Leadmore Podcast: Recent Episodes
John T. Meyer
The world needs more leaders. Leaders from the past and present share what works, what doesn't, and how you can best lead more people now and in the future.
Ready to make an extra $5K a month?
Join me on this solo episode of the Leadmore podcast as I reveal how to turn your expertise into a profitable group coaching program.
I share a step-by-step framework to develop compelling program promises, create impactful content, and market your skills effectively.
Discover how to leverage your unique experiences and knowledge to attract and retain clients, delivering high-value transformations that make a real difference. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just getting started, these insights will help you scale your side hustle into a thriving business.
businesscoach #leader #businesstips
Not all heroes wear capes—some run 437 miles for mental health awareness!
Join me, John T. Meyer, host of the Leadmore podcast, as I share my journey across South Dakota in the 437 Project to support mental health and suicide prevention.
Right before I start this journey running across the state, I wanted to share my thoughts and feelings on the call, as well as the importance of mental health and its connection to our physical health.
Helpline Center Website ➡️ https://www.helplinecenter.org/
437 Project Website ➡️ https://the437project.org/
Make a donation ➡️ https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/John24
437Project #mentalhealthawareness #suicideprevention #southdakota #leadership
Ever feel like your sales calls are hitting a wall? It’s time to up your strategy and start adding value to your leads. 🌟
John Meese shares his game-changing “Serve to Sell” framework—7 steps to transform your traditional sales call into a rewarding serve call! From understanding client needs to building lasting relationships, this method is a must-know for anyone aiming to upsell high-ticket services.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insightful content.
businessstrategy #businesstips #businesscoaching #entrepreneurship #solopreneur
Show notes:
00:00:00 - Introduction: Rethinking Sales Calls
00:01:15 - Meet John Meese: From Sales to Serve
00:03:00 - The Problem with Traditional Sales Calls
00:05:00 - Serve to Sell: Shifting the Focus to Value
00:08:15 - Establishing Relationships: The First Step in a Serve Call
00:12:00 - Exploring Results, Roadblocks, and Resources
00:20:30 - The Triple Yes Recommendation Framework
00:30:00 - How to Handle Objections in Serve Calls
00:35:15 - Hearts Buy First: Understanding Emotional Decision-Making
00:40:00 - Implementing the Serve to Sell Framework in Your Business
Are your business operations holding you back? Join us as Natalie Gregorian, founder of Tip Top Ops, reveals how to transform your systems into powerful tools for growth.
We dive deep into the three essential elements every system needs: accountability, trackability, and scalability. Natalie breaks down how to assign clear responsibilities to ensure accountability, implement tools for real-time tracking, and design processes that grow with your business.
Whether you're managing a team of five or five hundred, these insights will help you build a business that thrives today and in the future.
businesstips #businesscoach #businessoperations
Show notes:
00:00:00 - Introduction: Embracing Operations for Business Growth 00:01:00 - Meet Natalie Gregorian: Founder of Tip Top Ops 00:02:00 - The Right Time to Focus on Operations 00:03:30 - The Importance of Accountability in Operations 00:06:00 - Making Operations Trackable and Scalable 00:09:00 - Tools vs. Processes: What Really Matters 00:12:30 - Signs It’s Time to Invest in Operations 00:15:00 - How to Stress Test Your Operations System 00:18:00 - The Best Process Natalie Has Ever Built 00:20:00 - Learn More About the 10-Week Operations Program
This year, I’m embracing the challenge of working out every day. Tune in to hear about the five key lessons I’ve learned so far and how discipline can elevate your leadership and life game.
For more insights and inspiration, subscribe to my YouTube channel!
leadershipjourney #personalgrowth
Today, we uncover the secrets to winning more deals, closing more sales, and ultimately making more money. Joining us is Kyle Racki the CEO of Proposify.
His platform has sent over 10 million proposals and today he’s sharing actionable data and tips. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or anyone responsible for sales, you won’t want to miss this!
Show notes:
00:00:00 - Introduction: Winning More Deals
00:01:30 - The Importance of Sales for Entrepreneurs: Discussing common feelings about sales and the focus on proposals.
00:03:30 - Meet Kyle Racky: From Agency Owner to Software Founder
00:06:00 - The Birth of Proposify: Solving Proposal Pain Points
00:10:00 - Why You Need a Proposals: The importance of proposals in winning big deals and increasing professionalism.
00:14:00 - Structuring Your Proposal: Key Sections to Include: Detailed breakdown of the essential sections in a proposal.
00:17:00 - Executive Summary and Personalization: How to craft an effective executive summary and personalize your proposal.
00:21:00 - Detailing the Approach and Scope of Work: Describing your process and deliverables to justify the project scope and cost.
00:25:00 - Pricing and Packages: Presenting Your Investment: How to frame pricing as an investment and the benefits of offering packages and add-ons.
00:30:00 - Tips for Increasing Proposal Close Rates: Strategies for improving your close rates, including e-signatures and smaller initial engagements.
Also, Kyle was nice to share a bonus with the Leadmore Community. You can get 30% off your first year at Proposify. Simply sign up for their free 14-day trial at https://app.proposify.com/register and when you upgrade to a paid account, choose the Basic Annual Plan and use the coupon code “leadmore” to redeem your discount.
I'm committed to helping creative solopreneurs break through the ceiling and build great companies instead of busy jobs.
In this episode, I share three critical exercises to help solopreneurs rethink and rebuild their businesses. If you’re a designer, photographer, coach, or creative consultant, this episode is for you. Three tactics you need to know:
- Figure out your Buy Back Rate
- Utilize the Three-Legged Stool for steady growth
- Track your progress with the Solopreneur Scorecard
Watch the full video for detailed strategies and get access to a free scorecard template. Don’t go solo, build a successful company instead!
creativeentrepreneurs #businesstips #businesscoach
Show notes:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Creative Solopreneurship: Overview of the episode and introduction to creative solopreneurs.
00:02:00 - Defining the Creative Solopreneur: Explanation of who creative solopreneurs are and common challenges they face.
00:04:00 - The Solopreneur Trap: Feast or Famine Cycle: Discussion on the feast or famine cycle and its impact on solopreneurs.
00:06:00 - Introducing the No More Solo Program: Introduction to the No More Solo program and its purpose.
00:08:00 - Exercise 1: Calculating Your Buyback Rate.
00:13:00 - Exercise 2: Conducting an Energy Audit.
00:16:00 - Exercise 3: Building Your Three-Legged Stool.
00:21:00 - Exercise 4: Implementing the Solopreneur Scorecard.
00:28:00 - Preparing for Growth: Marketing, Sales, and Delivery Strategies for managing growth and ensuring efficient delivery of services.
00:34:00 - Final Thoughts and Program Launch
We explore the world of pricing with Marcos Rivera, the author of “Street Pricing.” Marcos shares his expertise on how pricing combines business economics with human psychology. Learn the secrets behind charm pricing, bundle economics, and price anchoring. Marcos also answers the question, “how often should I change my pricing?”
If you’re a business owner or just curious about pricing strategies, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Learn why and how your pricing reflects your brand and the value you offer.
Show notes:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Marcos Rivera and Pricing Strategies: Overview of the episode and introduction to guest Marcos Rivera.
00:02:30 - The Intersection of Pricing, Economics, and Psychology: Understanding how pricing relates to business economics and human psychology.
00:06:00 - The Psychology Behind 99 Cents Pricing: Discussion on charm pricing and its psychological effects.
00:11:00 - Price Anchoring and Its Importance: Explanation of price anchoring and how it influences customer decisions.
00:16:00 - Effective Pricing Tiers and Bundles: Insights into creating effective pricing tiers and the Goldilocks effect.
00:22:00 - Mistakes in Pricing Strategies: Common mistakes entrepreneurs make in pricing and how to avoid them.
00:28:00 - Adjusting Prices Over Time: When and how to change your pricing strategy to stay competitive.
00:34:00 - Leveraging Data for Pricing Decisions: Using customer data and behavior to inform pricing strategies.
00:40:00 - Communicating Price Changes to Customers: Best practices for informing customers about price adjustments.
00:46:00 - Marcos Rivera's Superpower, Pattern Recognition: Marcos shares his superpower and how it helps him excel in pricing strategy.
Do you run your business or does your business run you? Jason Lee, co-founder of Concierge Business Advisors, shares invaluable insights on recognizing and building your ideal business—whether it’s self-managed, in your zone of genius, or a boutique solo operation.
Don’t miss out on these insights to level up your business journey! 💼✨
businessstrategies #entrepreneurship #businessscoach
In this episode of the Leadmore podcast, I dive into the world of philanthropy with Cindy Elifrits Peterson, founder of Maximizing Excellence. We explore why people give, the strategic role of philanthropy in leadership, and Cindy’s NVD framework (Need, Value, Differentiation).
If you’re involved in the nonprofit sector or a leader considering philanthropy, this episode is a must-listen!
Ever wonder how successful companies track their performance and drive growth?
Creating and tracking a scorecard was one of the most important things we did at Lemonly and now is a required task I make every entrepreneur I coach complete.
