Come Rain or Shine: Recent Episodes
Dan Cockerell
Creating and maintaining a magical culture in any organization takes dedication and commitment. Dan Cockerell, a 27 year Disney veteran and retired Vice President of the Magic Kingdom, and host Jody Maberry share stories and insight to help you build the mindset you need to build a strong organizational culture. Come Rain or Shine will equip any leader with the tools to influence the weather in your kingdom for years to come.
"When you're appealing to everybody, you're appealing to nobody. You really have to know who you are and differentiate yourself. Home in on that thing that people are going to remember."
Episode Highlights
00:00 Returned to business world after offering advice.
05:06 Importance of mentoring and paying it forward.
09:57 Focus on client needs, not credentials.
10:32 Enthusiasm attracts people. Focus on them and provide value.
15:46 Value in encouragement and diverse experiences.
17:44 Grateful for learning to ask questions, listen, and engage with others.
23:33 Appreciation for sponsorship and ongoing friendship.
26:13 Connect with Dan at dancockerell.com
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
The Final Episode
"When you're appealing to everybody, you're appealing to nobody. You really have to know who you are and differentiate yourself. Home in on that thing that people are going to remember."
After 5.5 years and 285 episodes, it's time to say goodbye to the Come Rain or Shine podcast. It's been an incredible ride, filled with valuable lessons and heartfelt connections. I want to express my deep gratitude for everyone who tuned in, engaged with the content, and contributed to the show's success. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Hosting this podcast has been an adventure that brought on many unanticipated lessons and new friendships. It would take too long to capture them all, so here are three big lessons can be applied to your own journey:
- Momentum and Differentiation: Starting something new, whether it's a business venture or a creative project, can be daunting. Building momentum and finding ways to differentiate yourself from others in your industry are essential steps for success.
- The Power of Enthusiasm and Providing Value: Enthusiasm is a powerful differentiator, and providing value before expecting something in return can help you build lasting relationships and drive business growth.
- Interviewing and Curiosity: Hosting the podcast taught me the importance of asking thoughtful questions, actively listening, and showing genuine curiosity in others' stories. These skills have translated into valuable personal and professional relationships.
As I bid farewell to the podcast, I'm excited to announce that I will continue sharing insights and valuable content through a monthly article. You can sign up for this on my website. I'd love to stay connected with all of you.
Thank you to Jamie and JJ Eubanks and the entire Magical Vacation Planner team for their incredible support. It's been an honor to work with them and showcase their exceptional service.
It's been a privilege to share this leadership journey with all of you. The lessons and stories will stay with me as I transition to my new role at Torrens University in Australia. This chapter of life may have me heading in a new direction, but the impact and memories created with the Come Rain or Shine podcast will remain cherished and appreciated.
One of my favorite customer service books is from legendary author and speaker Bob Farrell. In his book, ‘Give ‘Em the Pickle’, he discusses how to improve client satisfaction and retention through three words, “I’ll be back.”
However, as Jody and I explain in this episode, to earn this phrase, one should not rely on the protocol alone. Contrarily, if you want to go above and beyond in our affairs, dare to fuse selfless service with common sense.
But Dan? How do we equip our employees to do this? The answer is simple: Have a framework to empower from. Give your team the confidence to make critical decisions and proactively communicate expectations.
By doing this, you can ensure your organization will give clients a reason to tell positive stories about you.
Resources:
Order the Book: Give 'Em the Pickle
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook – www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
[Rebroadcast of one of Dan's favorite episodes.]
“No matter what you’ve done in your life, career and what you’ve been involved with, you’re going to have hard times. And moving on is really the only option you have. You get up and keep moving forward.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, special guests, Clint Hill, and Lisa McCubbin join the show to discuss the history of President John F. Kennedy and Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy from their perspective.
A former U.S. Secret Service agent who served under five presidents from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Gerald Ford, Clint is best known for courageously stepping into the presidential motorcade immediately following President Kennedy’s assassination. Having retired from the U.S. Secret Service in 1975, Clint swore he would never write a book; however, after meeting Lisa decades later during her writing of The Kennedy Detail, he changed his mind.
Years later, Clint and Lisa have written three memories detailing a career like no other:Mrs. Kennedy and Me became a #1 New York Times bestseller, followed by Five Days in November and Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford.
Due to her books and connection with Clint, Lisa has interviewed hundreds of former and current agents. As noted in her writings, Lisa carries a deep respect for all who’ve sacrificed to protect the Office of the President. With no signs of stopping, Clint hopes to continue spreading the legacy of whom he served with Lisa helping pen his voice.
Resources:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Travels-Mrs-Kennedy-Clint-Hill/dp/1982181117
Website:
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
“Just because the information is at our fingertips doesn't mean we're always leveraging it to actually get stuff done and do things."
In today's fast-paced world, information is readily accessible, yet many of us struggle to leverage it effectively. We often find ourselves consuming content for entertainment purposes rather than using it to fuel personal growth and development. It’s easy to forget the power of new perspectives and information. Developing a new point of view could transform the way we approach new ideas and expand our knowledge. You just need to know what to do once you access the information.
It all starts with identifying the areas you want to improve in. Is there a specific topic or skill you've been meaning to work on? AI? Project management? Strategy? Choose your focus and gather knowledge. Hit the books, read articles, listen to podcasts, and watch videos on your chosen topic. Immerse yourself in the wealth of information available to you. But don't just consume passively—take notes and highlight key insights for future reference.
Make sure to expand the sources you gain information from. Don't rely on one book or one expert. Seek a variety of perspectives and opinions. Google the best books, search for credible articles, and tap into online courses. The more sources you explore, the more well-rounded your understanding will be.
As you learn and gain new perspectives it is important to capture everything. Whether you use a digital note-taking app or a physical notebook, create a dedicated space to collect your learnings. Jot down quotes, examples, and references that resonate with you. This way, you'll have a bank of knowledge to draw upon when needed.
Once you develop a new perspective, apply what you've learned. Use your newfound knowledge to shape your point of view and problem-solving approach. Don't just let it gather dust—put it to work. Share your perspective in conversations, presentations, or even in written content like articles or blog posts.
Developing a new point of view is an ongoing process. Stay curious and keep seeking knowledge. As Zig Ziglar once said, "You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." Keep exploring and growing.
Episode Highlights
02:09 Self-education and developing expertise, with a focus on AI.
04:34 Leverage multiple sources of expertise for continued growth.
08:44 Books help expand perspective on information and current events.
10:33 Storytelling in books stays within your subconscious.
15:39 Improve skills by building your own knowledge bank.
16:15 Importance of capturing and referencing information.
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
"You can't always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it and how you kind of take it in, and that's all on you." Episode Highlights
02:26 Courage and discipline are key to growth.
04:51 Change mindset, find motivation, or make change.
07:43 Attitude and choices determine control and confidence.
12:52 Start doing, make it real, change.
13:24 Transition from sedentary to active lifestyle.
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
What is Holding You Back?
Any time someone tells me they wish something was different in their life I ask, “what is holding you back?” Is it fear, self-doubt, or the comfort of familiarity? During this episode, Jody and I talk about taking ownership and being proactive in our lives. We all have worries, concerns, and dreams, and too often often we let fear hold us back from taking action. It is imperative that we break free from the limitations we impose on ourselves.
There are many common roadblocks: job dissatisfaction, wanting to lose weight, fears of public speaking, or concerns about children's safety. We can all relate. The first step in overcoming your unique barriers is acknowledging their existence. Once we recognize what is holding us back, we have the power to make a change. No matter how small of a change you start with, it can have a significant impact in the long run.
As I reflect on my own experiences, I’ve realized the importance of facing challenges head-on. Having courage and discipline to tackle what's holding you back can lead to great things, but it takes sacrifice. My father, Lee, often says, "Get on it!" Don't let problems control you. Take that first step, no matter how small, and soon you'll gain momentum and start moving in the right direction. Even if the situation worsens, you have control and can find a solution.
We often know what's holding us back but choose to walk around with it, avoiding the necessary actions. It's time to break free from that pattern. Take responsibility for your life. Blaming external factors leaves us feeling powerless. Recognizing that we have choices and can influence outcomes is liberating.
Changing habits and routines is challenging, but essential. It may be tough initially, but as you gain control over your choices, your self-confidence will soar. Admit what's holding you back, take responsibility, and start small. Every action counts. Don't deny yourself the joy and growth that comes from overcoming challenges. Listen to this episode for more on ways Jody and I have broken habits so those barriers no longer hold us back.
“You create your own luck.' When you engage in conversations with strangers, you never know what it may turn into - a pleasant conversation, a business opportunity, or even a friendship."
Episode Highlights
01:27 Pay attention to people for effective leadership, communication, and relationship building.
04:43 Nonverbals are a powerful way to communicate, including in unintended ways
06:48 Interactions can lead to unexpected opportunities and relationship
11:29 Listening with intent helps uncover new connections and opportunities.
12:40 Being present earns respect.
17:43 Eliminating distractions for focused quality time with family and at work.
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Pay Attention to the Person In Front of You
Paying attention is a powerful tool in your leadership toolkit. It shows respect, builds trust, and opens doors to unexpected opportunities. It's a behavior that can make a significant difference in leadership and relationship-building. Being present and fully focused on the person in front of you is key.
Being present and engaging with the people around me is something I actively work on, even during his travels. Whether it's the organizer of the event or a stranger at a dinner. Take a moment to acknowledge someone, ask questions, listen, and pay attention.
If you want to effectively pay attention, there a few tactics that help avoid distraction.
- Create an environment where you can fully engage without interruptions.
- Ask questions. The more you inquire, the deeper the connection becomes.
- Be genuinely interested. Be eager to learn about the people you interact with and their experiences.
- Reset when entering a room. Focus on the present moment, leaving behind any distractions from the past.
The power of paying attention goes beyond just building relationships. It contributes to trust, rapport, and, ultimately, success. When leaders prioritize paying attention, it creates an environment where people feel valued and connected. I remember once walking with Bob Iger, where Bob's undivided attention made me feel like the most important person in the world. Leaders who pay attention create powerful connections.
Remember that paying attention is not limited to personal relationships. It also applies to the workplace. Distractions can hinder collaboration and productivity. Set aside time for focused conversations with teammates, leaving devices and distractions behind.
Take a moment to consciously practice these tactics and see the impact it has on your relationships, both at work and in your personal life. Embrace the power of paying attention and watch your relationships and success grow.
“Sometimes I look around and say, why am I in this situation? It makes me take a step back to say, “ What did you do to get yourself in this situation? What could you have done to not be in this situation?” Episode Highlights [00:03:58] Take responsibility for hiring, then address issues or remove employees..
[00:10:54] Ownership mindset leads to remarkable acts of responsibility and trust-building..
[00:14:44] Leaders encourage employees to take risks and assume responsibility for the guest experience
[00:16:47] Take initiative to improve customer experience.
[00:19:13] Embrace the things that make you unique and stand out confidently.
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Take Responsibility
Taking responsibility is the key to success, both in business and in life. Every outcome can be traced back to one's decisions, and it's crucial to own up to it, no matter how tough it may be. Organizations with top-notch service and ownership, like Disney and Marriott, can transform ordinary experiences into extraordinary ones
Creating a culture where people take responsibility impacts much more than just the guest experience. It's about teamwork and how employees can elevate the customer experience by going the extra mile and owning up to the company's standard.
Leaders can foster a culture of ownership and empower their team to take responsibility. It's all about inspiring and guiding others to make decisions that align with the organization's values and goals. A fantastic book full of wisdom on ownership and leadership is "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Wieneck. There is no doubt that it will ignite your passion for unlocking your full potential as a leader.
Make sure to listen to this episode of "Come Rain or Shine" to discover the magic of extreme ownership and its potential to transform your business. It's not just a podcast; it's a blueprint for success.
“We’re just so busy and distracted, things come in and out. We just don't take time to say, wow, that's a nice thing. I'm creating a little memory for myself right now." – Dan Cockerell
Episode Highlights
[00:02:19] Saying yes to opportunities and changing environments can be refreshing and inspiring.
[00:05:07] Meditation is challenging but worthwhile. Be present and appreciate the little things.
[00:09:15] Outdoor trip to Bryce Canyon. Refreshing and inspiring.
[00:11:14] Effective meetings occur when they are held while doing related tasks.
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Change Your Environment to Change Your Mindset
There come times in life when we feel stuck in a rut, lack energy, or struggle to see things from a new perspective. We've all been there. One way to break free from these patterns is to change your environment. Jody and I took the time to talk about our recent hiking trip to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. Stepping out of our regular routines and immersing ourselves in nature had a profound impact on our mindset.
Getting away from your usual surroundings allow you to disconnect and gain a fresh perspective. The change in environment, combined with the opportunity to have unstructured time, ignites creativity and will recharge your energy. Another way to reshape your mindset is by embracing new experiences and saying "yes" to opportunities that come your way.
Jody really helped me remember why we need to spend more time practicing mindfulness and appreciating the little things. By slowing down, observing nature, and being fully present in the moment, we can find joy in the simple beauty around us. Doing this is a powerful reminder to prioritize our surroundings and not always rush towards the next goal.
If you're feeling stuck or in need of a mindset shift, consider changing your environment. It doesn't have to be a grand trip to a national park. A simple change of scenery can make a difference. Take the time to explore a new place, immerse yourself in nature, or even connect with different people. By breaking free from your routine, you open yourself up to new ideas and perspectives.
Remember, it's not about rushing to get things done or reaching the next goal. It's about being present in the moment, appreciating the beauty around you, and allowing your mind to recharge and refocus.
"Talent times Relationships plus expectations plus reward and recognition equals the productivity of a team."
Episode Highlights
[00:03:02] Gallup's 4 measurements of team productivity.
[00:06:22] Giving gratitude and recognition reinforces positive behavior and improves productivity.
[00:08:42] Clarify expectations and communicate with your team for improved productivity.
[00:12:45] Assess team morale, identify need for friendship
[00:15:39] Discuss expectations, recognize team, gather feedback, clarify actions, follow-up.
[00:16:40] Use feedback to improve leadership for better results
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
The Four Elements of Team Productivity
There are four key elements that contribute to successful team productivity. During this conversation, Jody and I talk about the importance of setting clear expectations, building strong relationships, implementing effective reward and recognition systems, and ensuring the right talent is in the right roles within a team. There are also four powerful questions I share that you can ask your team to assess your leadership and drive better results.
Four Elements
- Clear Expectations: Ensure your team knows what is expected of them, when to reach out for guidance, and the level of autonomy they have in decision-making.
- Strong Relationships: Take the time to get to know your team members personally, understand their communication preferences, career aspirations, and passions.
- Reward and Recognition: Find ways to reward and recognize the achievements of your team members to inspire continued dedication and excellence.
- Talent Alignment: Understanding your team members' natural talents and passions, and aligning them with their responsibilities, will unleash their potential.
This is a must-listen episode for anyone looking to take their team's productivity to the next level. By leveraging these four elements—talent, relationships, expectations, and reward and recognition—you can unlock a team's full potential and achieve exceptional results. Take it a step further by asking questions and gathering feedback. That’s how you can identify areas for improvement and make the necessary adjustments to enhance team productivity.
“If you don't keep their interest, they walk away. So I really learned really quickly how to keep that interest. And that was through storytelling.”
Episode Highlights
[00:01:22] Passion for storytelling through moving around.
[00:04:30] Transitioned from working for Disney to writing for nonprofits and training small business leaders
[00:10:14] Inspiration from Disney's use of stories, failures, and four key challenges (safety, courtesy, show efficiency).
[00:14:42] Storytelling creates respect and enhances effectiveness.
[00:16:30] Own your story; be universal and specific.
[00:22:10] Training nonprofits on storytelling.
Connect with Alice
Visit Alice’s Website
Order the book Tell Your Story
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
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Connecting With Customers Through Storytelling
Alice Fairfax's passion for storytelling was ignited at a young age. Her father's military background resulted in frequent moves and the need to adapt to new environments. As a means of connecting with others in unfamiliar settings, Alice discovered the power of storytelling. She recognized that she was able to establish relationships by sharing her own tales and listening to others' experiences.
Whether it's sharing a tale about your day or engaging an audience on a grand stage, storytelling builds connections and deeper relationships. Alice found her interest in storytelling amplified through theater and acting. It became the perfect outlet for her to dig even deeper into storytelling by bringing characters and narratives to life.
As a performer at Disney, Alice focused on audience interactive storytelling. That means she was often inviting individuals to become part of the story. This technique ensured engagement, enabling her to maintain interest even in challenging conditions. For businesses, this highlights the significance of actively involving customers, clients, and employees in their narratives to generate a deeper connection.
Alice has started to support small business owners with storytelling across various platforms, from presentations to social media. Her book, "Tell Your Story," offers practical tools and techniques to craft compelling narratives that resonate with your ideal audience. It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to translate their story effectively and authentically.
Storytelling remains a powerful tool in our increasingly disconnected world. It has the potential to bridge gaps, evoke emotions, educate, and inspire. Stay tuned for Alice's book release in November and remember to embrace the magic of storytelling in your personal and professional endeavors.
“It's not just about the people, but also the systems and processes in place. When art and science come together, magic happens.” -Dan Cockerell
Leadership and culture are the driving forces when it comes to creating exceptional customer experiences. Smart organizations know the value of a well-designed plan for their business. They can't just open shop without a clear vision. It requires a savvy combination of the art and science of customer service.
Two great examples of well-designed customer service experiences are Athleta and Banana Republic. They've trained their employees to go the extra mile, offering options like checking other stores' inventory for your desired size. It's all part of a well thought out process in their customer experience plan.
No matter how great of a plan you come up with, consistency is key. It's not just about hiring good people, but about creating a culture where everyone delivers exceptional customer service. For example, when you walk into Athleta or Banana Republic, you know you'll receive top-notch service, no matter who's working. Everyone is trained so that customers get a predictable experience.
Culture plays a vital role in customer service. It's about how things are done around here. As a leader, you set the tone for your organization. Define the experience you want to create, plan it out, and make sure it's consistently delivered. Ask yourself:
- What is the service experience that you want to create?
- How are you going to communicate it to your employees?
- How are you going to create checklists and processes to make sure It is done over and over and over again?
Whether you're a business owner, a department manager, or even an HR representative, think about the service experience you want to offer. Remember, customer service is both an art and a science. Plan it, communicate it, and create processes to ensure it's executed flawlessly. Your customers will thank you through their loyalty.
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
[00:02:11] Reflecting on leadership tactics for businesses.
[00:04:40] Brands with exceptional service.
[00:07:25] Find your culture, create great service, learn from experiences.
[00:10:42] Employee training for better customer interactions.
[00:15:25] Pay attention to the customer journey and touchpoint map.
“Many organizations today are focused on whether or not people are following the process. They ask ‘Did you send the report?’ versus ‘what results are you getting?’."
It is hard to deny the power of leadership and culture on organizational success. During this conversation with Jody Mayberry we discuss the release of a the major movies, Barbie and Oppenheimer, and share our perspectives on their impact. That leads to a much bigger discussion around the movie "Air” and its reference to a Nike manifesto.
The movie “Air” tells the story of Phil Knight, the CEO of Nike in the 80s, and the groundbreaking decision to create Air Jordans. What caught my attention the most was Phil Knight's Nike manifesto. This is a set of principles guiding the company's success. There were a number of key points I pulled from the manifesto. The most notable thing is the authenticity and practicality in which they were created and implemented
In addition to the manifesto, this movie does a fantastic job reiterating the importance of memorable points for team decision-making. Some of the manifesto points include being on the offense all the time and prioritizing perfect results over perfect processes.
Make sure to listen to this episode as we talk about how a powerful manifesto can shape a company's culture and drive its success. Whether you're a business leader or an aspiring entrepreneur, the lessons we pull from Phil Knight's Nike manifesto are sure to inspire you.
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
[00:02:50] Nike's groundbreaking success with Air Jordans.
[00:03:48] Phil Knight's manifesto guided company decisions.
[00:07:35] Focus on results, not process; challenge norms.
[00:12:41] Park ranger questions bureaucratic process, tests system.
[00:15:16] "Disney Magic Bands: Battery-powered sensors at auto plaza."
[00:17:01] Follow rules, live off land, find path
[00:19:49] Deal with mistakes, don't wait or fear.
"We need to give women the confidence that they can do it, and then educate men about what women can bring to the table" - Valerie Cockerell Inspired by her mother's regrets and the desire to share her own insights, Valerie Cockerell set out to write a book that would provide practical advice on leadership. She noticed that while many resources discussed leadership theories, there was a lack of actionable steps. Valerie aimed to bridge this gap, offering tangible guidance to help people navigate their own leadership journeys. What was most crucial to Valerie was the realization that she had taken breaks in her career, whether due to relocating or prioritizing her family. These experiences shaped her perspective and added depth to the wisdom she wanted to share with others.
As Valerie reflects on her career and accomplishments, she talks about how she wishes she had known certain things earlier in her professional journey. One of the biggest being the importance of focusing on the basics. This includes things such as setting expectations, providing proper training, offering feedback, and effective time management. In a complex and challenging world, focusing on these basics can prevent us from feeling overwhelmed. Just like in tennis, where going back to basics helps improve overall performance, the same principle applies to leadership.
During our conversation, Valerie mentions a study that found having more women in a group increases the collective IQ and leads to more effective collaboration. She shares more about reason women make such a notable impact in organizations. Three justifications include that women are often better listeners, more open to constructive criticism, and possess emotional intelligence. By working towards gender parity, we can benefit everyone in the workplace and create a more inclusive and productive environment.
Take a listen to this incredible converation with Valerie. You can also join in the conversation on social media using the hashtag #ManageLikeAMother and share your own stories about the powerful influence of mothers. And of course, make sure to order Valerie's book, "Manage Like a Mother," available on Amazon.
Connect with Valerie:
Order the book - Manage Like a Mother
LinkedIn - Connect with Valerie
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
[00:03:48] Focusing on basics improves performance and eases complexity.
[00:08:10] Reflect on your mother's actions to lead better.
[00:10:59] Women have better collaboration and emotional intelligence.
[00:15:15] Men need to educate themselves, be self-aware, and invite and value feedback for improvement in order to be true allies.
[00:20:23] Moms manage crises and provide helpful insights.
[00:24:02] Resilient mom overcomes challenges, learns to drive.
[00:25:09] 72-year-old woman learns to drive, still drives at 91.
The essence of truth is not what someone says, it's what they do. Behavior never lies. Every day, prepare yourself to be the person that someone else may need. - Richard Flint
Richard Flint, the CEO of Richard Flint International, joins to share his extraordinary life story. Our conversation dives deep into Richard's personal turning points, the importance of confronting challenges, and the power of personal growth. His journey has been one of incredible highs and lows, from challenges he faced from even the earliest years of his upbringing to the success of becoming a renowned public speaker
Richard's story begins with a difficult childhood. He was born to a mother who didn't want him, then was adopted by a mother who also didn't fully accept him. Growing up, Richard faced constant criticism and was told he would never amount to anything. At 16, he was abruptly kicked out of his home by his adoptive mother, leading him to contemplate suicide. However, Richard found the strength to persevere, refusing to let his circumstances define him.
One of the key turning points in Richard's life occurred when he realized that he didn't need to prove himself to his mother. Her abandonment freed him from the chains of seeking validation from others. Richard discovered the importance of self-belief, learning that he was capable of creating the life he desired. This experience fueled Richard's passion to help others recognize their potential and embrace their brilliance.
Richard's journey also provides valuable insights into effective leadership. He emphasizes the importance of communication and confrontation in a leadership role. True leaders, he asserts, do not shy away from difficult conversations but rather address them head-on. It is through these confrontations that growth and progress are achieved, both individually and within an organization.
For the past 35 years, Richard has dedicated his life to sharing his research and insights with people all around the world. Through his work, he aims to inspire individuals to strive for exceptionalism beyond average or greatness. Richard encourages others to embrace belief, trust, and faith in oneself, propelling them towards a life that is better, smarter, and more purposeful.
Richard Flint's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of personal growth. From a troubled upbringing to becoming a renowned speaker, his journey is filled with valuable lessons for everyone seeking to overcome adversity. This episode of "Come Rain or Shine" is an inspiring reminder that even in the darkest moments, we have the capacity to rise above and create the life we desire.
Connect with Richard: https://www.richardflint.com/
Richard on LinkedIn
Richard on YouTube
Richard on Twitter
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:01:16 - Richard's Background 00:05:47 - Finding Freedom 00:06:38 - Richard's Mission 00:09:05 - The Importance of Honesty
00:12:45 - Balancing Commitment and Conviction 00:15:10 - Types of Workers: Sponges, Spectators, and Camels 00:18:00 - Challenges of Spectators and Camels 00:20:36 - Lack of Leadership and Respect
"What can I do today that my future self will thank me for 20 years from now?"— Ray Edwards
In this episode of "Come Rain or Shine," I have an incredible conversation with Ray Edwards, a renowned copywriter and author. Ray opens up about his journey that has been filled with both success and setbacks. His resilience in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. Throughout our conversation, Ray shares about his career successes, lifechanging medical news, his latest book, and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way.
Ray's passion for radio broadcasting began at a young age and ultimately led him to a successful career spanning over 30 years. However, he made a pivotal decision to transition into the world of copywriting online. With the ability to harness the power of words and persuasion, Ray became highly sought after and worked with influential figures like Tony Robbins and Jack Canfield.
In 2011, Ray received a life-altering diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Initially keeping it hidden, he eventually had to face the reality and challenges it presented. As his health declined rapidly during the pandemic, Ray found himself in a dark place, questioning his beliefs and struggling to find solace in the methods that had once motivated him.
It was during this low point that Ray made a profound decision to change his perspective and take ownership of his circumstances. He realized that reality couldn't be altered, but his response to it could. Drawing on his expertise as a copywriter, he wrote a sales letter to himself titled, "Read this or die a failure." This powerful letter became a catalyst for Ray's personal transformation.
Throughout our conversation, Ray emphasized the importance of reevaluating our beliefs and finding better ones when faced with adversity. He challenged the conventional sources of motivation that had failed him and encouraged listeners to seek meaningful change within themselves. Ray notes that true transformation occurs when we change our response to circumstances rather than trying to change the circumstances themselves.
Ray Edward's story is one of resilience, introspection, and personal growth. His ability to turn his darkest moments into opportunities for self-reflection and change is truly remarkable. His latest book, "Read this or Die," encapsulates his journey and serves as an inspiring call-to-action for those facing their own trials. If you're in need of a fresh perspective, this episode with Ray is a must-listen.
Connect with Ray Edwards
Order the Book Read This or Die
Ray Edwards Website
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
[00:02:09] Radio career, Parkinson's diagnosis, mental struggle, transformation
[00:10:58] Humans tend to get caught up in the current of life. Remember to take action
[00:12:43] Doing things now that future you appreciates.
[00:17:54] Using empathy to help with the pain, pressure, and comments.
[00:19:33] Open-mindedness and listening bring peace to disagreements
[00:23:30] useful beliefs and appreciate life.
The key to successful execution is having focus, clarity, alignment, and accountability. These four things will help you get your strategies executed. - Patrick Thean
Identifying core values, achieving clarity, and fostering accountability is undeniably important within organizations. My conversation with Patrick Thean, an expert in helping CEOs and teams overcome barriers to success, emphasizes their significance. Those things should not merely be words on a wall but rather true behavioral patterns that are believed in and practiced.
As shared in Jim Collins' book, "Good to Great," there is a need for a small set of core values to avoid excessive bureaucracy and processes. We talk about the way companies can have practical implementation of core values on a daily basis. Patrick shares the ways he utilizes them within his own company, Rhythm Systems. Core values like "go the second mile" and "keep smart" are ingrained into their everyday language and actions.
Clarity and effective communication are also keys to effective execution. At Walt Disney World there is a high level of focus on creating magical memories. This focus empowers employees to think about their purpose before executing their role. Clarity within an organization not only helps in goal-setting but also in holding people accountable.
Patrick also debunks the notion that accountability is merely about punishment. It is actually about ensuring that the organization's objectives are achieved and addressing issues collectively rather than covering them up. We talk about the "gift of red" feedback. That emphasizes the significance of providing early feedback on unacceptable performance or issues to allow for timely resolution.
Throughout our conversation, Patrick emphasizes the importance of empathy, repetition, and self-awareness in effectively executing strategies. There are always going to be challenges with maintaining focus, alignment with other teams, and the accountability of both individuals and teams. Planning and organization are among the crucial factors in avoiding unnecessary interruptions and disruptions in workflow.
Make sure to listen to this conversation Patrick Thean to learn more about the secrets to achieving business success through effective execution. There is no doubt that you will hear strategies that can really work for you.
Connect with Patrick
Order the Book, Rhythm
Visit Patrick's Website
Patrick on LinkedIn
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:01:08 - Patrick's Background 00:03:10 - Lack of Execution 00:05:51 - Focus and Execution at Disney 00:09:02 - Clarity, Accountability, and Setting Goals 00:16:27 - Creating a Culture of Transparency 00:19:47 - Using Core Values in Daily Language 00:21:14 - Effective Communication and Accountability 00:25:39 - The Importance of Collaboration and Rhythm 00:26:30 - The Challenges of Sharing Ideas 00:27:23 - The Importance of Self-Awareness and Compartmentalization 00:32:55 - Transforming Status Meetings into Adjustment Meetings 00:33:40 - The Value of Strategic Thinking and Planning
Just change your mind and do something differently. Changing your beliefs and assumptions can lead to different results in your life. - Dan Cockerell
During our time in California, my wife Valerie and I took a 20-mile hike. I relished the challenge, but as the miles accumulated, so did the discomfort. My body protested, my mind amplified the pain, and I found myself questioning why I had put myself in this situation. However, a phrase started to resonate with me: pain is temporary.
Over and over, I repeated it. The more I said it I noticed that my mindset began to shift. Each step became less a hardship and more a triumph. I stopped focusing on the immediate discomfort and started enjoying the scenery, the weather, the company. I realized that just changing my thoughts had a profound effect on my experience.
This has since become a guiding principle for me. Pain is temporary. However, the lessons you learn and the experiences you have are permanent. Shifting your mindset isn't easy and it certainly does not happen overnight. The the learning, the growth, the joy that come from the temporary discomfort make it worth it. Do not dismiss the power of positive mindset and the profound impact it can have on our experiences.
Many time we limit our own personal growth by holding on to existing beliefs and assumptions. Emergencies and challenges aren't always expected, but it is smart to have a plan to guide you through them. This is the same for our personal and professional life. Be proactive when planning the direction you want your business to go and be prepared to adapt to new opportunities.
Make sure to listen to this conversation between Jody and I, especially if you are navigating a bit of discomfort in life. We talk about the power of mindset and beliefs and the ways they can help you overcome challenges and create new opportunities.
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights 00:01:26 - Mindset and Dealing with Pain 00:04:57 - Magical Vacation Planner and Hiking 00:08:26 - Changing Beliefs and Mindset Shifts 00:10:26 - Focusing on the United States Market 00:12:15 - Taking Action and Finding Solutions 00:13:27 - Changing Mindsets and Being Proactive 00:14:42 - The Power of Action and Learning 00:16:03 - Changing Habits and Creating Success 00:18:15 - Addressing Worries and Overcoming Challenges
Technology may bring us closer in some ways, but nothing can replace the depth and significance of real, in-person human connection. - Judd Shaw
Human connection has been a crucial aspect of survival throughout history. Over the last few years there was a stark reminder of the importance of authentic relationships. Today I welcome Judd Shaw, CEO of Judd Shaw Injury Law, who shares his insights on the transformative power of authentic human connections.
During the COVID-19 pandemic Judd went from running a successful law firm to experiencing emotional and professional struggles. In all that was going well there was a pull telling him that something was missing. This sense of unfulfillment sparked a journey that led Judd to a new passion project - understanding and fostering human connection.
Like many, he had been living in a world veiled by technological advancements, where authentic relationships were often overshadowed by a flood of digital interactions. Now, he knows the importance of finding a sense of belonging and connecting with others who accept us for who we are. Social media has lead to unhealthy comparisons, which is why it is crucial to define our own success and prioritize genuine connections over superficial ones.
There are a few ways you can make more meaningful connections.
