ConclusionThe conversation with Stacey Bailey highlights that organizational health is a continuous practice, not a destination. By committing to clear communication and structured planning cycles, leaders can transform their teams from a group of individuals into a cohesive, high-impact leadership unit.More from The Thoughtful Entrepreneur
In this episode of the JAMODI Podcast, Coach Matt Sayman sits down with Coach Marc Johnson, the longtime head boys basketball coach at JJ Pearce High School. With 25 years leading the Pearce program and nearly three decades in coaching, Coach Johnson shares wisdom on building culture, navigating tough seasons, player development, leadership, and staying physically sharp as a coach.From celebrating small wins during rebuilding years to competing in one of the toughest districts in Texas high school basketball, this conversation is packed with practical insights for coaches at every level.Coach Johnson talks about:
Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. In this special live episode from the Connected Health & Fitness Summit 2026 in Los Angeles, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with four leaders shaping the future of performance, longevity, franchising, and workforce training. Guests include: Douglas Gremmen (HYROX): On building one of the fastest growing competitive fitness brands in the world and why purpose-driven training is the ultimate disruptor. Dean Kelly (Extension Health): On physician-led longevity, advanced diagnostics, and the shift from conversation to clinical outcomes. Julie Cartwright (PVOLVE): On scaling an omni-channel fitness brand and the emotional responsibility of franchising. This episode explores the balance between AI and human intelligence, the rise of team-based competition, the evolution of longevity medicine, and how modern training systems are transforming frontline industries. Key Topics Include: How HYROX built a global competitive ecosystem without competing with gyms. Why doubles competition is redefining community in fitness. The difference between influencer-driven biohacking and physician-led longevity care. The realities of scaling a franchise brand in today's market. How AI-powered training systems are improving workforce performance. The importance of human connection in an AI-native world.
What if the most powerful clinical tool in healthcare wasn't a drug, a device, or a data platform — but a word? In this episode of Experiencing Healthcare, Jamie and Matt have a conversation that starts with Disney World germs and ends with something that will change the way you lead your team tomorrow. They unpack the idea of Intentional Positive Reinforcement — not the hollow "great job" you throw over your shoulder in the hallway, but the kind of deliberate, meaningful recognition that creates a ripple effect all the way to the patient's bedside. Matt shares what a dental hygienist taught him about doing things right, why a pair of clicking heels in a nursing home hallway was actually a leadership strategy, and what happens to a healthcare team that only ever hears what they're doing wrong. This is a conversation for the bedside nurse and the C-suite executive. For the credentialing specialist who never sees a patient and the clinical coordinator who sees dozens. Because in healthcare, everyone plays a role in the patient experience — and the way we lead people determines the care those people deliver. If you've ever wondered whether your words are adding to your team or subtracting from them, this episode is your answer.
Lindsey Elizabeth Cortes, host of the Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast, welcomes returning guest Dr. Kate Bennett, a clinical sports psychologist, licensed Way of Champions trainer, and multiple-time national champion, to discuss her new venture, Full Send Consulting. Bennett explains that while her mental health practice (Athlete Insight) continues, Full Send was created to address the systemic gap between education about eating disorders/RED-S and rising prevalence rates by shifting from individual treatment to team- and coach-focused culture change. She outlines the Way of Champions philosophy—rooted in Eastern thought, mindfulness, values, and transformational (rather than transactional) coaching—emphasizing psychological safety, purpose, belonging, and eliminating fear-based scarcity mindsets to help teams become protective factors for athlete wellbeing. Lindsey connects these concepts to nutrition, RED-S prevention, and team-wide fueling standards, sharing an example of value-based work with a university equestrian team. They discuss how teammates and coaches influence culture, the importance of trust and accountability, and how athletes—including alternates—contribute to team success through relationships. Bennett describes how Full Send Consulting works with teams and one-on-one with coaches in customizable formats (one-day intensives to season-long support) and serves youth, high school, college, and professional teams in person, virtually, and via travel. Kate Bennett, PsyD, is a clinical sport psychologist. She is the reigning 2024 Downhill Masters National Champion in addition to being a two-time national track cycling champion. Prior to her clinical training, Dr. Bennett was an athletic trainer and cycling coach. She combines her sport experiences and clinical expertise to treat athletes recovering from eating disorders, disordered eating, exercise dependency, and REDs. Dr. Bennett authored "Treating Athletes with Eating Disorders." Episode Highlights: 01:22 Wave Bye Period Relief 03:00 Meet Dr Kate Bennett 05:41 Why Full Send Exists 10:38 From Awareness