The A to Z Leading Life Podcast: Recent Episodes

Andrew Zook

Are you leading your life? This podcast is all about how we can lead our lives to be happier, healthier and maximize our true potential. Are you leading at work or are you just going through the motions of expectation? I want to bring out the natural leader inside of you and take what you do to the next level. What if your not in a leadership position? We can all raise the bar together and motivate those around us. There's a wave of leaders on the horizon that are Authentic, Realistic, Innovative, Inclusive, and Empowering...and those leaders are us!

Life is a perpetual motion of stepping up and that’s wherecoaching comes in!

So I think this episode will be beneficial to anyone whowants to improve employee development, their teams performance and follow through on expectations.

I think it can be applied to many things so this is foryou teachers out there, this is for your sports team, this is for your office, this is for whoever is under your leadership but also for somebody that is being coached. I want you to know what you should expect from a manager/leaderworking with you!

Lets get better togeher!

So I've had a couple discussions lately where I wonderexactly when do we let go of a challenge or an emotional situation that we went through and we begin to move forward?

When do you let go of a bad memory and start lookingforward to creating new good ones?

Let's talk about how to navigate through this together!

How does one develop a winning mindset?

So we know how we need to wire our brain around thinking that way, but what are the next actionable steps to take.

So I put it into 7 key components that I think we can all do.

Start with a vision.
Set goals.
Maintain confidence.
Stay disciplined.
Upskill regularly.
Build your network
Never play victim.

Lets dig in!

Hi Everyone...I wanted to do an episode around what is a winning mindset and how do we develop one? I figured that it would not be enough in one single episode so I made it a two-part type of thing. With the first part reallyculling information from experts and psychologists. And the second part really being information and the strategy that I have put together.

Before I started this episode, I wanted to answer 3questions…

1) What traits do winners have in common?

2) What is the Psychology behind the winning mindset?

3) How does someone develop that winning mindset?

Let's jump in and tackle this together!

Are we making work harder than it has to be?

Let's stop spinning our wheels.

Let's talk about a few things here that will help!

5 simple reminder to help you be a better co-worker...

1. Always be encouraging.

2. Check-in with your co-workers.

3. Be a partner, be helpful.

4. Make work fun.

5. Celebrate their success.

Life gets complicated. It can be a lot to navigate through. Sometimes you have to zoom out a little and refocus on what matters most. I think this episode will help cut through the complexities and get back to our core values.

So much of my leadership comes from my Mother. She instilled so many values in me that helped prepare me for life. Here are a few the guided me the most:

Be a gentleman.
Choose Kindness
Show up.
Be the best partner you can be.
Stick to your values.

Thanks for listening!

A couple simple lessons from my father that impacted my life....

Accept both life is not fair, but more fair than for many others.
Prioritize what’s truly important.
Put the hard work in. Do it 100% right the first time. Don’t half way any project.
Always show respect.
Always tell the truth.

Lets talk about it here....

How can we create better places for our people to work in?

I call these the 7 “P’s” of creating a great place for people to work.1. Provide a clear explanation of goals, values andaccountability for performance.2. Provide a completely objective space for themto perform their best in.3. Provide resources for them team to learn and excel.4. Provide diversity, equity and inclusion. 5. Provide freedom to do there work.6. Provide mentorship in work and in life7. Provide an environment that makes them feelvalued and appreciated.

Lets talk about it some more here...

Stop complaining. Be apromoter of ppl. Be a promoter of ideas. Be a promoter of solutions. Action iseverything,2. Stop Stopping and keep building the next bestthing! Then the next.3.Lose the ego and demonstrate humility bypracticing self-awareness.

Hi Everybody....

Let's not be afraid to do more acts of kindness, acts of love, acts of support....

We need more of this in the world.

So I’m asking you…will you take the leap?

Will you take the chance to better embrace the humanity around you?

I just refuse to believe you can ever be wrong in showing the world more love.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step….

Lets get started!

Hi I hope this episode has impact in one oftwo ways:

One is if you report to a manager or leader then I want you to consider are they leading you effectively. Meaning, what are you getting from them? Are they interested in your development? Are they interested in thework you do?

For those in a leadership position then I want you to think about what I am saying and reflect on this...Are you taking the steps to effectively lead your people? Are you challenging everyone to win? If they’re falling behind, then what will you do to he them back on course?

Join me and let's talk about it here!

We are the products of the life we design for ourselves and with that said Let’s talk about Courage.