-
spending quality time with family without distractions
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being fully present in conversations
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being accessible and approachable as a leader
Technology is evolving faster than humans, and it's crucial to get back to our roots and prioritize authentic connections for a better future. Measure the connection with yourself and ensure authenticity and alignment with your core values. By reconnecting with oneself, it becomes easier to build connections with others and create a better world for oneself and others.
Connect with Judd:
Judd Shaw Website
Get the Book Sterling and Nugget the Dragon
Listen to Working the Wow Podcast
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:01:32 - Judd's Story and the Power of Connection,
00:03:57 - The Impact of Technology on Connection,
00:07:29 - Loneliness as an Epidemic,
00:11:24 - The Need for Connection and Belonging,
00:14:48 - Finding Authentic Connections,
00:17:14 - Creating Meaningful Connections,
00:19:33 - The Power of Genuine Interactions,
00:20:15 - Connecting with Yourself,
00:21:26 - Taking Action and Appreciating Connection
Holding people accountable and setting clear expectations brings value to any role. - Mark Manukas
Mark learned early on in his naval career about the power of accountability and clear expectations. During his four years at the Naval Academy he encountered a number of surprises. The most impactful things are the ones he still talks about today; hard work, focus on ethics, and the sense of relief and accomplishment upon graduation.
Mark and Gaurav Bhatnagar, Founder of Co Creation Partners, co-authored the book "Unfear: Transform Your Business to Create Breakthrough Performance and Well Being". The book was written to help leaders understand how fear impacts organizational culture. They aim to change leaders' relationship with fear to promote positive transformation and well-being.
Take a moment to reflect on your organization's culture and identify any areas where fear may be hindering performance and well-being. Consider how you can start addressing these issues within your own team or organization. Reach out to Mark at mark@cocreationpartners.com or visit cocreationpartners.com.
Connect with Mark & Co Creation Partners
Order the Book Unfear: Transform Your Business to Create Breakthrough Performance and Well Being
Co-Creation Partners Website
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:01:20 - Naval Academy Experience
00:03:49 - Co Creation Partners
00:08:11 - Book Purpose
00:09:08 - Evaluating Culture
00:12:37 - Accountability and Clear Expectations
00:12:57 - The Path of Unfear
00:13:26 - Working with Different Industries
00:14:21 - Contact Information and Collaboration
As a leader of any organization, it's really important that we work every day to become unnecessary. - Chris Meroff
Chris Meroff’s journey is what has shaped him into a strategic leader that helps others recognize the value of prioritizing employee fulfillment. His story is both inspiring and enlightening.
As a college dropout with no clear path in life, Chris found himself working in his parents' consulting business for K-12 education, despite having no prior knowledge of the field. After 15 grueling years, Chris decided to branch off and launch a similar venture in Texas, one of the largest markets in the country. Despite facing multiple setbacks, his relentless determination led to the flourishing of a successful business with 75 employees within four years.
However, Chris realized that his achievement did not bring him the fulfillment he expected. His belief that leadership required him to exude confidence and strength left him feeling isolated and emotionally drained when an invaluable employee resigned. That moment shaped Chris' view on the importance of empathy and vulnerability in leadership. The next thing he knew he has to do was a transform his approach to employee fulfillment.
Make sure to share this episode of Come Rain or Shine with your colleagues and friends who need to hear this message about the impact of leadership on employee fulfillment.
Connect with Chris Meroff
Chris Meroff's Website: https://chrismeroff.com/
Order the Book: Align: Four Simple Steps for Leaders to Create Employee Fulfillment
Chris on LinkedIn
Chris on Instagram
Chris on Facebook
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:01:37 - Chris's Background
00:06:17 - The Need for Empathy and Vulnerability
00:08:25 - Becoming Unnecessary as a Leader
00:09:25 - Step 1: Focus on Culture
00:13:33 - Defining Culture and Guiding Principles
00:14:35 - Prioritizing Time and Resources
00:16:14 - Aligning Talent with Tasks
00:17:24 - Creating a Success Plan
00:19:24 - The Value of Investing in Employees
"People really want to know that they have value. We can bring that to them in leadership positions, leadership roles."
I had a pretty cool experience a couple months ago and I made a note of it because I knew it would be a great podcast topic. The story really reinforces something we've talked about before. It's the idea that people matter and they need to know they matter. Whether that is in companies, employees, family members or friends, people really want to know that they have value.
During a trip to Atlanta, my wife, Valerie, and I stayed with our friends Rick and Vicky. Rick is semi retired now, but he's a guy he can never stop. He always has to be doing something. It just so happened that the night before we arrived Rick stepped in to volunteer at a local homeless shelter. They have a rotation where they need men to go spend the night at a homeless shelter and manage it. They are there to keep order, make sure everything's okay, people are safe, et cetera.
During his shift, a man approached him with a request to be quizzed for his driver's license exam. Despite not owning a car, the man simply wanted to prove to himself that he could achieve something. This simple but powerful interaction has stuck with me since. It highlighted the human desire for validation and accomplishment. It serves as a great reminder that leaders can cultivate this feeling of value in their team members, regardless of their role or status.
One of the best ways to build relationships is by taking an interest in others' achievements and supporting them, both in personal and professional settings. Genuine empathy, kindness, and understanding in leadership roles goes a long way. By truly listening, being present, and offering guidance, leaders can create a positive and supportive environment that fosters growth and achievement. Take a listen to this episode then apply the lessons Jody and I share in your own life to create a positive impact on others.
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:01:08 - Story of Rick at the Homeless Shelter
00:04:16 - Bringing Value to Others
00:06:17 - Examples of Showing Others They Matter
00:09:46 - Everyone Matters
00:12:24 - The Power of Curiosity and Connection
00:13:17 - The Fear of Vulnerability
00:14:11 - The Importance of Professionalism
00:16:13 - The Impact of Leadership Actions
00:17:54 - Cultivating a Culture of Value
"Clarity is key. It gets rid of confusion, frustration, and stress. Clear expectations empower your team to deliver great results." Mac McNeil is an army veteran and banking professional that brings a unique perspective to the significance of accountability and clear expectations in leadership. Mac's extensive background in psychological operations during Desert Storm gives a new perspective to leadership conversations.
Throughout the conversation, Mac emphasizes the need to set clear expectations and grant permission for teams to hold leaders accountable. He shares personal experiences from his executive role in Bank of America. While he was there he implemented a leadership philosophy centered around excellence, doing things the right way, and accountability. Mac also highlights the role of storytelling in leadership. He shares some great examples of this with anecdotes from his book, My Great Aunt Edna: The Golden Girl of Leadership.
In this episode, you will:
- Uncover the leadership lessons gleaned from both military and banking sectors
- Discover how psychological operations mold human behavior in military environments
- Delve into the exceptional leadership principles embodied by Mac McNeil's Great Aunt Edna
- Realize the vital role of accountability and clear expectations in leadership dynamics
- Learn about fostering a culture of excellence, responsibility, and integrity
He emphasizes the value of holding others accountable and addressing performance issues directly, even though it may be uncomfortable for young leaders. This episode is perfect for current and aspiring leaders that want to gain insights on fostering a culture of accountability and improving leadership effectiveness.
Conncect with Mac
Mac's LinkedIn
Get the Book My Great Aunt EDNA
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:00:44 - Mac's Background
00:02:05 - Memorable Moments from Desert Storm
00:04:06 - Psychological Operations in the Army
00:08:22 - My Great Aunt Edna, the Golden Girl of Leadership
00:12:20 - Importance of Accountability and Credibility
00:13:55 - Clear Expectations and Planning Work
00:15:41 - Being Accountable as a Leader
00:16:59 - Creating a Safe Environment for Feedback
00:19:11 - Miles Davis and Leadership
00:24:11 - Herbie Hancock's "Rocket"
00:24:23 - Book Recommendation - "My Great Aunt EDNA: The Golden Girl Leadership",
"Customers don't care about organizational structure, they just want a great experience."
Matt Purdy joins for a conversation on the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and unity among all employees and partners. He shares his experience integrating outsourced operational areas with the internal culture and values as Director of Career Services at Murray State University.
Many of the university's operational areas, including dining services and grounds crews, were outsourced to third parties, resulting in distinct reporting structures. Despite this, Matt was astute enough to recognize that these employees contributed significantly to the university's public image. For Matt, the distinction between who was technically a university employee and who was not, held little importance to the customers. Instead, he believed in the collective responsibility of all workers to create a wholesome customer experience. This posed an interesting question for him: how could he foster a sense of belonging and unity among all employees, yet respect their distinctive operational structures.
Listen to this episode as we break down the walls that divide and unite employees and partners. When there is a shared goal of delivering exceptional experiences then you will have a much easier time integrating diverse stakeholders. This conversation sheds even more light on the value of incorporating all stakeholders into the organizational culture and creating a shared purpose.
Connect with Matt:
Murray State University
LinkedIn Matthew Purdy
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:00:55 - Matt's Background
00:04:14 - Matt's Question
00:07:08 - Epcot Example
00:13:48 - Building Relationships
00:13:45 - Dining Provider Feedback
00:14:36 - Onboarding Experience for Third Parties
00:16:46 - Everyone as a Recruiter
00:18:08 - Matrix Organization at Disney
00:23:09 - Inclusivity for Third-Party Employees
00:26:13 - Planning for the Future
00:26:40 - Importance of Social Experience
"We might not have control in politics, but we have control in our own lives."
Amy Newmark's journey to storytelling started when she was just a child, with an insatiable curiosity for languages. Her fascination with communication took her from studying several languages in high school, to majoring in Portuguese at Harvard, and finally on a life-changing trip to Brazil. Amy's early career saw her leveraging her language skills in the business world, as a telecommunications analyst for a market research firm. She later pivoted to Wall Street, then ran a hedge fund, and found herself working at a telecom startup. Amy's diverse experiences armed her with invaluable insights into the power of storytelling and its role in personal growth.
One day, at a casual barbecue, destiny presented Amy with the opportunity to acquire Chicken Soup for the Soul. Despite the challenging economic climate, Amy and her husband took the leap. They weathered the storm, and their perseverance paid off. Today, Chicken Soup for the Soul is more than just a book series; it's a robust platform that uses storytelling to inspire and transform lives.
Each chapter of Amy's life provided her with unique insights into the transformative power of narratives. Having published over 190 books under the Chicken Soup for the Soul banner, Amy clearly knows how to touch hearts through powerful storytelling. Take a listen to out conversation to hear how an unexpected twist of fate would not only transform her own life but also empower countless individuals seeking personal growth and transformation. Visit the Chicken Soup for the Soul website to explore their collection of books, including the latest releases and bestsellers.
Resources
About Amy Newmark
Order Chicken Soup for the Soul books
Find a Red Box kiosk
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:01:18 - Amy's Background,
00:04:31 - Buying Chicken Soup for the Soul,
00:08:15 - Process of Creating New Books,
00:11:07 - Transitioning the Brand,
00:14:02 - Learning from Chicken Soup for the Soul,
00:15:28 - Taking Control of Your Life,
00:16:41 - Learning from Life's Challenges,
00:17:24 - Tips for Running a Business,
00:21:19 - Tips for Being an Author,
"The more you live in hiddenness and darkness, it doesn't actually protect you or your spouse. It actually puts a wedge between you."
Matt Lesser is an experienced business leader with a passion for fostering engaged and productive workplaces. Matt's journey began in a family-owned oil distribution company, where he quickly learned the importance of effective leadership and intentionality in the workplace. Having rebuilt the business from the ground up, Matt moved into private equity, working with organizations worldwide to identify investment opportunities. His journey hasn't always been smooth sailing though. Matt shares about some of his darker days and the power of therapy on his ability to get up and move forward.
His unique insights have been put together into two books, Unsatisfied: When Less is More and the soon-to-be-released Unengaged: Building Flourishing Organizations. During our conversation Matt shares his knowledge on creating intentional workplace cultures that drive fulfillment and success. He shares the solution to building flourishing organizations through effective leadership and engagement.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Discover strategies for building thriving organizations through impactful leadership and engagement.
- Uncover the significance of pinpointing your life's purpose and how it can drive success.
- Learn how to foster an engaging company culture by hiring team members who embody your values.
- Explore the crucial elements of clarity, capability, motivation, and alignment in cultivating productive work environments.
- Realize the power of intentionality and the impact of taking incremental steps toward achieving your goals.
Do you want to cultivate a thriving workplace that fosters fulfillment and success? If you would like enhance your leadership skills to create an engaged and productive team then make sure to take a listen to this episode. Learn how to intentionally create workplace cultures that drive satisfaction and achievement, and discover the keys to employee motivation and engagement. There is no better time to unlock the potential of a fulfilled and successful team.
Connect with Matthew
Order the Book: Unsatisfied: When Less is More
Uniquely Normal Website
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:02:29 - Matt Lesser's Background,
00:06:32 - Private Equity and Leadership,
00:08:25 - Unengaged and Unsatisfied,
00:11:03 - Loneliness and Disconnection,
00:12:57 - Rock Bottom and the Power of Therapy
00:19:01 - Reflection and Vulnerability
00:20:10 - The Importance of Human Connection
00:22:45 - Living with Intentionality
00:25:01 - Hiring for Culture Fit vs. Skill Set
00:25:33 - Discovering Your Calling
00:27:28 - Taking the First Step
00:28:45 - Matt Lesser's Upcoming Book
"If you want to change culture, you have to change the systems."
John Losey is a sought-after coach and consultant that guides leaders in the entrepreneurial community. He is a thought partner and advisor for senior leadership, often working alongside the C-Suite as their outside support. With two decades of experience in organizations of various sizes - from small businesses to large corporations, John has acquired invaluable insights about the importance of having a clear purpose and mission in strategic planning. He recently authored the book 'The Pottery Panda: The Art of Intentional Progress', which is a unique business fable about this very subject.
During this episode, you will:
- Discover the key elements of successful strategic planning for any organization
- Uncover the crucial role of purpose and mission in guiding your strategic planning process
- Learn the balance between visionary thinking and practical implementation in strategic planning
- Hear about the Pottery Panda tale and how storytelling can enhance your approach to strategic planning
- Realize the importance of community input and feedback in achieving strategic planning success
During this conversation John does a great job of explaining why it is important to ensure your organization has a clear purpose and mission before starting the strategic planning process. If you want to avoid zigzagging down the wrong path make sure to take a listen. Remember that if you want to change culture, you must change the systems in place within your organization.
If you want to change your environment, then reach out to Magical Vacation Planner. They will help you take a vacation that will give you the rest needed to support your professional plan. Give them a call at 407-442-2694 or use the link on my website.
Connect with John https://intowisdomgroup.com/
The Pottery Panda
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:01:34 - John's background
00:04:07 - Diving into strategic planning
00:06:15 - The Pottery Panda book
00:10:53 - Key concepts from the book
00:13:27 - Shifting Mindset to Focus on Success
00:14:48 - Emotional Intelligence and Critical Thinking
00:15:56 - Wisdom of Looking at the Opening
00:18:29 - Pottery Panda and Strategic Planning
"We all have the responsibility to leave the world a little bit better than we found it." Wendy Steele is a passionate advocate for women’s involvement in philanthropy and the mastermind behind Impact 100 Global. With a background in economics and banking, she has a keen understanding of the importance of financial empowerment and independence for women. During our conversation she talks about realizing that outdated ideas about philanthropy were keeping many women from making a difference in their communities, so she set out to change that.
As the founder and CEO of Impact 100 Global, Wendy has helped the organization collectively grant over $123 million during its first 20 years. She works to empower women to pool their resources together and make an impact on the causes they care about. Her forward-thinking approach to giving is truly transformative.
During this episode, Wendy helps us:
- Discover the power of impactful giving specifically for women and its potential to change lives
- Uncover the unique approach of Impact 100 and how pooling resources leads to significant grants
- Explore the process of breaking down barriers in philanthropy for women and fostering inclusivity
- Dive into the five key focus areas of Impact 100's grant giving and why they matter
- Delve into exclusive insights from the book "Invitations to Impact" and how it can inspire community transformation
If you or a woman you know has been feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the barriers preventing you from making a difference in the world through philanthropy, then you are not alone. Thankfully, Wendy does a great job of showing that there are ways to break through these barriers and achieve meaningful philanthropy. Take a listen and make sure to share this episode with someone else who is looking to make an impact through philanthropy.
A great way to celebrate your impact is through a vacation. Make sure to connect with Magical Vacation Planner. They will provide the guidance needed so you can focus on enjoying your trip. 407-442-0257.
Connect with Wendy https://wendyhsteele.com/
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights 00:01:39 - Wendy's Background
00:05:36 - Impact 100 Model
00:09:19 - Examples of Impact Projects
00:15:26 - The Importance of Ownership in Impact
00:16:50 - Making a Difference No Matter How Small
00:18:02 - Generosity and Impact
00:21:03 - Invitation to Impact Book
00:23:42 - Impact 100 and Getting Involved
"When things are going bad in the moment, they're usually almost never as bad as you think they are."
Jody Maberry is back to talk about the importance of facing life's uncertainties with courage and positivity. Jody has learned that embracing change and being open-minded are key to personal growth and success. Too much time is spent trying to control every outcome, or constantly seeking reassurance from others. In reality, these actions only perpetuate your anxiety. The more you resist uncertainty, the more it persists.
It's time to embrace the unknown and shift your focus to what is within your control - your thoughts and actions. Instead of dwelling on the worst-case scenario, train your mind to find the positive in any situation. Challenge yourself to try new things and take calculated risks. It is so important that we overcome preconceived notions and experiencing things for ourselves. Jody gives a great example of this by sharing about his experience in Kuwait. Remember, uncertainty is a natural part of life, and with a positive mindset, you can not only survive but thrive in it.
In this episode, we discuss the:
- art of thriving amid uncertainty and sustaining a positive mindset
- influence of attitude and perspective in carving out opportunities
- life-changing capacity of travel in dismantling stereotypes and prejudices
- essentiality of experience for cultivating areas of expertise
- skill of preserving perspective while also giving attention to details in trying times
If you're feeling stuck in uncertainty and overwhelmed by negative thoughts, know that you are not alone. But also remember that being open-minded and having a positive attitude can lead to new opportunities in life.
One great way to experience new places is by partnering with Magical Vacation Planner. They offer stress-free vacation planning so you can focus on enjoying the trip. You can get in touch with them by calling 407-442-0257.
"We create our own luck."
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
"If you are creating a culture of trust, it means you listen more than you speak."
April Whitson has developed cutting-edge programs to create a culture employees won't want to quit. During our conversation she does a great job of explaining the value of diverse experiences in your career to prepare for future leadership roles. She is a leader that firmly believes that HR professionals should act as business partners, understanding the financial impacts and the entire operation of the company.
April is a high-energy speaker who has coached hundreds of leaders throughout her 25+ years as an HR professional. During our conversation she shares how she navigated a career path that wasn't always linear. Her lessons have shaped who she has become now and why she encourages her team to have the courage to speak up. It is important that we all have difficult conversations when needed. It is even better when there are leaders like April that let their employees know that they will always have their back. Through my own experience I know this is necessary to establish an amazing culture that employees don't want to leave.
One way of challenging yourself to look beyond the traditional way of climbing the corporate ladder is through the concept of switching ladders. April uses this approach to career development by getting people to consider changing ladders, not just climbing up the same one. It's a great way to gain different experiences and skills.
During our conversation, you will also hear:
- the indispensable contribution of HR as strong business allies in promoting diversity within the workplace
- the keys to establishing a positive corporate culture for robust employee engagement and loyalty
- how to sharpen your communication skills to strengthen bonds between leaders and team members
- the art of combining assertiveness with humility to maximize your leadership potential
- ways to implement a long-term strategy to sustain employee retention while nurturing their overall well-being
April has a clear drive to touch more lives and provide leaders the tools to create a better work environment. She is now excitedly working on her book to share her insights and experiences. Make sure connect with April on LinkedIn and grab her free resource below. You should also check out ABB, the technology company April works for, to learn more about their products and services.
One way to retain people is to make sure they take time for themselves. Next time you or someone you know is wanting to plan their vacation make sure to connect with Magical Vacation Planner at 407-
Connect with April:
Website - April Whitson
Free Retention Checklist -The Stay Challenge
LinkedIn - April Whitson
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:01:20 - April's Story
00:06:29 - The Role of HR
00:10:37 - Getting Diverse Experiences
00:12:15 - Diverse Experience and Open-mindedness
00:13:48 - Recruiting Challenges
00:18:42 - Open and Constructive Communication
00:22:38 - Overcoming Resistance
00:25:08 - Decision Making as a Leader
00:27:29 - Different Approaches to Decision Making
00:28:30 - Understanding Why Employees Stay
00:30:15 - Taking Control of Employee Retention
"Hospitality is friendship with a purpose."
Hospitality industry veteran, Andy McNeill, knows the importance of emotional connection and creating relationships with clients for business success. When organizations focus on hiring the right people who value good service and coach them on the little extra steps it makes a big difference. For as long as he can remember, Andy McNeill has had a heart for hospitality. After 30 years of working in the industry specialized in serving others, he has helped thousands of organizations build stronger relationships through shared human experiences.
Andy is a successful entrepreneur and founder of AMI, a global Hospitality and Marketing Firm that elevates the corporate meetings experience to the next level. During our conversation he explains how hospitality can be applied to any business, regardless of the industry, and offers great tips on how to do so. One of the biggest factors is recognizing the importance of emotional connections. A study even shows that 70% of purchasing decisions are emotional, which is why emotional deposits can help build long-lasting relationships with clients.
During our conversation, you will also discover how to:
- Develop a culture of hospitality through strategic hiring and cultivated responsibility
- Strengthen emotional bonds with clients, fostering business growth and success
- Recognize subtle elements that have a profound impact on overall client satisfaction
- Integrate hospitality-driven behaviors into daily routines, showing genuine appreciation for clients
- Embrace a client-focused mindset, directing business decisions to cater to their needs
Andy has helped thousands of businesses and Fortune 500 Companies travel to unique, once-in-a-lifetime destinations. AMI operates in 100+ countries and works on a global scale with some of the world's top brands including Salesforce, Mars Candy Bar, PepsiCo, Pfizer, and CVS Health. Andy is the host of the Destination Everywhere Podcast where he and his co-host, Todd Bludworth, give unique travel tips and destination insights from around the world.
By putting the client's needs first and executing on those little details that matter most, businesses can differentiate themselves and create memorable client experiences.
One business I know of that excels at hospitality is Magical Vacation Planner. Make sure to connect with the agents of Magical Vacation Planner for your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-0257 or using the link on my website.
Connect with Andy:
LinkedIn - Andy Mcneill
LinkedIn - AMI Global Meetings
Instagram - American Meetings Inc
www.destinationeverywhere.com
Podcast - Destinations Everywhere Podcast
Facebook - Destination Everywhere Podcast
Instagram - Destination Everywhere Podcast
Book - The Everywhere Book
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:01:01 - Applying Hospitality to Any Business
00:05:15 - The Importance of Emotional Deposits
00:08:32 - Building a Culture of Accountability
00:11:48 - Ultimate Moment of Truth
00:12:30 - Building a culture of hospitality
00:14:03 - The difference between being friendly and being hospitable
00:15:18 - Tips for living a hospitality mindset every day
00:17:26 - About AMI
"Systems and strategies help you raise your vim, vigor and passion for what you do."
David Lindsay, a dedicated athlete and former fighter, discovered the importance of vitality to improve his energy levels throughout his sports career. He found that those lessons also extended to his personal and professional life. By creating routines and rituals to snap into action, working in short, intense chunks, and tapping into the power of posture and music all contribute he was able to increase vitality.
David's journey to understanding the significance of vim, vigor, and passion in everyday life has led him to develop his five-step system to help others elevate their energy and focus, resulting in improved performance in various aspects of their lives.
Take a listen to this episode to hear:
- David's 5-step method to revitalize yourself and achieve incredible energy levels
- the significance of nurturing positive connections with your staff for successful leadership
- insights into fostering an open-minded and trustworthy team environment
- the knowledge needed for identifying trustworthy collaborators in today's competitive market
Many professionals just go through life like they are running on fumes. David uses his expertise in vitality and energy to reveal the steps to improve your energy levels. Don't miss out on the truth that could change your life, and make sure to share this episode with someone else.
Another way to improve your vitality is through a vacation. Make sure to connect with Magical Vacation Planner. They will provide the guidance that will allow you to save your energy for your trip. 407-442-0257.
Connect with David
http://www.davidlindsay.com.au/
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:02:30 - Vitality
00:05:31 - Coaching Mentality
00:08:12 - Energy and Recovery
00:11:21 - Five Steps to Improve Vitality
00:13:02 - Five Steps Towards Improved Vitality
00:14:07 - The Zingarnic Effect
00:15:33 - The Importance of Napping
00:17:03 - Tapping and Evolving
00:26:26 - Introduction to the Podcast
"Recognizing that everything related to hospitality and guest experience can just keep going up is foundational to when looking at your own guest experience and hospitality strategy."
As an 18-year-old working at Cedar Point, Josh Liebman had an encounter with a coworker that ultimately shaped the way he approached hospitality and guest experience in the attraction industry. The coworker insisted that visitors should be treated as guests, not customers. That realization not only shifted his perspective, but it has stuck with Josh throughout his career.
As he worked for world-renowned attractions like Disney and Universal, he learned the importance of exceeding expectations and providing guests with unforgettable experiences. Now, as a consultant and thought leader, Josh is committed to instilling a hospitality mindset in the industry, ensuring that every guest feels valued and leaves with a lasting impression.
During this conversation we dive into:
- the vital role guest experience and hospitality play in the attractions industry
- an employee mentality geared towards providing unmatched hospitality experiences
- the part leadership takes in developing the full potential of hospitality within your organization
- the importance of investing in training initiatives for improved customer service standards
- continual development and refinement within the rapidly-evolving hospitality industry
Make sure to listen to this episode as Josh uncovers the real significance of hospitality in elevating guest experiences and shows us how to cultivate a team mindset. The best way to start is by embracing a culture of excellence and pursue continual development within the rapidly-evolving hospitality industry. Say goodbye to ineffective training programs and hello to happy guests and glowing reviews.
And if you are looking for a top notch travel experience, make sure to connect with the agents of Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0257. They are a great example of a hospitality business providing guest service excellence.
Connect with Josh
https://www.roller.software/
http://attractionpros.com/category/podcast/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshualiebman
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights: 00:04:11 - Mindset of Hospitality 00:08:53 - Training Employees 00:10:48 - Respect for Employees 00:12:07 - The Importance of Training Employees 00:14:12 - Improving Guest Experience 00:15:22 - Living Job Descriptions 00:17:02 - Learning from Mistakes 00:18:04 - Writing a Book
"The speed of trust is dramatically accelerated when you lead as a thought leader with something to teach rather than a company with something to sell."
Rusty Shelton, founder of Zilker Media, joins this episode to share insights on how entrepreneurs can establish personal authority and thought leadership. He shares his journey in the media industry and how he started Zilker Media to help companies build personal authority. One of the key ways he has been successful building trust with clients and employees is by prioritizing personal branding and thought leadership alongside company marketing. There is a lot of significance to creating content that focuses on impact, not ego, in order to establish competitive differentiation.
Rusty explains that in today's digital age, personality-driven communication is critical to attracting customers. It is important that businesses are creating a unique and memorable experience that resonates with the audience and communicates the brand's mission and values. One way to continue to nurture your audience and earn their trust is by building an email list and sharing valuable information regularly.
In this episode you will learn how to:
- Transform into an influential leader and acknowledged authority in your field
- Cultivate a prominent personal brand with a powerful digital footprint
- Create extraordinary experiences that endear your brand to your customers
- Foster authentic relationships by weaving emotion and truth into marketing tales
- Adopt storytelling methods for a more engaging and effective marketing strategy
Make sure to listen to this episode to hear more about how Rusty overcame the struggle of growing his PR firm by shifting to building thought leadership for businesses. This episode is perfect for anyone that wants to learn how to build an authority advantage and be perceived as a mission-driven thought leader with something to teach, not just a company with something to sell.
Connect with Rusty:
https://rustyshelton.com/
Get the Book: The Authority Advantage
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights 00:04:31 - Building an Authority Advantage 00:09:39 - Marketing for Individuals 00:11:54 - Authenticity and Trust 00:14:13 - Impactful Content Creation 00:12:50 - The Importance of Authenticity in Branding 00:14:06 - Overdelivering is Critical 00:15:28 - Owning Your Name as a Piece of Digital Real Estate 00:17:37 - Building Trust through Authority by Association 00:25:25 - Marketing in the Age of AI 00:28:11 - The Importance of Being Memorable 00:29:25 - Nurturing Your Audience 00:30:09 - The Power of Referrals 00:35:27 - The Authority Advantage
"The one thing you can do that separates you from everyone else is talk about your life."
After years of corporate hustle and hard work, Shereen Kassam left it all behind in pursuit of a good laugh. Inspired by her parents' tireless pursuit of the American Dream, Shereen initially followed a traditional career path. She was working with renowned companies such as Deloitte, Amazon, and Disney Parks and Resorts. However, an impulsive visit to a comedy show ignited a passion that she couldn't ignore.
Despite initial resistance from her family and the pressures of being a comedian of color, Shereen discovered her authentic voice and purpose on stage. During our conversation, Shereen shares valuable insights into embracing risk, resilience, and pursuing one's passions. As we recorded she shared that she is on the brink of fulfilling her dream of making people laugh at the Orlando Fringe Festival. As excited as she is, she is transparent in her continuous work to overcome her own fears, the high expectations of her family, and the toxicity of social media.
During our conversation you will:
- Discover ways to follow your passion and find purpose beyond traditional corporate jobs
- Learn how to challenge stereotypes and barriers faced by comedians of color in the industry
- Unlock the secrets to embracing your creative and authentic voice in comedy writing and performing
- Uncover the path to transitioning from a first-time comedian to a full-time professional artist
- Master the art of maintaining harmony between your personal life, public image, and handling social media criticism
This episode offers an abundance of inspiration for comedians and anyone considering a professional change. Make sure to share it with anyone else that could use reminders about the value of taking risks and the healing power of laughter. Or use it as motivation for anyone seeking a more fulfilling career path.
And if you need a break from it all make sure to reach out to Magical Vacation Planner. They will help you find an escape that will undoubtedly connect you with your passions. You can call them at 407-442-0257, or use the MVP link on my website.
Connect with Shereen:
https://funnybrowngirl.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shereemkassam
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights:
00:01:11 - Shereen's Background
00:04:26 - Realizing Something was Missing
00:06:16 - Starting Out in Comedy
00:08:42 - Life as a Professional Entertainer
00:11:26 - Accepting a Career in Comedy
00:12:28 - The Orlando Fringe Festival
00:13:11 - Connecting with Shereen
00:13:46 - Pursuing What You Want
"The best thing to do is just start doing something."
When the pandemic struck, Jake Buzaid and his cousin Dale embraced their entrepreneurial spirit to create a beverage company. They wanted something that celebrates togetherness and connection the way they often do with their family. Combining their respective experiences in hospitality and retail they created Curation Beverage Company, offering a range of innovative alcoholic beverages.
Jake's expertise in crafting strong branding strategies for consumer-facing businesses has been instrumental in the success of Curation Beverage. They continue to set the company apart in a competitive market by offering a brand that resonates with consumers through powerful storytelling and emotional connections.
During this episode you will learn how to:
- Build a powerful and unforgettable brand that appeals to consumers
- Master the art of product testing to guarantee exceptional customer satisfaction
- Stay ahead of the curve by catering to ever-changing consumer tastes and preferences
- Amplify your marketing efforts through in-person demonstrations and influential strategies
- Thrive in your entrepreneurial journey by embracing diversity, discipline, and surrounding yourself with capable mentors
This is a brand that celebrates connection, so make sure to connect with Jake and follow Curation Beverage on social media for updates on new products, events, and promotions. Likewise, embrace the art of bringing people together over great food and drink. If you're in Colorado, make sure to look for Curation Beverage products at local liquor store
Thank you, Jake, for sharing how to craft a powerful and meaningful brand that resonates with your customers. Through visualization, testing, and adaptation, we can all curate a brand worth remembering.