to Action 14:40 Why Rates Keep Rising 17:14 Way of Champions Method 20:30 Transactional vs Transformational 24:26 Fear and Scarcity Mindset 29:49 Trusting Teammates to Win 31:23 REDS Reality Check 32:03 Fierce Fit Fueled Support 33:55 From Rivalry to Girl Power 37:07 Olympic Alternates Matter 40:18 Team Nutrition Culture 41:33 Values Into Standards 43:01 Equestrian Team Case Study 47:53 Influence Is Never Neutral 48:48 Coaches Words About Food 53:43 Collaboration Circle Culture 54:45 Full Send Consulting Options 59:03 Final Resources and Farewell Resources and Links: FANP 215: Treating Athletes with Eating Disorders with Downhill Cycling Champion & Clinical Sport Psychologist Dr. Kate Bennett Full Send Consulting For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to: http://www.lindseycortes.com/ Join REDS Recovery Membership: http://www.lindseycortes.com/reds WaveBye Supplements – Menstrual cycle support code LindseyCortes for 15% off: http://wavebye.co Previnex Supplements – Joint Health Plus, Muscle Health Plus, plant-based protein, probiotics, and more; code CORTES15 for 15% off: previnex.com Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast Archive & Search Tool – Search by sport, condition, or topic: lindseycortes.com/podcast Female Athlete Nutrition Community – YouTube, Instagram @femaleathletenutrition, and private Facebook group Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Radical respect is the prequel to radical candor. Without it, you won't bother challenging anyone. In this encore episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael Mogill sits down with Kim Scott, author of Radical Candor and Radical Respect, to tackle the workplace dynamics that quietly destroy firm culture. Kim shares how a colleague's feedback on her own book exposed the blind spots she had around bias, prejudice, and bullying in the workplace, ultimately leading her to write Radical Respect. This conversation reveals how leaders accidentally exclude top talent through "oblivious" promotion processes, and why the brilliant jerk who delivers results will ultimately cost you more than they're worth. Kim gives you the exact language to use when things get uncomfortable, so you stop defaulting to silence. Here's what you'll learn: The difference between bias, prejudice, and bullying, and how to respond to each The “I/It/You” framework for course-correcting conversations that lack respect How to create a shared vocabulary for disrupting bias on your team It's better to have a hole in your team than an asshole on your team. ---- Show Notes: 03:09 – The feedback from a black woman CEO that made Kim realize what she'd missed. 09:15 – How to know if you're dealing with bias, prejudice, or bullying in the moment. 09:15 – The I, It, You framework for responding to each type of disrespect. 16:14 – Why leaders need to create three types of consequences for bullying behavior. 19:38 – The difference between healthy conflict and repeated bullying that ignores feedback. 20:55 – What it means to be an upstander versus a bystander when you witness bias. 23:46 – Why silence is the default and how to calculate the ROI of speaking up. 26:40 – How to create a shared vocabulary so your team knows what to say when bias happens. 36:06 – How oblivious exclusion shows up in promotion meetings and how to catch it. ---- Links & Resources: Radical Respect by Kim Scott Radical Candor by Kim Scott Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Radical Candor Podcast Bob Sutton Episode 25. Kim Scott — Radical Candor: How to be a Kickass Boss ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O'Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 369. Your Ego Is Making You Miserable with Cy Wakeman 352. Susan Fowler — Why Everything You Know About Motivating Your Team Might Be Completely Wrong 25. Kim Scott — Radical Candor: How to be a Kickass Boss
What does it truly feel like to walk into the Olympic Village for the first time — and how does that feeling change after winning three gold medals? In Part 2 of our conversation with Hungarian legend Gergely Kiss, we go deeper into the Olympic experience, the mindset of champions, and life after elite sport. Kiss shares emotional insights from his first Olympic Games in Sydney — describing it as a “Disney fairy tale” moment. He reflects on how the magic of the Olympic Village, meeting global superstars like Kobe Bryant, Rafael Nadal and Lionel Messi, and seeing the Olympic flame every day shaped his mindset before competition. But admiration quickly turned into focus. Hungary didn't travel to the Olympics as tourists — they came as soldiers with one goal: to win gold. In this episode, we talk about: – The psychological difference between a first and third Olympic Games – Why the Olympic flame became a personal symbol of strength – Winning MVP at the 2004 Athens Olympics – Why team success always matters more than individual awards – The mentality behind Hungary's golden generation – Transitioning from athlete to leader, speaker and sports executive – Building youth structures and developing the next generation – Documentary filmmaking and preserving Olympic legacy Kiss explains why his generation prioritized unity over ego — and why gold medals mattered more than individual trophies. He also opens up about retirement, disappointment after London 2012, and how he rebuilt his life beyond professional water polo. Today, he works in sports promotion, youth development, motivational speaking, and film production — continuing to shape Hungarian water polo from outside the pool. This episode is about Olympic mindset, legacy, leadership, and what happens after the medals are won.