In this episode, I catch up with my old friend and COO of SaaS Academy, Matt Verlaque. We dive into the importance of scorecards in business. We discuss how to build effective scorecards, what metrics to include, and how to use them to motivate and inspire your team.
Whether you’re a solopreneur or leading a large team, understanding and utilizing scorecards can be a game changer!
- 00:00:00 - Introduction to Today's Guest: Matt Verlock, COO of SAS Academy
- 00:03:12 - Matt's Entrepreneurial Journey: Growing and Selling His Company
- 00:06:24 - The Role of SAS Academy: Empowering Entrepreneurs
- 00:09:36 - Key Lessons from SAS Academy: Insights for Business Growth
- 00:12:48 - The Importance of Scorecards: Tracking Performance and Progress
- 00:16:00 - Implementing Effective Scorecards: Best Practices
- 00:19:12 - Coaching Entrepreneurs: Strategies for Success
- 00:22:24 - Overcoming Challenges: Matt's Advice for Entrepreneurs
- 00:25:36 - The Future of Entrepreneurship: Trends and Predictions
- 00:28:48 - Conclusion and Key Takeaways: Recap of Essential Insights
If you’re a leader or a business owner who’s resistant, reluctant, and hesitant when it comes to marketing, then this episode is for you.
We sit down with Danielle Bernowski, founder of DQB Strategies, to discuss how entrepreneurs can create content quickly and efficiently using the SPARK Method.
Danielle shares practical tips to help making content creation approachable and straightforward. We break down each letter of the SPARK framework:
- S - Strategize: Identify the top 3 questions your clients ask and one key insight.
- P - Prepare/Plan: Develop 3 talking points for each topic.
- A - Actualize: Record 5-10 minute videos and 60-second videos for each topic.
- R - Repurpose: Transform your content into blog posts, carousels, stories, and more.
- K - Kickstart: Schedule and launch your content.
Learn how to apply the SPARK Method and start creating a month’s worth of content in just a few hours.
Everyone deals with Imposter Syndrome.
It doesn't matter how high up the org chart you are or how big your tax return is, if you are a motivated leader you've certainly dealt with imposter syndrome.
This week I found myself struck with imposter syndrome and caught off guard with teh feeling. I had to change my attitude and check my behavior to get my focus back on track. In this episode of the Leadmore Podcast, I share the four tactics I use to deal with imposter syndrome when the feeling strikes.
Have you heard of the term VA (Virtual Assistant)? Today’s episode of the Leadmore Podcast is all about How To VA.
I work with a VA of my own, and I can say it’s one of the most powerful forces of leverage for any leader to take advantage of. It’s the only way to create more time. Almost like cloning yourself. Learn more about the concept of a virtual assistant, how I use my VA, and by the end of this video, you might be convinced to get one.
I’m super excited to share that I’m launching a “How to VA” course next month. Stay tuned for more details on the course by visiting HowToVA.com.
So is Leadmore a podcast or a business now?
I can’t wait to tell you more.
On today’s episode I reflect on the history of Leadmore, from a hobby podcast during the pandemic to growing coaching business for solopreneurs.
Discover what Leadmore offers today and where we’re headed. Thanks for being part of this journey! 📣
Athletes train their body and practice their strategy, but they also need to train their mind and practice their thoughts. That is what Kristofer Kracht, Mental Performance Coach at South Dakota State University, does for the student athletes at SDSU.
Kristofer joins the podcast to talk about how our thoughts drive performance and how we can shape our thoughts to inform our emotions and improve our physical performance. This applies not just to sports, but to business and your personal life. Kristopher shares how he convinced an old-school coach, and previous Leadmore Podcast guests, John Stiegelmeier, to take a chance on a mental performance coach and how he created he is own role at SDSU. Lastly, Kristofer and John discuss the power of visualization and how you can manifest your greatest dreams into reality.
In today’s episode of the Leadmore Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome my brother, or “brofounder” Scott Meyer, the founder and CEO of Chipp.ai to talk about the buzziest topic in business and leadership — AI.
Scott does a great job of taking complicated things and making them a little bit easier to understand. We will dive into the framework he calls the AI sandwich to learn how to approach AI, we discuss getting better at giving the computer prompts, and when to use an AI tool depending on the task.
All of this and more on the latest episode of the Leadmore podcast.
In this episode, we bring on a leader who is good at juggling all the different balls of life. Rebekah Scott is an entrepreneur, a designer, a podcaster, a coach, a mom, a wife, a Christian, and so much more.
We explore the intricacies of balancing productivity, family time, and personal life. Join us as we break down the five key systems—work, family, house, food, and me — and how you can upgrade your own systems one at a time.
In this episode, we’re thrilled to have Dr. David O’Hara back on the show as the first ever three-time guest of the pod. Dr. O’Hara is a Professor of Philosophy, Classics, and Environmental Studies at Augustana University, where he also serves as the Director of Environmental Studies & Sustainability.
David is my favorite person to go on a conversational journey with. You never know where it will end, but you’re glad you went on the adventure.
Join us as he shares his mindset and his approach to storytelling developed over his extensive teaching experience.
We chat with Sharath Kuruganty, a tech professional and a SaaS founder on the side. Sharath’s recent job loss turned into a world of countless opportunities thanks to his online community.
Discover his resilience within this adversity through the Triple-A Framework: ‘Acknowledge, Accept, Act' and how to leverage your community when you need it most.
Welcome to another episode of the Leadmore Podcast!
As we kick off 2024, it's the perfect time to focus on setting goals and building habits that will shape our future.
In this episode, John sits down with entrepreneur, photographer, and coach Chris Pieta to discuss two powerful frameworks that every leader should know.
leadmorepodcast #goals #habits #productivity #entrepreneurship #leadership #2024Goals
You should consider starting a podcast in 2024!
A podcast is such a great way for a leader to improve their thinking, connect with other leaders, and create content to market and grow their brand.
In the return of the Leadmore Podcast we sit down with the producer of Leadmore and Founder of Earthtones, Nate Poeppel. Nate shares the Five Components of a Great Podcast.
Hear what those components are and more in episode 102 of Leadmore. You’ll also hear why I think a video podcast is the best form of content.
LeadmorePodcast #LeadershipLessons #PodcastTipe
Welcome back to the Leadmore Podcast! After an extended hiatus, John is thrilled to announce the podcast is back! The new Leadmore is focused on equipping you with actionable leadership insights. The world needs more leaders, and in each episode John will extract knowledge from amazing guests and deliver it in short, impactful episodes. Exciting news—the Leadmore Podcast is now in video format too! Subscribe on your favorite platforms, to listen and watch. The first new episode will drop this Thursday!
On this special episode, host John T. Meyer shares the six themes he has drawn over the course of 100 episodes as well as what he loves most about building a podcast. John gets nostalgic by bringing back clips from some of his favorite episodes and is grateful for all of those who have listened to any (or all) of the 100 episodes.
John's six leadership themes from 100 episodes are:
- Belief - Hear why Coach John Stiegelmeier says it's essential to success (Ep 13).
- Cheerlead - Listen to Liz Giorgi explain the real role of any CEO (Ep 20).
- Growth - Nate Poeppel teaches us that life is the curriculum to become a better person.
- Community - Whatever your community is, Paige Pearson Meyer reminds us to leave it better than we found it (Ep 73).
- Foundation - It is in our times of trial where we learn what we stand for and no one embodies this more than Tim Schut (Ep 72).
- Gratitude - Let the words of Dr. David O'Hara wash over you as he teaches us how to practice gratitude every day in big ways or small (Ep 87).
A lot can change in two years, look no further than episode one of the Leadmore Podcast with Governor Dennis Daugaard.
Consider this a BONUS episode of the Leadmore Podcast before episode 100 officially drops. This is a replay of episode one. John starts by discussing the importance of looking back at your work and recognizing how far you've come. Don't be afraid about how you look, what it sounds like, or what the five-year-plan looks like, it only matters that you start. That's how John started this show and as he admits, it is reflected in the quality of episode one of this podcast.
Listen to John's thoughts on replaying episode one and take a listen yourself to the wise leadership lessons of South Dakota's 32nd Governor, Dennis Daugaard.
Transition is a part of every person's life. Sometimes transition is exciting, but often it can be stressful and confusing, the key is to understand how to navigate it.
In this episode of the Leadmore Podcast, host John T. Meyer reflects on his season of transition that he's experienced this year leaving his former company and trying to figure out the next chapter of his career. John has spent the summer reading books and talking to friends and past Leadmore guests about change and transition.
A year ago, John recorded a podcast titled, What's John Going to do Next?, and in this episode he reflects on that podcast as well as an update on how the transition is going. He also taps into the Leadmore Podcast community to ask listeners how they tackle transition.
Josh Western is the CEO and Cofounder of Space Forge, a British company where their mission is to make space work for humanity. Space Forge is an in-space manufacturing company where they are building the world’s first returnable and relaunchable satellite platform.