Connect with Curation Beverage Company https://www.curationbevco.com/
https://www.instagram.com/curationbevco/
https://www.facebook.com/curationbevco
Jake Buzaid https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-buzaid
Connect with Dan www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:03:08 - Starting Curation Beverage
00:07:14 - Branding and Packaging
00:10:18 - Curation Beverage Products
00:12:01 - Emotional Connection with Product
00:13:09 - Marketing Strategies
00:16:34 - Tips for Starting a Company
00:17:52 - Favorite Products
"Sustainability can drive so much across your business if you truly integrate it and support it in a proper way."
Have you heard the myths that sustainability only focuses on the environmental? Or that society does not need to be considered when discussing sustainability and that governance does not matter? It can be difficult to define sustainability across these three facets, but Bridgette McAdoo is here to set the record straight and debunk these myths.
In an insightful episode of the Come Rain or Shine podcast, Dan Cockerell interviews Bridgette McAdoo, a renowned specialist in sustainability and social impact. Bridgette is the VP and Chief Sustainability Officer of Genesys Corporation, where she focuses on environmental, societal, and governance aspects of sustainability. She is a dedicated sustainability leader with an impressive background working with organizations including the World Wildlife Fund, Yum Brands, Pizza Hut, and KFC. Bridgette started her career as a contractor to NASA, working on a space shuttle and the space station. While pursuing her MBA, she discovered her passion for sustainability and its potential for making a positive impact on the world.
Some of the ways your organization can make an impact:
- Develop an understanding of sustainability throughout environmental, societal, and governance factors.
- Incorporate sustainable practices into your company's culture and strategic approaches.
- Drive employee engagement in sustainable initiatives fostering meaningful organizational change.
- Evaluate the interplay between influencer roles, stakeholder identification, and targeted communication tactics.
- Direct customers toward cloud-based platforms to minimize carbon footprint and manage energy consumption.
This conversation really highlights ways that professionals can improve their organization's commitment to sustainability. Throughout her work on sustainability projects, Bridgette has made sure to emphasize the importance of an approach that encompasses environmental, societal, and governance factors. Teamwork plays is a vital role in achieving sustainability goals. There is also something to be said about its impact on retaining employees. Bridgette does a fantastic job of laying out ways that people can drive meaningful change within their companies.
"Sustainability is a team sport, it's not just my job as the Chief Sustainability officer. It the job of every single person to get us to where we want to go."
Connect with Bridgette McAdoo About Genesys
About Bridgette McAdoo
Linkedin - linkedin.com/Bridgette-bell-mcadoo
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Episode Highlights
00:06:34 – organizational sustainability should be connected across various facets of the organization, including environmental, societal, and governance perspectives.
00:12:42 - sustainability is a team effort and a holistic approach to driving change in a responsible and sustainable way.
00:13:27 - efficiency and partnership in achieving sustainability. For example, her company has obtained lead certification for two main offices, partnered with AWS for renewable energy, and focused on upcycling and recycling assets. Volunteerism and education are also key components.
00:15:00 - sustainability issues are interconnected, including diversity, equity, supplier procurement, and compliance initiatives. By looking at them holistically, businesses can add more value to their operations.
00:17:24 - the CEO needs to be a big advocate of sustainability, but the CFO and finance team also play a huge role. It's important to get leadership involved early and set clear expectations, including financial disclosures for sustainability initiatives.
00:19:43 - regulations around sustainable reporting are coming down the pipeline and businesses need to be prepared. Transparency and financial disclosures will be key, and finance and sustainability need to work closely together.
00:25:18 – there is a need for a business case for sustainability initiatives, as they can impact financials, client relationships, employee retention, and values. Companies need to match the values of their employees and customers to remain competitive in the market.
00:27:16 - sustainability helps to avoid or improve qualitative and reputational risk, which is just as important as financial benefits. Millennials and Gen Z value a company's reputation and sustainability commitments when considering employment.
00:32:42 - sustainability is about telling the same story ten different ways, tailored to the audience's needs. Bridget emphasizes the importance of making people feel like they can be a part of the change and not overwhelmed by the urgency of the situation.
"Learning by failure tends to leave scars, where learning by epiphany is about stars."
Skip Bowman is working to debunk the myths and share his model for great leadership through growth mindset and psychological safety. Understanding what drives growth and what prevents growth are both essential in developing great teams and organizations.
A growth mindset encourages individual members to continuously expand their potential while embracing challenges and learning from mistakes. Psychological safety, on the other hand, serves as a supportive platform that enables individuals to openly share ideas and take risks without fearing negative consequences. When applied together, these concepts can significantly improve team collaboration and overall performance.
During our conversation, Skip emphasizes that growth mindset and psychological safety complement each other in creating effective and successful teams. He points out that these concepts should be an integral part of an organization's culture, allowing team members to fully explore their potential and achieve greater heights collaboratively.
In this episode, we also talk about why it is important to:
Embrace the power of growth mindset and psychological safety for remarkable teamwork dynamics
Hone your emotional intelligence to improve cross-cultural interactions in diverse workspaces
Unlock your self-awareness and obtain tailored strategies for impressive leadership performance
Capitalize on human-centric approaches to excel amid societal and tech-driven transformations
Don't spend any more time feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the lack of progress being made towards improved team collaboration. Take a listen to this conversation with Skip to hear more on his Safe2Great model based on psychological safety and growth mindset.
“If we don't create that safety and create that connection, we can't create anything great."
Episode Highlights:
00:02:21- Skip learned the importance of creating safety in unusual circumstances while working as a diving instructor. He explains how this experience led him to study organizational psychology and focus on topics such as psychological safety and growth mindset. 00:08:16 - Psychological safety and growth mindset are linked and necessary for team success. Psychological safety creates the foundation for teamwork and collaboration, while growth mindset enables teams to reach their full potential. 00:09:44 – Don’t underestimate the importance of relational potential in creating a great team. Teams should focus on creating connections and relationships between team members, rather than just individual potential. 00:11:50 – There is both the bright and dark sides of leadership. Many organizations default to unsafe and ordinary practices. 00:15:02 - Emotional involvement is essential in high-performing teams and innovation. Without emotional involvement, communication can become very simplistic and lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications. 00:19:19 – There are challenges of communicating across cultures, particularly when it comes to language barriers and accents. Using technology, such as auto-captioning systems, and being aware of different cultural patterns and norms can help. 00:24:16 - Be aware of language and cultural differences, open to learning from each other, and the value of using technology to help bridge communication gaps. 00:25:20 - Find out who you really are as a leader, rather than who you think you are. Most leaders lack self-awareness, which makes it hard for them to receive and implement advice. 00:28:11 – There are three types of leaders: hippos, snails, and clams. The key is to figure out where you are as a leader, and then adopt the right behaviors to become a better version of yourself. 00:30:29 - Assessments can help leaders gain a better understanding of themselves, such as Myers-Briggs, Gallup, and DISC. The assessments aren’t perfect, but they can be a helpful starting point for self-improvement. 00:33:40 – Skip’s new book, Safe2Great, and the diagnostics help map mindset across organizations, teams, and individual leaders.
00:36:52 - It is important to choose how to respond to change, rather than being a victim of it. There is discomfort that comes along with change, so take a step back and think about how to adjust to new circumstances.
Connect with Skip
https://www.skip-bowman.com/
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
“Believing in your team members and treating them as professionals increases their productivity, engagement, and satisfaction.”
Scott Whiteford is a passionate sociologist that has always been fascinated by the intricate interactions between people and their environment. His journey in studying leadership began during his time with strengths-based management organization, Talent Plus. Through his experiences, Scott gained valuable insights into team dynamics, understanding the significance of trust, communication, and accountability within a team.
While many leaders may focus on skills and experience, Scott emphasizes the importance of investing time in understanding and nurturing individual strengths. This ultimately creates a well-rounded and successful team. During our conversation he shares many of his insights and experiences around the power of strength management.
In this episode, we discuss why it is important to:
Establish unwavering trust, open communication, and resolute accountability to forge a robust team.
Construct a resilient team culture by promoting shared understanding and collaboration among members.
Optimize talent acquisition and retention by recognizing and leveraging employee strengths.
Cultivate a high-performing team through effective delegation and embracing diverse perspectives.
Realize the critical role effective leadership plays in propelling team success and fostering innovation.
If you’re feeling frustrated and overwhelmed that all the effort you are putting into building trust, communication, and accountability within your team is not translating to high-performance results, then you are not alone. It takes hard work to understand the people on your team and their unique strengths. Just remember that an investment in them is what will set them on the path to success.
“The war for talent shouldn’t be focused on the war for knowledge, skills, and experience, it should be focused on the war for talent, on the people who can deliver.”
Episode Highlights:
{00:02:25}
Are leadership skills innate or learned? Scott explains why it is a combination of both nature and nurture.
{00:05:09}
Dan shares the four attributes of great leaders that he and Valorie Cockerell have identified: leading yourself first, role modeling, enthusiasm, and open-mindedness.
{00:07:54}
Scott shares his concept of the Mercedes Benz Star, where the top third represents knowledge, skills, and experience, the bottom third represents fit, and the middle third represents talent or strengths. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses.
{00:12:00}
Understanding the importance of your team’s strengths and how to strategically assign projects to get the best out of them.
{00:13:45}
Focusing on strengths in management is crucial to building a successful team. It allows for diversity in skills and individualized investment in each team member’s development. This approach makes it easier for companies to attract and retain talent by defining a strong culture, investing in employees, and individualizing the investment for each team member.
{00:17:04}
Instead of focusing on a team member’s weaknesses, leaders should focus on their strengths. Spending too much time on low performers can lead to a smaller return on investment and less investment in high performers, who have the mobility to seek other opportunities if they feel
undervalued.
{00:19:39} Invest in People, Companies often claim they don’t have the resources to invest in their employees, but they’re choosing not to. Investing in people means looking for employees with a natural propensity for the job and developing them from there. This approach to talent acquisition and development avoids adverse impact on age, race, gender, and LGBTQ+ status.
{00:24:49}
Treating employees like professional athletes means that leaders should know each individual’s strengths and place them in the right position. With the right development, every employee can become a professional, increasing their productivity, engagement, and satisfaction in the company.
Resources
Excellence Wins by Horst Schulze
Connect with Scott
swhiteford@talentplus.com
Talentplus.com
Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com
About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/
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"I learned that love and kindness, not just education, but loving, kindness, being kind to people can go a long way."
JJ Eubanks worked his way up from a difficult background that lead to him going from a basketball to being a business owner. It has not been an easy road, but he is now happily the co-owner of Magical Vacation Planner (MVP) alongside his wife Jamie, the CEO and owner. He is an experienced entrepreneur and businessperson, having worked in the corporate world and having developed training departments in the furniture industry.
JJ had a difficult childhood, moving nine times in a year and going to five different high schools in four years. His life changed when he got a Division One scholarship to play basketball. It was during this time, he developed an appreciation for education and the power of kindness.
After college, JJ was able to use his knowledge to succeed in the corporate world, and then later as an entrepreneur. During this transition, he met Jamie, the most beautiful person he had ever seen. The couple has grown together to become successful business partners. Despite the struggles of his past, JJ has used his determination and resilience to create a successful future.
In this episode, you will learn: 1. how JJ Eubanks went from living in nine different homes in a year and struggling financially to having a successful career in Europe 2. how JJ and his wife Jamie meet, and the secret to their successful relationship 3. how JJ applies the lessons he learned in basketball to his current business ventures, and his advice for improving processes
Episode Highlights [00:01:25] JJ grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. His parents had a difficult time when he was growing up. He credits several people with putting him on the right path. He went on to play basketball in Europe, which he says is the best thing that ever happened to him
[00:08:04] When you know you're going to another country to do something that you love, play the game of basketball, and going to get paid for it, you don't have to worry about money. That made the move a lot easier.
[00:13:46] Jamie is the visionary of the company, and JJ is more behind the scenes helping her execute upon that plan. How can others work with their spouse to execute on idea susccessfully?
[00:17:09] When I was in the furniture industry, manufacturing, we used to do weekly events to improve flow. The one tip that I would have is listen to the people that's doing the job. Experience the experience to be a customer or a client with your organization.
Connect with Magical Vacation Planner (MVP)
https://www.magicalvacationplanner.com/booking-form/
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"Don't let failure deter you. That would be my advice, is it doesn't happen overnight. You will fail. If you're going to be good, you're going to fail and you're going to fail a lot and be okay with that." - Jamie Eubanks
Jamie Eubanks is the owner, CEO, and founder of Magical Vacation Planner (MVP), the largest third-party travel agent for Walt Disney World, Universal, and cruise lines. After 14 years as a basketball wife, Jamie left her job at a bank and founded MVP with her husband, JJ.
Jamie had been living a comfortable life as a basketball wife for fourteen years, but after her husband retired they moved back to Indiana. She found it difficult to find work, event with a degree. She was expecting to climb the corporate ladder, but was repeatedly bypassed for positions. With the support of her husband, Jamie decided to take a risk and started her own business - a travel agency that specializes in Disney vacations.
She surrounded herself with smart people, put in a lot of hard work, and eventually was able to build a successful business with over 550 people attending their annual conference. Jamie's journey taught her that failure is part of the process, and success takes patience and hard work.
In this episode, you will learn the following:
- How Jamie Eubanks transitioned from a "basketball wife" to a successful entrepreneur.
- The importance of surrounding yourself with smart people and pivoting quickly.
- Jamie and JJ's journey of building a successful travel agency and the importance of resilience and patience.
Episode Highlights [00:00:06]
With us is Jamie Eubanks, the owner, CEO, and founder of MVP. MVP is the largest third-party travel agent for Walt Disney World. There may be 2000 503,000 agents.
[00:01:37]
Jamie was a basketball wife for 14 years before starting her own travel agency. She says she was never going to work her way up the corporate ladder in Southern Indiana. Jamie's story shows how things have changed due to social media.
[00:05:45]
Jamie Eubanks left her job as a bank teller to become an entrepreneur. After 14 years as a basketball player's wife, she lost her identity. She says when a door closes, either solve it or go do something else that's more fulfilling.
[00:09:08]
As a leader, the biggest thing to remember is that we cannot control very much. The only thing we can control is how we handle our own behavior.
[00:11:53]
I think I'm just crazy enough that failure doesn't bother me. I don't care to fail.
[00:12:58]
We talked earlier about pivoting. And I think that that's one thing about living overseas. You adapt quickly. Whatever we decide to do, we go in full blown. All in. And if we fail, we're failing together, and we fail fast and try to pivot.
[00:14:25]
Be patient. It takes years to become an entrepreneur. Don't let failure deter you. Entrepreneurship can look very glamorous, but it's very doable.
[00:16:27]
Our work is more than a business, it's more than a partnership. It's a friendship.
Connect with Magical Vacation Planner (MVP)
https://www.magicalvacationplanner.com/booking-form/
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In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Dave Benson shares about the power of connections and how that has impacted his work as an entrepreneur and software developer. Throughout his professional career, whether it was in a corporate environment at IBM, the sports media industry, or while working at Disneyland Paris, he recognized the impact of meaningful connections. He found that it is possible to deliver a memorable and genuine connection between fans and heroes in just a minute.
Dave went on to use that knowledge to create his business, Super Quick Question, a one-on-one video chat platform with a 60 second time limit. Dave has found success in the sports space, partnering with teams like the Cleveland Browns and Mike Tyson's company.
In this episode, you will learn about:
- the power of connections to build a successful business: Dave Benson's story of how his connections led to the development of his business in France.
- the importance of brevity in business: Dave Benson's insights on how to make the most out of conversations, such as preparing beforehand and staying on topic.
- using technology to create meaningful connections: The value proposition of Super Quick Question, a one on one video chat platform with a 60 second time limit, for fans to connect with athletes and celebrities.
As Dave shares with us, brevity is key. People appreciate the genuine connections they can have in a short amount of time, just like when that young child gets to meet Cinderella. Dave Benson had unlocked the power of efficiency in networking and communication.
Quotes: "Honesty and delivering on your promise results in a much shorter conversation and can save you time, money, and build genuine connections with your heroes."
“There's always something better to do with the time.”
Resources https://www.superquickquestion.com/
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Episode Highlights: [00:01:35]
Super Quick Question is a one-on-one video chat platform with a 60 second time limit. The original idea behind it was for business efficiency, to help people connect better and faster in businesses. The company is now getting a lot of traction in the sports space.
[00:11:47]
Tell me what you need to know, and I'll give you an answer. Give me the highlights. Give me the best part. And that's kind of what we're doing. We like to get to the meat and potatoes of things.
[00:12:39]
A little bit of preparation results in a much shorter conversation. Staying on topic and realizing what the purpose of your meeting is allows you to address things promptly. Then you can do the other stuff.
"The very act of shining the light of your attention on something causes it to shift and change. So if somebody's coming in with a mindset that they've inherited and partly that they've kind of constructed out of trial and error over the years, it's probably never had the light of attention shone upon it."
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Myles Downey shares about his work helping others realize their unique genius and true potential, despite the resistance and interference of a world stuck in a command-and-control mentality. His expertise in coaching led him to create the School of Coaching. His coaching knowledge runs far and wide, having studied with Timothy Galway, worked with McKinsey, the England rugby team and New Zealand elite rugby coaches.
In his book 'Enabling Genius', he helps people identify their unique potential and express it.
Myles was born in Dublin, Ireland, and now lives in the UK. He grew up toeing the line and was a compliant student. He had studied architecture, but with time started to realize it was not for him. His life changed when he read a book by Timothy Galway 'The Inner Game of Tennis.' This book inspired him to learn the craft of coaching and apply it in the world of work. With the help of McKinsey, Myles Downey was able to help people achieve business results through the art of coaching.
In this episode, you will learn about:
- developing the skill of coaching as a craft
- enabling genius and how to help people express their own potential
- the concept of flow and how it can help people manage themselves and their teams more effectively
Through his work, Myles Downey encourages people to look at their mindset and create experiments to help them grow and become better leaders. He inspires countless people to be more aware of themselves and the world around them.
Episode Highlights [00:04:16]
The point of doing things differently is actually to drive the business forward. Sometimes we get lost and don't realize that not all those activities are value add.
[00:05:26]
People need help identifying what their unique genius is. The world is rife with things that get in the way, interference, and the degree to which you can remove the interference.
[00:13:52]
Talking about experiments takes the pressure off the thought that I have to change and be different. See what works better, then make a choice of that concept. If the experiment works, fantastic. If it works but needs to be tweaked, tweak it.
[00:14:26]
A lot of times we tell the group it's not your fault that they had a problem. But if you don't make a change, it's going to continue to be your problem.
[00:16:41]
What you need to do is train people so that they can make their own decisions. Leaders do not want to let go of their perceived control in the business world.
[00:25:31]
People who excel have something in common. It comes down to identity. Mindset, which is the mindset for success.
[00:27:44]
You need a sense of confidence that you can do it. A work ethic that you know nothing comes natural. It is yourself awareness and knowing what you're capable of and not capable of. If you can put those together, you really can tackle anything. But it takes practice like everything else.
Connect with Myles
https://mylesdowney.com/
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Jody joins me during this episode to share his secrets to building an effective onboarding process. Onboarding processes are a crucial element of employee retention. If you want to retain good employees then you need to be determined to make sure those hired have a positive experience. Tell them exactly what to expect so they can show up looking their best and feeling their best.
Any time you hire someone you want to ensure they become productive team members in no time. Creating an organized, detailed plan to welcome new employees is key. One way to do that is to create an agenda for the first week of employment. It also helps to give them a peer mentor to help with the transition. Make sure each employee, new and your veterans, know they are valued and appreciated.
In this episode, we also share:
- the most effective strategies for creating a successful onboarding experience
- how peer-to-peer learning create a strong connection with new employees
- strategies that can be used to capitalize on the excitement of a new employee
From the moment someone accepts the job you want to make sure they feel welcome and prepared for success. Employees are more most likely to leave in the first 90 days. You really have to be really, really focused on your employees. Once someone has accepted a job offer, put processes in place to keep in touch with them. If they're still there after a year, there's a good chance they're going to stay a lot longer.
"You don't get a second chance to make a first impression.“
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In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, guest, Chris Kneeland, joins the show to discuss how a leader can build a passionate brand base.
The CEO of Cult Collective, Chris is driven to help professionals accelerate brand growth. As one who is skilled in the art of helping people know why they want what they want, his ideas on customer engagement and internal teaming have proven effective for several big-name companies around the world.
Throughout his career, Chris has empowered many clients to help their customers buy more by buying in. Per the principles he covers in this episode, no question, you’ll discover the keys to improved marketing efficiency and “cult-like” brand-building.
More for information about Chris’ resources and public-speaking engagements, check out his website below.
Resources:
Website: https://cultideas.com/believe/chris-kneeland
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Quotes:
“When you’re creating a new experience… add to the brand, not the expense of it.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, guest, Angel Henry, joins the show to discuss her story and the power of empathy and inclusivity.
Coined a “ceiling breaker” with decades of pharmaceutical and healthcare experience, Angel is more than the sum of her marketplace history. As a black woman refined in homogenous environments, her skills go beyond project management but into arenas of inclusivity, diversity awareness, even human resources and technology.
A jack of all trades, Arena is passionate about giving minorities a voice and stirring the pot to ensure lower-targeted demographics are given fair consideration in decision-making, promotional, and hiring processes.
To learn more about Angel’s resources, check out her website below
Connect with Angel:
Website: https://www.angel-henry.com/
Book: https://angelsspeaking.lpages.co/book-landing-page/
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Quote:
"If you want to be intentional about shaking it up and doing it different and being diverse, then you’re going to have to think outside the box.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, guest, Domenic Moore, joins the show to discuss his story and the value of expanding your comfort zones.
An Events Director at Melbourne Connect and adventurist at heart, Domenic talks about his decision to walk from Melbourne to Brisbane barefoot over 75 days to raise awareness for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation. As one who embraces change and challenges, Domenic unpacks the ways he sustained motivation during trying times and how kept putting one foot in front of the other.
With his perspective forever changed by the experience, Domenic hopes his testimony and the kindness he experienced from strangers will inspire others to live in contrast and pursue the mountains in their own life with vigor.
To follow Domenic’s explorations, click the link below and subscribe to his YouTube channel for updates.
Connect with Domenic:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@domenicmoore4683
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Quotes:
"Contract is the only way we really experience this world.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, guest, Darja Gutnick, Co-Founder of Bunch, joins the show to discuss her story and the purpose of Bunch.
Started in 2016, Bunch initially launched to help startup organizations but has since evolved as a technology company staffed with psychologists, data scientists, and engineers. As a remote team spanning multiple countries, the trademark of Bunch can be seen through its primary tag: To enable managers and aspiring leaders to learn and grow in 2-minutes a day using a unique blend of scientific data and psychology.
As an entrepreneur and podcast host at Teams at Work, Darja hopes her team and the resources they produce will help make marketplace inspiration more memorable and empower leaders to embrace the challenges they face.
Resources:
Check out Bunch, the AI leadership coach for free
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darjagutnick/?originalSubdomain=de
Website: https://www.bunch.ai/team
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Quotes:
“Managing is what to do and leadership is how to be.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, guest, Rani Puranik, Co-Owner, Executive Vice President, and Global CFO of Worldwide Oilfield Machine, joins the show to discuss her background, women in leadership, and her new book, 7 Letters to My Daughter. Her experience serves as a great reminder that there is always a way.
A woman of versatile skill, Rani’s pathway has spanned multiple spectrums. Having taken scenic routes to her current roles, Rani explains how each occupational checkpoint contributed to her present-day business acumen. As an entrepreneur and philanthropist keen on empowering other people’s energies, Rani’s “always a way” mentality is part of her strategy to inspire others towards legacy and success.
With the recent launch of her memoir, 7 Letters to My Daughters: Light Lessons of Love, Leadership and Legacy, Rani hopes the unpacking of these critical phases will encourage her readers to passionately pursue their goals. A voice laden with fresh perspective and antidotes, no question, Rani’s journey will resonate with most who aspire towards new endeavors in 2023.
For more information about Rani’s new book, check out the resources below.
Resources: Website: https://www.ranipuranik.com/
Book: https://www.ranipuranik.com/seven-letters-to-my-daughters-book/
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Quotes: “Legacy is the ability to impact someone else’s life. It’s empowering them so they can empower their…next generations.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, guest co-host, Jody Maberry, joins the show to discuss accountability through the lens of clarity.
As the marketplace becomes more remote, setting clear expectations is becoming more critical. While setting parameters and protocols are essential, to facilitate accountability, one must follow up to ensure they’re being adhered to. Think about it: What good does it do to create goal without assessing them at key checkpoints?
Either way, the best gameplans are ones with check-ins. If you’re a supervisor, break down what you delegate and support your team by initiating periodic conversations. If you’re a subordinate, ask for feedback and touch points to discuss project progress. From there, the table is set to set clear expectations.
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Quotes:
“It’s not just about results but about how you get those results.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Steven Howard, Creator of Humony Leadership and Caliente Leadership, joins the show to discuss modern trends in corporate leadership.
An award-winning author of 22 books on leadership and management, Steven specializes in facilitating tailored leadership development programs for leaders and supervisors around the world. For almost a quarter century, he has mentored and trained thousands of leaders through a unique blend of perspective and experience.
During our conversation, Steven contrasts the employee market of today with the employer market of prior decades. While bosses of old preached trust as having to be earned, in a post-pandemic world, the reverse is taking shape. Specifically, organizations looking to stay competitive are not only having to respect responsibilities outside work, but also having to inspire trust upfront and mature their talent pool through remote means.
As final charge, Steven encourages today's supervisors and leaders to focus on skill management over people management. While subtle, this shift can have profound impacts on team morale will executed correctly.
Resources: Website: https://calienteleadership.com/
E-mail: steven@calienteleadership.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenbhoward/
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Quotes: “Managing people is a 1980’s construct…it’s not relevant in today’s world.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Nathan Thomas, former Australia water polo player who competed in the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics, joins the show to discuss leadership lessons learned from playing the sport. He shares his experience behind the idea that teamwork makes the dream work.
As captain of the 2004 Australian water polo team in Athens, Nathan knows a thing or two about what it takes to win and inspire a unit. While a qualifying medal eluded him, the silver linings of his experiences proved to be paramount. For instance, though the Olympic moments were memorable, it was the teamwork and connectivity that inspired him from pool to marketplace.
Now, as a chief operating officer of a large Australian IT company, Nathan hopes to lead the next generation by example and by letting them be themselves. In a charge to current leaders, be clear about expectations and let subordinates be part of the plan. Don’t just work the structure but allow all employees to have a voice into that structure. As long as you encourage innovation, you’ll trigger inspiration.
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Quotes: “Authorship breeds ownership.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Alex Kopacz, Canadian bobsledder and the reigning Olympic co-champion in the twoman bobsleigh event, joins the show to discuss his legendary athletic career.
As a gold medalist and fierce competitor, Alex brings a level head to this interview brimming with marketplace application. Having matured from university shot putter to an international winter game icon, Alex’s message is simple yet inspiring: Manage what you can control.
While chance and luck have their place, what ultimately drives success comes down to effort, commitment, and attitude. Whether your skills are group oriented or individual in nature, accomplishment often starts with composure and focus. You may be fearless, but this should never be an excuse for pride and over-extending yourself.
Alex also talks about constantly learning, new pursuits as a keynote speaker and mechanical engineer, and life after the Olympics.
Resources:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexanderkopacz/?hl=en
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Quotes:
“Are you playing to win or playing not to lose?”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Theron Skees, Veteran Imagineering Creative Executive & Owner of The Designer’s Creative Studio, joins the show to his career journey and lesson learned from Disney.
As a creative executive and veteran of Walt Disney Imagineering, Theron has a knack for fusing strategy with construction and consultation projects. An executive coach and public speaker, Theron’s story-based approach to marketing brands for high-level attractions has made him a sought-after commodity. While his specialty is helping clients grow their brand, Theron is also skilled in promoting emotional connections through ‘why’ stories.
Per his experiences, rising professionals should engage their brand at every single touch point to unify mission and motive. By employing empathy and relability, consumer buy-in can have a foundation to work from.
To learn more about Theron’s premier services, visit Theron’s websites below.
Resources:
Website: https://www.designerscreativestudio.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theronskees/
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Quotes:
“The common ground is telling the brand story.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Adam Mastroianni, a postdoctoral research scholar at Columbia Business School, joins the show to discuss the relationship between intelligence and happiness.
In the past hundred years, there have been many efforts to measure intelligence. More recently, new tests have discerned the multiple types of intelligence including the performance tendencies of subject matter experts. However, as Adam explains, there's also a general intelligible that can capture a person's ability to define and solve problems.
While a one-size, fit-all metric is hard to quantify, what is clear is the correlation difference between problem and dilemma with intelligence and happiness. As Adam notes, problems involve optimal solutions, but dilemmas often lack a clear right or wrong, a principle evident in the contrast of emotional and intellectual responses.
Although the psychological drivers of happiness are highly variable, the empirical data behind general intelligence is more concrete. Therefore, one can never assume a more successful person on paper is automatically happier.
Resources:
Website: https://www.adammastroianni.com/
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Quotes:
“Life ain’t chess. Nobody agrees on the rules. The pieces do whatever they want and the board covers the whole globe as well as the inside of your hear and possibly several metaphysical planes as well..”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Jamie Dixon, storyteller extraordinaire, joins the show to discuss storytelling and drawing inspiration from cross-cultural experiences.
As a coach, trainer, and author of three books, Jaime has worked with over 150 companies over the past decade educating business leaders in English, Mandarin, and storytelling. Having spent 15 years living in China, Jamie also unpacks the influence of Chinese culture on psychology, philosophy, and mental frameworks.
One of these frameworks, Relate, Challenge, and Resolve, is not only a metaphor for how the mind works but a technique that helps shape good stories. Other methods include Show Don’t Tell, Analogies and Metaphors, and Contrast. As Jamie explains, these practices are necessary for simplifying complex narratives and making relatable tropes memorable; however, like any process, the timing of implement is essential.
For more information about Jamie’s resources and methodologies, check out his websites below.
Resources:
Website: https://www.shapingpaths.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamiedixon
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Quotes:
“Don’t be a squirrel.’
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Eleanor Erickson joins the show to discuss the sociology of hospitality and huddles at work.
When you’re managing a team working around the clock, you must take advantage of face-to-face time with your team. Enter Eleanor, a veteran hospitality professional with over twenty years of experience in hotel operations and development. As one who specializes in motivating leaders and teams to set and achieve goals, Eleanor is passionate about using morning huddles as opportunities to inspire community, creativity, and consistency.
Even in a post-pandemic world, organizations can consider huddles as avenues to build sustainable and healthy workplace cultures. For more information about how one can better their hospitality skills, check out Eleanor’s website below.
Resources:
Website: https://www.eleanorerickson.com/
Article Link: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/fun-morning-huddle-ideas
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Quotes:
“…perational information is important but these celebrations and creating a sense community is the most valuable thing you can get out of these.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Crystal Barrow, Certified Career Coach and Consultant, joins the show to discuss her career path and her current role as a career coach.
Before founding Shape Your Success Coaching, Crystal’s vocational journey took many twists and turns. Having worked as a former prosecutor for the Department of Homeland Security, Crystal thrived in courtroom settings and legal environments in her 20s and 30s.
However, in recent years, Crystal has pivoted to academic pursuits, specifically in the career development spectrum. Now, as a certified professional coach, Crystal’s goal is simple: To help professionals make tactical, meaningful career decisions, approach career change with confidence, and not be afraid to change things up.
For more information about her services as well as her #1 Amazon best-seller, ‘Get Your Career Back on Track: 8 Steps to Go From Derailed to Empowered’, check out the links below.
Resources:
Website: https://shapeyoursuccesscoaching.com/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Your-Career-Back-Track-ebook/dp/B07JYCVRN9
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalmbarrow/
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Quotes:
“Long term, I think all change is good. It helps you learn, it helps you get gritter, and it helps you become more resilient. Even if you made a ‘mistake’ doing something, there’s always positive outcomes of that.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, special guests, Clint Hill, and Lisa McCubbin join the show to discuss the history of President John F. Kennedy and Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy from their perspective.
A former U.S. Secret Service agent who served under five presidents from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Gerald Ford, Clint is best known for courageously stepping into the presidential motorcade immediately following President Kennedy’s assassination. Having retired from the U.S. Secret Service in 1975, Clint swore he would never write a book; however, after meeting Lisa decades later during her writing of The Kennedy Detail, he changed his mind.