The Cover 3 crew is back to answer all your questions in this mailbag episode! The boys discuss which teams they think would thrive as an independent, are multi year NIL deals possible and much more. (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:00) - underrated color scheme (00:06:30) - Texas/Arch Manning Question (00:11:05) - Independent Schools (00:27:20) - Team Culture (00:41:00) - Fernando Mendoza (00:45:00) - Auburn's 2026 (00:52:20) - Cover 3 Naming (00:55:20) - Winter Olympics Cover 3 is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest in sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos for betting on college football. Watch Cover 3 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cover3 Follow our hosts on Twitter: @Chip_Patterson, @TomFornelli, @DannyKanell, @BudElliott3 For more college football coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“[It's about] expecting each other to perform to a certain level, holding each other to a certain level, and just love. High expectations, high love — that's what coach always says. That's something we do a good job with. You can't have one without the other. Our team is definitely built on love and gratitude and we always push ourselves to be our best.” Riley Chamberlain joins us fresh off one of the biggest performances of the NCAA season.Just days ago in Boston, Riley ran 4:20.61 for the mile, breaking the NCAA record in a race that perfectly captured where collegiate women's distance running is right now—stacked fields, fearless pacing, and a generation that keeps pushing the event forward. But talk to Riley, and she'll be the first to tell you she's not interested in chasing times. With championship season around the corner, her focus has already shifted to racing, competing, and figuring out how to win when the pacers step off and it's just athletes battling athletes.In this conversation, we talk about the steady progression that led to this breakthrough, how cross country laid the strength foundation for her range from the 800m all the way to the 5K, and the training dynamic at BYU—where working alongside teammates like Jane Hedengren means getting pushed every single day. She reflects on the program's culture of what they call “high expectations, high love,” the lessons she's carried from past teammates, and the mindset shift from hoping she belonged at the top level to knowing she does.We also dig into the long view—how patience, development, and belief have shaped her career, why she sees championship racing as a completely different sport than time trials, and what she hopes to accomplish before closing out her collegiate chapter.Riley Chamberlain is now an NCAA record holder. But as you'll hear, she believes the most important races are still ahead.____________Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavezGuest: Riley Chamberlain | @riley_chamberlain04Produced by: Jasmine Fehr | @jasminefehr____________SUPPORT OUR SPONSORSUSATF: The USATF Indoor Track and Field Championships presented by Prevagen are back in New York City from February 28th to March 1st at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island. This is where legends don't just race; they punch their ticket to the world stage. The pressure is real, the margins are razor thin, and every athlete is fighting for one thing: a spot on Team USATF at the World Indoor Championships. Grab your tickets now at USATF.org/tickets and experience track and field at its absolute loudest.OLIPOP: A blast from the past, Olipop's Shirley Temple combines smooth vanilla flavor with bright lemon and lime, finished with cherry juice for that nostalgic grenadine-like flavor. One sip of this timeless soda proves some flavors never grow old. Try Shirley Temple and more of Olipop's flavors at DrinkOlipop.com and use code CITIUS25 at checkout to get 25% off your orders.