In episode 98, Josh shares the story of how he went from a child growing up on Star Wars and Star Trek to Founder of a company within the space industry.
Josh leads by example by showing resilience in the face of failure and even has a “failure of the month” award with his team to show how failures make us better. Follow along with Space Forge as their first mission goes to space in September 2022 and they continue to lead change within the industry.
- Story of Space Forge (2:50)
- Creating Vision (12:15)
- Space Resurgence (18:00)
- Solving Problems (23:20)
Follow Josh on Twitter
Check out Space Forge
Leadmore Podcast host John T. Meyer often talks about leaders being called or pushed to step into new roles or start new things. In June 2021, Gabe Nelson experienced this with starting the first women’s elite soccer team in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
In episode 97, Gabe Nelson tells the story of starting Sioux Falls City FC, what they learned in their first year, and how they plan to move forward with impact on the community.
A financial entrepreneur, father, author, and community contributor, Gabe saw an opportunity to empower women through soccer, and he stepped up to the challenge of making it happen.
- Creating Sioux Falls City FC (3:30)
- The First Year (13:44)
- Lessons so Far (17:29)
- Looking Ahead (22:25)
Check out Sioux Falls City FC Here
Follow Sioux Falls City FC on Twitter
Follow Sioux Falls City FC on Instagram
Check out Gabe’s Financial Services Business Here
Leadmore host John T. Meyer has two core ideas with the Leadmore Podcast. First, the world needs more leaders. Second, leadership doesn’t have to look the way it always has. Leadership comes in many forms. In this divisive and politically charged time, we need the right leaders to step up.
In episode 96, John shares about the kind of leadership he believes we need during this time. He shares a framework for leadership including tapping into potential, using empathy, finding alignment, and the importance of mentorship. What leadership role are you being tapped to step into? Do you need to be tapping someone around you to show them their potential? Allow this episode to remind you how you can step up into leadership and help those around you step up as well.
- Tapping Leaders (4:48)
- Empathetic Leadership (7:15)
- Alignment (10:05)
- Mentorship (14:30)
Connect with John T. Meyer
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Join the Leadmore Community
Tammira Philippe is the President and CEO of Bridgeway Capital Management in Houston, Texas, where they are committed as a firm to put 50% of their earnings back into the world. Focused on creating returns for humanity, Tammira is a leader full of energy, dedication, and with a special focus on cultivating and leading a diverse team.
In episode 95, Leadmore host John Meyer talks with Tammira about giving back as a leader and an organization, leadership transitions, and personal drive and ambition. Tammira reflects on the winding path of her career and the decision to dedicate herself to one industry as a leader.
Tammira was taught early in her career how to find a place to both lead and follow, and has been putting that into practice ever since. A lifelong learner with humility, adaptability, and energy, Tammira’s spirit and heart for her work and others shines through in this episode.
- Journey to Bridgeway (10:30)
- Leading in Capital Management (17:10)
- Leadership Transition (25:25)
- What’s on the Horizon (34:10)
Check out Bridgeway Capital Management
Follow Tammira on Twitter
Read Tammira’s book recommendation, Conscious Capitalism
As State Historian and Director of the South Dakota State Historical Society, Dr. Ben Jones is a keeper of South Dakota history. Previously, he held the position of Secretary of Education and has held the title of Professor to many college students.
In episode 94, Leadmore host John Meyer sits down to discuss the importance of studying history in the present day with Dr. Jones. They dive into the stories of four South Dakota leaders who have shaped the state today. Through this episode, Dr. Jones reminds us of the importance of exploiting wisdom from the past through asking questions and reflecting on applications to the present day.
- Why Study History Today (7:50)
- Red Cloud (13:40)
- Sitting Bull (26:15)
- Joe Foss (36:50)
- Theodore Schultz (47:40)
Follow Dr. Jones on TwitterConnect with John T. MeyerFollow Leadmore on InstagramSubscribe to the Leadmore newsletterJoin the Leadmore Community
Tim Schurrer knows what it takes to build a winning team. He spent almost a decade of his career launching two brands— StoryBrand and Business Made Simple—as COO alongside New York Times bestselling author Donald Miller. He is the host of the Build a Winning Team podcast, where he offers listeners actionable advice as he interviews some of the top leaders in business.
In episode 93, Leadmore Podcast host John Meyer sits down with Tim to talk about defining success differently. In Tim’s new book, The Secret Society of Success, he shares stories from his career that have helped him discover how success is found in the process, not the result. John and Tim talk through making a leap in your career, what it means to live in the secret society of success, and how mindset and posture toward others are the true indicators of success.
- Making a Leap in Your Career (4:40)
- The Secret Society of Success (8:35)
- Stepping into the Tension (20:50)
- Get to Know Tim (33:20)
Get the first two chapters of the Secret Society of Success here
Buy The Secret Society of Success here
Follow Tim on Twitter
Check out The Power of Healthy Tensions book
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Join the Leadmore Community
Building community might be the most important skill of 2022.
In episode 92, John sits down with Ashton Hauff, Co-Founder of The Good Kids, a branding studio in Bismarck, North Dakota.
In search of community after moving back to Bismarck in 2015 after spending her college years in Minneapolis, she started Makewell. Today, Makewell is a community of 1,000+ makers around the Midwest. Their mission is to equip the makers and dreamers by sparking ideas and igniting action.
As an experienced graphic designer, community builder, and current business owner, Ashton shares about creating community, knowing when to transition and start new things, building a team, and trusting in the community you’ve built when it’s time to move on.
- Creating Community (5:33)
- Challenge of Building Community (9:16)
- Leading a Community (15:37)
- Get to Know Ashton Better (23:45)
Follow The Good Kids on Instagram
Listen to Ashton interviewing John on the Makewell podcast here
Connect with Ashton through The Good Kids website
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Join the Leadmore Community
Leadmore host John T. Meyer recently sold his design agency, Lemonly, and started a new company, No Fun Team. John shares what he’s up to with No Fun Team and the familiar challenges he’s experiencing of building a new company.
John shares vulnerably about imposter syndrome and talks through advice that’s helped him navigate through it. He explains how visualizing success, sharing your failures, choosing confidence, celebrating your wins, and playing the long game all help along the way. Tune into episode 91 to get caught up with John and hear about his new adventures.
- Starting No Fun Team (1:24)
- Challenges of Building a New Company (8:12)
- Experiencing Imposter Syndrome (11:02)
- Dealing with Imposter Syndrome (13:50)
Subscribe to the No Fun Team Newsletter
Listen to John’s audio journal for building No Fun Team, No Fun Talk
Learn about Web3 from John on Leadmore here
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Brigit Blote joins John for the second time on the Leadmore Podcast to catch up on her journey as founder and CEO of Fomeno, where their goal is to make thrifting simple. Inspired after studying sustainability in the mountains of Costa Rica, Brigit started Fomeno while balancing life as a college student and Division 1 athlete. She won an international competition in 2020 to earn $100,000 in seed funding from the Hult Prize Foundation.
In 2021, Brigit graduated college in only three years to fully focus on Fomeno. A year after her first conversation with John on the Leadmore Podcast, Brigit reflects on building a start-up company, raising capital, staying true to values and mission, and growing as an individual and as a leader.
- Catching up with Brigit (1:50)
- Fomeno’s Journey (6:05)
- Growing in Leadership (16:39)
- Finding Balance (25:13)
- Fomeno A Year From Now (32:26)
Keep up with Fomeno on Instagram
Join the Fomeno early launch list
Connect with John T. Meyer
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Join the Leadmore Community
What happens in the world when all the world’s talent is accessible to us?
John sits down for the second time on the show with his brother, Scott, who shares his love of exploration of the web3 space and is pioneering an effort to educate in the space through his company, Ed3. He is a part of a DAO, decentralized autonomous organization, where individual contributors have some ownership in decisions of the organization along with their contributions.
In episode 89, the Meyer brothers discuss how DAOs are operating, how to become part of a DAO, and the impact DAOs can have in the future.
- What is a DAO? (3:57)
- How do you get involved in a DAO? (10:55)
- Adding value in a DAO as a leader (17:20)
- Potential downsides of a DAO (28:16)
- Future of leadership in DAOs: (30:22)
- Prediction on future of DAOs: (34:01)
Explore more of what was mentioned through DAO Central, Crypto Jobs, and Shiny Object Social Club**.
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All people are creative, and our next guest believes the world calls us to express it. As the first visual artist on the Leadmore Podcast, Molly Noem Fulton helps us explore the expanse of our creativity and understand how creative work tends to the places we live–like South Dakota.
Inspired by the vastness of the plains and the goodness of its people, Molly is learning to express her creativity in a new medium. In episode 88, we learn about her venture with Jodi Shaw as Molly and John T. Meyer discuss creativity and how we can overcome doubt, find courage, and express our ideas when we’re called to it.
- Meet Molly (1:29)
- Overcoming Creative Doubt (8:37)
- Exploring Your Creativity (19:05)
- Finding a Place Well Tended (29:05)
Listen to Place Well Tended, Molly and Jodi's podcast about creativity in plains country.