Years later, Clint and Lisa have written three memories detailing a career like no other:Mrs. Kennedy and Me became a #1 New York Times bestseller, followed by Five Days in November and Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford.
Due to her books and connection with Clint, Lisa has interviewed hundreds of former and current agents. As noted in her writings, Lisa carries a deep respect for all who’ve sacrificed to protect the Office of the President. With no signs of stopping, Clint hopes to continue spreading the legacy of whom he served with Lisa helping pen his voice.
Resources:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Travels-Mrs-Kennedy-Clint-Hill/dp/1982181117
Website:
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Quotes:
“No matter what you’ve done in your life, career and what you’ve been involved with, you’re going to have hard times. And moving on is really the only option you have. You get up and keep moving forward.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, author Michael Kiel joins the show to discuss his journey from rehab patient to a rehab specialist.
A gunshot survivor, Michael recalls the time his neck took a bullet in college resulting in a complete C3-C4 spinal cord injury. Faced with the prospect of quadriplegia, Michael recalls the mental crossroads. Would he succumb to fear or stay positive considering the diagnosis?
Having chosen the latter, Michael unpacks the recovery process, finishing his degree, and helping young adults with disabilities learn career skills as they heal.
With his memoir, Challenge the Moment, recently published in 2019, Michael hopes his story will inspire rehabbers to embrace their dreams despite pain and suffering. With original words of hope, Michael’s charge is simple: Just because you stay the course, doesn’t mean the next level of overcoming is unobtainable.
To purchase the book, check out the Amazon link below.
Resources:
Website: https://www.loveabilities.org/programme/michael-kiel/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Challenge-Moment-Michael-Kiel/dp/1081738170
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Quotes:
“The pain and worry we live in is mostly in our mind and seldom in reality.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Jody Mayberry returns to discuss the importance of accountability through clear expectations.
In a metrics-driven world, we often have expectations but sometimes lack the communication skills to convey them. Yet, as Dan explains, holding people accountable doesn't have to be complicated. Rather than direct from a distance, why not determine metrics and connection points to discuss those metrics? Why not ask yourself how you're setting goals with your team and if you're helping them know how to elevate performance?
While scorecards and reviews can help depending on your areas, the bottom lines are simple: To build a team who continuously improves, you must help each member know their goals, check-ins, and deadlines. You must establish accountability through clear expectations. One way or another, have an accessible document that is more than available but engaged at strategic checkpoints throughout the year.
Resources:
About Dan: https://dancockerell.com/about/
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Quotes:
“Pick metrics that count.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Kristina Snyder, CEO, and Founder of Snyder joins the show to discuss her career journey and best practices for nurturing creatives.
As a creative consultant, Snyder discusses how humble beginnings matured into breakthrough opportunities. Having started her career as an editor assigning photographers for renowned publications, Snyder now serves as the CEO of a women-owned agency specializing in project consultation, visual content, and social media. With a small yet effective team, Synder also explains how her company bridges clients and creators and how they delegate inspiration to niche demographics.
Fueled with a bold yet benevolent business-minded approach, Snyder encourages the next wave of artists to refine their eyes and to fail fast when presenting fresh ideas. To learn more about Kristina’s work, check out her website and profiles below.
Resources:
Website: https://wearesnyder.com/us
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-snyder-3390ab6/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aka_kristinasnyder/?hl=en
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Quotes:
“Ideas are gold. That’s what we live for.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Brenda Bence joins the show to discuss how to let your brand speak for your reputation.
While most associate branding with marketing, as Brenda explains, the best brands start with you. As with any brand, you must define it and communicate it consistently without afflicting damage. Granted, this is easier said than done; however, by seeking opportunities to fill functional and emotional needs within our service, we can begin to find our personal brands emerge.
As Brenda continues, we must consider the emotional needs of our audience and seek to solve them when putting forth our best effort. After all, great brands bring out strong emotions which can only be built through relationships and genuine inquisition.
Resources:
Website: https://brendabence.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendabence/
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Quotes:
“When you solve an emotional need, you have built a brand.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Dre Baldwin, CEO, and Founder of Work on Your Game, inc., joins the show to discuss ‘Work on Your Game’ and its emerging influence.
After a 9-year professional basketball career, Dre gained a wide following as the first content creator to upload basketball workout videos to YouTube. Now, with over 8,000 videos and 73 million hits to his credit, Dre has transformed his side hustle into entrepreneurship specializing in helping professionals develop a go-getter mindset within their endeavors.
As a coach and a motivational speaker, Dre hopes his professional development quest will inspire leaders to give top-percentile effort and derive confidence from discipline.
For more information about Dre’s books and resources, check out his website below.
Resources:
Website: https://www.dreallday.com/
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Quotes:
“How do you continue to show up? What’s the #1 internal trait you want to have?”
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, best-selling author, Dr. Allen Steven Lycka joins the show to discuss his new book, “Living A Fantastic Life and Turning Points” and career as a transformational speaker.
As a coach, mentor, and former cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Lycka’s story is awe-inspiring. After being misdiagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2003, he realized he had Chronic Lyme disease. Having retired from medicine prior to the pandemic, Dr. Lycka, has made it his life mission to empower people to fuse love, gratitude, and positivity into their outlooks on life.
With a rekindled zest for life, Dr. Lycka hopes his resources and engagements will influence a new wave of leaders to not take their talents and opportunities for granted.
For more information about his book, check out his website below:
Resources:
Website: https://drallenlycka.com/
Book: https://drallenlycka.com/buy-the-hardcover-version-of-the-secrets-to-living-a-fantastic-life/
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Quotes:
“You change your view of the world and you change the world.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Howard Prager, President of Advance Learning Group, joins the show to discuss the traits of encouraging leadership.
As an author, speaker, executive coach, and leadership consultant, Howard is passionate about positive reinforcement and making emotional connections. Often, we aim to acknowledge and reward quality performance, but rarely does it become with motivational language.
Hence, the context for Howard’s new book, Make Someone’s Day. While skill breeds excellence, it’s not necessarily a morale boost. As such, we should consider what would happen if we gave people VIP treatment through unique expressions of verbal gratitude and how our influence would increase accordingly.
For more information about Howard’s book, check out his website below:
Resources:
Website: https://howardhprager.com/
E-mail: howard@howardhprager.com
Make Someone’s Day: https://howardhprager.com/make-someones-day/
Connect with Dan:
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Quotes:
“Put 15 minutes on every day and say, ‘Who do I need to reach out and thank for what they did for me?’”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Gav Schneider joins the show to discuss risk management and the psychology of risk.
As the Group CEO of Risk 2 Solution and a renowned subject matter expert on risk management, safety, and security, Dr. Gav understands the connection between leadership, management, critical thinking, and authenticity like few others can. Having conducted many projects in over 17 countries, Dr. Gav’s expertise in bias management centers on a crucial pursuit: Educating leaders to not only gather information but also leverage guidance to make emotionally intelligent and informed decisions.
For more information about Dr. Gav’s resources, including Risk 2 Solution’s Presilience program that aims to help organizations prepare for corporate disruptions, click the links below:
Resources:
Website: https://r2ssecurity.com.au/
Presilience: https://r2ssecurity.com.au/presilience/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gav-schneider/?originalSubdomain=au
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Quotes:
“What does ‘different’ mean when it’s different for everybody?”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Diana Noble discusses the ups and downs of being a serial entrepreneur.
As a business coach and consultant, Diana understands a thing or two about optimizing time and money. While many entrepreneurs burn out early, Diana knows the contrary, specifically how to leverage finances and resources to create more time and margin.
Per her experience as a business owner and leadership connoisseur, one must be active, present, and balanced to reap success. When demand and stress start to outweigh performance capacity, at that point, one must assess short versus long-term goals. For instance, while a savvy leader is constantly aware of long-term goals through the day-to-day, he also sees short-term goals as the way to start each day.
Granted, this may not simplify the road for an entrepreneur; however, it certainly lays a steady foundation for influence to follow.
For more information about Diana’s leadership services and programs, check out her website below:
Resources:
Website: https://www.noblechoicecoaching.com/
E-mail: info@noblechoicecoaching.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noblechoicecoaching/
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Quotes:
“You will never work harder than you work as a startup entrepreneur.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Danay Lea, Advisor to the CEO of the Abu Dhabi Security Exchange, discusses the future of outdoor sports.
As one who helps large companies solve problems, Danay has a keen eye for projection and evaluation. Such skill has also carried over into his passion for outdoor sports. Per Danay, as the working world becomes increasingly remote, the rise in flexibility and innovation are profiting industries like outdoor sports.
Additionally, the sustaining popularity of outdoor sports will continue as people invest in trusted brands and products they respect. Like broader markets, large companies in the outdoor sports stream should continue to drive healthy competition to help smaller markets find their voice.
Despite setbacks in recent years, Danay believes the future of outdoor sports is bright and will continue to emerge as technology and accessibility create opportunities for the next generation of interest.
Resources:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefluidstate/about/
Website: http://fluidstate.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefluidstate/
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Quotes:
“…enjoying life being a human. There’s something to that and using technology to connect and where we want to be…I think a blend of those two things is a direction in my mind where we should be going.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Jody and I dig into one of the leadership competencies concepts I am working on, specifically leadership through clarity.
One way I bring clarity is through the Three Buckets. The priority order I set when making decisions is self, family, and work. Taking care of yourself through health and stress management is a way to help you have enough clarity to lead through other decisions. You will also have more clarity on the behaviors you have toward your family and the way you approach your work.
These may change over time. Just make sure you continue to have clarity on what’s important to you, and what you do each day to support those priorities. This also is important at work. Make sure to give clarity on expectations to the people that work there. High performers like clarity because it lets them know what the rules are while still having the opportunity to make things better.
How do you get clarity on the things you need to do each day? What are your three buckets?
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Quotes: “Clarity creates consistency. Customers, guests, and clients love consistency”.
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Chelsea Brinkley, virtual executive extraordinary, joins the show to discuss the remote nature of entrepreneurship.
As one who wears many hats, Chelsea is an expert at remote management of systems and processes that grow business. In her experience, building a remote team often comes down to knowing how each role works together from virtual and executive assistants to online business managers.
Chelsea also shares helpful tips on how she maximizes each day from a time management perspective. From utilizing an app like a Trello board to prioritize projects to using cloud software and file naming systems, working a full-time job in part-time hours has never been easier than the modern age.
For more information about Chelsea’s business, check out her website below.
Resources:
Website: https://www.chelseabrinkley.com/
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Quotes:
“You don’t need a certain system; you just have to commit toa. system.”
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Adam Alfia joins the show to discuss his technology company, Feedback, and the value of personal assistance.
A respected businessman, Adam unpacks his transition from automotive repair entrepreneur to virtual hospitality pioneer. Having started Feedback in 2016, Adam has grown the brand into partnerships with Infiniti, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Audi, AARP, and several other national brands. His goal, as he explains, is to encourage customers to use their platforms to make their voices known regarding their corporate experiences.
With skillsets tailored to customer listening, Adam hopes his innovative groundwork in developing online virtual assistance programs will continue to leave an impact.
For information about Adam’s work, check out his company website below.
Resources:
Website: https://www.realtimefeedback.com/
Connect with Dan:
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Quotes:
“Speed of response…and giving everyone a convenient way to speak up…is key.”
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Dr. Deborah Gilboa, media personality and keynote speaker, joins the show to discuss the best ways to cope with stress.
A board-certified family physician fluent in sign language, Dr. Gilboa is recognized as one of the most influential voices not only regarding stress management but embracing resilience. Equipped with a simple message, she has a knack for breaking down complicated emotions by compartmentalizing the processing behind them.
For instance, before one can deal with anxiety or grief, one must accept accompanying senses of loss, distrust, and discomfort. As Dr. Gilboa submits, the irony of conquering stress is embracing it through resilience and navigating it with a mission focus. While you can’t shut off the medulla, you can subdue it by remembering the choices you have in front of you.
For more information about Dr. G’s resources, practices, and past appearances, check out the links below.
Resources:
Website: https://askdoctorg.com/
Assessment: http://stresstoresilience.com/
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Quotes:
“Lagging indicator is someone in bad heath; leading indicator is prevention and someone taking care of themself.”
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Rob Salafia, Lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management Executive Education Program, joins the show to discuss his career journey.
A former performing artist, Rob started his career as a storyteller in the late 1980s, refining his ability in theater methodology. Now, as a certified executive coach and keynote speaker, Rob entertains a multitude of diverse audiences through business coaching and leadership development.
As Rob explains, embracing radical transitions from one career to the next isn’t easy; however, by demonstrating genuine interest in your audience, one can inspire others to perceive change as a necessary means to broaden perspective.
In addition to being a MIT lecturer, Rob has also worked with Fortune 500 companies including Sapient Consulting, ING Bank, NN Group, News Corp, American Express, Sony Music Entertainment, Thought Ensemble, Metro AG, Philips International, Digitas, and Fidelity Investments.
For more information, check out his website below.
Resources:
Website: https://protagonistconsulting.com/
E-mail: robsalafia@protagonistconsulting.com
Elevate: https://learn.elevate.ac/courses/dan-cockerell
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Quotes:
“Opportunities come from the most surprising places.”
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, retired Major General James Johnson joins the show to discuss Operation Gratitude.
As a senior executive with over three decades of leadership experience in the United States Air Force, James explains the origins of Operation Gratitude and its role in allowing civilians to give to military and first responders. Having learned from his father, James hopes the volunteer service goes beyond operation and inspires the next generation to make generosity a contagious element for supporters nationwide.
James also shares some guidance for new job seekers and the health of organizations that train and develop their prospects from day one.
Resources:
Website: https://www.operationgratitude.com/?operationgratitude_com
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Quotes:
“A lot of people don’t get involved in things because they don’t think they can give something to make a difference. That’s not how it works. Doing anything makes a difference.”
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Dr. Rajesh Kumar joins the show to discuss his journey to founding Global Strategic Advisory.
As an international business consultant, Dr. Kumar has utilized multiple degrees across multiple continents. Having earned a Ph.D. degree in International Business from New York University, an MBA from Rutgers University, and a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Delhi, Dr. Kumar is passionate about international cultural awareness, especially in economics, business strategy, and management.
With published research papers in academic journals and a pair of coauthored books, Doing Business in India and International Negotiations in India and China: A comparison of the emerging giants, to his credit,Dr. Kumar hopes his career journey can encourage the next generation to embrace cross-cultural skills, organizational diversity, and international relationships.
For more information about his works, check out his website below.
Resources:
Website: https://globalstrategicadvisory.com/about-rajesh-kumar/
Connect with Dan:
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Quotes:
“Whether you’re a large organization or maybe a small organization but have different cultures in your meetings…there’s such an opportunity to being curious and having open, candid conversations about how you’re going to connect to the cultures.
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Paul Klein, entrepreneur and podcaster, joins the show to discuss strategies for pricing your podcast.
The creator of Bizable TV, Paul encourages freelancers starting their podcasts to assess their financial obligations and strategies. Far too often, rookie entrepreneurs sell themselves short by anchoring their price point too low or without tiered options. However, by committing to different service levels, potential clients can compare the price points to the host where the host determines the value, not the customer.
For more information about Paul’s podcast, click the link below.
Resources:
Podcast: https://www.paulklein.net/podcast.html
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Quotes:
“Make your vision greater than your fear.”
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Bob Eckert, CEO at New & Improved, joins the show to discuss the importance of fostering curiosity in the next generation.
An academic and constant learner at heart, Bob explains the goal of his not-for-profit as promoting growth mindsets from businesses to families. With a desire to help organizations facilitate their corporate brain trust to improve processes and systems, Bob hopes to inspire positive attitudes via curiosity, not only through New & Improved but also Facilitators Without Borders where he serves as an advisor.
For more information about New & Improved, including his articles and books, visit Bob’s website below.
Resources:
Website: https://newandimproved.com/
E-mail: beckert@newandimproved.com
Connect with Dan:
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Quotes:
“Help your kids find their mastery...expose them to a lot of things…and [from there] they’ll start to gravitate towards certain things.”
Connect with Dan:
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On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Melinda Santiago, CEO of the Santiago Firm, joins the show to discuss the power of influential women in business.
A pure entrepreneur at heart, Melinda unpacks the attributes of what makes a successful woman in the marketplace and the challenges they face. For instance, while some male leaders thrive as overseers, Melinda contends female leaders with similar moxy are still overlooked in today's work world. Based on her experiences, since women generally serve with more relational savvy and diligence with the simple things, they should be considered for higher-level positions.
As a charge to her followers, Melinda encourages women to know their value and resist the tolerance of gender bias. For more information about Melinda's book, check out the link below.
Resources:
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Til-Death-Do-Us-Part-ebook/dp/B092SQBV1Q
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
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Quotes:
“People don’t know how close they are to success if they would just reach out and get the ball rolling. Just create a little momentum.”
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Jill Donovan, Founder of Rustic Cuff and author of The Kindness Effect, joins the show to discuss her career journey.
A former practicing and attorney and law professor, Jill unpacks her commitment to learning a new skill each year and how the practice has motivated her to start her current business. Having transitioned across multiple vocational spectrums, Jill explains the evolution of Rustic Cuff from talent discovery to corporate enterprise and charitable partnerships. From a humble gift closet to a company of over 150 employees and multiple showrooms, Jill hopes to inspire the next generation to always pay it forward by fusing determination and purpose.
For more information about her products, resources, and events, check out her website below.
Resources:
Website: https://www.rusticcuff.com/pages/jills-bio
The Kindness Effect: https://www.amazon.com/Kindness-Effect-Experience-Irrational-Giving/dp/1629991791
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Quotes:
“Run your own race. You need to define success for yourself…[and] figure out what success looks like in your life…without anyone’s permission.“
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Paul Zeitz, physician, epidemiologist, and advocacy expert, joins the show to discuss the value of positive thought.
An eternal optimist, Paul explains his goal to use clinical advocacy to promote national well-being and mental transformation. Using advancements in technology and science, Paul hopes to inspire optimism and peacemaking principles to solve political and social barriers within struggling demographics.
For more information, check out Paul’s website below where you can also review his books: Waging Justice and Waging Optimism.
Resources:
Website: https://www.drpaulzeitz.org/
Connect with Dan:
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Quotes:
“It’s not about comparing what our impact is going to be. We just got to do what we can and then have faith that everyone will do what they can and that’s how these movements come together.“
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Andre Young, Founder of You Evolving Now LLC, joins the show to discuss his career journey.
A former athlete and mental health therapist, Andre unpacks his drive as an entrepreneur and desire to motivate organizations through meaningful leadership practices. As he notes, the problem with some leaders is they marry their vision and the path they forge as opposed to their ‘why’; however, this often leads to burnout and disillusion. While many managers try to stir their team to outcomes, Andre argues it’s far better for them to make their name synonymous with what they do, perform beyond good intentions, and inspire the same mentality within their influence.
To connect with Andre or review his resources, check out his website below.
Resources:
Website: https://youevolvingnow.com/
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
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Quotes:
“As the leader…you don’t have to have the answers. You’re not there to be a ‘know all’ and distribute your knowledge; you’re there to facilitate the knowledge to solve issues together. “
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Neil Sahota, IBM Master Inventor and United Nations AI Advisor, joins the show to discuss the evolution and future of artificial intelligence.
A renowned artificial intelligence expert, Neil knows a thing or two about technology, computers, and their disruption on human existence. While most have a general idea of what AI can do, the short-term implications, he notes, are immense from business to home life to how we interact relationally.
As for business leaders, Neil suggests now is the time to embrace trends and to view AI as an opportunity to rise above the noise and competitors. Even for those hesitant to employ the science, far better to research, brainstorm possibilities, and go from there as opposed to the contrary.
For more information about Neil’s resources and projects, check out his website below or should him a message through his social media accounts.
Resources:
Website: www.neilsahota.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilsahota/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neil_sahota/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/neil_sahota
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Quotes:
“I think a lot of people think it’s all about money…but there] is the justice, the accountability that goes with it, the support behind, the psychology…[and] changing people’s attitudes and the way they see the world.”
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Jeffrey Barnes, best-selling author and Disney keynote speaker, joins the show to discuss leadership lessons from the life of Disney.
As Jeffrey charges us, to live like Walt comes down to 4 c’s: Consistency, courage, confidence, and curiosity.
While humble beginnings are often a prerequisite, by focusing on big-ticket dreams and building passion around your schedule, one can discover higher levels of success.
Whatever your business is, whatever your team or story looks like, board your train and don’t look back. Even if your world feels like riding Space Mountain for the first time, you’ll eventually reach your intended destination.
Resources:
Website: https://thewisdomofwalt.com/
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Quotes:
“Being an entrepreneur sometimes…you don’t [always] know what’s coming next. The only thing you got is being positive and taking what comes.”
On this special episode of Come Rain or Shine, Michael Reddington, President of InQuasive and Certified Forensic Interviewer, joins the show to discuss his passion for the security industry. As one who has taken the path less traveled, Michael is no stranger to provident happenstance. From a bartender to a retail specialist to a financial advisor, the road to Michael’s current position has no doubt been scenic. Yet, now as an influencer in the interrogation arena, he hopes to help professionals improve their listening skills to promote psychological safety and empathy within their vocational spheres.
To learn more about InQuasive as well as Michael’s non-confrontational communications technique, The Disciplined Listening Method, check out his website below.
Resources:
Website - https://inquasive.com/
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Disciplined-Listening-Method-Interviewer-Conversation/dp/1954020198
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this special episode of Come Rain or Shine, Laura Mae Lindo, an activist and Member of the Provincial Parliament for Kitchener Centre, joins the show to discuss inclusion in education. With work partly centered on challenging on-campus racism, Laura Mae unpacks the psychology behind communal engagement as a minority. To calibrate subjective expectations, educators should embrace the opportunity to promote objective thinking - a process that requires building relationships and trust over consistent dialogue.
As a Member of the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills, a Critic for Citizenship and Immigration Services, and a Critic for Anti-racism, Laura Mae hopes to inspire increased quality in Canadian political spheres and for those in business to see antiracist work as leadership work.
Resources:
Website - https://www.lauramaelindompp.ca/
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Heather Hansen, Founder of Global Speech Academy, joins the show to discuss cultural and verbal intelligence.
An advocate for global communications, Heather’s passion is to help leaders learn how to speak effectively across cultural barriers and cultures. Her resources in microinequities, diversity inclusion, and access bias have proven effective with featured play on National Public Radio (NPR) and other international podcasts and webinars. In addition to these endeavors, Heather has also published an online course, the Pronunciation Mastery Program, and is the author of multiple books, most notably Powerful People Skills.
To check out Heather’s training programs and her recent release, Unmuted, visit her website below.
Resources:
Website: https://globalspeechacademy.com/about/heather-hansen/
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Quotes:
“Privilege is invisible to those who have it.”
On this special episode of Come Rain or Shine, Jody and I return to reminisce about hitting the 200-episode mark.
With an average of one podcast a week for almost four years, there’s much to celebrate as we reach this historic milestone. From humble beginnings with ‘Lemons to Lemonade’ to an established audience and guest base, we hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane as Jody and I travel back in time.
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Matthew Luhn, author, storytelling consultant, and inspirational speaker joins the show to discuss his career as a filmmaker and storyteller.
A former prodigy, Matthew unpacks his unorthodox career trajectory, lessons learned as an animator for Pixar, and keys to a great story. Per his experiences, while a creative storyboard involves a compelling plot, a great artist knows his audience, the limitations of his work, and the payoff of his pitch.
In essence, to be an influential storyteller, one must brand alongside the entertainment and establish a beginning, middle, and end within each project. Only then can imagination and charisma connect to its target base in a powerful way.
Resources:
Website: https://matthewluhnstory.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewLuhn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewluhnstory/?hl=en
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Michael Lyons, a freelance writer, and entrepreneur with Disney roots, joins the show to discuss his career and views on the writing process.
Like me, Michael has learned how to navigate a multi-decadal tenure post-Disney. Having conducted interviews with many actors, directors, producers, and artists during their Golden Age, Michael provides guidance on how to merge writing with research, training, and even retail in the context of leadership.
For information about Michael’s endeavors, you can check out his podcast, “Dis-Order: Every Disney Film,” on Apple Podcasts as well as “Drawn to Greatness: Disney’s Animation Renaissance” available on Amazon.
Resources:
Theme Park Press - http://themeparkpress.com/
Website - www.wordsfromlyons.com
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Drawn-Greatness-Disneys-Animation-Renaissance/dp/168390317X
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Nate Clayberg, Founder of Career Adventure Academy, joins the show to discuss his role as a student mentor and career coach.
An economic developer at heart, Nate unpacks his path to education and why he loves advising youth on career possibilities beyond graduation. With many assessment tools in existence, Nate’s goal is simple: To help students discover their giftings and envision their future for a purposeful life.
Granted, Nate admits college can be a time for trial and error. However, by providing his resources, Nate hopes to inspire clarity for the next generation of leaders at a younger age.
To discover more about his Discovery Course or subscribe to his podcast, check out his website below.
Resources:
Website - https://www.nateclayberg.com/
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Tamzin Lovell-Miller joins the show, as part of our Elevate Series, to discuss her career in digital art.
As a techpreneur, Tamzin explains the origins of Artfundi, a digital transformation art business built on innovation, integration, and inspiration. After starting her software system and developing it into a business in 2018, Tamzin opened her first art gallery in which she discovered a passion for digital art. Since then, she has experienced additional acceleration in helping new companies utilize new digital technologies and become more reliant on internal systems.
A corporate mentor for several organizations, Tamzin encourages the rising generation to stay curious, share stories, and attend art fairs to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and artists.
Resources:
Website: https://artfundi.tech/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamzin-lovell-miller/
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Tim Schurrer, Host of the “Build a Winning Team” podcast and former COO of StoryBrand, joins the show to discuss his story and definition of success.
A man of many hats, Tim details his career trajectory and the journey of writing his new book, 'The Secret Society of Success.' Blessed with a host of backstage skills, Tim explains the concept of vocational humility and corporate reliance to accomplish goals. He also unpacks the 'spotlight mindset' and the subconscious behavior patterns indicative of the perspective.
While Tim worries about young people wanting to be instant influencers, his message is clear: Stop chasing the spotlight and pursue your dreams without forsaking what matters.
Resources:
Website: https://www.secretsocietybook.com
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Jody and Dan, return to discuss their Perks Community Cruise experiences.
Fresh off some stirring Q&A sessions, Dan explains the value of not only being self-aware but others-aware. Using his spousal relationship with Valerie as a guide, Dan reminds us while it’s okay to disagree with another’s perspective, in some cases, the best move is to compromise – to meet the other person halfway.
In marketplace settings, this principle can have influential effects. Whether we’re a team lead or entry-level hire, the more we embrace alternative points of view and connect to what others believe, the more we’ll see corporate morale and performance thrive.
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Jody and Dan, are reunited on a Perch Community Cruise. Fresh off a workshop, Dan unpacks the qualities of a few hand-raising risk-takers who distinguished themselves during a live session. After requesting a volunteer during a speech, Jody explains how several individuals raised their hands despite not knowing their call to action. The end prize? An invitation to a special breakfast with him providing free mentorship.
The moral of the story, Jody notes, is the idea those who create their luck, create their opportunities. While goal clarity is beneficial, without guts, one can only go so far. Why not choose yourself, raise your hand, and take a risk? After all, it makes no sense to stress over what you can’t lose.
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Stephen Moss, Executive Mentor President of Executive Springboard, joins the show to discuss mentoring and onboarding strategies.
With over 30 years at Springboard’s helm, Stephen’s organization offers keen insight into employee integration and executive coaching. While similar entities approach mentorship from a human resources perspective, at Springboard, their focus centers on helping leaders build healthy work cultures.
As Stephens explains, although recruiting is paramount, so is an investment in onboarding and executive coaching geared towards people and processes. The more managers embrace these initiatives, the more work cultures will thrive as new hires discern what’s working from various voices and express themselves authentically.
Resources:
Website: www.execspringboard.com
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Johnie Hampton, Founder of Hampton Creative, joins the show to discuss his story and knack for branding.
An Oklahoma native, Johnie talks about how he cultivated a passion for design as part of his branding skillset. Whether working on an interface, social venue, or product, Johnie’s business seeks to connect an organization’s mission to its function and foundation. As he claims, a designer must not only consider what the client wants to say to his audience but also how he will represent the organization.
By staying tethered to an organization’s vision, an entrepreneur in the designing industry can empower his client to communicate influence effectively.
Resources:
Website: www.hamptoncreative.com
Instagram/LinkedIn: Hampton Creative
Tortoise and Hare: https://www.amazon.com/Tortoise-Hare-Fairy-Balance-Feel-Good/dp/1419749544
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Sherry Winn, Two-Time Olympian, National Basketball Coach of The Year, and Amazon Three-Time Best Selling Author, joins the show to discuss her career evolution and lessons learned from the basketball court.
As a renowned world athlete, Sherry talks about her struggles with sexual identity, alcoholism, and abuse growing up and how those journeys matured her from Olympics to consultant, coach, and author. With a life message centered on conquering challenges through gratitude, Sherry hopes her positivity will inspire a new generation of young athletes and leaders to wrestle through their temptations to quit.
Resources:
Website: https://www.thewinningleadershipcompany.com/
E-mail: sherry@TheWinningLeadershipCompany.comor call 304-380-4398.
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Jeff Spahn, Founder and President of Leading Leaders Inc joins the show to discuss his new book, We the Leader.
In today’s marketplace, younger leaders see themselves differently. While older generations view leadership as an earned concept, emerging leaders perceive the term more inherently. As such, the friction between turnover and hierarchy is increasing at an accelerated rate.
However, as Jeff explains in his book, the truce in the middle boils down to curious conviction – the idea of leading and following can occur simultaneously. Applied to best teamwork practices, quality leaders, regardless of age, can build curiosity around uniqueness and diversity to improve flow and decision-making. By ensuring all people have a voice, respect can be facilitated, and differences can be made through differences of opinion.
Resources:
Book: https://www.wetheleader.com
Website: https://www.leadingleadersinc.com
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Lawrence Sprung, Mitlin Financial's Founder and Lead Wealth Advisor, joins the show to discuss mental health and suicide prevention.
As a financial entrepreneur, Lawrence explains his journey into the field and the personal narratives he contended with along the way. In particular, he discusses how his brother died by suicide due to bipolar depression and how mental illness awareness has improved in recent decades.
With more people establishing avenues into mental health and suicide prevention arenas, Lawrence charges business leaders to follow suit. While influencers sparking hope is helpful, to facilitate marketplace engagement, leaders must foster accountability to recognize risks and situations. The more people are encouraged to speak up, the more they will accept the challenge and take action.
Resources:
Mitlin Financial: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://www.afsp.org
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Frank Lovine shares how his experience in the NYPD opened his eyes to the real issue of suicide and mental health. As a follower of Stoic philosophy, Frank shares how reshaping perceptions and cultivating gratitude can help those struggling with self-care.
Suicide is one of the most impactful things a person can struggle with or walk through. Often, it is not about wanting to die; it is about how they want the pain to end. There are warning signs that we must all be aware of, the biggest of which is a total behavioral change. Sudden and unexplained changes can be a warning sign and should not be ignored. If you are concerned that someone you know or love may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, don’t be afraid to ask; you aren’t planting the seed.
Suicide comes from being overwhelmed by pain, which can be driven by perception. Frank is a proponent of the stoic philosophy to assist in mental health and wellness. According to the Stoics, is cultivated through a focus on gratitude and what is within your control: your thoughts and reactions. By prioritizing self-care, we develop a lifestyle that is healthy for us. It creates a space where negatives become positives and cultivate the discipline needed to live a life of gratitude.
Resources:
Website: https://www.frankieispeaker.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankieispeaker
Stoicism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9OCA6UFE-0&t=3s
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-iovine-98bb341b8
Elevate: https://learn.elevate.ac/courses/frank-iovine
Suicide Prevention Resources
https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Kurt Allen, President, and CEO of Mississippi Aquarium is sharing his journey from working his way through the service industry and the lesson he has learned about decision making.