There's no shortcuts to a winning sales culture. When leaders compromise standards for convenience, talent, or short-term wins, they erode the very foundation that sustains performance over time. Brian White joins John Kaplan and John McMahon to unpack why elite teams are built on respect first, why trust is collective (not individual), and why commitment without conditions is the only kind that lasts. Drawing from decades inside championship locker rooms, Brian outlines what it takes to build peer-led accountability, accelerate young talent, demand excellence without demeaning people, and create environments where pride replaces entitlement. This conversation is for revenue leaders who want to build a long-lasting high-performance culture that goes beyond incentives.Brian White is a veteran Division I football coach, Assistant Coach of the Year, and author of The Locker Room Is Not for Sale. Over 55 years in and around elite programs including Notre Dame, he has coached national champions, developed NFL talent including Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne, and built cultures grounded in respect, accountability, and the human touch.Resources mentioned:The Locker Room Is Not for Sale by Brian WhiteThe Qualified Sales Leader by John McMahonWant to know how top-performing organizations create a culture of consistent success? Check out Force Management's guide to the Predictable Revenue Framework: https://hubs.li/Q03-T6NH0Key takeaways from this episode:16:53 – Why respect, not trust, is the true starting point of elite team culture25:55 – The human touch as a competitive advantage, not a soft leadership tactic35:27 – Caring is competence, and why pride is earned through preparation and standards40:54 – Why three clear values outperform forty two vague ones47:48 – How peer leaders, not titles, protect the integrity of the locker room55:06 – You don't rise to the occasion, you fall to your level of preparation01:02:06 – Why great leaders get talent in front of experience and refuse to hide behind youth 01:06:22 – Why direct engagement eliminates fear and prevents cultural drift Hosted by five-time CRO John McMahon and Force Management Co-Founder John Kaplan, the Revenue Builders podcast goes behind the scenes with the sales leaders who have been there, done that, and seen the results. This show is brought to you by Force Management. We help companies improve sales performance, executing their growth strategy at the point of sale. Connect with Us: LinkedInYouTubeForce Management
Episode 164: Bruce Mayhew and his book, The Path of an Inspired Leader: Inspire Greatness, Lead with Integrity, and Build a Loyal Team CultureAbout BruceBruce Mayhew is a corporate trainer, keynote speaker, and author who has spent more than two decades helping leaders and teams build empowering cultures that turn good intentions into everyday behaviours that build trust, engagement, and results. As president and founder of Toronto-based Bruce Mayhew Consulting, Bruce delivers practical, people-first and research-informed programs and keynotes covering: Leadership and new-leader development, difficult conversations, generational differences / generational dynamics, time management, email etiquette.Conversation HighlightsIntroversion has guided, informed, and empowered his work.Going from a small town to a big city can awaken you.When the corporate ladder may not be what you want.The power of pushing the right buttons.The need to understand both the soft and technical sides of leadership.Understanding and meeting people where they are.The power of values in leadership.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Bruce is, Do you understand how your challenges and insecurities of the past might translate into strengths today?Find BruceWebsite: brucemayhew.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brucemayhewconsulting/Instagram: bruce.mayhewTwitter / X: @BMCtrainercoachEmail: bruce@brucemayhew.comLinkedIn - Full Podcast Article:CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads - Bruce Mayhew00:47 - Introduction & Bio01:53 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?03:04 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?06:47 - Bruce's & Introversion10:28 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?15:45- What do you consider your superpower?17:34 - What does leadership mean to you?21:44 - Can you introduce us to the book we're discussing?29:09 - What did you want to capture in your book?30:13 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?33:55 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?36:15 - What's next for your writing?40:10 - What book has inspired you?48:19- What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:Watch on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, the catelog my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons! https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/last-week-s-leadership-lessons-7058038561366794240/
Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors. Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs. Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERERegister NOW for Tekmetric's Tektonic Conference coming up HEREIn this episode, Jeff welcomes David Kline back to talk about his transition from dealer tech to independent. David shares what it was like sticking with a job that wasn't fulfilling and what finally pushed him to make a change. They dive into the ups and downs of flat rate pay, why shop culture makes a big difference, and how open communication and continuous learning can really shape your career.Timestamps:00:00 "Speaking Out Without Boundaries"20:41 "Finding Joy in Connection"25:32 "Frustrations of Senior Techs"41:28 "Matco Boxes Prove Durable"49:38 "Collaborating in a Family Business"54:06 Dealership Team Dynamics and Impact01:10:48 "Effective Management and Workplace Challenges"01:13:41 "Warranty Pay vs. Retail Time"01:33:34 "Value, Pricing, and Customer Trust"01:43:13 "Service Delays and Training Issues"01:48:54 "Inspection Ownership and Miscommunication"02:02:17 "The Humility of Learning"02:10:08 Balancing Integrity and Corporate Influence02:24:08 "Mechanic's Challenges and Tools"02:26:03 "It's Who You Know" Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanicFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232
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
"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
What makes a basketball program truly special?
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.
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.
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!
SANDCAST: Beach Volleyball with Tri Bourne and Travis Mewhirter
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.
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/.
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