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Caught on the precipice of doom scrolling, host John T. Meyer calls an emergency podcast with philosophy professor Dave O’Hara to discuss the practice of Stoicism in this week’s episode. Easily one of the most accessible philosophies, Stoicism is a working philosophy we can apply to our daily life, especially when we’re living through the chaotic events and widespread turmoil we see in our feeds today.
In episode 87, John and Dave talk about what Stoicism is, what it isn’t, and how we can apply it to help ourselves–and the world–flourish.
- The Working Philosophy (1:51)
- Applying Stoicism (16:37)
- A Student Walks In (25:49)
- What Can We Do? (29:04)
Before David Rosenthal became a full-time podcaster, he was a full-time venture capitalist. Entering Wall Street at the age of 24, David was one of the last associates hired at Madrona Venture Group before the Great Recession in 2008. Today he’s the co-host of the Acquired podcast, which tells the story of great companies such as Berkshire Hathaway and Tesla. It’s also the #1 tech podcast on Apple.
In episode 86, David and John T. Meyer dive into entrepreneurship, storytelling, and leadership while unpacking his journey from Wall Street to the podcast studio. Learn how Acquired evolved to tell the story of household names and how you can find your unfair advantage.
Running has played several roles in Benson Langat’s journey to this moment. What started as a hidden hobby in Kenya became his ticket to higher education in the United States and quickly evolved into a profession. Today, it’s a passion he shares with a growing network of followers who are inspired by his story.
In episode 85, Benson joins host John T. Meyer to share the lessons he’s learned from running, how it supports him in his work as a clinical therapist, and how he supports the country’s top runners as a coach. Tune in to hear how this transformative sport can help fuel your life and how it has saved others.
- Meet Benson (1:18)
- Walking with Runners Near and Far (12:56)
- Chasing Personal Growth (24:51)
- Rapid Fire with Benson (33:00)
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True to Leadmore’s mission, John T. Meyer brings another show producer out from behind the scenes in this week’s episode. Sharing her story for the first time on the Leadmore Podcast, Ngoc Thach brings insights from her unconventional career path while John connects the dots in her leadership journey.
In episode 84, John and Ngoc discuss her first year in business, what inspired it, and the road signs that directed her to start it in Sioux Falls. Tune in to learn why Ngoc left an executive communications role and how her business bolsters the missions of small businesses and nonprofits by leveraging the expertise of freelancers.
- Meet Ngoc (1:26)
- Building a Business as an Unlikely Entrepreneur (10:05)
- Making Mom Proud (22:30)
- Leading from Within (26:40)
- Rapid Fire with Ngoc (37:14)
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We’re starting 2022 on the right foot with Chris Ronzio, founder and CEO of Trainual. Energized by progress and driven by process, Chris discovered the need for Trainual long before it became a SaaS company. While software was key to scaling his own service, Chris has helped countless companies and contractors organize their systems and processes without it—and he’s going to help you, too.
In this toolbelt episode, Chris sits down with host John T. Meyer at Trainual HQ to discuss the concept of frameworks and the importance of playbooks. Listen in to learn how to scale systems with playbooks, when to document a process, and where else playbooks can help you improve in life.
- Meet Chris (1:36)
- Scaling through Software (10:04)
- Building the Playbook for your Business (13:20)
- The Personal Playbooks (27:20)
- Rapid Fire with Chris (31:49)
Want to dive deeper? Get The Business Playbook by Chris!
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It’s the end of the year, and Leadmore host John T. Meyer is deep in reflection mode. Greeting us from Phoenix, Arizona, John looks back on the past year of Leadmore, brings listeners to the present, and gives us an exciting look at the future of the show.
Tune into episode 82 to hear John reflect on Leadmore’s mission, the guests who help him accomplish it, and how the show will change in the coming year. You’ll also learn about the year’s top episodes and stats, why John needs more friends in Maine, and his action plan for Antarctica.
- Past (1:35)
- Present (10:48)
- Future (16:02)
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Last Friday, to celebrate John’s last day as CEO, the Lemonly team surprised him with an afternoon full of laughter, memories, and quality time together — including a surprise podcast interview that put John in front of the mic.
In this special episode, recorded live from Lemonly HQ in downtown Sioux Falls, John T. Meyer reflects back on his life and lessons from the past decade as CEO of Lemonly. It’s a heartfelt, vulnerable conversation moderated by Tess Thompson, Lemonly’s director of client services, with questions gathered from the whole Lemonly team. You’ll hear lots of laughs and a few tears from Lemonheads in the background.
- Setting the Stage (2:09)
- Looking Back on 10 Years at Lemonly (4:08)
- John’s Leadership Lessons (18:51)
- Life, Legacy, and the Future (27:55)
- Rapid-fire with John (34:02)
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Blue Dot founder and executive coach Andy Sparks caught the startup bug early. When he was 19, he attempted to start a microbrewery, which was quickly shut down because of the illegality of owning such a business before turning 21. After thousands of TechCrunch articles and a handful of startups, he’s become an expert at starting and a coach for executive leaders working on one of our most persistent problems: climate change.
Why did he choose to coach? And how did he set his sights on climate change? In episode 80, Andy joins host John T. Meyer to share his process for starting a business, narrowing his focus, and how he helps others change the world today.
- Meet Andy (1:26)
- Starting in the Climate Space (3:55)
- Coaches, Consultants, and Therapists (13:45)
- Andy’s Hope (31:20)
- Rapid Fire with Andy (35:36)
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Nick Wendell is not a great spectator. As a first-generation college graduate turned higher-ed advocate and a public servant who led his community through pandemic-time policies, Nick holds a unique perspective on the arena of choices that belongs to each individual. More importantly, he consistently puts his perspective to work for others.
Today, he’s the first Executive Director of the South Dakota Board of Technical Education, a nine-member board impacting the way we see technical education opportunities in the state.
In episode 79, Nick joins host John T. Meyer to discuss the future of education, the common ground that connects communities, and the considerations he makes when he’s faced with divergent paths.
- From Agriculture to Higher Ed (1:44)
- The Career Turn (6:57)
- Forecasting Careers of the Future (13:28)
- Nick’s Public Service (22:10)
- Investing in What’s Important (43:30)
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“You may not have a mental illness, but you do have mental health,” says Wendy Mamer. It’s one of many powerful takeaways from her TEDx Talk, Survivor of Suicide Loss: A Title I Never Wanted. As an ardent mental health advocate, she speaks to it in a way that only she can. And by creating conversations that normalize our innermost experiences, she’s paving the way for others to do the same.
In episode 78, Wendy joins host John T. Meyer to discuss her leadership journey as a mental health advocate and a bastion of inclusive conversations in her community. Tune in to hear their perspectives on the mental health ecosystem, where we go from here, and how we can better tend to our mental wellness.
- Meet Wendy (1:19)
- Speaking from Her Experience (5:30)
- The Mental Health Crisis (13:06)
- Wendy’s Hope (26:30)
- Rapid Fire with Wendy (32:41)
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Who are the leaders who inspired you? It’s the question John T. Meyer asks every Leadmore guest. While the responses are as diverse as the guests themselves, a single theme runs through: We’re thankful for them.
In this Thanksgiving Day episode, John reflects on his favorite holiday by recalling his favorite responses to this question, the impact these leaders make, and the leaders who inspired them.
- Chase McCants (3:38)
- Brigit Blote (6:06)
- Bill Anderson (7:48)
- Rahele Megosha (11:33)
- Senator John Thune (15:19)
- Tim Schut (17:00)
- Paige Pearson Meyer (21:11)
- Kim Scott (26:10)
- John T. Meyer (27:18)
- Dr. David O’Hara (28:42)
Want to hear more from these guests? Listen to all episodes of the Leadmore Podcast here.
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Nate Poeppel does a lot of things. He’s the go-to audio engineer in Sioux Falls, the producer of the Leadmore Podcast, and he’s a unique friend to many, including host John T. Meyer. He also had a lot of things including a house, a car, and a studio.
But a month ago, he decided to leave the bulk of it behind and begin a new chapter on the road. While “van life” isn’t new to us or to Nate, this episode isn’t about life hacks or efficiency either. It’s about self-awareness and letting go of what’s holding you back.
In episode 76, Nate and host John record from Nate’s empty home as he prepares to leave it. Tune in to hear the friends discuss attachment, Nate’s inspiration for the move, and how he decided to let go.
- An Empty House (1:21)
- The Execution was Easy (8:01)
- Your Attachments are in Your Way (20:59)
- Rapid-fire with Nate (24:48)
Follow Nate’s Journey on Instagram!
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In 2009, host John T. Meyer took time off from his corporate consulting job to attend SXSW. While it was the first of many non-traditional moves for John, it also changed his life.
After 12 years, he’s captured lightning in a bottle once again. And he’s not leaving anyone out. In episode 75, John takes leaders inside his head, unpacks this Twitter thread about his time at NFT.NYC, and helps us embrace the beginner’s mindset.