Over his career, Kurt has worked and led in the places that most dream about visiting. From Pebble Beach to the Big Island in Hawaii and back on the mainland, his journey has helped him hone his ability to make decisions. Whether dealing with people or learning how to train dolphins, the path he’s walked has prepared him for the next season, even when he wasn’t aware.
Decision-making is daunting at most levels. When you are just starting or when you are faced with making a transition, fear of the unknown or making a wrong choice can be paralyzing. What we don’t often except in hindsight is how one experience prepares us for the next. You don’t realize you are learning along the way. You are gaining the building blocks that will allow you to build a strong foundation for future endeavors. Decisions become easier the more confidence you have. Kurt’s equation is spot on: Confidence + Integrity x experience=instinct. As the years go on, if you are operating by this equation, you will develop the instinct needed to make the correct decisions for you. Be willing to take risks and find the path that is right for you.
Resources:
Website: Mississippi Aquarium
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Shel Curry, Senior Diversity Equity Manager with the Walt Disney Company, joins the show to discuss the production of her first book.
As the author of The Bedtime Story Race, Shel explains the inspiration and journey behind the book. A proponent of sight word learning, Shel unpacks how her childhood and the 2020 pandemic influenced the narrative and how she utilized networking and family relationships to make the dream come alive.
In closing, Shel encourages future entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities outside their comfort zone. As long as you diversify your experiences with a growth mindset and positive attitude, you’ll not only shatter your expectations but motivate people along the way.
Resources:
Website: http://www.shelcurry.com/
Book: http://www.shelcurry.com/the-bedtime-story-race/
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Peter Sage, Best Selling Author, Speaker, and High-Performance Coach, joins the show to unpack the importance of identity and perception in our lives.
Peter has years of entrepreneurial experience under his belt. He has worked with thought leaders such as Tony Robbins and has devoted many years to studying human nature. One of his most impactful experiences was the six months he spent in the most violent prison in the UK as a civil prisoner.
Identity is a big part of what governs our sense of self. When you choose the identity you embrace as you step into challenging situations, you determine who you are and who you come out with. When you know your authentic agenda, you know that you will be taken care of. Wake up with a goal: collecting magic moments. It is possible to create value, even in times that appear hopeless. When faced with a challenge or a devastating circumstance, don’t settle. Get excited about digging yourself out and making a way for those that come behind you. There are ripples of the contribution that you can make when you are focused on others and not yourself. Ask yourself, what magical moment have I created for others today?
Resources:
Website: petersage.com
Courses: Ultimate Self-mastery course
YouTube
Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge
Special Book Offer: getpetesbook.com/comerainandshine
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Stephanie Olson, CEO of The Set Me Free Project, joins the show to discuss her background and the inspirations before her organization’s mission.
As the face of a nonprofit whose purpose is to teach today’s youth about prevention education and human trafficking, Stephanie explains how this desensitization process ideally works with today’s students. Inspired by her experiences growing up in an abusive household, Stephanie encourages parents to utilize her curriculum to provide their children with a foundation for sexual conversations.
Per her guidance, as long as parents are transparent about trust, consent, and social media, they’ll instill and inspire safety and survivor instincts with their kids.
Resources:
Website - https://www.setmefreeproject.net/
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Robin Hills, Director of EI4Change, joins the show to discuss practical applications of emotional intelligence. A specialist in using emotional intelligence to develop people and their performance, Robin explains how negative feelings, like anxiety, can be constructively channeled into positive outcomes. While part of this involves a commitment to healthy choices, in essence, emotional intelligence requires community and collaboration to mature. Even in business, leaders can only go so far as the strengths they foster within a team setting. Accordingly, if you’re a manager wanting to facilitate better processes and procedures, consider the internal composition of who you’re leading. By focusing on your team’s conflict resolution and communications skills, you can inspire emotional intelligence as you give purpose to what you implement.
Resources:
Website - https://ei4change.com/
Courses - courses.ei4change.info
Contact - robin@ei4change.com
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Marla Isackson, CEO Of Ossa Podcast Network, joins the show to discuss her heart to help women find their voice.
After a productive marketing career working for American Express, Marla explains why she left and started the only women’s podcasting network in existence today. As an entrepreneur and coach in the field, Marla hopes a free membership and consumer segmentation base will inspire women to professionalize their podcasting and make money with or without networking.
For those looking to branch into podcasting, Marla advises incorporating a personal mantra when creating a mindset and to know the customer through relationship and feedback integration. If interested in joining the platform, please find Marla’s contact information and website below.
Resources:
E-mail: marla@ossacollective.com
Website: www.ossacollective.com
Website: Joinossa.com (application on website)
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Michelle Baker, former Director of Disney Institute and business leader at Disney Cruise Line, joins the show to discuss her career journey.
With over two decades at Disney, Michelle explains her pivot to Stoneledge Enrichment and how past roles primed her for entrepreneurial endeavors. Although successful as a cast member, the weight of working both streams in tandem with stressful family matters eventually led to restlessness and fatigue. Accordingly, Michelle, along with her son, started Stoneledge, an organization dedicated to merging leadership excellence and business solutions with health awareness.
An advocate of calming one’s inner chaos, Michelle and her team hope to inspire the next generation of leaders to pursue self-betterment through meditation, fitness, and nourishment. For more information about Stoneledge’s services, you can visit Michelle’s website below.
Resources:
Website: https://www.stoneledgeenrichment.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebakerkusala/
E-mail: michellebaker@gostoneledge.com
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
As our Elevate series continues, Bill Welter, former industrial engineer and founding Principal of MindPrep Resource Center, joins the show to discuss relevancy in an evolving work world.
While many of us are captivated by the silver bullet, as Bill explains, moving forward and staying connected aren’t mutually exclusive. To progress, one must remain curious and pursue inspirations in real-time.
With a background in equipping engineering, consulting, even military leaders to think adaptively, Bill’s charge is simple yet straightforward: Let go of your ego and take care of your troops. Whatever system or structure you employ, stay curious, stay connected, and allow people to thrive within their element. If you desire your team to think critically, dare them to work passionately.
Resources:
Website: https://mindprep.com/team/bill-welter/
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
For many of us, we want to know who we are. We want to know who we will become, who will guide us along the way, and who we will eventually influence.
However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, while the ‘who’ is important, so are the ‘what’ and ‘how’. Specifically, what do you do and how do you do it? When filling out a resume or discussing your strengths in an interview, how do you capture yourself?
For starters, don’t emphasize your title in an ‘about me’ section. Rather start with your expertise, what differentiates you from the rest of the pack, and go from there. If it helps, consider what value you bring to a team and any given day. If necessary, step back, seek the clarity you need, and dare to communicate your niche and drives differently.
You’ll find the more you commit to these steps, the more people will remember what you do and who you are along the way.
Resources:
The Perch Community: https://dancockerell/perch
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Have you ever wondered if you’re where you want to be? In life? At work? With your career path?
If so, you’ve taken the first step towards reclaiming control of your vocational trajectory; if not, consider what special guest and entrepreneur, Emily Ransone, shares in this episode.
As an EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Evangelist, Emily specializes in teaching the tools and components of a sustainable EOS system – a method that teaches young leaders how to run a business in a way that integrates efficiency with consistency and traction with vision.
Per Emily’s experiences, even though personal and corporate growth can be challenging when you examine ways to blend disciple and accountability, you not only take healthy initiatives but unlock ways to merge disciple and accountability within a corporate construct.
Resources:
E-mail: efransone@gmail.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyransone/
Website: https://www.tractionforgrowth.com
Traction: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-book
Get a Grip: https://www.eosworldwide.com/get-a-grip-book
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
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When we talk about hospitality, we often discuss it as a skill rather than an occupation.
However, as award-winning concierge, Sarah Dandashy, discusses in this episode, hospitality is more than quality client care but a concept and art form requiring structure. While hospitality, at its core, is defined by thoughtful service, to execute it, one must tie genuine engagement with consistency, efficiency, and anticipation.
On a corporate level, this means leaders must empower their subordinates through ownership and authority. Even if the service element is adequately tended, expectations must be managed with careful attention to detail. As two decades of hotel experience have taught her, solid intentions and policies are secondary to the customer feeling like they’ve received an authentic, unique product.
Regardless of industry, to demonstrate award-winning hospitality, a business must intentionally equip its employees to go above and beyond.
Resources:
Website: https://askaconcierge.tv/
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We all know creation is a broad term.
The art spans thousands of occupations and captures the mindset behind new ideas.
But in the context of innovation, the advancement of creation can be hard to quantify. As Cris Beswick, Strategic Advisor and Co-Founder for OUTCOME, shares in this episode, there are ways to measure innovation maturity to generate high-value opportunities. The problem is knowing when and where to start.
For instance, in some cases, the best way to assess client care within an innovative construct is through role modeling and storytelling; in others, timely observation is the best for analysis. Regardless of the method, as Cris suggests, parameters within a “middle-out” approach must be defined. Even if progress is incremental, as long as leaders empower their employees to co-unearth solutions with their customers, improving systems and structures will have a foundation.
Resources:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crisbeswick/?originalSubdomain=uk
Website: https://crisbeswick.com/
Website: https://weareoutcome.co/
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We live in an ever-changing technological landscape. As time ticks on, more companies are employing cloud solutions over remote alternatives. At least they’re trying to.
However, as Kenneth Johnson, CEO and Co-Founder of Blue Sentry Cloud, shares in this episode, many businesses are failing to achieve cloud implementation. While the conduits and technology are ready, the people and training programs are miles behind. Despite the cloud being a dynamic tool, security failures and misalignments are causing many projects to stall. And as IT leaders struggle to adapt, new questions emerge.
In particular, what approaches can align business processes with cloud strategy? How can organizations leverage cloud implementation and computing to derive value?
As Kenneth and I discuss, while answers may vary depending on the initiative, as long as leaders engage cloud technology with an “end in mind” mentality, the foundation for adaption will be set. The problem, after all, is not ‘Day 1’, but ‘Day 2’ when the real journey begins.
Resources:
E-mail: kenneth@bluesentry.cloud
Company website: www.bluesentry.cloud
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When we discuss intelligence, we tend to think some people have it and others don’t as if the term is a one-sized-fit-all concept.
However, as today’s guest, Mark Oliver, shares in this episode, everyone you meet is smarter than you in some way. With four human intelligences spanning emotional, practical, and spiritual spectrums, to be a genius one must be able to convert knowledge into effort, passion, and common sense.
In business, knowing the primary intelligences can have massive impacts on profit, productivity, performance, and people. These 4 P’s, as Oliver notes, are maximized at the point engagement is tied to purpose. By facilitating a culture where people can discover their gifts, companies can thrive off greater ideas, networking, and team-building.
Resources:
Website: https://www.marktwoconsulting.com/
The Seven Motivations of Life: Taking Your Leadership to a Higher Level: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Motivations-Life-Taking-Leadership/dp/144778328X
Motivational Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/Motivational-Leadership-Third-Mark-Oliver/dp/0244739668
A Himalayan Trinity: https://www.marktwoconsulting.com/himalayan-trinity
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We live in unprecedented times.
With the pandemic still ongoing, people are adjusting to new norms and rhythms. Amidst these cultural changes, significant social impacts are emerging especially in the marketplace.
As Jody and I discuss, one of the reasons historians refer to the present day as The Great Resignation concerns labor and workforce. Across the country, people are leaving jobs, careers paths, anything that doesn’t induce passion or purpose. Consequently, the trend is forcing many managers and owners to reconsider how they retain employees.
The question is: As more companies are short-staffed and more prospects are unemployed, how do organizations keep and develop their staff?
While the possibilities are many, one thing is for sure: Whether a company utilizes surveys, roundtables, workshops, or internal networking, the exercise must proceed a call to action. By allowing employees to contribute, organizations can ensure they what’s necessary to maintain their cores during trying times.
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When we talk about infrastructure, we often assume foundations and protocols.
But in this day age, infrastructure means much more than it did a couple of decades ago. As Steve Orrin, Federal Technology Officer for Intel, shares in this episode, investing in infrastructure not only involves cross communications and development but also quality security against cyberthreats.
Per his experience, to best serve customers in cloud space, one must consider how customer insights integrate into the application building process. Ask yourself, “Am I valuing and prioritizing client input? Am I willing to provide a platform for constructive interaction?”
By addressing these questions, a leader can factor in feedback into production, pursue tools to improve security, and translate input into new capacities and opportunities.
Resources:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sorrin/
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If you’re a regular, you may have noticed how many guests discuss active listening. After all, for leadership to succeed, it must integrate the voices of its target audience.
However, as General Robert Mixon, former military leader and co-founder of Level Five Associates, shares in this episode, companies best serve their employees and clients when they employ strategic plans. Whether this involves specific projects or unifying communication styles, to lead and develop well, there must be a culture where people listen to understand.
As Robert mentions in his book, Cows in the Living Room:Developing an Effective Strategic Plan and Sustaining It, even if ideas and endeavors are still forming, a business can prosper if leaders nurture morale through calculated risk and effective management. To learn more about this resource, check out the link below.
Resources:
Cows in the Living Room: https://www.amazon.com/Cows-Living-Room-Developing-Sustaining-ebook/dp/B00NXV7808
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Life is hard. We all know this. But for many, it can be tough to admit, or even believe, it.
As Stacy Pederson, motivational keystone speaker and member of the Elevate Speaker Series, shares in this episode, overcoming stress and anxiety requires honest communication and acceptance. While relationships have their place, to receive the help you need, you need to come to terms with reality first. Once you have acknowledged the hardship, only then can you take the baby steps necessary to conquer the challenge at hand.
Even if you lose your marriage, home, health, or job, by confessing, “It’s okay to not be okay” and choosing to connect with the right people, you can overcome adversity with the positive attitude you crave.
Resources:
Website: www.stacypederson.com
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In today’s work climate, feedback can seem like an ambiguous term.
When do you give it? How often? How do you handle those resistant to it?
The answers aren’t always black and white.
However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, regardless of what role you play, you must give critical feedback. As harsh as it may sound, you can’t lead effectively if you avoid constructive criticism.
Even if transparency isn’t your forte, consider part of your influence as preparing your teammates for bigger, better things. Don’t just settle on harmony but balance with clear expectations and behavior reinforcement. After all, although you can’t make people change, you can still give them the impetus.
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As marketplace influencers, we tend to value select attributes over others. Rather than embrace diversity, we assume assertiveness and poise are chief indicators of successful leadership.
However, as Abigail Martinez, Captain with the Kansas City Police Department discusses in this episode, one of the most effective traits of a leader is empathy. Especially in a crisis, respecting people from all walks of life and settling them in turmoil can make a difference when solving problems and building community.
Per Abigail’s experience, not only can you hold people accountable with respect but bridge the divide with empathy. If you want to make solid first impressions and break down stereotypes, consider how you can integrate empathy into your surroundings.
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One of the most iconic influencers in modern history is Walt Disney. The man was a legend who saw the future in a completely different way than anyone else.
Yet, as a guest, Chad Emerson, President, and CEO of Huntsville Incorporated and author of Project Future: The Inside Story Behind the Creation of Disney World, explains in this episode, why Disney viewed the world through a unique lens, his mission was to help people create memories.
Such was the inspiration behind Project Future, the code name for Florida Project. Even though Walt’s original goal for what we now know as Epcot hasn’t come to fruition, this hasn’t deterred the impact of his instinct as evidenced by the millions who visit his attractions every year. Even in this pandemic era, people want to document everything and see the world for what it could be.
And it's this mentality, even in the diluted Tomorrowland we know, that keeps Disney’s legacy alive and well.
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If you know me, you know I love reading. Not only does it empower the mind but strengthens decision-making and awareness among other things.
However, as guest Jeff Brown explains in this episode, reading also requires spending: A spending of energy, a spending of interest, even a spending of time.
While reading can be a sacrifice, as Jeff discusses in his book, ‘Read to Lead’, reading is a secret sauce to success and learning. If you want to read well, don’t just pursue what interests you but seek to see and develop the habit as an extension of creativity and roadmap to greater influence.
Resources:
Podcast: https://readtoleadpodcast.com/
Website: https://readtolead.com
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If you’ve ever been apprehensive about starting your business, you’re not alone. Not only does the endeavor require proxy and prowess but also a well-developed pathway to profit.
But the real question is: How do we sustain success after starting our business? What ‘it’ factors are required and if we lack them, how do we get them?
As Jody and I discuss in this episode, while the ‘it’ may vary depending on the opportunity, you must consider how you can develop relationships through experiences. Are you pursuing a special service? Are you able to network and build an audience simultaneously with credibility? Are you developing and sharing knowledge and tools with your target demographics? Do you have contacts who can help and promote you?
If not, chances are you’re not ready to start owning a business; granted, it’s never too early to start considering the culture you want to influence. As long as your starting point centers building community, you’ll have a solid foundation moving forward.
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One of my favorite customer service books is from legendary author and speaker Bob Farrell. In his book, ‘Give ‘Em the Pickle’, he discusses how to improve client satisfaction and retention through three words, “I’ll be back."
However, as Jody and I explain in this episode, to earn this phrase, one should not rely on the protocol alone. Contrarily, if you want to go above and beyond in our affairs, dare to fuse selfless service with common sense.
But Dan? How do we equip our employees to do this? The answer is simple: Have a framework to empower from. Give your team the confidence to make critical decisions and proactively communicate expectations.
By doing this, you can ensure your organization will give clients a reason to tell positive stories about you.
Resources:
Give ‘Em the Pickle: https://www.amazon.com/Giveem-Pickle-Bob-Farrell/dp/1880692333
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For most of us, we’re all about the numbers and bottom line; perhaps a few analytics but little beyond face value.
However, as Data Scientist and Engineer, Ben Burke, explains, to dream big, you must embrace big data. While critical thinking is essential, knowing its place in the current technological evolution is just as significant.
For instance, to best manage information, organizations should consider improving their critical data analysis. While the ways to facilitate are many, if more companies commit to teaching their employees the science, the more the science will influence people to life-changing products and solutions.
Resources:
Website: http://www.betweenthedata.com/
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Often when we discuss diversity, we promote inclusion and fairness from a recruiting perspective.
However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, diversity not only applies to human resources but also input and imagination. When new ideas emerge, how are they communicated and exchanged? Are you reacting or responding? Are you putting yourself in the shoes of your clients and competitors or not? Are you considering new ways to train new talent in the way they go?
If not, consider red teaming, an exercise in testing policies and processes against external criteria. The end goal? To encourage fresh insights in a non-reactive way that maintains the virtue and dignity of your core values. As you’ll find, while the practice may be novel at first, the result will more than justify the acclimation.
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For many companies, valuable products and processes are essential to what they do. After all, you have to know your starting point and final destination to hit the bottom line.
However, one area I find many organizations fall short on is onboarding.
As Jody and I discuss in this episode, onboarding is critical to retention. How well do you train your employees? How well are you instilling purpose into their role? Is there a checklist for every function?
Once you start to think along these lines, not only will you help new employees develop confidence early on but increase the odds of keeping them over time.
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We all have doubts and fear given we’re human and prone to weakness.
But what if I told you there were ways to deflect those doubts when you wanted to?
As Jody and I discuss in this episode, dealing with self-doubt can be a challenge; however, by maturing in self-awareness, connecting to a healthy inner circle, and not seeking validation, you can avoid vain anxieties and assumptions.
After all, the life you live in your head doesn’t have to manifest in real life. The question is: What are you telling yourself to help you think positively and constructively?
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For many, performance and drivenness are two separate entities. One involves autonomy; the other desire.
However, as guest David Hancock shares in this episode, when these virtues collide, the results can be transformative. The key? Relevancy. To be relevant, we not only have to value our skills but create our opportunities. The effort may require diligence and delegation; it may summon an acquired grit.
Yet, if we commit ourselves to create communities alongside our opportunities, we’ll find the determination to overcome everyday obstacles with greater ease and efficiency.
Resources:
Website: www.performancedrivenbook.com=
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In this era, more information is available than ever before. As such, many leaders often stall important decisions to secure more data to make a more informed decision.
However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, sometimes you got to put the pencil down, understand your values, and trust your intellect to make immediate decisions. While you may feel you're rushing to conclusions, if you already know the purpose behind your decision-making, you can drive correct solutions to fruition sooner rather than later.
After all, if time is money, why stall?
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When we talk about vocational leadership, we often allude to the importance of situational awareness. After all, to be effective, you must be discerning at the moment.
However, as Jon Macaskill, Navy SEAL Commander and motivational speaker discusses in this episode, to be discerning requires a blend of mindfulness and meditation. For instance, a manager can know how to plan and delegate; however, until he knows how to calibrate in pressure situations, he cannot capitalize in pivotal circumstances.
As education in meditation, Jon provides insight on how to maximize mindfulness in corporate situations. From his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan to his nonprofit for which he serves as Deputy Executive Director, Jon's current mission is to help high-performance entities replace stress and anxiety with renewed focus and productivity.
Resources:
Website: https://macaskillconsulting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill/
Deliberate Discomfort: https://www.amazon.com/Deliberate-Discomfort-Operations-Comfortable-Uncomfortable/dp/1733428011
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In the real world, we all need a real job. From rent to bills, every dollar counts; every cent matters.
However, in today’s worker market economy, more people are chasing freedom and balance than ever before. Especially in a post-pandemic era, many Americans are reevaluating their passions and priorities to counter greater insecurity and uncertainty. And why not given we’re all individual contractors with value to contribute wherever we go.
Still, as Jody and I discuss in this episode while pursuing a dream is perfectly acceptable, let’s not neglect the necessity of a current day job. As a foundation, if we target our skills while not forsaking our motivations, no question we'll accomplish our goals even if the big ones are a few years away.
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When it comes to starting a side hustle, maturing passion into action is easier said than done. Not only do you have to work quickly but promote yourself and your mission in ways that reach and inspire people.
However, as Debbie Allen, a seasoned entrepreneur who became a millionaire by 32, shares in this episode, there are many ways to convert a passion into a successful business opportunity. For starters, once you identify what you’re passionate about, only then can you start a hustle with the potential to become a career. While human nature is to jump the gun, consider what you want to do. From there, network with mentors and like-minded entrepreneurs willing to educate alongside your endeavors.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to invest in yourself. When you buy into yourself, you take it seriously. Why not take your skills and uniqueness and make that a part of your brand? Whatever you do, as you step out of your comfort zone, don't be afraid to build confidence by promoting the expert you are. After all, once you have your own business, you only have your destiny to follow.
Resources:
https://debbieallen.com/
The Highly Paid Expert: Turn Your Passion, Skills, and Talents Into A Lucrative Career by Becoming The Go-To Authority In Your Industry by Debbie Allen
Success is Easy: Shameless, No-nonsense Strategies to Win in Business by Debbie Allen
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While leadership is an opportunity, it can also be a challenge. As many leaders can attest, how we motivate, how we facilitate, and how we change are all essential responsibilities.
Yet, as a guest, Patty Beach, shares in this episode, how we execute these endeavors is just as important. For instance, we may know how to inspire the right idea; however, if we don’t empower versatile decision-making, corporate alignment to that idea will struggle. Conversely, if diversity and inclusivity are embraced from top to bottom, the strength of teamwork will be more effective.
As Patty explains in her new book, The Art of Alignment: A Practical Guide to Inclusive Leadership, workplace alignment is just as much art and social science as a social construct. No matter what position you’re in, dare to view best practices as collective visions everyone can engage. Additionally, rather than reacting to a crisis, educate your colleagues to value their potential contributions to the big picture.
Resources:
Website: https://www.leadershipsmarts.com/
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We all have ideas about success.
We think luxurious homes, stable incomes, dream jobs, stock options; the list goes on.
However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, often our view of success is the byproduct of success rather than success itself. Dare we ask ourselves: How do we define success? What is the pathway to success in a given area? How do we create objectives for ourselves along the way?
Whatever situation you’re in, you mustn’t let others define success for you. While each journey is unique, if you create new opportunities, do not repeat negative habits, invite critique, and hold yourself accountable, you will deliver on the goals you set for yourself.
By staying consistent in these behaviors, no question, you will find breakthroughs in the small details that lead to success in the long run.
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Left to our own devices, almost all of us are driven by independence. We work hard trying to make a living and ends meet. Little do we realize the small things that exhaust us to the point of disorientation.
However, as today’s guest, Ela Staniak, shares, if you want to own your presence, you have to first own your past and disfunction. As hard as you may work, you will never get far if you don’t develop connections and ask for support when needed. Even when you feel self-sufficient, this alone is not a foundation for sustained success.
As Ela's story confirms, when you align through self-awareness, not only will you better understand your beliefs but also your core values and what gives you confidence. Once you have this assurance, you’ll then be able to pursue unprecedented results and abide in simplicity along the journey.
Resources:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ela-feminineleaders/?originalSubdomain=au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ela_staniak/
Website: https://www.feminineleaders.co/
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They say a good story only needs a good storyteller.
If this is true, consider Chris Lindsley, today’s guest.
A writer of many hats, Chris Lindsley has 35 years of experience serving as editor of a national sports magazine for kids, a consumer health newsletter, and a contributor to the Washington Post.
However, his best work is arguably his first book, Land of Fun: The Story of an Amusement Park for the Ages. As he shares in this episode, the memoir is based on lessons learned during six summers operating rides and games at Funland in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Encouraged by the co-founder, Al Fasnacht, and his family, Lindsley’s testimonial features personal stories and reflections from colleagues who also worked at the amusement park.
And although Funland itself may be a discovery to most readers, Lindsley hopes his recollection will resonate with people, specifically the leadership and relational principles he gathered during his tenure.
Resources:
Book: https://www.land-of-fun.com/
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When we consider the quality of our services, our expectation level can vary.
For instance, when someone says “very good” versus “excellent” job, generally we’re satisfied with either outcome; however, what if I told you “very good” and “poor” are the same because, in the end, they are not “excellent”?
Consider a 5-point scale. When evaluating quality control, the difference is more substantial than you think. As I learned at Disney, people are much more likely to come back or recommend a 5-star "excellent" review over a 4-star "very good" review. The reason being: With a 5-star review, you typically have to do something unexpected for the benefit of the customer; with a 4-star review, you’re just serving up to par with their expectations.
The moral of the story is: Set the bar high and give yourself room to go the extra mile.
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No question, words have a lot of power and potential. Especially in a recovering, post-COVID world, how and what we communicate is more imperative than ever.
Yet, as a renowned communications expert, Jill Schiefelbein, explains, knowing ‘what’ is only the beginning; no matter what you’re conveying or selling, your audience must understand the ‘why’ behind your words.
For instance, instead of speaking to drive results, speak to drive action with a message people can resonate with. Although calls to action have a place, they must also have importance. Accordingly, if you’re going to communicate a need, own it first before expressing urgency through your influence.
However, you decide to communicate, remember to target outside your demographic and methodology. If possible, cater to those moved by logic, ethics, and people. Additionally, recognize your ego, set frameworks for context, and plant seeds in others before you try to persuade them.
In this way, you can inspire an audience to make the world a better place.
Resources:
Website: https://www.thedynamiccommunicator.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dynamicjill/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dynamicjill?lang=en
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As we’ve discussed in prior episodes, asking the right questions can make or break your business.
What processes and products should we adapt? Who should we hire to handle these responsibilities? The list goes on and on.
However, as I explain in this episode when we integrate root cause analysis, an interrogative technique developed by Sakichi Toyoda, into our communication practices, we ultimately address the white elephants in our company. For instance, if you notice a set of complex instructions, ask a series of ‘why’ questions to anticipate misunderstandings and simplify the language. From there, you can use similar means to develop long-term strategies for high-performance management.
My charge to you, the listener, is to seek the root of your corporate problems rather than slap Band-Aids on them. Dare to discover what’s overlooked and confront what’s not working through this method. No doubt, you’ll find the results to be game-changers for your organization’s goals and outcomes.
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I know I’ve said it ad nauseam, but I’ll say it again: People who take the initiative create their luck.
Take today’s special guest, Dave Alpern, for instance. After starting his career as an unpaid intern selling T-shirts for the Joe Gibbs Racing team, he now serves as president of what has become a multimillion-dollar organization with more than 500 employees.
As he explains, the difference between thriving and striving isn’t thin and often boils down to well-timed, calculated risks. By making the most of every opportunity, not only can emerging leaders capitalize on humble beginnings but mature through integrity as they develop.
With his new book, Taking the Lead, hitting the shelves on June 8, Dave hopes the wisdom he’s accrued will inspire the next generation to succeed the right way with the right attitude.
Resources:
Taking the Lead: Winning Principles That Fuel Joe Gibbs Racing - https://www.amazon.com/Taking-Lead-Winning-Business-Principles/dp/1496444574
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If you’re a regular listener, you know I love to talk about legacy.
Legacy in business, legacy in our families, legacy in our networks – no question, what we experience is often influenced by how we treat people; however, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, legacy is also inspired by the way our values reflect in our behaviors.
Accordingly, if you want to leave a lasting legacy, think about how the next generations will remember you. Consider the ways you impact people and dare to view them as opportunities for growth, business strategies, even relationship management. By doing this, you’ll soon find the more you're faithful in the moment, the longer your reach will be over time.
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When we talk about benefits, we often discuss security and tenure given most companies attempt to retain talent through personal investment.
However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, while personal care is valuable, the goal of benefits should be to improve culture first and foremost. For instance, don’t just provide a 401k match but tie the offering to learning and self-development. While options are essential, the delivery of those options is even more.
Whatever your game plan is, make sure to tell a story to your employees of how much you care. In this way, you’ll keep them accountable to your big-picture vision and purpose while also tending to their greatest needs.
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As I often say on this podcast, if you want to advance, you can't stay idle. While baby steps are often the key to progress, if you don’t commit to knowing those steps, reaching, even knowing your goals, can be difficult.
However, as a former chef at The Walt Disney Company, Richard Smich, reminds us when you create your opportunities, you also create your success. In his case, adjusting from expert chef to rookie roof salesman hasn’t been easy; however, the endeavor has helped him understand the value of calculated risks through asking questions, building connections, and creating positive experiences.
As humble beginnings have taught him, it’s not only about what you know but how you grow through learning and serving others along the way.
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For most of us, our tendency at work is to focus on current or new opportunities. While the final chapter of our career may prompt a thought or two, seldom do we consider how our passions intersect retirement.
Yet, as former Vice President of Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Djuan Rivers, explains, when you know, you know. As hard as it can be to transition outside your occupation, following the peace into new seasons is its own reward despite the challenges.
In Djuan’s case, he plans to move to Paris, study French at the Sorbonne Université, and build upon his impressive travel visa of 70 countries. Despite the new digs, Djuan is excited to sow 30 years of Disney lessons into the many places he goes.
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We all know to do a job well, you have to work hard; to achieve success, you not only have to exercise effort , but discipline and commitment.
However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, the cost of leadership is next level in all these regards. For instance, to be a leader, one must be willing to build off their work ethic and integrate self-awareness into networking and team management. While it’s perfectly acceptable to thrive as a specialist, to be a leader, you have to be willing to bring people together; hence, why the role is not for everyone.
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In this special episode, Steven Grant, Director of Architectural Studies in Themed Environments Integration at the University of Florida College of Design, Construction, and Planning, joins the show with students, Emily Page and Nick Karafilis, to discuss the program.
A 28-year veteran of Walt Disney Imagineering and the former president of the American Institute of Architects Orlando Chapter, Steven unpacks the inspiration behind the endeavor and what’s required to make similar projects a reality. While integrating the profession into unchartered academia can be challenging, as Steven, Emily, and Nick explain, providing students collaboration opportunities in educational arenas is its own reward.
For questions about the application process, please visit the program website or contact CityLab-Orlando@ufl.edu.
Resources:
University of Florida College of Design, Construction, and Planning - https://dcp.ufl.edu/programs/#graduate
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As the chaos of COVID-19 winds down, many are slowly adjusting to normality. While some are still quarantined, for most, the relational aspects of work are becoming more relevant.
Yet, as this evolution occurs, there’s an essence of empathy we must not forsake. As today’s guest, Tina Berger, explains, people have to engage the vocational community freshly. Unlike a few years ago, the social awareness of 2020 has made premiums out of corporate goals such as active listening and receptivity. Accordingly, integrating these practices into our bottom lines can be the difference between being a good company versus a great one.
Having written “Coming Around: Surprises and Surrender on the Path to Inspiration”, Tina hopes her experiences as an innovator and consultant will inspire readers to embrace human expression in the heart of technological and social change. By creating transparent cultures, an organization can achieve higher levels of success through emotional unification.
Resources:
“The People, Yes” - https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/51748/the-people-yes
“Coming Around: Surprises and Surrender on the Path to Inspiration” - https://tinaberger.com/coming-around
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When we discuss vocational leadership, many assume the term implies respect and honor. And to be fair, this should be the case no matter the endeavor.
However, as guest, Chip Huth, explains when leadership and respect are detached, the quality of our service is ultimately compromised. Whatever our job may be, we must be willing to put people above processes and procedures regardless of our bottom line.
As a Major with the Kansas City Police Department, Chip now channels his law enforcement experience through consultation and presentation. Through his book, "Unleashing the Power of Unconditional Respect—Transforming Law Enforcement and Police Training", he hopes to encourage the emerging generation of officers to facilitate respect, sincerity, and humility within their dealings.
Resources:
Changing Discourse Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/changing-discourse/id1534621561
Connect with Chip:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-chip-huth-85826125/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chip_Huth
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Until recently, I would often quote executive presence without being able to define it. Like many, I understood what the term signified but struggled to describe it in conversation. However, after doing some homework, I can now explain executive presence in greater measure.
As Jody and I discuss in this episode, executive presence is the sum of credibility and relatability, a fusion of expert learning, listening, and communicating. To carry this leadership torch, one doesn’t have to work in an executive role. Contrarily, as long as one is consistent in researching, networking, and capturing challenging concepts in laymen’s terms, anyone can exercise executive presence. As long as you know what you’re talking about and can convey the knowledge coherently, you can influence people’s thinking. That's what carrying executive presence is all about.
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If you’ve tuned into the show lately, you've likely noticed the theme of successful entrepreneurs creating their luck to be reoccurring.
Such premise has proven true for Savannah Turner, a soon-to-be high-school graduate who has already paved trails as a business owner and now venturer in the toy store industry. Having self-learned online and textile industries at an early age, Savannah shares her story about how she became an online jewelry store owner and the lessons learned along the way.
As Savannah explains, life has taught her nothing is gained if it’s not ventured first. Even at an early age, one can chart their course by discerning what drives them. From there, they can pursue dreams free from fear during seasons of transition and discovery.
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As recent guests have reminded us, our career trajectories don’t travel in straight lines. Sometimes, we know what we want to become as kids or young adults; other times, we think we know what we want and mature through humble beginnings.
Enter Fred Aebli - a former Marine Corps Veteran who has been fascinated with technology since watching Star Wars as a boy. With interests in electronics and computers, Fred spent much of his post-service time building internet software as well as his consulting practice. Now, after two decades as an entrepreneur, Fred is building up the next generation of innovators as a teacher, mentor, and advisor.
As he explains, not everyone will grow up to be an astronaut, but this doesn’t mean they can’t inspire one as they discover new pathways for themselves. If our aim is the next best step, there will be the potential to motivate the next best thing in those around us.
Resources
Website: http://www.fredaebli.com/
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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Our paths to success don’t follow straight lines but evolve through unexpected twists and turns.
Take today’s guest, Greg Spillane, for instance. A former Division I athlete and MBA graduate from the University of South California, the transformation from football player to serial entrepreneur and CEO of Fancy, a technology-based platform, featured many growing pains. However, by recalibrating through disappointment and discovery, he learned to make the most of where his journey took him.
As a virtual innovator and relational motivator, Greg not only enjoys building technology companies but helping organizations align early in their formation. Per his experience, the human aspect should never detach from business decisions. While many want to lead by example, only a few know how to inspire people along the way. Accordingly, if leaders are faithful to pursue the people behind their passions, no question they will ignite better performance and morale.
Resources
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spillane/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/greg_spillane?lang=en
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In business, leaders often take risks based on past experiences. From problem solving and performance to resourcing and communal engagement, the art of decision-making can be complex as markets adjust.
However, as today's guest, Matt Gottesman, explains, sometimes you have to embrace the discomfort of being a frontrunner to find success. While hustle can establish a workable rhythm, it can only take you so far. Especially in this era, how you differentiate your skills, relate to your clients, and advise on projected trends are essential to maximizing influence and efficiency.
As a business strategist and entrepreneur, Matt is gifted at assessing market performance and social receptivity ahead of mass attention. Having matured this talent in the music industry at an early age, Matt currently helps digital and technology companies achieve their goals through consultation, marketing, and content creation. At his core is a heart to help businesses understand branding as the essence of what they stand for and a means to establish client connection.
Resources
Website: https://www.mattgottesman.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattgottesman
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: https://www.navalmanack.com/
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As much as we love adventure, we also love stability. Especially in this COVID era, people are drawn to safe places like never before.
One exception to this norm is today’s guest, Sandy Scholes, Chief People Officer at Flipp Corporation. As the overseer of the human resource strategy of the organization, Sandy is passionate about talent, performance, training, even change management. With a heart for skill development, she is also keen on creating avenues and resources for marketplace education.
As Sandy shares in this episode, attitude, fit, and collaboration are paramount in today’s workforce. If you value courage, are secure in your role, and promote diversity and representation, your goal of bettering your career will take flight.
Resources
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyfallon/?originalSubdomain=ca
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We all have a purpose; we all have potential.
Yet, as Andy Storch explains, to maximize this potential, we must first turn strategy into action. For instance, to better develop our career skills, we should engage our connections and reach out to those who excel in the fields we're pursuing.
In Andy’s case, he has many strengths as an entrepreneur with industry exposure to sales, finance, and innovation; however, it's his drive to make the most of his partners and mentors that have set him apart. As his story reminds us, building your network can go a long way, both in defining your brand and sharing your expertise with the world.
Sometimes, to build a career, you must first develop relationships with people in fields you’re interested in. The question: What will be your first move with what you have received?
“This networking piece is so important…the idea [of building] genuine relationships with people. I don’t think people understand you plant these seeds, you make these investments and because you want to help people…there’s going to be opportunities for them to connect you with other people and that’s how most of this works.”
Resources
Andy Storch: https://andystorch.com/
Podcast: https://andystorch.com/podcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andystorch/
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When we consider personal branding, we often view it through a self-centered lens. In a world that preaches authenticity - to “be yourself” - applying the phrase can be difficult especially in the real world.
Yet, as Ray Edwards shares in this episode, if you’re an entrepreneur, either you control what you do or what you do controls you. If you want to build value around a skill, not only must you apply it within a specific lane but differentiate it by selling your history.
As Ray states, the storytelling behind your passion can’t be undermined. What makes you interesting is your story and your story can’t be detached from your skill; hence, why being yourself can be the best marketing strategy.
Dare to ask yourself, “How do differentiate yourself? What’s your ‘thing’? What are you known for you?”
Resources
Ray Edwards: https://rayedwards.com
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When we consider success, we often view it through the lens of achievement. We think of steps to improvement, promotion, advancement – anything that can lead to more money, power, and influence.
Yet, as Glenn Zweig, entrepreneur and podcaster, explains, our definition of success should be tethered to our idea of excellence. While we may perceive excellence differently, our experiences can unify our demonstration of it through transparency and humility.
In Glenn’s case, he’s worn many hats in retail, real estate, theme parks, and technology industries; however, like you, he’s learned many lessons through successes and failures in season. With over 70 episodes, Glenn hopes his podcast, the Art of Excellence, will inspire others to appreciate the journey and the next best thing. Regardless of where we’re at, we can value exposure and what we’ve learned through stories, lessons, and timely information.
Resources
The Art of Excellence: https://glennzweig.com/podcast
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Be honest: You like money.
You like to make it; you like to spend it; you may even like to invest it. But what if I told you: You can have a love language with money without actually loving money?
As Ambus and I discuss in this episode, your relationship with money is central to your financial journey. You may want to control what you spend but this doesn’t mean you control your money. If you want to mature a money mindset, not only must you master your wallet but see finances as part of your well-being. By committing to this perspective, no question your love for money will become a love language for financial freedom.
Resources
Ambus Hunter: https://www.ambushunter.com/
Twitter: AmbusVHunter
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I’ll be honest: I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions.
While I understand why they exist, as I’ve discovered, it’s human nature to overcommit to large-scale changes and overlook the smaller ones we can set each day.
As Jody and I discuss in this episode, ‘tis the season for many people to lose motivation concerning the resolutions they set three weeks ago; however, if we can focus our goals on bite-sized improvements across multiple areas, then we can taste the changes we crave.
Rather than set mountainous goals with high risks for failure, why not set hillside goals with higher risks to get better each day? True, the road may be gradual, but by reframing your perspective, not only will you scale your goals correctly upfront but also as you confront them at the appropriate time.
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For most of us, the story of our talent doesn’t follow a linear pathway.
As my guest, David Fernandez, attests in this episode, our creativity is a product of experiences and journeys, sometimes detours. While we may not understand the tools we find along the way, we should still use them to capture legacy and honor past and future generations.
A man of multiple hats from international education to marketing, David shares his story as an established award-winning author and how he’s used fictional writing to archive his Latin family roots. From a young boy who battles prejudice due to his talents to families dealing with pet loss, the premises of his books have garnered critical acclaim.
Moving forward, David plans to enter the lottery for the Orlando French Festival to debut a one-act play based on his most popular book, Coffee and Cedar. He also plans on developing three new short stories as his library of works continues to grow.
To learn more about his books, visit dhcermeno.com.
Resources:
David Fernandez: dhcermeno.com
Facebook: Coffee and Cedar
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When we hear ‘success’, we tend to think about an increase in something positive, whether money, pleasure, or opportunities. I know when I was younger, my idea of success was often rooted in financial and positional gains.
However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, success is more than a title fit with a loaded resume. Conversely, success is how we relate and give to one another. For in this life, everything is connected with people playing a large part in redefining who we are. Accordingly, if we can learn to fuse adaptability and intentionality into our engagements, it's fair to wonder how our corporate sense of success will improve for the better.
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When we hear ‘success’, we tend to think about an increase in something positive, whether money, pleasure, or opportunities. I know when I was younger, my idea of success was often rooted in financial and positional gains.
However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, success is more than a title fit with a loaded resume. Conversely, success is how we relate and give to one another. For in this life, everything is connected with people playing a large part in redefining who we are. Accordingly, if we can learn to fuse adaptability and intentionality into our engagements, it's fair to wonder how our corporate sense of success will improve for the better.
Connect with Dan:
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As we step into 2021, anticipating change is only natural. Especially after a difficult 2020, most are hopeful for fresh opportunities and better things to come.
While resolutions are many this time of year, one I endorse is the power of differentiation. Rather than go with the flow and stay stuck in a routine, consider the ways you can connect with people without agenda. It could be as simple as responding to an e-mail, capitalizing on a serendipitous conversation, or focusing more intently on first impressions.
However, you upgrade your rhythm this year, remember as you pursue purposeful interactions to take each step in stride and answer the door as much as you knock.
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On this episode of ‘Come Rain or Shine’, guest, Katharine Manning, joins the show to discuss her background as a former attorney-advisor, the value of laser focus, and handling trauma in the marketplace.
As an expert in psychological safety and victim rights, Katharine brings unique experience to her current consulting projects and role of Blackbird DC president. Having advised the Justice Department in challenging domestic cases, Katharine’s current aim is to empower workplaces to deal with trauma and victimization the right way. With her new book, The Empathetic Workplace, recently released, Katharine hopes to give business leaders the tools they need to promote safer working environments and protective measures against harassment and violence.
Resources:
Author website - www.katharinemanning.com
Business website - www.blackbird-dc.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharine-manning/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EmpatheticWorkplace/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/kl_manning
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/empatheticworkplace/
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400220025
Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-empathetic-workplace-katharine-manning/1137257401?ean=9781400220021
IndieBound - https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781400220021
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On this episode of ‘Come Rain or Shine’, guest, Bretton Putter, joins the show to discuss his background and the importance of responsible recruiting.
As an expert on healthy corporate culture, Bretton has consulted many organizations concerning the impact of hiring on strong company culture and subsequent growth. With experience in recruiting, Bretton has helped businesses not only make appropriate hires but also in understanding culture as a function of best practice.
In his words, defining culture starts with leaders who facilitate environments of self-awareness and prioritize the virtue in team-building opportunities. As his new book, ‘The Culture Gene’, emphasizes, when company heads leverage this advantage, a team’s behaviors will align to corporate values and in turn, produce better results and cultures of safety.
Resources:
Bretton Putter
Website: https://www.culturegene.ai/
The Culture-Driven Leader: https://www.brettonputter.com/the-culture-driven-leader
Culture Decks Decoded: https://www.brettonputter.com/culture-decks-decoded
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For most of us, working from home has been a notable perk of 2020. Despite COVID-19’s impact on processes and procedures, I’m sure many would agree the adaptions have been worth the effort. However, while the increase in remote work has produced personal benefits, the same can’t be said about group communications.
As Jody and I discuss in this episode, there are many practical ways to bridge this divide. From home office modifications to networking applications, the possibilities in making the most of working from home are many. Whatever you do, make sure you have a gameplan that enhances your presence and availability. Even if you have to converse from a distance, you can still maximize your voice and decision-making through the proper medians.
Resources:
Perch Community
Website: www.dancockerell.com/perch
Magic Vacation Planner
Website: https://magicalvacationplanner.com/
Tips for Working From Home
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No question the current hiring landscape is a real challenge. From differentiating your portfolio to selling your attitude, if you're a job seeker, you know how hard proving your intangibles can be.
As Jody and I discuss in this episode, if you’re a potential prospect, you must learn to change the rules of the game. Not only must you be creative in promoting your skills but also willing to find new ways to showcase your character.
Whatever you do, understand you can’t rely on luck alone. Within today’s limitations, companies may not have effective ways to consider everyone; hence, why strategizing your networking can make a critical difference in your next career endeavor.
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Dr. Steve Yacovelli, the Gay Leadership Dude ™ joins me to discuss the all-important topic of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
A Ph.D. in Instructional Technology and Distance Education, Dr. Yacovelli has a proven track record, including companies like Disney and IBM, and a stint as a professor at the University of Florida. In 2008, he embarked full-time on his current venture, Top Dog Learning Group. Top Dog focuses on helping companies to cultivate consciously inclusive leaders.
Diversity and inclusion have become prevalent initiatives for many companies. Whether it is for punitive or monetary reasons or from a heartfelt desire to make the world a better place, organizations have started to recognize the need for prioritizing the intentional cultivation of a safe, inclusive culture that creates space for open conversation and growth. Diversity is, simply put, the many similarities and differences between people. Inclusion is what bridges the gap and creates a culture of collaboration, respect, and connectedness for everyone. As leaders, it is not enough to make a statement. We must speak out and follow it through by acting out as well.
Connect with Dr. Yacovelli:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveyacovelli/
- Website: biz
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/syacovelli
Resources:
- Always #LikeAGirl Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjJQBjWYDTs
- O.W Factor: How Defining Words Can Define Your Life by Chris Gingrasso
- Pride Leadership: Strategies for the LGBTQ+ Leader to be the King or Queen of Their Jungle by Dr. Steven Yacovelli
- Magical Vacation Planner 407-442-0257
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Today, on Come Rain or Shine, Jeff Steinberg, recording artist and motivational speaker, joins the show to discuss his testimony.
Born with no feet or hands, Jeff’s life message is two-fold:
1) Quit focusing on the handicap and start appreciating the gift.
2) We’re all a masterpiece in progress.
Applied to business leadership, Jeff notes working on purpose is not about striving but embracing challenges and leaving positive impacts. To him, the secrets to success aren’t rooted in what a person knows but the questions he asks and the perceived limitations he rises above.
Connect with Jeff Steinberg:
http://www.jeffsteinberg.net/
http://tinygiant.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TinyGIANT01
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
In an increasingly distant working world, standing out can be difficult. With much activity happening behind screens and closed doors, many people are struggling to engage interactively and think creatively.
As I discuss in this episode, there are still ways to differentiate yourself despite the pandemic’s effect on availability. For instance, while many can network in physical space, promotable leaders are adapting ahead of the curve. More specifically, they are asking new questions on how they can collaborate and inquiring about additional learning opportunities.
In essence, the workers who are shining the most in 2020 are the ones who are learning how to recreate processes and procedures in a fresh way. Not only are they thinking about people who have mentored them and pondering how they can mentor others but are intentional and purposeful in every endeavor.
Resources:
Magical Vacation Planner 407-442-0257
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Kerri MacPherson, a former 20 year Disney cast member, joins me today to share her story. Originally from Melrose, MA, Kerri entered the wonderful world of Disney through the Disney University Program. Over the years, she found herself in many roles, from the Fellowship Ambassador program in Epcot to Disney cruise line reservation agent to the 2008 Walt Disney World Ambassador and membership manager of Club 33.
In all of her roles, and through all of her experiences, one thing has become clear. The value of the feedback we receive, and the importance of understanding how to apply it has become a unifying theme for Kerri. Embracing authenticity and knowing who you are will help you to ingest the feedback you receive and be better for it. Our mindset is key and understanding that will allow us to receive, process, and move on from circumstances we encounter.
In today’s volatile terrain, Kerri has responded to adversity by lifting others even as she lifts herself. Whether it is via her Facebook group for furloughed cast members or in her success coaching business, her message is clear. It is not enough to be attached to something temporal – a person, place, or thing. Those things can come and go. Being attached to a feeling, a vision, will carry you through difficulty and present you as a stronger person on the other side.
Connect with Kerri:
Connect with Kerri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerri1435/
Connect with Kerri on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerri.macpherson.56
Resources:
Magical Vacation Planner 407-442-0257
www.jobsforthe28k.com
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
2020 has been an unprecedented year. Even those working for the most magical place on earth were not spared. In light of the 28,000 cast members that were recently let go, Jody and I want to address life after getting laid off.
As with most challenges, your attitude and the way you approach difficult times can make or break your situation. While this is a hard time for Disney, their loss has the potential to be a win for many other companies. It is also an opportunity for many former cast members to rally around those recently laid off.
For those who have been laid off, remember what you have learned and what you view as common may be magical for a future employer. Don’t be afraid to move forward and experience life after Disney. For those hiring, former cast members have something more valuable than experience; and they can make a huge difference in your company.
Resources:
Magical Vacation Planner 407-442-0257
Placement service for former cast members: Jobsforthe28k.com
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Today, on the episode of ‘Come Rain or Shine’, Reggie Williams, ex-NFL linebacker, former Disney executive, and social reformer joins the show to discuss his new book, ‘Resilient by Nature’.
After accepting a position as Director of Sports Development for Walt Disney World Resort in 1993, Reggie has been reshaping the sports leadership landscape ever since. An athletic education advocate for today’s youth, Reggie remains involved with many service organizations today including The United Way, the National Consortium for Academics and Sports, and Give Kids the World.
Reggie has also embarked on several personal projects, one of them being his new release, ‘Resilient by Nature’. In the book, Reggie shares his story from humble beginnings to NFL legend to city councilman and beyond. He hopes his testimony will inspire others to embrace higher principles of justice and diversity.
Resources:
Resilient by Nature – Reggie Williams
Magical Vacation Planner 407-442-0257
Email questions to dan@dancockerell.com
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
We are tackling another listener question. Megan asked us about making the move into executive leadership. Jody and I are unpacking how to position yourself, the necessary characteristics, and what will set you apart.
In this episode, we give practical advice for making it to the “next” level. Did you know leaders have a shortlist? Today, we are explaining how to make sure you are on it. A leader recognizes the difference between supporting and directing and will maximize their team by utilizing both approaches. Building influence starts long before you take up a leadership role; and knowing the part it plays in advancement is crucial.
As your responsibility grows, your trust in other’s ability to do their jobs must increase as well. When you boil it down, being an executive leader should not be the goal. Find a job you love, work at building your competencies, and take on new challenges. Organizations need all levels of employees. Find your seat on the bus, the one that you love and thrive in. If that leads to an executive level of leadership, you will be glad you invested in your competencies and influence along the way.
Resources:
Magical Vacation Planner 407-442-0257
Email questions to dan@dancockerell.com
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
For many people we work with, they don’t know where they stand. While most have a sense of what they do well, not all know what they can do better.
As Jody and I discuss in this episode, one of the lost arts in business today is candidacy. Although we value feedback, we’re often reluctant to give it, hence, why creative criticism and affirmation are worth discussion. Even though we may fear a compromise in harmony if we’re not encouraging improvement, can we honestly say we’re facilitating quality performance?
Whatever approach we employ, relish the opportunity to be sincerely open. If necessary, invite colleagues into the mix. Create a participatory atmosphere. Note themes and tangibly monitor progress. The possibilities are endless, but it’s up to you to engage them.
Resources:
- Magical Vacation Planner 407-442-0257
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Jody and I are exploring what it means to be “Action Oriented” and how that can and will set an individual apart, whether in leadership or a support role.
What does it mean to be action-oriented? How do urgency, energy, and enthusiasm impact our attitude when it comes to approaching a challenge? As leaders, we know the importance of making decisions, but sometimes unnecessary planning can leave an initiative dead in the weeds. Action-oriented individuals identify and seize new opportunities. They are the kind of person that will help a team succeed.
Often, the fear of making mistakes can leave us in a place of analysis paralysis. Looking at all the angles has benefits, but by the time you look at them all, the opportunity will pass. Action-oriented individuals understand that mistakes may happen, but the momentum gained. As a leader, it is imperative to know how to coach an action-oriented person and how to increase capacity for risk and clearly define priorities.
Resources:
- FYI: For Your Improvement – Korn Ferry
- Magical Vacation Planner 407-442-0257
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
Despite our differences, chances are we can agree that for everything, there is a season – a time to say ‘yes’ and a time to say ‘no’.
In business, this decision often intersects with the bottom line. If either answer takes us one step closer to a desired goal, it’s only natural to choose accordingly. Yet, as my Disney experience taught me, there’s value in saying ‘yes’ in the moment at the cost of temporary inconvenience.
As Jody and I discuss, one of the mistakes young leaders make is waiting until there’s a problem to intervene on behalf of a customer. If we say ‘yes’ only when pushed into a corner, we’re not empowering success on either side; however, if we can build value on how our services can provide value, our businesses will flourish in the long run.
Resources:
- Magical Vacation Planner 407-442-0257
Connect with Dan:
www.dancockerell.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker
John Walsh and I are discussing his new venture and what it takes to be a Standout.
From homelessness and a lack of direction to working his way to an executive at Disney to entrepreneur, John’s life experience cultivated an obsession for him: helping students become Standout individuals.
But what does it take to stand out? Is it necessary to take risks? In today’s episode, we are exploring the keys to standing out, how our personal life impacts professional life, and the underlying purpose we all share. We are asking how does holistic success and happiness help us to be our best selves? How does that translate into leadership? And how can we make an impact or a difference in the world?
If you boil it down, to stand out, you have to stand up, even when there isn’t an obvious opportunity in front of you. It is what separates the status quo from success, and it is what the next generation needs to know.
Episode Resources
Connect with John:
Book: The Standout Experience – John Walsh
Website: Standoutmovement.com
IG: @johnwalsh_standout
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrwalshjr/
Magical Vacation Planner 407-442-0257 or go to https://dancockerell.com/ and click on the banner
Connect with Me
https://cockerellconsulting.com/
Jody and I discuss the importance of role modeling and the domino effect it has on culture.
For many organizations, morale is secondary to the bottom line. While most admit a strong culture is beneficial, if it doesn’t yield positive monetary outcomes, we can be quick to doubt its value. The problem with this thinking is it compartmentalizes culture from everyday relationships. For instance, to be a great role model, one doesn’t require specific accolades and graduate skills. Contrarily, if one is organized, humble, and desires creative effort, the possibilities are endless in leaving lasting impressions at work.
I am joined by Tim Chandler, Co-Founder of PurposePlay, who is making the world a better place through gamification.
Inspired by a 2018 mission trip to Uganda, Tim and his team created a simulation mobile gaming app called Humango where the objective is to build virtual communities similar to those in third-world countries. Like a nonprofit, the money raised through the app purchases are then used to help real communities in Africa, Haiti, and similar areas throughout the world.
As Tim explains, the objective of PurposePlay is to create mobile gaming apps but the heart of PurposePlay is to provide clean water, healthy food, hygiene, and education to impoverished countries. To find out more about PurposePlay, you can visit his website at: https://www.purposeplay.net/.
Connect with Tim
Twitter: @timmychandler
Instagram: timmychandler
Linkedin: Tim Chandler
PurposePlay
Twitter: @thepurposeplay
Instagram: thepurposeplay
Site: www.purposeplay.net
For entrepreneurs, Kiirsten May and Alex Varricchio, creative solutions are more than just creative concepts.
As co-owners of UpHouse, a marketing agency dedicated to effective brand strategies, Kiirsten and Alex are committed to innovation through collaboration. Having recently released a new book, The Proximity Paradox, the duo hopes to continuing serving businesses by inspiring ideation through actionable problem-solving and vision casting.
To learn more about Kiirsten and Alex, please visit the Uphouse website, follow @uphouseinc on Instagram, or get their book, The Proximity Paradox: How to Create Distance from Business as Usual and Do Something Truly Innovative.
Jody and I are taking a quick look at the importance of Continuous Improvement within an organization.
It can be hard to experience what your customer encounters when you view your organization from the position of leadership. Putting yourself in the customer's shoes and experiencing your product from the consumer vantage point will enable you to implement the all-important practice of continuous improvement. Observe, and make things better along the way. Little improvements can make large differences.
As a leader, it is imperative to make observation a priority. Make it a discipline to get out on a consumer level. Plan the time and put in the effort. As you observe, give feedback: the positive and the negative. Don’t just provide a laundry list of mistakes. Catch people doing right. It’s not micromanagement…it is seeing if your expectation matches the experience.
It can be easy to fall into the trap of checking a task off of a list. Perform a root cause analysis. Was it a one-off, or is there a deeper issue? Do business with yourself. Take customer complaints and use them to improve. Follow up and make sure to inspect what you expect. There is always something else to learn.
Episode Resources
Magical Vacation Planner 407-442-0257 or go to https://dancockerell.com
How’s the Culture in your Kingdom? By Dan Cockerell
Jody and I discuss the best ways to deal with bad days at work.
Inspired by our recent conversation with Millennial Whisperer, Chris Tuff, there are healthy perspectives we can embrace relative to our jobs. One of them involves the idea 30% of most jobs will not excite our passion while the remaining 70% will. In light of what doesn’t appeal, we must recalibrate our focus. After all, there’s discomfort with any vocation; however, by viewing the bad days through a positive lens, we can find the strength to address what’s not working.
Chris Tuff joins the show to discuss his road to success.
A Vanderbilt graduate, Chris talks about lessons learned in his early career and how they shaped his path moving forward. An accomplished digital marketer, investor, and business development leader, Chris is not only a pioneer in his field but a voice in tune with emerging generations. In his mind, Millennials aren’t the problem; they just expose all the problems. For instance, professionals in their 20’s and 30’s are significantly influenced by social media, technology, and networking. As a result, they not only want to mature occupational skills but maintain relational connections through the course of their career.
Chris also talks about crisis being the catalyst to change, why he’s known as the Millennial Whisperer, and tools of the trade he uses to redirect his focus.
Today, Jody and I discuss my first book release called How’s the Culture in Your Kingdom? Lessons from a Disney Leadership Journey.
As I explain, the book dives deep into my experiences at Disney and lessons learned over 26 years of leadership. Some of the chapters cover topics like training, organization vision, how to create a healthy internal culture, and the importance of belonging. Interlaced throughout the book are some of the favorite Disney stories, most of which have aged well over time. It’s my hope people who read this book will be inspired in their occupational journeys by pulling from the insights I offer.
Huda Idress joins us today to share her international educational and entrepreneurial journey.
Huda was raised in Saudi Arabia by Pakistani parents. She moved to Toronto to pursue her education as an Industrial Engineer. With a desire to work in health care and have an impact on the world, Huda started down a road that would eventually lead her to create her own company that changed the landscape of healthcare and how it works.
While pursuing placement for her mandatory work experience, Huda applied for a role with Wattpad only to propose a modified one to the CEO. Her boldness and perception paid off; she was hired as an Experience Designer (in addition to the actual job she applied for). Eventually, this led to her founding Dot Health. Dot Health is building a massive network that transacts patient-level health care via a digital transaction and seamlessly transfers data at any provider.
Whether you are an engineer or a leader, designing principles must be in place as you enter a project. Constant iteration is imperative. Don’t wait for perfection. Continue to improve on your product rather than holding it until it’s ready. Providing an open window and getting people into the process will help you produce a better result. Real-time decisions will save an organization in the long run. If you are hiring or seeking to make a change – reverse engineer your desired end and partner with people that fill that goal. Intrinsically motivated people to solve the problem that we are solving.
When entering the workforce or seeking to grow in an organization, take ownership and initiative. Constantly ask for more and knock it out of the park. Confidence asks for more and builds up a reservoir of goodwill. You don't have to wait for more responsibility. Ask for it, own it, and back it up.
Knowing your lane is key to making a difference. Whether as an employee, entrepreneur, or an activist, once you identify the impact you can and should make, you can champion it with power and weight.
Resources
Dot Health - https://www.dothealth.ca/
Magical vacation planner 407-442-0257
Connect with Huda
https://www.hudaidrees.com/
Twitter: @hidrees
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hidrees/?originalSubdomain=ca
Github: https://github.com/hidrees
Email: huda@hudaidrees.com
Jody and I discuss the milestone of reaching one-hundred podcasts.
While the show has found its stride as of late, the journey to success did not happen overnight. From the start, we had to learn an entirely new rhythm and artform to communicate information. At times, I wondered if I should have stayed at Disney.
But now as we progress into a new decade, the script continues to improve. The number of special guests has increased; the quality of our content has matured. And as a result, we're planning better, questioning better, and have been able to provide savvier solutions for our audience.
As Jody points out, we've recorded at many locations, from Magical Vacation Planner Conference to Starbucks. Yet, while the settings may change, our goal remains the same: To capture the power of leadership and culture through creative interviewing and storytelling.
Illustrator, Vesper Stamper, joins me to discuss her story and views of leadership.
An illustrator with over 20 years of experience, Vesper explains her origins as an artist as well as her transition into historical fiction writing. Having illustrated books and covers for multiple artists, she shares how her family life and educational endeavors ultimately helped her find her inner voice.
As for stances on leadership, Vesper believes the best leaders are not only readers but guides who offer boundaries for others to journey within. Furthermore, they’re aware of the effects of fear and shame and help steer others away from them. With an acclaimed novel in ‘What the Night Sings' (2018), she hopes to capture this perspective with future works.
For more information about Vesper, visit her website at http://www.vesperillustration.com.
No question, the coronavirus has had a huge impact on our economy. From temporary leaves to distance working, if you're listening to this, chances are you’ve had to adjust in some way.
While there have been some benefits, I've been wondering: How can a business maintain its culture when its employees are distant?
As Jody and I discuss in this episode, for a healthy work culture to exist at home, the parameters for that culture must be defined and designed. Yes, Zoom calls have their place, but to preserve synergy, supervisors, and directors must realize the occasional virtual meeting is not enough. Even though it may seem like a low priority, how you replace happenstance matters. Whether setting a selective open-door policy via messaging or offering more collaborative opportunities, there are many ways to extend culture remotely.
Dr. Eric George joins me to discuss his story as well as relational trends in today’s economy.
A man of many hats, Dr. George has experience across multiple realms. Not only is Dr. George the founder and CEO of ERG Enterprises, Omega Hospital, and the Hand Center of Louisiana in New Orleans, but he is also a venture capitalist, real estate investor, author, and philanthropist.
Across each responsibility, Dr. George emphasizes the importance of healthy relationships, empowerment, and delegation. In light of more enterprise going virtual, he believes business leaders would be wise to screen for culture fits in their team building. As the coronavirus has taught us, many businesses can function remotely based on our current technological state. Accordingly, prospective employees will be looking to work from home in an environment where trust is established.
Special guest, Jacob Chancelor, joins me to discuss his story as well as a special project he’s working on.