- In the Spirit of Leadership (1:42)
- Social Media and SXSW (3:54)
- Understanding Web3 and Value (6:51)
- Embracing the New Frontier (13:34)
Go down the RabbitHole.
Need help learning the world of Web3? DM John!
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It seems nothing can prevent Taneeza Islam from meeting her community’s needs in the moment.
In the 16 months since we first heard from the South Dakota Voices for Peace executive director and immigration attorney, her organization raised $1.2 million in five months and distributed it to 1700 immigrant-led families in South Dakota. When they recognized a lack of multilingual COVID-19 education and vaccination resources, her organization filled the gap and presented their efforts to the Federal Department of Health and Human Services and Dr. Anthony Fauci.
And that’s only some of the work that helped her realize she’s suited to meet her community’s needs from a different position.
In episode 74, Taneeza rejoins host John T. Meyer to discuss her recently announced candidacy for mayor of Sioux Falls, what’s behind it, and the possibilities it holds for the community she serves.
- Building Power with Information (1:20)
- Meeting the Need of the Moment (6:49)
- Leading Differently (12:52)
- Scaling Leadership Style (21:51)
- Taneeza’s Hope for Sioux Falls (28:32)
For more on Taneeza, check out taneezaforsf.com.
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Paige Pearson Meyer has a heart so big you can hear it in her voice. She’s also a sharp communications executive, a passionate contributor to her community, a mother to two young girls, a wife to Leadmore host John T. Meyer, and today, she’s a wealth of inspiration for his listeners.
In episode 73, we learn how she balances it all. Tune in to this special conversation to hear the pair discuss lessons from Paige’s career in communications, how they pursue their passions as parents, and why it’s important to show their girls what’s possible.
- Get to Know Paige (1:10)
- Communicating with Community (12:10)
- Paige on Parenting (20:37)
- Showing Up with Your Best (26:52)
- Rapid-fire with Paige (33:25)
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Since 2013, Tim Schut has picked a single word to serve as his annual theme. Last December, he chose the word courage. That was before he learned that Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech, a rare neurodegenerative syndrome, would rob him of his superpower: speech.
While the odds are one in a million, he hopes to find and support others with the frequently misdiagnosed condition. In this special episode, Tim joins host John T. Meyer to share his story and how he’s preparing his family and friends for the impending loss of his voice, and the eventual loss of his light.
- The Discovery (2:40)
- What Happens Next (12:11)
- Tim’s Lessons and Legacy (18:10)
- Rapid-fire with Tim (25:03)
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Hardship is a powerful teacher. It can shape the way we think, the way we lead and change the trajectory of our lives—for the better. That’s what we learn from Billie and Kelsea Sutton’s remarkable story of love, adversity, and leadership. While the pair grew up in Burke, SD, their relationship began across state lines in 2007. Only weeks into their budding romance, Billie experienced a life-altering accident that would shatter his dreams and transform their lives.
That’s only the beginning. In episode 71, the dynamic couple join host John T. Meyer to share many insights from their journey and how it has shaped the way they support each other and their growing community of Sutton Leaders.
- How it Started (2:22)
- Tragedy Strikes (6:33)
- The Nudge (15:43)
- A Massive Endeavor (23:34)
- A New Way to Serve (28:18)
- Rapid-fire with Billie & Kelsea (39:58)
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If you follow host John T. Meyer on Twitter, then you’ve noticed his dive into the world of Web3. But do you know what the terms mean or how to get started? Whether you’re crypto curious or ambivalent about the future of blockchain, John believes all leaders should learn what the emerging space holds for them and how it will impact transactions in the future.
In episode 70, Pinata founder Kyle Tut joins John to brief us on the basics of blockchain. Taking us from a macro to a micro view, this conversation defines the terminology, highlights NFT use cases, and provides practical tips for crypto newcomers.
- The Home for NFT Media (2:03)
- From Nebraska to Blockchain (4:38)
- The Terminology (12:30)
- The Near Future of NFTs (25:43)
- The Opportunity for Creators (32:43)
- Where to Start (43:08)
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Senator John Thune didn’t grow up with political aspirations, but a chance encounter opened that door over 46 years ago and ignited a storied career in public service. The Senate Minority Whip is now serving his third term in the U.S. Senate, and he’s bringing a rare collection of leadership lessons to share with Leadmore listeners. Ready to unpack them?
In this thoughtful conversation with host John T. Meyer, Senator Thune shares his perspective from the Senate as he reflects on his leadership journey and the people who impacted it.
- When the Door Opened (1:06)
- South Dakota DNA (3:44)
- The Problem of Division (8:30)
- The Keys to Leadership (17:59)
- Rapid-fire with Senator Thune (22:57)
- A Vision of Unity (34:44)
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Chief Culture Officer: The title sounds like a job exclusive to Silicon Valley startups, but it also belongs to Rana DeBoer, the first person to fill the role at the City of Sioux Falls. And while she credits former Leadmore guest, Mayor Paul TenHaken, for conceiving the new role, neither government nor culture work is new to her.
In episode 68, Rana joins host John T. Meyer to discuss the origin of her position in city government, the workforce challenges all organizations are facing, and how culture can help organizations overcome them.
- The Origin of Rana’s Role (1:24)
- The War on Talent (8:01)
- Creating Conditions for the Best (11:53)
- How to Measure Culture (19:19)
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When Adam Nathan founded Almanac, he was building tools for a remote workforce of the future. Due to the pandemic, that future came much faster than he anticipated.
As a leader in the asynchronous work movement, Adam joins host John T. Meyer to discuss the terms and tactics you need to know to lead an asynchronous work culture. Tune in to learn the benefits of asynchronous work, the difference between remote-friendly and remote-first work, and why Adam doesn’t believe in a compelling hybrid.
- What is Almanac? (1:31)
- What is Asynchronous Work? (8:42)
- Why You Can’t Compromise (15:28)
- How to Work from Anywhere, Hire Anywhere (23:41)
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What do leaders do when life gets heavy? While the pandemic has taught us how quickly life can change, it’s also shown us how mindset impacts our daily lives and the lives of others.
In this framework episode, host John T. Meyer sits down to help us reframe our mindset. If you’re in need of a powerful reset, tune in to start the shift.
- Be Where Your Feet Are (4:09)
- You Can Only Control What You Can Control (5:44)
- Iron Sharpens Iron (7:58)
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Using your voice is a prerequisite for leaders, but recognizing when other voices need to be heard is also essential for good leadership. That’s the work of Libby Skarin’s career at the American Civil Liberties Union.
As the Campaigns Director of the ACLU of ND/SD/WY, Libby brings this and other key insights from her field to this episode. Tune in as she and host John T. Meyer discuss power dynamics, why leaders need to listen first, and how to make room for new leaders. Whether you’re a CEO or a rising leader, there is plenty to learn from this advocate.
- Leadership in Advocacy (2:13)
- Using Your Voice (8:46)
- Knowing When to Raise Your Hand (11:45)
- Rapid Fire with Libby (23:11)
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In the last episode, host John T. Meyer share his framework for setting and making big goals as he prepared to make his: climb the equivalent of Mount Everest in 36 hours.
29,029 feet and 13 summits later, John shares three takeaways from the experience.
- Reframe Your Limits (1:34)
- Plug into the Power of Community (3:41)
- Be Where Your Feet Are (6:39)
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It’s days before his 36th birthday and host John T. Meyer is preparing to hike 29,029 feet, the equivalent height of Mount Everest. How did he decide to take on 13 summits over 36 hours, and how do other leaders define and climb their own Everest?
In this framework episode, John shares a four-step process for accomplishing big goals and issues a challenge to Leadmore listeners to find and climb their next summit.
- John’s Everest (0:32)
- The Framework (4:37)
- The Challenge (9:42)
Find Atomic Habits by James Clear.
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Transition is fresh on Eric McDonald’s mind. After leading the successful startup DocuTap (now Experity) through acquisition, Eric recently left the company he founded 20 years prior. What came after would allow him to fully explore the options ahead of him.
In Episode 62, Eric joins host John T. Meyer to discuss the period of transition, the criteria for finding success twice, and how Eric decided to commit to his current role as the CEO of CoinLion.
- Eric’s new niche (2:15)
- A season of transition (13:53)
- Finding success again (21:05)
- Rapid Fire with Eric (35:14)
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If you want to grow your organization, you must grow your people. As a leader, the best way to help your people grow is through high-quality, productive, 1-on-1 meetings—not only having 1-on-1s, but doing them well.
In this Frameworks episode, host John T. Meyer shares his model for effective 1-on-1 meetings, The Four Cs of a Great 1-on-1. Dig into this episode to start having better meetings that help your people and your organization grow.
Download Lemonly’s 1-on-1 meeting agenda template here: lmly.co/1on1agenda
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Amy Moore and Leadmore host John T. Meyer started Lemonly nearly 10 years ago to the day. Today, it’s home to the world’s best infographics, leads the region with company culture, and was recently acquired by Click Rain.
In episode 60, Amy and John openly discuss how they created an industry-leading design company, their dynamic as co-founders, and how Amy felt about the acquisition.