A former Disney cruise ship entertainer, Jacob discusses his transition to London where he’s now pursuing his master’s degree. As part of his final project, Jacob has spent recent months creating and producing a new type of live entertainment. The project involves a show entitled, “The Bar at the Edge of [Blank]” where guests can choose their adventure through a unique blend of script and impromptu.
As Jacob goes on to explain, he hopes to not only provide comic relief to a country in distress but also change the way audiences participate in the live entertainment.
At this time, the show is set to take place July 13-14 at the Crooked Can Brewery in Winter Garden Florida. Participants can also stream the show live for free. For those interested in contributing to Jacob’s cause, you can visit his Kickstarter link below:
Resources:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1781880269/the-bar-at-the-edge-of-blank
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-bar-at-the-edge-of-blank-tickets-108499123800
Have you ever wondered how to get your ‘in’ in a company? What qualifies one candidate above another in a given job search?
If so, you’re not alone. After all, in a sea of resumes, standing out can seem impossible with many applications desperate for a hook or a lead. But as I’ve been telling college graduates these days, if you want to help your chances, you must be willing to meet people and take a personalized approach to networking. Even if you have to associate outside your comfort zone, to catch your first break, often that’s the place you want to be.
As I discuss this episode, many are those who are qualified but far less are those who differentiate by seeking advice. By seeking to make meaningful connections, you’ll ultimately give yourself the advantage you crave in landing your dream job.
Chelsea Brinkley, an entrepreneur and rock star executive assistant, is sharing her journey today.
At the age of 29, Chelsea embarked on the journey of remote work after experiencing corporate burn out. As a successful Executive Assistant, Chelsea discovered her organizational strength and ability to set up systems and processes was a service that many entrepreneurs need. Coupling her skillset with her desire to break away from being tethered to an office building, Chelsea and her husband Jeff transitioned to the remote lifestyle.
In the remote world, the survival of the fittest is resourcefulness. Those who survive and thrive know when to Google and when to ask questions. Understanding how to find the “how to’s” of tools and ideas is what gives remote entrepreneurs the best edge in their industry. The ability to solve problems and offer outstanding service turns clients into raving fans and allows businesses to grow by word of mouth.
When considering a career path, it is important to ask hard questions. Can I do what I am doing until I retire? What steps do I need to take to live a life I truly love? With organization, follow through and resourcefulness, anything is possible.
Episode Resources:
Chelsea’s Software Recommendations
Trello – Project Management Tool
Slack – Communication Tool
Zoom – Communication Tool
Magical vacation planner at 407-442-0257 or go to https://dancockerell.com/ and click on the banner
Connect with Chelsea:
Chelseabrinkley.com
Instagram: @travelbrinkley
Chelsea's Email Management System Tutorial: chelseabrinkley.com/email
Opportunities. It’s easy to want them, much harder to chase them.
I know when I was younger, there were times I passively wished for certain outcomes hoping they would fall in my lap. I thought if I just positioned myself right, good things would automatically happen. Yet, as I now know, what you plan for is rarely what occurs. If our pursuit of opportunities is chained to our expectations of them, chances are you won’t get far with the goals you have.
As Jody and I discuss in this episode, when times get tough, don’t just seek a solution; create an opportunity. Sometimes, we’re too desperate to find an answer, we forget how to actively receive an answer. By taking charge and being self-motivated, you can give yourself the advantage to mature your knowledge and influence.
If you want to create a new opportunity tomorrow, try going online and subscribing to a newsletter you haven’t subscribed to before…learning something new that you don’t know anything about…and connecting with people who have things in common with you and people who don’t have anything in common with you.
Cynthia Blackwell of Cynthia Blackwell Consulting joins in to discuss her corporate story and current work.
As a business coach, mentor, and keynote speaker, Cynthia has the unique ability to fuse life and spark ideas with creative business savvy. Tagged “The Rain-Maker” by colleagues and clients, Cynthia’s relational approach to people and processes are not only essential for growth but cultural transformation. In her mind, good leaders don’t settle on assessment but commit the investment be it employees, systems, and/or strategies.
As Cynthia continues, the art of evaluation doesn’t just pertain to team-building, but also team-nurturing. To the extent, leaders mature their influence, to that extent they mature the influence of their teams.
When we talk about the coronavirus, we often talk about the negatives and negatives alone. Health concerns, economic trends, first-world convenience issues – clearly it’s been a hindrance for many. But the virus has also brought with it some silver linings and surprises.
For instance, I’ve noticed many furloughed entrepreneurs diversifying their portfolios, developing new products and processes as side gigs to their day jobs. While these endeavors may be temporary, they are nonetheless tapping into peripheral skill sets to help people make ends meet. From my end, this is one of the most underrated hallmarks of the year. If business leaders can embrace greater technology, remote systems, and their employees making a difference outside the 9-5, no question we’ll be a more mature society moving forward.
In trying times, often the best ideas are the most creative. With many companies suffering due to current health and economic issues, entrepreneurs and business leaders around the world are having to think outside the box to make ends meet.
One of these leaders I’ve had the privilege of conversing with recently is an innovator employed by the University of Buffalo. In our discussion, we talked about the difference between virtual and augmented reality in terms of connection, translation, and leveraged technology. We also talked about how this dichotomy can be a valuable concept when teamed with a conference app like Zoom and interactive platforms allowing participants to engage content options in virtual rooms.
One of the hardest aspects of leadership is understanding and resolving conflict. For some leaders, the issue isn’t so much the problem itself, but the perception of surrounding context. If conflict isn’t necessarily a collision of two opposing views, what is it exactly? Could conflict actually be a good thing?
As I discuss in this episode, conflict can be a valuable tool when approached with candor. For instance, at Disney, whenever disagreements arose, I’d exercise critique through positivity and transparency. This, in turn, allowed me to navigate challenges with courage and risk with honest assessment. In many ways, leadership is the same way. To lead well, you ultimately have to negotiate and mediate varying perspectives. Perhaps this is why many resources today talk about accountability through the lens of constructive communication.
Michelle Burdo, owner and CEO of The Burdo Media Group in Orlando, Florida, discusses her corporate story and her current work.
As Michelle explains, it’s difficult for most people to feel confident in front of a camera. Not only do you need poise, but presence and precision. Even driven television personalities can be vulnerable to miscues and slipups. However, that’s where The Burdo Media Group steps in. With over fifteen years of past news anchor experience, Michelle has the skills and savvy to help business leaders communicate properly whether in real-time or in virtual space.
Today, Michelle focuses her time on media training, video production, keynote speeches, and teaching clients how to deliver content.
If you’re interested to speak with Michelle, you can contact her through her website: www.michelleburdo.com.
Garrett Bake joins us to share his story and lessons learned along the way.
Having worked as a police officer for 15 years, Garrett has experienced much in terms of professional success; however, early in his career, his personal life was a mess. Despite playing the hero by day, by night he was just another workaholic struggling with drug abuse, pornography, and depression. With much of his life in shambles, thoughts of suicide started to infiltrate his mind. Thankfully, Garrett was able to course-correct by recommitting his life to the home using strategic planning tactics learned in the force.
Lou Mongello, Walt Disney World author, podcaster, speaker, and entrepreneur, talks about the silver linings in this current season.
In times like this, it’s easy to focus on limitations and the uncertainties surrounding them. In trying times, we often wonder why they happen as opposed to what can happen.
However, as Lue explains, fear should never motivate us, but rather the ‘what if’ of what could work. In his mind, when you allow positivity to be contagious, you can replace lamenting the unknown with creating new knowns. A fan of passion projects, Lue charges us to make the most of each day by pursuing secondary endeavors with the extra time we have.
Disney engineer Elaine Schomburg LaFleur joins in to tackle the issue of Imposter Syndrome; and especially how it can impact women and their careers.
Despite having success and experience, 70% of people suffer from Imposter Syndrome. Understanding our limiting beliefs and how to process and qualify our thoughts can make a huge difference in confidence.
Identifying and working within your strength and intentional positive thinking will help you achieve success. When you encounter an issue, you have three ways to guide you as you navigate it: gut instinct, past experiences and asking a lot of questions.
Jamie and J.J. Eubanks, founders and owners of Magical Vacation Planners, join me today to share their journey from a pro basketball player and stay at home mom to successful entrepreneurs.
For Jamie, the journey from full-time housewife to business owner was marked by closed doors. When three degrees failed to open traditional paths to success, she embraced having something to prove and dove deep into her passion. By embodying love, drive, and passion, Jamie successfully built a team that runs on the dream of impacting others.
Jamie and J.J.’s experience has produced valuable insight: Follow your passion from the heart and surround yourself with those that believe you can do the impossible. Reject the fear of being told no, seek to build others up and your dream can become a reality. Build a team and trust them to do their thing.
Kortni Canada and Beth Smith from Magical Vacation Planners discuss the company’s history and legacy.
Inspired by Walt Disney’s famous words, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them”, Magical Vacation Planners is a business built on memory preservation and quality service. As CEO Jamie Eubanks believes, the ideal travel agency isn’t just a transportation mediator, but a team of planners providing personalized care.
As Courtney and Beth explain, what sets Magical Vacation Planners apart from the competition is their ability to walk the customer from dream to detail to dream again. For any organization centered on client care, dare to consider the customer service approach of Magical Vacation Planners.
Mike Goldsby, co-author of Entrepreneurship the Disney Way, discusses the book and why he wrote it.
As Goldsby explains, Disney’s rise into one of the most innovative 20th century entrepreneurs continues to carry lasting impressions. From humble beginnings to award-winning pioneer, the success of Disney is not only a tale of creativity, character, but of chance. Despite a steady stream of adversity, Disney stayed positivity in the face of risk and uncertainty. And though his track record was far from perfect, Disney’s ability to collaborate and reframe creative ideas were true hallmarks of his legacy.
A fellow innovator and entrepreneur, Goldsby also shares insight on how this translated economically and how today’s business leaders can benefit.
Leading others may be front of mind when most think of leadership, but leading yourself first is the foundation a true leader builds on.
In today’s episode of Come Rain or Shine, I share a recent personal situation that had the potential to be life-altering. The crisis was averted because I chose to listen to my spouse and lead myself, but there are some key takeaways that any leader can learn from.
- Listen to your spouse
- If your chest hurts, pay attention
- Listen to your spouse
- Your diet and fitness will only get you so far
- Listen to your spouse
- Start exercising and make it a point to get your heart rate up periodically
- Listen to your spouse
In my upcoming book, How’s the Culture of Your Kingdom (releasing August 11th), I break leadership into three sections: lead yourself, lead your team and lead your organization. By leading yourself, you are laying the foundation to create a culture of security and trust for those following you.
Episode Resources:
Magical Vacation Planners – 407-442-0257
On this special episode of Come Rain or Shine, Lee Cockerell, my father and retired EVP of Walt Disney World, joins me to talk about how to handle a crisis.
Here are four steps to keep in mind while dealing with a crisis:
Safety First.Before anything else, the safety of employees, customers, and yourself comes before anything else.
Deal with the Facts.During a crisis people get emotional. People speculate and gossip. You should deal only with the facts when you communicate with people.
Be Empathetic.Everybody is dealing with a crisis in different ways for different reasons. Understand people are worried.
Use the situation to get better.You and your organization can learn plenty from a crisis. Use it as a training opportunity.
Lee also shares his experience running Walt Disney World during hurricanes and 9/11.
During a crisis, your culture is on show for everyone to see. Your actions should match your words. What you say doesn't build a culture. Culture is built through actions.
On this special episode of Come Rain or Shine, Jason Treu, a business and executive coach, joins the show to discuss concepts of leadership.
As mentioned in prior episodes, a great company goes beyond great culture. While building a quality working environment is important, it can’t happen without teamwork, trust, and transparency. The question is: How are these factors effectively integrated?
As Jason explains, the more an organization priorities honesty, the more it can embrace the psychological safety behind it. By pursuing this particular outcome, a business can improve its approach to teamwork, communication, and success overall.
When it comes to building a healthy work culture, the answer starts and ends with value. While leading with virtue is critical and dependent on the leader, to arrive at that point, one must know what they stand for.
As I discuss in this episode, values are central but manifest in different ways. For some people, value is demonstrated through common courtesy; for others, values are modeled through intentionality. Whatever drives your value, it’s imperative you examine your everyday behaviors and their effect on those around you.
For most of us, we value recognition and achievement in our work. While tangible perks are nice, the audible reward of encouragement is a powerful motivator we aspire to hear.
Unfortunately, for many leaders, recognition is easier said than done. In the hustle and bustle of commerce, recognizing employees for commendable production can fade into obscurity without intentionality. The question is: How do we proactively reward our team members? And even more importantly, what should we be rewarding them for?
As I discuss in this episode, our rewards and recognitions should connect to demonstrated behaviors based on core values application. Yes, quality work and cultural enhancement are important; however, by keying in on behaviors, we call to attention what needs to be reproducible in our working arenas.
On this special episode of ‘Come Rain or Shine’, mystery guest Matt joins in to discuss leadership lessons in complex working situations.
Regardless of your occupation and title, there are many ways turmoil can manifest in business operations. As long as you take instant action and communicate your strategy, you can achieve instant correction – or so we think.
However, as Matt explains, if you want to problem-solve efficiently, it’s always best to slow down and focus on what you can control. Even if you don’t fix the problem as quickly, you heal the situation more sufficiently.
In this book review episode, Jody and I discuss “The Ride of a Lifetime” by Robert Iger.
After becoming the CEO of The Walt Disney Company in 2005, Iger didn’t waste any time making a series of bold moves. Driven by a “status quo is not a strategy” mentality, Iger made a splash embracing technology, purchasing mainstream media properties, and growing Disney into a stronger international brand.
Having been inspired by Iger during my time at Disney, I anticipate most will find his principles beneficial and applicable in today’s business arena. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or entry-level, the book offers something for everyone and can capture the imagination if you let it.
Whether you’re a supervisor, middle manager, or entry-level employee, clear expectations are crucial to establishing a healthy work culture. From the timing of communication to the medians used, creating clarity is often easier said than done. Perhaps you’ve been in situations where expectations seemed clear at first but became more nuanced over time.
As Jody and I discuss in this episode, the transaction of expectation not only requires an understanding of the audience but also setting and protocol. If you want to improve your delivery, start with the structure and go from there.
We’re talking about consulting engagement in this episode.
For Valerie and I, these represent a large part of what we do these days. Having recently returned from a trip to Peru, I’d like to share some lessons we learned from our time there - specifically, how we were able to consult and advise a South American tourist train company.
As I discuss in this episode, an efficient consultation starts with a pitch to engage in an experience and ends with a pledge to gauge customer perspective. Once your proposal is accepted, you can then dig into the ‘who, what, when, why, and where’ through the four keys to implementing change.
Mike Simmons, Founder of Catalyst Sale, joins me to discuss takeaways from our recent mastermind conference.
When it comes to serving as an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get bogged down with grunt work. While administration, accounting, and customer service all have their place, it's important to make room for creativity - "to get out of your echo chamber" as Mike describes.
As for other mastermind insights, Mike and I dive into various topics such as the importance of establishing clarity and focus, diversity of thought, and why good leaders don't fall in love with their ideas.
During my time at Disney, one of the big advantages we had was mobility – being able to move talented people from one team to the next.
However, in a typical corporate setting, transitioning from one leader to the next can be challenging. For starters, each organization has a unique culture with each leader contributing a distinct presence. From communication and demeanor to procedures and processes, this presence can vary and reshuffle how instructions are carried out. Thus, it should be no surprise when I say change is the inevitable overflow of a new supervisor entering the picture.
As I discuss in this episode, the best approach when inheriting a team is to embrace the situation with humility and confidence. Remember during the first several months of a new job, making decisions is secondary to engaging peers and building relationships. By engaging the right priorities with intentionality, no question, you’ll hit the ground running in making an immediate impact.
When we talk about occupational learning, we often think of workshops, conferences, and training seminars.
However, as I learned at Disney, having an after-hour book club can be a refreshing communal learning experience.
As I discuss in this episode, employer book clubs are more than social gatherings. Rather they are opportunities to exchange ideas and facilitate discussions relevant to the organization. In any case, the goal should be to motivate people through shared time, responsibilities, and critical conversations.
When it comes to leadership content, there’s nothing new under the sun. If a topic can be derived, chances are it has been discussed. However, as I’ve learned in recent years, there are many unique materials on familiar concepts.
One of these resources I’ve found helpful is called “Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. In this book, two U.S. Navy Seal officers who led victorious assignments during the Iraq War connect leadership principles from the battlefield to business. From their perspective, leadership at every level is the most important part of the battlefield, a principle no stranger to the corporate world.
As I unpack in this episode, extreme ownership means empowering leaders to ask ‘why’ and form ideas they can communicate with confidence and transparency. Accordingly, if we want to strengthen a culture of ownership, not only must we engage those we work with, but integrate them into critical decision-making moments.
Creating an immersive customer experience does more than just show consumers a good time. Today, Jody and I discuss the value of an onstage vs backstage mentality.
Often our customers judge our attention to detail and our ability to provide quality service based on seemingly unrelated standards. A burnt-out light bulb may very well represent how much care you put into your flagship offering.
It is a leader's responsibility to train their team that personal discussion stays backstage and it’s all about the customer experience onstage. Take measures to ensure your team is following through on the details small enough to miss but big enough to set the tone.
Have you ever wondered why we separate behaviors and results when we talk about leadership?
I know in my experience, I see many talking about leadership and results and leadership and behavior, but not behaviors and results. Perhaps this has to do with the time we live in where behavior is implied more than anything else.
Whatever the case, as business leaders, it’s important we define the behaviors of our work environments. While it’s sensible to expect people to know what good work and attitudes look like, as I discuss in this episode, how they mesh within a specific organization is not ‘one size fits all’. For instance, integrity is integrity anywhere you go, but how it looks when applied to select functions can vary upon interpretation.
As such, it’s critical we clarify our corporate behaviors and integrate them into our bylaws, customer service, and every process in between.
In this Q&A episode, Jody and I tackle write-in questions concerning leadership development, employee recognition, and brand definition.
With leadership development, it’s important companies routinely evaluate their programs as they all have a shelf life. While monitoring how employees are acknowledged can seem like a moving target, in all cases, a formalized structure can brew unhealthy expectations. As leaders, keep in mind the best form of recognition is spontaneous in nature.
Similarly, paying attention to your environment can help a company’s leadership development. Since each organization is a unique mission, it’s safe to say there’s not a ‘one size fit all’ approach to vocational learning. However, as long as you facilitate team conversations and opportunities for input, your employees will, at least, have a choice and pathway to advance.
Finally, with brand definition, as I’ve discovered working for myself, accessibility and approachability are valuable qualities. When you help people, it adds value to what you offer. Accordingly, never ever doubt the power of availability.
Oscar Trimboli, author of “Deep Listening: Discover the Five Myths of Listening”, joins in to discuss his background and perspective on listening.
From an early age, Oscar has been fascinated about the intersection of technology and listening. As a former Microsoft and PeopleSoft employee, the question, “How do I code how I listen”, would often surface in business dealings.
Now as a leadership coach, Oscar advises influential business leaders how to engage employees and clients through deep listening. With his unique approach, he’s discovered retention is improved when management listens and thinks about what is said to them. Accordingly, it’s his mission to equip leaders to create change through clarity and collaboration.
For many companies, control is exercised through power. From systems of hierarchy to reciprocity, if there is a cultural pathway, chances are it hinges on results over relationships.
But what if I told you we can build a better culture through empowerment, not power? That we can motivate behavior formally to the point it becomes second nature?
As I discuss in this episode, culture is not only built through behaviors but formalized processes. Accordingly, if you want to challenge creativity and give employees a place to speak, start by instituting procedures and adjust them as behavior and culture improve.
Have you ever wondered why we’re often afraid of being excluded? Why we’re wired to feel safe where we’re at?
If so, congratulations. Not only are you human, but aware of your need for a harmonious community. Unfortunately, in business settings, the line between professional and personal often compromises our sense of security. For instance, you may know a supervisor who keeps his subordinates uneasy thinking if his employees are unsure of standing, they will work harder.
However, as influencers, one must wonder if this mindset actually works?
As Dan discusses in this episode, creating safe places where team members feel valued is crucial to organizational success. While practical safety is important, by prioritizing psychological safety, leaders can maximize the mental capacity and health of their team.
As an executive turned entrepreneur, I admit: It’s nice not having to attend many meetings these days. Having led many during my tenure at Disney, I discovered while meetings on paper can be beneficial, they are also easily abused by those calling them.
The question is: How do we, as business leaders, facilitate meetings in an engaging way where our mission goes beyond broad communication?
As I discuss in this episode, there’s a time to call a meeting and a time not to. By knowing the difference, not only will our leadership be more effective, but our goals and communications will advance beyond their current capacity.
In this episode, Dan Cockerell and host, Jody Maberry, tackle questions received from Auburn graduates.
Such questions include, “What piece of advice do you wish someone had told you when starting your professional career?”, “What qualities do you look for in choosing an employee?”, “What motivation tactics do you use for employees?”, and “How do you discipline employees without having them resent you?”
In this special episode, Dan Cockerell joins Maria Massad, Director of Social Media and Digital Partnerships for Walt Disney Birthplace and Jay Williams, Managing Director of Walt Disney Birthplace, to discuss the location and history of Walt Disney’s nativity.
As Massad explains, the purpose of Walt Disney Birthplace is to restore the Disney family home to its original state; however, while reconstruction plays a significant role, the project is also known for its research opportunities.
According to Williams, the reason the current homeowners purchased the property in 2013 was not only to preserve an artifact, but rekindle the dream Walt’s parents had of developing a center for creativity and innovation. Though the location has been an off and on landmark for 125 years, the hope is this living museum will remind families to nurture the next generation of creative thinkers.
We’re talking with special guest Laurie Ruettimann in this episode. Laurie has a podcast called Let’s Fix Work where she shares about the world of work and how companies operate.
Laurie believes you should rescript your relationship with work if you’re not happy. It’s up to you to take the lead in your own life.
When Laurie works with clients, one of the things they work through is money. She says, “If you can clean up someone’s finances, you can clean up their career.”
Laurie has such an interesting story and gave some amazing advice for leaders.
Whenever I talk about open doors, there are two principles I often emphasize: 1) ask questions and 2) dig past initials assumptions. But there’s a third I suggest we, as leaders, consider – the importance of cultivating curiosity.
As leaders, curiosity is imperative both in heeding and handling with delicacy. In my experience, being in the same place over time can dull the curiosity we need to maintain our edge as leaders. For instance, leading with open-mindedness and learning the people around you and can help differentiate a leader content in outcomes from a leader looking to empower others to reach them.
As I discuss in this episode, with any habit, curiosity must be cultivated by asking probing questions, interacting intentionally with those you come in contact with, and taking advantage of the ease with which, we find answers. After all, established trust creates an environment where curiosity can flourish. Why not be a catalyst?
If you were elected mayor of a small town, how would you create a happier environment? Would you focus on funding and implementing legislation or would you consider social reforms to improve the economy?
While the truth is somewhere in the middle, as recent travel has taught me, connectivity is critical and underrated when gauging a community’s health. In many parts of the world, not only are people leaving rural areas to pursue big dreams in big places but to explore social scenes and city life. With metropolitans acting as the center of the greatest enterprise, the trend makes sense.
However, for you, a new mayor of a declining populous, you’re wondering how to reverse the flow. In this advanced, virtual age, is it even possible?
As I discuss in the episode, there are solves worth exploring, from larger corporations allowing staff to work remotely to intentional gatherings between municipalities. By asking the question, “What does joy look like for my community”, we find the first step in bringing back new life to the towns we love.
Remember the movie ‘Office Space’? It’s one of the greatest cult classics about workplace dynamics.
In this episode we're talking not so much about the movie, but how we can facilitate healthy, interactive working environments. Granted, some may question the need to talk about physical settings, but the truth is they are essential to the morale and operations of our work. For instance, is our office space giving off approachable vibes? Or are we content on saying ‘hey’ and nothing more the rest of the day?
We live in an era where most would rather ‘DM’ each other behind closed doors than talk things out in person. However, by committing to a daily interface, we can improve collaboration and the overall quality of our team’s work.
As a kid, one of my favorite reads was the ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ series. Unlike other books, these fascinated me. Not only did I get to play the protagonist, but also determine the plot of the story. Like the ‘butterfly effect’, I could unravel a new angle with each read – a cool concept, especially for the time.
For instance, what if we took the same approach to training and leadership development? What if there was an interactive way to ask employees what they’d do in unusual real-life situations?
As Jody and I discuss in this episode, being creative with our team building can go a long way not only in improving our quality standards but employee morale as well.
When we think about creativity, we often think of select professions and skillsets. For instance, one might associate an accounting job as non-creative and a designer job as creative.
But as I’ve been learning, creativity isn’t just artistic prowess modeled on a stage or Shark Tank, but a universal experience. As I discuss in this episode, even if our jobs lack innovation, we can still define environments and scopes to solve problems and improve processes; hence, why we should all see our roles as creative contributors, whether we’re making the ‘magic’ or setting the table for it.
In past episodes, you may recall Jody and I discussing the Eisenhower matrix, a grid separating tasks into four components based on urgency and importance.
Returning to that topic, I’d like to explore organization fitness through a new lens, the lens of confidence. Having talked to Dan Miller, author of “48 Days”, last month, our examination of importance must not only include urgency, but what we’re confident in doing, what we’re excellent in doing, and things only we can do.
As I explain in this episode when you filter your skills through what can’t be delegated, bought, or downloaded, you can spend the appropriate amount of time employing them.
As business leaders, meaningful conservations are critical.
While many think these conservations are functions of position, in reality, the most important interactions are ignited by an approachable reputation. Granted, this is easier said than done in a ‘self-aware’ era. However, if we want to make a difference, then we must focus on people to know their situation and gauge what type of questions we should be asking.
Think of it this way: If the success of our corporations hinge on positive exchanges, why not put yourself in position to give and receive advice? Why not ask yourself, ‘What do I want my reputation to be and what am I doing to reinforce that reputation?’
As I discuss in this episode, by keeping these questions on the front burner, you can establish purposeful connections with employees, clients, and potential partners.
For many, mentorship is a complicated topic.
From finding time to connect to knowing who to look for, no question, the pursuit of a role model can seem like an uphill battle at times.
However, as I discuss in this episode, to be intentional in seeking guidance from mentors is to know who to look for and how to look for them. After all, mentors come in many forms all carrying a unique blend of knowledge, habit, and perspective. To tap into their insight, one must first know why they’re inquiring it in the first place.
For instance, do you want to know how to run a business or know how to strategically network a particular function? While the difference may seem moot, by knowing and communicating your intent effectively with a potential mentor, you can better the odds a one-time meeting can become a confiding relationship.
After hearing from Dan Miller in our last episode, Jody and I welcome Nicole Cutrufo, Founder and CEO at Doitwell, to share her story.
A graduate of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Nicole worked various guest service gigs in Orlando and Rome before started her own consulting company in 2018. Having settled a new position, Nicole explains how the power of self-education through small life changes ultimately paved the way for her decision to start Doitwell.
As a young parent working for herself, troubleshooting is a constant, but the positives of pursuing change, as she explains, continues to fuel her learning.
On this special episode, Dan Miller, author of “48 Days”, joins Jody and I to discuss his background and leadership philosophies.
According to Miller, one of the biggest challenges vocationals face is managing change. While many work in streams of success, not all operate in their uniqueness. As a result, when risk is confronted, confusion arises due to a lack of self-awareness.
Granted, it makes sense for people to equate vocation to skillset. But as Miller contends, when people are willing to connect purpose to passion, the idea of risk can be better perceived as a progression of focus. By knowing the difference, people can find the confidence to make the right change at the right time.
This is part two to our previous episode “Four Keys to Implementing Change” but in this episode, we’re talking about what needs to happen to make these changes actually happen.
The fact is as we all pursue our individual endeavors, we're all bonded by the inevitable challenges waiting for us. The question is when troubleshooting situations arise, how do we manage them? How do we cope when we're forced to go with the flow?
As I discuss in this episode, whether we talk internal communications, customer engagement, or backup solutions, there are many ways a business can suffer systemically; however, for each potential problem, there is a key to implement the proper correction. One exercise is to imagine the worst-case scenario and come up with all the ways you can prevent it from happening and brainstorm ideas of how to fix those scenarios
We talk about needing your designers to understand what the user experience needs to be like, thinking about redundancies and backups when the system isn’t working, and the importance of having a mode when everything goes away you can still offer your customers a great experience.
Change is continuous. As technology improves, our organizations will have to adjust.
Implementing change is never easy.
At Disney, we walk the line between doing what has made us successful and changing our products to remain relevant.
When we implemented a big change at Disney, I learned there are four areas you have to address to make sure change is successful.
Four aspects of change;
Make sure cast members understood introducing new technology does not mean our organizational beliefs change.
Invest in the teams and people who will make the change happen.
Meet people where they are. Not everyone is ready for change. Be ready for people who are scared, concerned, not ready, or those who fully embrace a change.
Communication is key. You have to talk to people constantly. Don't surprise people by change. If you feel you are communicating too much, you are probably just getting started.
As mentioned in past podcasts, knowing your audience is essential to quality leadership. To better a product or service, oftentimes, this can’t happen without customer engagement.
But as I’ve been recently reminded, sometimes the best way to know an audience is to be open to spontaneous interaction.
Such is the case with this episode, where I sit down with two of my biggest fans, August and Gretel Maberry, to share discuss Disney, food, athletics, and extra-curricular activities.
It’s been said there’s nothing new under the sun. If a concept can be created, chances are it’s already been created.
However, as a public speaker, I’m finding if there is something new, it’s how ideas are being reshaped and renamed in their everyday communication.
Take ‘design thinking’, for instance. When I first heard the term, I didn’t know offhand what it was about. But upon further review, I realized I had plenty of knowledge on the process, specifically the three pillars of design thinking: empathy, ideation, and experimentation.
As I discuss in this episode, it’s important for business leaders to drill down and keep up with emerging organizational terms. Not only will the practice help you relate to diverse audiences, but also apply new levels of intellect systematically.
Our businesses are cycles. While projects may vary, many companies will prioritize annual events to boost morale, engagement, and productivity.
However, as I learned during my Disney tenure, there’s an important relationship between repetitive venues and continuous improvement often missed in corporate America. Yes, gathering together for the purposes of information exchange is critical for any organization. But what if I told you we can be even more strategic in how we integrate community and product betterment?
As I discuss in this episode, the key behind continuous improvement always involves a call to response, or in this case, an after-action review. By employing feedback opportunities at routine intervals, not only will you have a better understanding of what you can improve organizationally, but also how to follow-up to ensure quality assurance is upgrading beside it.
When it comes to time management, one of my favorite tools is the Eisenhower Matrix – a grid breaking down tasks into four components: urgent and important, urgent and not important, not urgent and important, and not urgent and not important. As President Eisenhower figured, the more tasks you tackle in the ‘important and not urgent’ quadrant, the more effective your direction would be.
Fast-forward to today and Eisenhower’s words still ring true. To be effective business leaders, we must be efficient time managers; however, to be systematic with time, we must also see service as empowering people. As I’ve mentioned in past podcasts, one of the signs of great leadership is qualifying people to make decisions on your behalf.
The question is: Are you looking to delegate responsibility or authority? Are you pouring into your team members in a way they can know your values through your voice?
As I discuss in this episode, by prioritizing importance through delegation and not busyness, not only will you be more productive in non-urgent settings, but your employees will sense greater morale.
As many can admit, preparing teens for their future is easier said than done. While high schools aim to academically equip students for college, as parents, it’s a bit more ambiguous.
Should our kids invest more time and energy into part-time jobs or extra-curricular activities outside the classroom?
To be fair, the answers are hardly cut and dry; however, when we zoom out and consider the bigger picture, we find clarity.
As I discuss in this episode, if we want our children to succeed, then we must help them see work through the lens of interpersonal learning, discipline, and time management. Often times, we think as long as our kids make good grades, they’ll be in fine shape. But in a pass or fail world, grades can only go so far after high school and/or college. Accordingly, how we develop their worldview through balancing education, work, and building relationships is worth discussion.
As leaders, we often live for pressure or by pressure - the pressure to succeed, the pressure to compete, the pressure to be happy and so forth. But lately I’ve been wondering if we, in business, have underestimated the power of hard work and enjoying the fruit of what results.
As I discuss in this episode, when we consider the ‘why’ of our effort and the joy in pursuing goals free from comparisons, we can mature as leaders leading for the right reasons.
After discussing lessons learned at Disney in my last episode, today I want to talk about what I’ve learned since Disney.
For starters, I have a better understanding of what I know from past experiences, but also how little I know concerning innovation and creativity. The technological world changed dramatically during my time at Disney and I’ve found there’s much in the entrepreneur world I still need to learn.
That said, as clarity of knowledge has enhanced in hindsight, so has the ability to see value in diversified experience and continuous learning. Sometimes, you only have to know the basics to have enough to get your hands dirty. As long as you’re committed to bridging relationships while acquiring new skills, you have a solid foundation to build upon.
As a former Disney executive, I learned a great deal during my tenure. From the four ‘magic’ keys to checklists and shortlists, the array of knowledge acquired through thirty years of experience is wide as it is deep. Having recently reached the one-year mark of leaving Disney, I’ve begun to focus these lessons into bite-sized points and it’s my hope in this two-part episode, you find inspiration on matters of persistence, consistency, service, and relationship.
Back in the late 2000’s, one of the promotions we ran at Disney was The Year of a Million Dreams, a promotion in which theme parks guests could be selected to win one of many prizes. The idea centered on smart marketing and while I’m more an operations guy, I learned some beneficial marketing strategies along the way.
As leaders in business, we can’t shy away from quality marketing and promotion. How we stay relevant, how we keep our brand fresh, how we create urgency …these are all important topics we must consider when engaging our customers.
In my experience, I’ve found the best marketing metric is ‘intent to return’. By this, I mean viewing loyal customers as a company’s biggest asset and rewarding those customers through research, giveaways and similar opportunities. During my Disney tenure, this perspective on marketing not only helped our customer retention but also improved our future retention. As I discuss in this episode, when you perceive promotion through the lens of repeat visits, chances are you’ll discover new ways to capture more of your audience.
I used to think attitude was everything and that positivity was the greatest way to overcome adversity; however, after recently speaking at a Junior Achievement conference in Cordova, Argentina, I’ve adjusted my thoughts.
While attitude is a key ingredient to conflict resolution, it’s important we take our ‘can do’ attitude and apply it to other measures of leadership (i.e. organization, punctuality, and following through on what we say we’ll do). As I told my audience, if we compartmentalize attitude and consistency, chances are we’ll fall short of the results we’re aiming for. attitude can only get you so far.
When you merge attitude and consistency, you help yourself make better, personal decisions. Yes, mentors, supervisors, and friends can prove beneficial, but this doesn’t mean they determine the outcome. As I discuss in this episode, whether you know your life path or not, committing yourself to helpful insight and positive action will ultimately lead to new opportunities and open doors.
As leaders, we like to think big picture and big change, measuring our worth by accomplishment and how many we inspire.
But in business, often the greatest effect we have doesn’t occur in one motion. Rather it’s the accrual of valuing the small things…those seemingly insignificant opportunities to honor a partner, a colleague, a client, a mentee, etc. For example, finding a way to integrate a customer’s name and/or situational awareness into an act of service can go a long way in earning respect and future business.
The ripple effect of giving 110% in a moment of service can yield an exponential amount of positive outcomes. If we want to lead well, it starts by not taking individual acts of service for granted.
When it comes to the four keys, one of the common themes in each is proactivity.
To be proactive, a leader must anticipate change and engage challenging situations as they happen. Often we assume the maturity of a leader is based by how he responds to conflict; however, I submit the maturity of a leader is better captured by how he prepares for the possibility of conflict.
As I discuss in this episode, quality leaders not only embrace difficulty, but train people to troubleshoot adversity. How you react can go a long way in leaving a positive impression and building loyalty among your clients and customers.
As the job market continues to saturate, more and more companies are focusing on their internal culture. By 'internal culture', I mean a comfortable, charismatic environment aimed at attracting and retaining the best talent.
While many view this concept as setting and reaching goals, an internal focus goes well beyond the bottom line. For instance, if an organization wants to emphasize a stronger internal focus, not only must it define values, but steward an environment where clients and employees feel valued. As I explain in this episode, once business leaders recognize customers and workers want the same thing, a company can better connect culture to value and value to the individual.
We are so busy it often leads to poor one on one meetings.
Usually, we get together and just work our way through as many topics as quickly as we can. We only cover the surface of any of those topics and don't make decisions or have conversations of consequence.
Instead, use one on one meetings to go deeper.
Once a month, pick a specific topic and only discuss that one topic. Nothing else. One topic.
You could talk about recruiting, finance, or any other topic relevant to your operation or industry. The topic is not as important as having only one topic and sticking to it.
When you talk about fewer topics and get more in depth, you will find more value in the return from the time you spend together.
To keep a team operating smoothly, you need to understand the balance of recognizing and rewarding individual performance and team performance. You get what you reward, so you have to find a way to show both individual and team performance are important.
To go along with this, you have to understand the difference between a problem and a dilemma.
A problem has a solution and a dilemma is something you have to work with. With a problem, you can work towards a solution.
If you treat everything like a problem you will become frustrated. Dilemmas have no solution. You can only manage it. You will never be done, you have to address it every day.
Getting teams to work together is a dilemma. You will have to solve problems within the team. But the ongoing process of performance and recognition is a dilemma.
This episode of Come Rain or Shine was recorded with a live audience at Kleinhan's Music Hall in Buffalo, NY.
As leaders, sometimes the hardest challenges we face involve employees resistant to guidelines and/or change. We understand most people are honest, but to avoid complex disciplinary situations, we create value structures based on those who abuse the system rather than those who follow it. In these scenarios, it can be easy to convey expectations in broad terms; however, if our approach to negative trends is to value virtue over people, then we won’t be able to motivate their integrity.
For others, the most difficult aspect of leadership can vary from inspiring hospitality to maximizing technology to assumed collaboration. Regardless of the exceptional scenario in our enterprise, the common denominator is taking the four foundational keys (i.e. safety, courtesy, show, efficiency) and making them personal in a way that gives direction and improves instruction. By utilizing this approach, not only do we manage our exceptions in supportive fashion, but also voice expectations through the lens of what’s working.
Have you ever been called into an office by a boss not knowing what the meeting was about? Perhaps you’ve worked in a position for years only to find yourself directionless wondering what it would take to reach the next level. If you can relate, I want to encourage you to see the connection between standing and shortlist.
In corporate culture, our status plays a significant part in our performance; however, for many of us, it’s also important to know where those efforts are going. One of the ways we can help navigate is the shortlist, a pool of candidates highlighting those most qualified for an applied position.
While a shortlist is often communicated through the lens of promotion, it’s essential we view it as a way to give and receive feedback. In my experience, whenever I made intentions known to superiors, I almost always came away with a better understanding of what I needed to elevate my production. As I discuss in this episode, by making it easy for your leaders to give you feedback, you ultimately position yourself to reach the shortlist you’re aiming for.
On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, I am going to answer a series of questions from someone who took part in the Disney College Program.
When new people come into the organization with new ideas, how do you share your experience without dampening their enthusiasm or coming across as negative?
When new people join the organization, you should listen to any idea. If you don't they will be less likely to come to you again. Reward people for speaking up, even if you don't implement their ideas.
When you change roles, how do you manage to leave behind your old role?
When you leave a role, be clear with people that you are moving on and when someone new moves in, they will make changes. You need to let go of your ego and let the next person make the changes they need to make. At the same time, move slowly towards change in your new role.
Who do you remember who has impacted your life who probably doesn't remember you?
There are moments in our life we clearly remember and others don't. For me, it happened when I worked at Disneyland Paris. A leader taught me a lesson about how to give proper attention to detail. And he followed up. It stuck with me and I used the same approach throughout my career.
Did you get actively apply for all of your roles at Disney or were you approached for some of them?
Both. I looked for new roles and new opportunities. But I also let people know I was open for new opportunities. Once people know you are open-minded and willing to take a risk, they will keep you in mind for new opportunities.
What jobs did you apply for that you didn't get?
Yes. You are not going to get every job or opportunity you want. And I have also turned down jobs I have been offered. If it wasn't the right fit for me, or I wouldn't learn something new, I would turn down a job.
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Recently, my son's soccer team won the Florida 2A state championship.
After they won, I took a step back to figure out how this team made it all the way to the final and won. There were many good soccer teams in the state, so what was special about my son's team?
The team did not have a star player.The team won because every player contributed and filled in when and where they were needed. Each player understood their role and was prepared to step up when the time came.
The leader understands the dynamics of the team.Understanding the pulse of your team allows you to understand when to push harder, when to pull back, and how to get the team to perform better. A leader in tune with the team does not just manage a group of people.
A growth mindset wins no matter the outcome.A fixed mindset needs to win the match to get something out of it. A growth mindset learns through the process.
Don't hesitate to give credit to others. It takes the effort of everyone to achieve success. Championship caliber teams realize and recognize the effort of everyone.
After previously discussing the power of empowerment, I want to talk about ways we can inspire through role modeling.
In life, anyone can be a role model. From a senior executive to a janitor, if quality character is in place, the stage is set for role modeling. The question is: How do we integrate that character into accountability? When we’re doing something right, are we willing to instruct others to do the same? After all, people can’t be what they can’t see. Whether we’re walking the talk or not, chances are people will notice one way or another. Why not work with excellence and embrace the coaching that comes with it?
As I explain in this episode, leaders not only live their values but role model them. When we apply this corporately, no question we’ll see the change we crave.
After previously discussing two modes of decision-making, I want to talk about ways we can empower our work cultures.
While making decisions is hard, inviting others into the process can be even harder. As leaders, sometimes, the only responsibility we want to assume is what we can control. We think if a job is to be done well, it must happen on our terms, on our watch, our hands on the plow. Unfortunately, this mindset is what hinders many organizations from realizing the power of empowerment within their spheres of influence.
Perhaps you’ve wondered how you can better empower leaders, or at least establish greater clarity in your business. If so, make sure to tune in to this episode as I’ll unpack some practical steps you can take to mature these skills.
Today I want to talk about two modes of decision-making.
The first mode is situational decision-making. Here it’s important to employ quality standards, whether they are the four keys (i.e. safety to efficiency as previously discussed) or something similar. Furthermore, you want to make sure you’re not relying on intuition alone. The tighter your checklists on the front end, the better your on the spot decision-making will be.
The second mode is long-term decision-making. Here you want to define objectives and purpose in a way that’s clear to everyone. Ask yourself is this plan something I can easily communicate back when it’s questioned? If not, chances are the moment-by-moment decision-making along the way will be compromised. Since this type of decision-making often involves complex variables, using a matrix to gauge various impacts, resource consumption, and exit strategies can prove beneficial.
Today I want to talk about remote workers and how to manage them within our realms of influence.
As technology continues to advance, so is the need for alternative workplace solutions. With most job functions now doable from home, many companies are employing remote positions to help recruit a wider array of talent. The problem is while morale can be boosted through locational conveniences, the struggle to create and maintain relationships can be challenging.
For one thing, the lack of direct interaction can hinder a remote worker’s contributions as it pertains to work dynamic and environment. Accordingly, how we, as business leaders, incorporate both skill and voice from employees working from home is worth discussion.
After previously discussing the value of common cause, today I want to talk about what training is what it should look like in today’s work world.
Before we train new employees, it’s important to know the difference between training and development. With training, the emphasis centers on technical skills; with development, the core focuses on personal and career growth. Understanding this dichotomy goes a long way in improving the quality and standards of our training.
Once we know how training looks, we can determine how should work in our respective realms. While objectives and matrices may vary, there are certain training standards we must employ. First, training should involve specifics tests for knowledge as opposed to mere completion. Second, training should feature pre-assessment, post-assessment, and/or feedback prompts to ensure knowledge transfer. Lastly, training should ingrain top-down accountability and interactive teamwork into an established work culture.
As you’ll discover in this episode, there are many effective ways to design your training. Whatever measures you take, allowing your employees to engage new learning opportunities can only help keep your company’s work in line.
After previously discussing the value of checklists, today I want to talk about the importance of common purpose.
For most employees, understanding function isn’t hard. As long as you learn and do your job, all will be well in the work world, or so they think. However, there’s a huge difference between knowing your role and knowing your purpose. As business leaders, we should be mindful if we want our employees to understand their purpose, they must first understand common purpose. Specifically, they should know not only what to do within their sphere, but be empowered to operate outside of it having previously understood the ‘why’ of what they do.
Whether or not you establish a mission statement for your company, make sure to incorporate common purpose into your bottom line. As you’ll find in this episode, doing so will go a long way in better equipping your employees and serving your clients.
After previously discussing technology and its impact on work culture, in this episode, I emphasize the power of checklists.
While checklists may seem like a monotonous topic, they are vital to ensure quality assurance when compliance processes are involved. Even when the necessity is in doubt, checklists can safeguard procedures against unforeseen challenges, boost corporate accountability, and improve training protocols.
Despite the fact checklists aren’t often implemented, when employed correctly, they can enhance sufficiency and promote better performance within an organization. Especially in today’s advanced technological age, there’s never been a better time to implement checklists.
After previously detailing our last foundational key to corporate success, on this episode, I discuss technology and its impact on work culture.
Regardless of what key (safety, courtesy, show, efficiency) we sustain, the common denominator is our intent to improve the quality of business. In a technologically dominated day and age, this has significant ramifications. For instance, it's important to remember when you change or implement new technology, it should culturally change the way an organization works. The iPhone is a great example of this as the concept of a computer-in-pocket not only changed how Apple functioned as a company, but how it communicated with customers and employees.
That said, we should also remember technology is nothing more than a tool used to automate and complete tasks. Though necessary, it should never define your culture, shape behavioral standards, or alter the focus of a company. Again, the four keys of corporate success are the foundation our business should aspire to. Accordingly, while new technology may change the way we work, it shouldn't change our values and what we believe in. Of course, this takes great communication in an increasingly distracted world; however, as leaders, it's essential we filter technology through the guest and employee experience.
After previously discussing the third key of show, in this episode, I rejoin the podcast to discuss our fourth and final key, efficiency.
While making the right decision is important, understanding the order of those right decisions is just as, if not, more important. Like safety, courtesy, and show, efficiency does not exist in a vacuum. As such, whatever requires our immediate focus must exist under a defined set of processes and procedures to ensure issues are timely dealt with.
Unfortunately, people can often become over-focused to the point efficiency encroaches on the other keys. This is why at Disney we tell our employees if you want to deliver an excellent experience as opposed to a good one, you must integrate people’s patience into each of the other keys. In this way, efficiency becomes a part of safety, courtesy, and show as opposed to its separate island.
I also explain the difference between problem and dilemma, how to prioritize in the heat of tension, and how to use stories to shape behaviors.
After previously discussing the second key of courtesy, in this episode, I rejoin the podcast to discuss our third key, show.
Once people are safe and secured in a highly courtesy environment, it’s important to focus on infrastructure. First impressions are important as they cement the memory for most people. Accordingly, staying in character, paying attention to maintenance and cleaning issues, even the background music must be set just right.
Since the value of the show is helping people feel right where they are, it’s important to emphasize attention to detail. While performance and customer service are clear examples of direct show, for many the indirect elements such as the wood, odor, color, and glass can prove just as memorable.
If you want to improve your show from a design perspective, evaluate the areas needing the most creative touch. Similarly, with performance, think about what your customer will sense and how they want to interact before and after the main event.
Ultimately by developing simple checklists while setting specific expectations, you will add a lot of value not only to the experience but everyone associated it.
After previously discussing the first key of safety, in this episode, I rejoin the podcast to discuss our second key, courtesy.
While safety comes first, having guidelines and setting behavioral expectations for courtesy is important. Like safety, courtesy should never be compromised despite the fact courtesy can have different meanings to different people. Accordingly, how corporate guidelines are established is critical since granting employees the freedom to make exceptions can be an empowering experience.
I also explain why guidelines are better than rules, how courtesy fits into situations when safety is and isn’t at risk, and how smart hires involve people with not only the right personality, but value set as well. When in doubt, if the hire values courtesy, they will employ it in difficult situations when it’s not an automatic response.
If you’ve ever wondered what Disney considers its greatest quality control measure, safety, far and away, tops the list.
After previously unveiling the four keys Disney uses to create magic (i.e. safety, courtesy, show, and efficiency), in this episode, I discuss the relationship between safety and culture as well as performance and awareness.
No question, we live in an increasingly distracted world. For many businesses, this means safety is not only compartmentalized from present culture but also misunderstood concerning its future benefits.
For instance, an accident an employee has today can be the result of a decision made years earlier. Unfortunately, with more distractions come more reactionary policies and lagging procedures; however, by staying ahead of accidents as opposed to responding to them, business leaders can profit as they enhance the reputations of their safety operations.
My advice is to start where you are and slowly work your way out. Do what you can. You’re not going to fix everything, but by giving attention to your morale, you will boost all modes of environmental safety moving forward.
At Disney World, we used Four Keys to engineer a great experience for every guest.
- Safety
- Curtesy
- Show
- Efficiency
We call them the four quality standards. These standards give us a way to put behaviors behind our concepts like “creating magic” or “creating an escape for guests”.
With the quality standards in place, it gives our leaders and cast members a frame work on how to make decisions. With the framework comes clarity. With clarity comes consistency.
Think about how consistent the service and experience is at Walt Disney World. When over 75,000 cast members are on the same page about quality standards, you can understand the power of the four keys.
In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, I explain why they four keys are in the order they are in, and why it matters to create a great guest experience.
If a guest does not have a great time at Disney World, it comes from a break down in these four quality standards.
Every business can apply quality standards. You don’t have to use the same standards as Disney, but you do have to be solid and consistent in your standards.
When standards are in place, employees can understand when and how exceptions they can make.
Consistent standards are how culture happens. When the whole team is working from the same quality standards, behaviors start to ripple through the entire organization.
If you’ve ever wanted to know how to better lead through effective communication, you must hone the bottom line of your expectations.
In this episode, I discuss the importance of communication, its benefit on organizational culture, and how greater clarity can enhance objective outcomes.
Whether you’re a supervisor or supervisee, at the end of the week, it’s critical for employees to have a platform to share what they know. In our case, I encourage each of my employees to share three topics – three things they think I should know. By promoting group-wide participation, I can then integrate their responses into future projects, presentations, and business meetings. I always emphasize the goal behind the request which is to understand specifics from a personal, surface level as opposed to an aerial one.
As a leader, helping my employees understand the process of knowledge transfer is key to how I manage their contributions, but more importantly, how I convey their big-picture significance. While some employees may struggle to adjust, by emphasizing thorough communication through curating responses, I boost their sense of morale and capacity to see beyond their role.
In the end, by giving team members an opportunity to voice content, not only do we improve communication in the office, but also with our clients and customers.
Before speaking to the executive team, I like to spend time with frontline employees.
If you want to find out what's going on in a company and what people are thinking, you have to talk with the people who are on the frontline interacting with your customers.
In this episode, I share how we have roundtable discussions with the frontline employees. We start with an icebreaker and explain why we’re there. We give them a list of questions to answer individually on post-it notes. They have 10-15 minutes to answer 5 questions and we do 3 rounds of this. Afterward, we read the responses, ask additional questions, and have a discussion to learn more. It sometimes takes time for people to start speaking up but it’s always great feedback.
If you do a roundtable discussion, you have to be ready to act. The worst thing you can do is have one of these sessions where people open up but you do nothing about it. This is worse than never asking at all.
We ask questions in these areas: culture, processes, and leadership
Something to remember is that if you don’t fix the employee experience first, you’re never going to get to the customer experience.
In the long run, it’s best for companies to facilitate their own roundtable discussions and get to a point where it’s normal among their culture. However, if you don’t know how to facilitate these it can be beneficial to bring someone from the outside for the first few to get you started.
The solution to almost every business problem you have can be found by talking with your employees and customers.
At Disney, I was responsible for 12,000 cast members. Jody and I talk about how I prioritized things.
Everyone has the same amount of minutes in a day to get things done. It’s just about how you use that time.
There is no magical formula and it really is a dilemma. You have to make a list, be relentless about what you prioritize, and put the most important stuff at the top and work your way down. There may be really important things you’re not going to get done because something else that’s more important took your time.
Everyone wants to get everything done but the reality is that you can’t do everything so you have to find other tactics. Either let it go, find a different way to do it, decide you’re not going to do it anymore, or delegate it to someone else.
This Eisenhower urgent and important decision matrix is very helpful and helps you decide where to spend your time.
As you go throughout your day, start thinking about this matrix and seeing where your time is spent.
One of the most valuable areas to hone in on are things that are not urgent but important. Find something this week that’s important to you but isn’t urgent (like a long-term project) and start working on it.
On this episode, we talk with Simon Little of Studio STL in Port Townsend, WA. Simon runs a business that used to be just himself and has now grown to several employees. We discuss some scalability principles he can apply in a small office environment that would make an impact for the staff and clients.
Before anyone worries about scaling though, they should make sure they have the right processes in place. Some examples include making sure you’ve got the right talent on board, ensuring there is clarity so people know what success looks like, people receive recognition of excellent performance, the lines of communication are open, and there are feedback opportunities. These are things that don’t change as you grow.
Culture is all about behaviors and you can be very intentional with that. You don’t need to have a large company with a lot of resources in order to have a good culture.
If you’re wanting to grow your company, make sure you go ahead and define what the culture is now - write it down on paper! Eventually, when you add more team members, you’ll walk them through an orientation and onboarding process to make sure the team members understand why the company exists.
Culture can start to slip away if you don’t start feeding it.
At Disney, every person regardless of your role goes through “traditions” which teaches you the history of the company and why it exists. Then they talk about the values of the company, what they should expect, and the 4 keys. Mostly people learn from watching others and seeing how people interact with one another.
Resources mentioned in this episode include the Exploding Kittens card game.
You can find Simon Little and Studio STL Here.
We all need feedback to get better. Feedback usually goes from supervisor to employee but sometimes it’s good to have feedback going the other direction too - employee to supervisor. However, that’s certainly not easy for it to go “up the chain” even though it’s beneficial.
There are creative ways to go about this though. For example, I had a voicemail system set up where a cast member could call and leave a voicemail sharing the issue they were having. Sometimes it was anonymous and sometimes I was able to call them back and give them advice on how to solve the problem.
One thing I would do with my direct reports is to have a feedback and action planning meeting. We would get together as a team for a half-day work session discussing what’s working and what’s not. I’d leave the room and they’d come up with a list of things they’d like me to stop doing, start doing, and continue doing as a leader. This is what we called “stop, start, and continue”.
If you can show some vulnerability to getting feedback and let your ego go, you can really improve as a leader. Ignorance is not bliss. You have to be open-minded to feedback from your team.
If you’ve never done this before, it can seem daunting so I’d start with a friend/coworker you trust and let them know you’d like some honest feedback. Start small and work your way up to a larger group as you get more comfortable with it. This will also build trust with your team.
The worst thing you can do though is to ask for feedback and not make any changes so you have to be ready to change some things if you ask for it. If people are going to be honest in talking with you, you have a responsibility to handle that information in the right way for continual improvement.
We had a listener question on this episode about food allergies and how Disney World works with that. Disney does an excellent job working with food allergies from a real and perceived risk and this listener is curious how Disney tackles this issue so well. We believe we do this well because it stems from our culture at Disney and the reason we exist which is to help guests have the best vacation they’ve ever had.
We’ve listened to feedback and realized it was important to adapt our menus so folks with food allergies can eat too. Safety is one of our standards at Disney so it’s important for us to give people food that’s safe for them. From there, we've had to create a process and create special menus for individuals with food allergies. We believe it’s important to serve people well.
Simply from a business perspective, the price of acquiring a new customer is way more expensive than holding onto a current customer. You can hold onto the current customers by catering to their needs and then you have a customer for life.
All of this comes down to knowing what your customers want and need. When you know the answer to this, it will keep you focused on making the right decisions.
The one thing I used to worry about at the Magic Kingdom is that I had a blind spot or something I wasn’t aware of going on in the park. I wanted to do my best to know what was going on on the frontlines.
To do this, I’d visit the park as a guest once a month. I’d listen to what the other guests are saying and try to see things from their point of view. I’d take note of what worked well and what didn’t along with what they thought was confusing or needed more clarification.
I’d call the customer service department to see what that experience was like for a guest. I’d have a roundtable discussion with cast members asking what we should start, stop, and continue doing.
Ask your team members, “if you were me, where would you be spending your time?” You can get a lot of information from doing this. The best present you can get is people be truthful to you.
Ask your regular customers to give you feedback and give them something in return for taking the time to let you know how a part of your business can be improved.
In leadership, you can have as many values as you want but if you don’t put actions and behaviors in line with those values, they don’t mean anything.
It seems the values of an organization are on a poster on the wall but they aren’t taken down often enough to be analyzed.
Put your values into action by assessing the values you want to be your reputation and think about an action plan to implement them.
When you act like a role model who shows your values, people see they’re important and that’s how cultures begin to be formed.
Recruit people who have the same values as your organization. This is easier than hiring people with the skills then trying to force your values on them.
I just came back from a trip to Zurich where my dad and I did some consulting for a company. They mostly wanted to discuss how to give effective feedback.
We talked about some reasons why we don’t give feedback and here are some of the common responses: I don’t know how, I’m afraid of the reaction, I’m not sure how to open the conversation, etc.
We discussed how if you don’t have feedback, you don’t have growth. If people don’t get feedback, they don’t get better. And if they don’t get better, you’re impacting their careers long-term. Giving feedback is a sign that you care.
When you’re dealing with a company that has locations in many different parts of the world with many different offices, you’re dealing with the same need of giving feedback but it’s done in different ways based on culture.
The Three C’s:
- Care and Connect
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- You need to get to know people on a personal level and figure out a way to connect with them.
- Create Clarity
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- Saying you need something as soon as possible could mean different things to different people. Instead, give a deadline and explain why you need it by then.
- Challenge
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- Once you have a good relationship with people, you can start to challenge them in a positive and healthy way where you won’t damage the relationship.
Giving feedback is only 50%. Getting the other person to accept it and make a behavioral change is the other 50%.
When you go in to give someone feedback, lead from the heart and remember why you’re giving them feedback.
Silence enables people to fill in the blanks and sometimes silence can be seen as approval or apathy. Silence always fails.
If you’re not ready to react, let someone know you’re processing what they told you and will respond soon. Don’t let them fill in the blanks of what you're thinking.
A concept I love is that if you can get 1% better every day over a year, your total return on your improvement is 37%. It’s all about little small steps. How you build culture is one small behavior every day and you keep chipping away at it.
I send out an Article of the Week and the first Friday of each month I also send out my own content, The Perch, which is a monthly newsletter. You can sign up to get that HERE.
Balance is the holy grail of life and I don’t know if we’ll ever really find it.
A concept I learned a long time ago is the difference between problems and dilemmas. Problems have solutions and dilemmas can only be managed. I think balance is one of those dilemmas where there never is a final answer.
Everyone deals with balance and is trying to figure it out.
Your behaviors define who you are and getting your priorities right is the first step.
Shockingly, my number 1 priority is myself because if I don’t take care of myself, I won’t be much good to anyone else. A good example of this is when you’re in an airplane and they tell you in an emergency to put on your oxygen mask first then to help others.
Some basic personal needs you have are to make sure you get enough sleep, exercise, and hydration.
My second priority is my family and my third is my career.
Sometimes you have to do a trade-off to accomplish things but you can’t do everything.
Balance plays into the leadership and culture of an organization. As a leader, if things aren’t good at home, you don’t feel good about yourself, or you’re worried about other things, your ability to lead well could suffer. You have to be a role model for your team too.
It’s important to take all of your vacation days and to disconnect by delegating to other team members when you’re out otherwise burnout will happen. If you don’t recharge you won’t come back refreshed.
Your home and work life are connected. Taking care of yourself will influence the culture of an organization.
I created the 12 Tips for Being Happy and Successful in Life ebook which can be found HERE.
Disney goes out of their way to create magical moments for guests but what about for the employees?
If you’re going to do something for your guests you need to give a taste of that to your employees.
Sometimes when you’re heads down in your work you can forget to think about the moments that need recognition so it's a great idea to have someone around who will remind you of this or put things on your calendar as a check-in to see if you’ve done anything for the organization lately to recognize your team.
At times at Disney, we’d underestimate the number of guests who would come to the park and we’d have to make a call to extend the park hours so the guests can have the right experience. This, of course, meant that the cast would need to stay later as well which would interrupt their day. We created a process for this where if we ever had to do that, at night when everything was closing we’d have a cart of snacks and treats we’d give out to our cast as a ‘thank you’ for staying late.
Showing you appreciate the effort of everyone is really important and a little bit extra goes a long way. People won’t forget how you made them feel. A nice touch that makes a memorable moment is if you can send a note or gift to the home of an employee as a ‘thank you’ for loaning your wife or husband during a really busy time if they had to put in some extra hours.
If someone works hard, make sure you give them that recognition. There’s never anything wrong with letting people know how much you appreciate them. Thoughts and small gestures really count.
Recognize those that earn it rather than worrying about the favoritism piece.
A special guest this week is my father, Lee Cockerell, who is the retired Executive VP of Disney World. We pulled some questions to ask him.
A leadership lesson Lee learned from being a parent is being clear and setting expectations. He says you need to be willing to have the hard discussions.
Lee continues to have the drive to develop himself he says mostly out of fear of failure. He loves helping people in their situations and says that if you know something you should go out an teach it.
As you get older, you gain more experience and you have to make the decision if you’re going to hold that to yourself or give it back. Legacy is the only thing you can leave behind.
Everyone needs to know their vision and purpose. Everyone has a function to help society. No matter what job you have, you matter and knowing your purpose will change the way you do things.
Lee shares the toughest situations he’s been in and one of the hardest for him is when having to terminate an employee.
Life advice Lee would give to his grandkids - don’t underestimate what you can achieve in life and the influence you have on other people.
Don’t miss the chance to connect with Lee. Here are some places where you can find him:
-Lee’s podcast - Creating Disney Magic
-Lee on the Web - LeeCockerell.com
-Lee’s book - Creating Magic
-Lee on Twitter - @LeeCockerell
-Lee on Instagram - @leecockerellmagic
-Lee on Facebook - Lee Cockerell
I’ve been preparing for a trip to Zurich where I’ll meet with a consulting company for pharmaceutical companies.
When it comes to leadership concepts, nothing lives in a vacuum but everything overlaps.
This particular company wants to focus on getting feedback because it’s so important and I’m going to be walking them through that process.
“Clarity is power.” I believe the more clear you are, the more your brain knows how to get there.
Creating a relationship is important too. With my team, I always find some time to have personal interaction with them. Making time to ask how they’re doing, how their family is, and how their weekend was. It’s important to take time to talk to people about non-work related things because the reality is when you build a relationship with someone they’re more likely to listen when you need to have perhaps a difficult conversation.
“Make feedback normal, not a performance review.”
A couple books I’d recommend if you want to improve in the area of feedback:
- Radical Candor
- Crucial Conversations
It’s the responsibility of the leader to tell people what they need to know. Don’t steer away from those conversations of giving feedback. Giving feedback shows you care about a person and want to help them.
If you have a problem with a co-worker, I’d recommend talking with them first.
If you need to provide feedback to a leader, wait for the invitation to do so. As a leader, you always have a blind spot so you need to ask your team for feedback sometimes too.
Remember, silence always fails.
The name of the podcast came from the idea that “Come Rain or Shine”, a leader has to show up every day to be there for their people, bring energy, and an optimistic attitude.
I retired from Disney in May 2018 and am on a new career path of speaking and consulting. I’d like to take what I’ve learned from working at Disney for 27 years to help people with their companies. Help them realize that if you hire the right talent, set expectations for your people, then motivate and reward them well, you can have a successful company.
Everyone has a different story and path and experiences are all you have at the end of the day.
No matter what level you are or whatever you do, you have to know what your purpose is. The Disney purpose is to create the best vacation people ever had by creating magical memories that last a lifetime.
From this podcast, expect to hear about experiences I had at Disney, dealing with difficult situations, mistakes I’ve made, successes from my career, and some fun stories.
Development and self-improvement are all about little actions. I hope this podcast and my article of the week can help you with that.