- The earliest days of Lemonly (3:50)
- Complementary co-founders (13:00)
- The time to sell (25:45)
- Rapid Fire with Amy (37:21)
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Words are powerful. Whether you use many or few, words have impact, and leaders need to master how and when to use them.
Tucker Bryant is a master of words. A marketing manager at Google by day and a poet by night, Tucker believes that poetry is the best way to connect to your emotions and describe the world around you.
Tucker is embarking on his own journey to help leaders and organizations use poetry to better connect and create meaningful experiences. Listen to this episode for Tucker's conversation with host John T. Meyer—and what's surely the coolest opening yet of any episode of the Leadmore Podcast.
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Rahele Megosha is going places. At 17 years old, she just became the national champion in the Poetry Out Loud competition. Next month, she’ll move to New York—a city she’s never been to—to attend Columbia University and study biochemistry. Rahele is also the youngest guest we’ve ever had on the Leadmore Podcast.
In this episode, she talks with host John T. Meyer about her victory at the national Poetry Out Loud competition, how her generation views leadership, and her plans to lead after college. Don’t miss this conversation with an incredible young leader!
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“What are you going to do next?”
We all face this question at every milestone in life, forcing us to think about what we want to do next, how we’ll do it, and why. For host John T. Meyer, it’s the most frequently asked question following the recent acquisition of his company, Lemonly. The answer? He doesn’t know, but he’s figuring it out—and he’ll spend the next six months documenting the process for us to learn how one leader is working through a season of change.
In this special episode of the Leadmore Podcast, John shares three frameworks that are helping him determine what he does next.
- Core values and first principles (6:09)
- The energy audit (10:20)
- Draw the picture (14:34)
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Do you see opportunities for leverage in your life? Eric Jorgenson does, and he’s teaching leaders how levers can decrease input and increase output. As the author of The Navalmanack, an Amazon #1 Best Seller, Eric’s ideas about leverage have also spawned a course and community.
In episode 56, Eric joins host John T. Meyer to discuss the origin of his new book, the profound power of leverage, and how leaders can use leverage as a lens to amplify effort.
- Catching up with Eric (03:09)
- Making of The Navalmanack (7:34)
- How leverage became Eric’s thing (17:16)
- The mountain of levers (22:10)
- The wire cutter for online courses (35:36)
- Rapid-fire with Eric (41:19)
Get Eric’s book, The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness.
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Bill Anderson has a fascinating mind and a career marked by his time as a CIA analyst, a university professor, and an entrepreneur. Today, he’s the Chief Customer Experience Officer at First National Bank, a 136-year-old organization.
In episode 55, Bill joins host John T. Meyer to discuss how curiosity has shaped his leadership journey, the tools he picked up along the way, and how entrepreneurs (as well as intrapreneurs) can recognize fear and resolve anxiety.
- How Bill got here (02:49)
- The through lines of Bill’s career (9:20)
- An anecdote about anxiety (23:10)
- Bill’s fuel light (31:36)
- Bill’s guiding lights (34:33)
- Rapid-fire with Bill (44:42)
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While the pandemic crippled many businesses in the event industry, The Event Company bucked the trend and doubled its business last year. In episode 54, founder and CEO Addie Graham-Kramer tells us how.
Listen in as host John T. Meyer and Addie take us behind the scenes to discuss how her company started, her insight into the future of events, and our burgeoning need for gathering.
- From criminal justice to event planning (02:41)
- Building business and teams (10:13)
- The future of events (13:48)
- Bucking the trend (17:30)
- Rapid-fire with Addie (26:44)
Learn more about The Event Company.
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Jim Hagen has worked with four governors to attract visitors to South Dakota, where one out of every 11 people work in the tourism industry. As the state’s Secretary of Travel and Tourism, Jim also lead a global media and marketing team through the pandemic.
In episode 53, host John T. Meyer and Jim discuss the work of travel and tourism departments, how the South Dakota department navigated uncertainty and helped the state become one of the best performing states in the country.
- Making South Dakota look good (03:05)
- Take us back 12 months (10:05)
- Push and pull (17:23)
- Jim’s outlook on travel (24:10)
- The front porch to economic development (28:14)
- Changing culture at the department (33:30)
- Jim’s top travel picks (36:50)
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The ideas behind the Leadmore Podcast took form over a year ago. As the pandemic enveloped the world, leaders, as we knew them, went missing in action while others rose to the occasion. Host John T. Meyer knew it was time to give today’s leaders a platform to encourage the leaders of tomorrow, but could he do it for an entire year?
In the final episode of Season 1, John discusses the goal and core premise of the show and tells us a series of stories that illustrate a philosophy he calls Better Every Day.
- How and why the show started (01:10)
- Every Day stories (08:05)
- A year of Leadmore (18:32)
Learn more about Robbie Crabtree’s Performative Speaking Course.
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When BuzzFeed recognized rising inequality in the wake of the pandemic, the news publisher formed a desk dedicated to the phenomenon, and senior reporter Venessa Wong reframed a decade of experience in business writing to cover its cause and the communities impacted by it.
In episode 51, Venessa and host John T. Meyer unpack the growing wealth gap, where her stories start, and her experience in covering anti-Asian racism as an Asian American journalist.
- How Venessa covers the heavy stuff (01:50)
- Anti-Asian racism (7:37)
- Where do you start a story? (17:07)
- Leaders who listen (25:52)
- How representation impacts leadership (30:03)
- Rapid fire with Venessa (38:07)
Read Venessa’s BuzzFeed stories about inequality.
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Throughout his 20 years in community building, Joe Bartmann learned he had a knack for following legendary leaders. He also recently learned that he’d lived his entire life with autism. In episode 50, Joe and host John T. Meyer discuss Joe’s leadership journey, how he embraces the gap between legendary leaders, and what he’s doing to help others understand autism.
- Joe’s first community (02:55)
- Wading into economic development (10:28)
- Embracing the leadership gap (14:40)
- Empowering rural communities (18:38)
- Accepting autism (29:41)
- A new mission (41:55)
Learn how Dakota Resources empowers rural communities.
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Listening leads the storytelling process for Jackie Hendry, host of SDPB’s news program South Dakota Focus. It’s also her superpower. In episode 49, Jackie joins John T. Meyer to discuss what it was like to cover healthcare during the pandemic, the art of storytelling with audio, and what she has learned from interviewing leaders throughout her time at SDPB.
- You wanted to be a journalist when? (04:37)
- Coverage during COVID (08:10)
- Jackie’s new focus on South Dakota (16:48)
- The power of the human voice (19:54)
- The balance of preparation (25:00)
- Listening to leaders (30:10)
- Rapid fire with Jackie (35:39)
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Rob Walling sees himself as a maker and serial entrepreneur. These days he leads with three things: Startups for the Rest of Us, a podcast about bootstrapping SaaS companies, MicroConf, the oldest and largest community for bootstrapped SaaS founders, and TinySeed, the first accelerator designed for bootstrappers.
In this episode host John T. Meyer and Rob unpack his life’s mission of supporting a movement, how to identify ethical leaders, and how to start companies with solutions rather than ideas.
- Rob right now (01:52)
- What drove you to create all this stuff? (04:51)
- Unpacking SaaS (07:49)
- Am I the flagbearer? (12:06)
- Realizing your life’s mission (16:29)
- Accepting your role as a leader (24:17)
- The spreadsheet analogy (29:57)
- Rapid fire with Rob (33:00)
GetThe Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Sht Together**: How to Run Your Business Without Letting it Run You
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Leaders can take the world by surprise. Fomeno founder and CEO Brigit Blote is certainly one of them. She’s a 21-year-old D1 athlete who plays in the symphony, and she’s building a company. In episode 47, Brigit joins host John T. Meyer to discuss her company’s origin story, how she met her co-founders, and how they beat the competition in 121 countries to earn $100,000 in seed funding from the Hult Prize Foundation.
- What is Fomeno? [01:30]
- The origin story [04:05]
- The first people Brigit called [07:57]
- The giant shark tank [09:54]
- When it becomes more than an idea [20:01]
- The rule of thirds [24:52]
- Why Fomeno exists [28:07]
- Rapid fire with Brigit [37:20]
Get in touch with the Fomeno Team
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When it comes to milestone decisions such as accepting a promotion, selling your company, and starting a new company, Aaron Weiche is an expert. He’s done it a few times over the past decade. In this episode, Aaron and host John T. Meyer distill lessons from Aaron’s ascent to leadership, his story of selling a bootstrapped SaaS startup, and his newest role as Co-founder and CEO of Leadferno.
- Aaron’s startup track record [03:34]
- How do you merge into leadership roles at new companies? [08:36]
- Are you a hand raiser? [13:03]
- How did you know it was time to jump? [20:18]
- Taking inventory when you start over [26:07]
- Transitioning when stakes are high at home [30:50]
- Rapid-fire recommendations from Aaron [36:10]
Take a deep dive to learn from Aaron’s experience in selling a bootstrapped SaaS company.
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How do we make a successful transition in leadership? In this episode, David Whitesock, founder of Commonly Well, and host John T. Meyer look to the nation’s transitions of power and apply historical context to the transitions we make in our careers.
- The origin of the idea of a peaceful transition of power [03:34]
- How much of this is timing? [14:18]
- Good leaders look beyond the target [18:39]
- You have to step way out of yourself to determine who’s next [21:22]
- Messy transitions are a choice [25:28]
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Leaders may be familiar with the terms diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as they dominated corporate talking points and headlines following the events of 2020. But where does the rubber meet the road and how do we push the needle in DEI efforts?
As the Director of Employee Development and Engagement at Olive, Chase McCants says it begins with acceptance. He'd be the first to tell you he's not your typical HR guy and the ability to be who he is at work is what attracted him to the startup environment. He also believes that startups are more apt to measure employee value by the quality of work they produce and they simply don't have the time (or desire) to regulate how their employees look.
In this episode, Chase will share how that levels the playing field and encourages employees to lead from where they are. John and Chase also talk about starting a new job in a pandemic, how to engage employees in a remote work environment, and how Chase's career has informed his outlook as a leader.
Leaders often give everything they have to their team and their cause. But who takes care of the leaders? That’s exactly what the Reverend Jen Bailey and her team at Faith Matters Network are working to do. Jen is an accomplished leader with a lot of wisdom to offer.
In this episode, Jen shares her insights about what leaders need most, what faith looks like after the pandemic, and reflections nearly a year after George Floyd’s murder.
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Wes Eisenhauer loves to create. He's a photographer, musician, chef, and entrepreneur—a true modern-day creator. While Wes makes his living creating things, that's not why he does it. He creates out of a need to explore and a passion for making things. His work has been featured in National Geographic, on the front page of Reddit, and with NASA.
In this episode, John talks with Wes about how Wes chooses the projects he wants to pursue, what inspires him creatively, and why he often works with the same people again and again. Plus, Wes talks about his latest project: turning one of his photos into an NFT (and what the hell that means).
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In sickness and in health, through good times and bad… We make these vows on our wedding day, but you can never really know how extreme the good and bad might be. Chris Maxwell and Molly Weisgram have been together through truly tough challenges during Chris’s battle with Guillain–Barré syndrome. At its worst, Chris was paralyzed to the point that he couldn’t blink. What impact does this have on a family or a marriage? How do tough challenges shape our lives and relationships?
In this episode, John talks with both Chris and Molly—both patient and caregiver, husband and wife—about their emotional story, how the journey brought them closer together as a family, and how the experience impacts the way they lead today.
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What’s going on inside the brain of a leader? What makes leaders want to lead? Dr. Sarah Bridges is searching for those answers. Sarah is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, former Fortune 500 executive, and mother of four.
In this episode, John and Sarah discuss the neuropsychology of leadership, whether leaders are born or made, and the importance of adopting a growth mindset.
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Natalie Eisenberg never planned to become CEO of Click Rain, but she remembers the exact moment she realized it would become part of her leadership journey. After three years of leading the 40-person digital marketing agency, she now faces a new challenge: integrating the team at Lemonly (that’s us!), which Click Rain recently acquired.
In this episode, John and Natalie unpack the entire acquisition deal, including how it came to be, the process and timeline to get it done, and the emotions behind both buying and selling a company.
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The world’s top athletes optimize every area of their life—diet, exercise, recovery, and even sleep—so why shouldn’t leaders? In this episode, John talks with Nick Seguin from Rise Science, a company using the science of sleep to help high-performing professionals, salespeople, leaders, and people of all kinds unlock their full potential.
Nick explains the power of sleep, factors that make the different between a good and bad night’s sleep, and how leaders can optimize their schedule around sleep patterns. Great leaders should be great sleepers. Listen for science-backed advice to unlock a better night’s sleep.
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Alex Guggenberger keeps a note in his wallet as a daily reminder of his next big goal. That drive and focus helped him start a company from his college dorm room. Now a few years into his career, Alex has realized he can learn more inside a company than by building his own from scratch. He made the transition from founder to employee and has relished every moment of it. Young leaders looking to discover their career path will find inspiration from Alex. His journey proves you don’t have to be the CEO or have 15 years of experience to lead. Leaders come in all varieties and exist at every level of an organization. In this episode, Alex explains his path to leadership and teaches us how to optimize for growth and learning.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for change in nearly every industry, and higher education is no exception. In this episode recorded live on Clubhouse, John sits down with his brother and original “bro-founder,” Scott Meyer, who co-founded their first company in 2009. Scott is the executive director of North Dakota State University’s NICE Center for entrepreneurship. The Meyer brothers talk about the value of an entrepreneurial mindset, how to teach students to adopt this mindset, and what higher education will look like post-pandemic—what Scott calls the “unbundling of education.”
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Many of our most treasured memories are made around the dinner table. From the highs of a birthday party to the lows of a funeral, food builds community. Mike Haskett sought to create that type of community when he opened his restaurant, M.B. Haskett’s Delicatessen. He’s passionate about food and its role in our society. In this episode, Mike shares the impact food has had on his own life, the changes we need to make to the food supply chain in the U.S., and the challenges of owning a restaurant during a pandemic.
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We’re nearly a month into 2021, and it’s clear the craziness of 2020 isn’t going anywhere soon. During times of uncertainty, we need bold leaders to rise to the occasion—to be strong beacons of hope, resilience, and resolve to accomplish great things in the face of great challenges. In this solo episode, John breaks down the four most important traits every leader needs in 2021.
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Ben Hanten has never been concerned with being comfortable. He dropped out of college and walked away from a top academic scholarship. At 19, he started a free newspaper in a state he’d never lived in. At 23, he opened a beer- and wine-only bar. Today, Ben has even bigger ambitions for both his business and his town, Yankton, South Dakota. Ben has been focused on building community in all his projects, and now he does that by brewing beer. In this episode, Ben and John talk about going against the grain, what his favorite beer is that they make, and his hope for Yankton in the year 2037.
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Heather Zweifel loves doing hard work. While in college, she worked full-time to help pay her bills, which led to a leadership role where she was in charge of an underperforming team with low expectations. Her career has brought her through the tech and finance industries, and she now works as a consultant helping to maximize your team’s potential. In this episode, we discuss how leaders can motivate and inspire their teams and how to lead specifically in a remote environment.
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Jennifer Jacobs will always tell it to you straight. As a college volleyball coach, she’s created a culture of open communication and transparency with her team that has translated to success on and off the court. In this episode, Coach Jacobs shares what it’s like to lead a team through a pandemic, her thoughts on children specializing in one sport, and how the Black Lives Matter movement inspired her to better her community.
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What have we learned from 2020? How will we use this knowledge to become better leaders in 2021 and beyond? In the last episode of 2020, we ask several past guests of the Leadmore Podcast one question: What is your hope for leaders in 2021? Hear replies from several great leaders as well John’s hopes for the year ahead. We'll toast goodbye to 2020 and look forward to inspiring leaders in 2021.
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The idea of home was always evolving for Benya Kraus. She grew up in Bangkok and rural Minnesota, and after attending school on the east coast, realized the big city wasn’t where she belonged. Benya knew there was work to be done back in rural Minnesota, and today, she is a co-founder of Lead for America, a nonprofit working to inspire dynamic, diverse leaders to return home and tackle small communities’ toughest challenges. In this episode, Benya shares the origin story of Lead for America and her hope for the next generation of leaders.
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Dr. Ben Meyerink started his career as a physician in the middle of a global pandemic. After completing his residency at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, Ben moved home to South Dakota to work as a family physician at Avera Health. Dr. Ben cares deeply about his patients and the role of doctors in their communities. In this episode, Ben describes what a day looks like at a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, why he decided to become a physician, and what the future of healthcare looks like beyond 2020.
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Sarah Carnes moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to become a partner in a digital marketing startup. A few years later, the two co-founders were gone, and she became CEO, leading a team of 14 employees. In this episode, Sarah discusses how to keep the best parts of an organization alive while making your own mark, the importance of setting expectations with your team and clients, and how growing up on a farm had a positive impact on her.
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There are many ways to build a business, and Matt Paulson has always done it his own way. Marketbeat began as an email newsletter while Matt was in college and today is a $10 million financial news media company with only nine employees. Matt learned in college what kind of job he wanted—and which kind he didn’t—so he started a small business in his dorm room. Now, he has his sights set on becoming the next Yahoo! Finance. Matt is involved in the Sioux Falls community with startups, politics, and non-profits, and in this episode, we dive into what drives him and what’s next in his leadership journey.
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In the first solo episode of Leadmore, host John T. Meyer describes the 5 senses of leadership. He shares a personal story for each sense (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) as they relate to the leadership journey. Throughout this episode, John reflects on insights shared in the first 24 episodes of the Leadmore podcast. This is a special gratitude edition of the Leadmore Podcast— we hope you enjoy!
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Jen Ford Reedy described herself as a “do-gooder” from early childhood, but she never knew where to focus her desire to help. Today she spends her time thinking about how to merge the worlds of philanthropy, business, and government as president of the Bush Foundation. In this episode, Jen shares the origin story of the Bush Foundation, her take on whether foundations should be ongoing or terminal, and how theirs is supporting today’s leaders.
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Brandon Zhang will never stop learning. In just the past six months, he’s launched a podcast, grown his Twitter following to nearly 10K, and landed a high-profile apprenticeship—all during his first semester at Columbia. Brandon is just 19, but he has plenty of lessons to share with leaders young and old. In this episode, we discuss what it means to have a student mindset, what it’s like going to college remotely during a global pandemic, and how Brandon uses mental models in his everyday life.
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Kendra Gottsleben is one of the most positive people you’ll ever meet. Kendra was born with a disability and has faced several obstacles and doubters in her life, but she wakes up every day with a smile on her face and a desire to help others. She’s an author of three books and a strong advocate for others with disabilities. In this episode, hear Kendra’s story and learn how she turns every one of life’s lemons immediately into lemonade.
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Erin Healy and Kelly Sullivan are something rare in the world of South Dakota state politics—young, Democratic women. While one always saw herself running for public office someday, the other never would have imagined it. Both are leaders for their communities and for the state in Pierre. In this episode, we discuss what it’s like running for office in 2020, how to collaborate with leaders you may disagree with, and what Erin and Kelly hope for the future of South Dakota.
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Liz Giorgi grew up wanting to be the next Barbara Walters. She ended up as a software CEO. Liz remembers being exposed to entrepreneurship from her grandfather, who ran a canoe outfitter in northern Minnesota, but never saw herself doing it. Today, Liz is the CEO of Soona, a fast casual content studio making waves in the photography and videography space. In this episode, Liz shares how they rebuilt Soona almost overnight during the pandemic, how business can be used for good, and how to know if what you’re chasing is just an interest or a true passion.
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Every speech, every all-hands meeting, and every 1-on-1 is an opportunity for a leader to influence their audience, be it internal or external. After trying more than 100 court cases, Robbie Crabtree knows a thing or two about influencing an audience. In this episode, Robbie explains how leaders can make an impact through what he calls “performative speaking.” He also shares his all-time favorite speaker and the one speaking tip everyone should know.
Most people put limits on what they believe is possible. Brett Hagler wants to challenge that thinking. He’s learned the best way to live is to do things that are rare. Most people aren’t willing to be bold, and boldness is free. In this episode, we learn how Brett and his team at New Story are boldly tackling one of the world’s biggest problems: housing. Brett explains New Story’s values and mission, how non-profits can innovate in today’s world, and the one thing all leaders need to embrace.
Many people have an idea to start a business, but very few actually do it. After years of balancing her day job and her side hustle, Maddie Peschong finally decided to take the leap, and it has changed her life. Maddie runs a photography studio, podcast, coaching program, and online courses; she’s also a wife and a mother of three. In this episode, we discuss when she knew it was time to take that leap, how to be your authentic self online, and her mission to inspire other women to become entrepreneurs.
Laurel Farrer was working remotely before it was cool. With over a decade of experience helping organizations transition to remote work, Laurel and her team at Distribute Consulting are ready to lead the world into the future of work. In March, her business leads grew by more than 6,000%, and today she helps companies like Microsoft, Slack, and Zoom do remote work better. In this episode, you’ll hear about how leaders need to lead their remote teams, what the future of remote work looks like, and Laurel’s favorite tools for getting your team on the same page.
Sustaining good leadership over the long term means passing the baton to the next generation when the time comes. Helping organizations navigate this challenge is Brent Beshore’s specialty. Brent and his team at Permanent Equity are helping great, multi-generation companies pass that baton to create decades-long business success. In this episode, Brent shares his advice on how to spot upcoming leaders and position yourself for a leadership position in your company.
Paul TenHaken never thought he would become an entrepreneur, but he became the founder and CEO of Click Rain, a 35-person digital marketing agency. He also doesn’t consider himself a politician, but he became the mayor of South Dakota’s largest city. In this episode, we discuss Paul’s leadership journey, the importance of leading with empathy, and the challenges of being mayor during one of the most difficult years of our lifetimes.
Leadership requires dedication. John Stiegelmeier has been the head football coach at South Dakota State University for 24 seasons—that’s dedication. For Coach Stig (or “Holy Nutmeg” as he’s known on Twitter) it’s always been about more than football. In this episode, we dive into Coach Stig’s culture of leadership at SDSU, what he said to his players when the fall season was cancelled due to COVID-19, and how we can turn the negativity around us into a positive opportunity.
Some leaders follow a straight and narrow path while others journey along a winding road. David Whitesock’s leadership journey is full of twists and turns. A recovering addict who now devotes his time and energy to helping those experiencing addiction, David was once a radio DJ and an early podcast entrepreneur. He also wrote his master’s thesis on Thomas Jefferson and was a Bush Fellow. In this episode, David discusses how leaders can spot those experiencing addiction, how to help them, and what Thomas Jefferson would say about 2020 if he were alive.
Leadership begins earlier than many of us realize. In this episode of the Leadmore Podcast, Charlotte Snyder, Head of School at the Baan Dek Montessori, explores how children lead and how parents can encourage leadership in their children. She explains the core philosophy of Montessori education and how their school has had to adapt amidst a global pandemic. Don’t miss Charlotte’s advice for how adults can apply a little Montessori philosophy to upgrade their everyday life.
To learn about the future, we must study the past. Dr. David O’Hara is a professor of philosophy and religion at Augustana University and one of the brightest minds you’ll meet. Dr. O’Hara believes in the power of classic languages, ancient philosophy, a good cup of tea, and the little things in life. In this episode, Dr. O’Hara connects the dots to show you unexpected connections and help you learn something you didn’t know before. Listen to our conversation to hear about why teachers are some of the most underrated—yet profoundly impactful—leaders in our lives.
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Connect with John T. Meyer: https://jtm.carrd.co
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin has always been ambitious. In high school, she was voted Girls State Governor. In her twenties, she earned undergraduate, graduate, and law degrees from Georgetown University. At 33, Stephanie went on to become the first woman from South Dakota elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She is now the president of Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD.
Stephanie shares openly that she did not achieve these milestones alone. In this episode, she shares how her relationships have shaped her life and recalls critical moments when people have supported and challenged her. Stephanie is a great storyteller with an incredible memory. Listen along as she shares her leadership journey.
Rick Melmer has played nearly every role in the classroom you can imagine—teacher, principal, superintendent, and even state education secretary. Along the way, he learned what makes leaders tick and how each person can leverage their unique style and personality to become a powerful leader. Now, as founder of Leadership South Dakota, Rick shares his vision of transforming his home state by helping 400+ leaders grow and develop.
Bestselling author Kim Scott has seen firsthand the power of radical candor. From managing diamond cutters in Russia to interviewing for a job with Apple CEO Tim Cook, she’s learned that people want to do meaningful work with people who care about them. In this episode, Kim explains how leaders can lead with radical candor, create a more equitable workplace, and spot the superstars in their organization. Don’t miss this great conversation with one of the premier thinkers on the people who make business work.
Dr. Lon Kightlinger has found his vocation in public health. Former state epidemiologist for South Dakota and Peace Corps alumnus, Lon is a man whose adventures have taken him to all corners of the earth and back to the prairies of the Midwest. In this episode, Dr. Kightlinger talks about how leaders can step up during the pandemic and how you can marry your career with your passion.
Ashley Ballou-Bonnema’s path toward leadership is unique. Born with cystic fibrosis, Ashley earned her master’s degree in vocal performance despite living with a chronic lung disease. In episode five, hear how Ashley transformed her blog about living with CF into a non-profit, Breathe Bravely, that gives a voice to those across the world with CF. Ashley shares how she overcomes challenges and how she leads with an individualized approach to bring out each person’s unique talents.
Every leader is confronted with a moment when they are asked to rise up and lead. In episode four, John T. Meyer asks Taneeza Islam about how she knew this was her moment and what she did to prepare. Taneeza also details the critical needs of our immigrant community today and how leaders can effectively pass the baton to the next generation of leaders. Taneeza is a fierce and dedicated leader who will inspire and motivate you to create positive change.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Ben Milne is an insanely curious person who loves to solve problems. In episode three, John T. Meyer calls Ben Milne to discuss the origin of his fintech startup, Dwolla, how he decided to reinvent the business, and when he knew it was time to replace himself as CEO of his own company. Ben is a person who cares deeply and that is very clear when you listen to this episode.
In episode two, John T. Meyer sits down with entrepreneur, musician, author, and activist, Vaney Hariri. He explains why leaders need to step up and speak out, and reflects on his experience as a black man living in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Vaney will inspire you to take action and create change in your business or personal life today.
In the first episode of the Leadmore podcast, John T. Meyer calls up former South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard to discuss leading during a time of crisis. He details how he identifies rising leaders and why he spent hard-earned political capital on key issues. You won't want to miss this episode with the man who left office as the most popular governor in South Dakota history.