Just one act of courage can change the trajectory of your life and of those around you.

So a couple things that I’ve learned along the way regarding finances.

I’m not a millionaire and I’m not necessarily great with money. BUT I’m not bad either…solike the title of this episode says... get better with money right now.

So if youcould be better with money, this is for you. I think we all have opportunities to get better.

Some of this very, very is basic, but basic is sometimes all you need.

So broke this down in 3 easy steps…Mindset, Discipline and Being Future Minded.

Lets talk about it!

If you are a leader who changes his or her approach to fit in with the boss above them then please stop calling yourself a leader.

You’re not a leader, you’re a chameleon. You’re a follower just trying to appeasewho’s above you.

Leadership is influence.

And influence is the currency of true leadership.

The world is already full of average.Remember this… If you practice normal, you're gonna play normal.

BUT if you practice harder and at a higher level ofexcellence then you will execute that on the field.

Like Will Smith has said, “I've always consideredmyself to be just average talent and what I have is a ridiculous insane obsessiveness for practice and preparation.”

We are all cut out for so much more.

Don’t make these 3 career mistakes, do this instead!

Let's talk about common mistakes others make out there and how to avoid them!

In this episode I want to talk about keeping it real. In a past episode, I spoke briefly about how people talk about keeping it real but truly don’t vs. those who promote their business withoptimism and positivity.

You know the deeper I dive into the components of being an effective leader the more I realize I don’t know. It’s a big journey for many of us. I learn new things every day.

I think I talk quite a lot about promoting our business, sports teams, department, project etc,…with optimismand positivity.

I promise to always keep it real with you. And I’m going to give you 5 bullets points at the end to be mindful of.

Let's dive in!

"Be Something Unexpected."

I was reflecting today when I first got into the real job market around 1989 in the Washington DC area. And every job I showed up to interview for there was another thousand of “me” waiting in line. What I mean by that is that I felt like I was just another one of the same. How would I stand out?

Let's talk about it!

My advice to you is Look out for others. Be the mentor, Be the coach, Be the voice. That will separate you immediately.Remember this…Generals don’t win the war…the frontlines do.So are we giving the front lines everything they need to besuccessful?1. What is their vision for themselves? The firstthing we need to understand us where do they want to go?2. Really gauge what is their desire to learn andhow will they learn?3. We need to timely accesseveryone’s skill level.4. Begin to build a career path and put togetheran action plan. 5.Use all available tools to contribute to theirlearning.

So, I firmly believe how we engage with people and treat each other is everything.

I think we can all agree on that. If you’re not sure…Let’s talk about it.

Here's what happened to me....

If you truly want to be successful, then you have to get of the mindset of being just a solid contributor. Just showing up and doing what is required or a little more than required is not enough. Your mindset has to be in a constant state of innovation. Building and strengthening your brand and the people working for it every day.

I don’t know about you but I cant just go to work and do the expected.

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I can’t think of anything more important than building partnerships as you move through your career.

I think this is crucial and I see a lot of people make mistake around this in today’s market. Never think you’re too good for anything or making a connection with someone because you could miss out on some of the greatest opportunities and greatest people.

If I had thought I was too good make a connection a few ago I would’ve never got the phone call that eventually led me to some of my best work.

Seize upon opportunities. Making connection and networking is key. Build partnerships everywhere you can.

Your network is your net worth, so join me and lets talk about it!

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1. Define exactly what it you want.

You want to get promoted at work.

Why do want to get promoted? Define the why behind it. What will this mean for your life? Ok what position are desiring, are you qualified for it? If you aren’t what do you need to complete first? What skills do you need?

2. What will you sacrifice to get there? What is the discipline you will build behind that?

I need to devote 3 hours a week to gaining this skill set. Lets you say to you need to get better at PowerPoint and giving presentations. I will give up part of my mornings or evenings, to take a workshop or training on PowerPoints and public speaking. Who is a mentor that you can connect with that’s really good at PowerPoints?

3. What will you gain?

You be better at public speaking and creating PowerPoints. Getting promoted will open up a wider career path and pay you more money. More money more access to your dreams.

4. What derails you to getting to this goal?

Maybe it’s Netflix, friends wanting to go out after work, etc…figure out where you can to just focus for an hour a little after work each day to get better.

5. How can you avoid these triggers?

Keep your eyes on the future you’ve imagined for yourself. Think about your goal every day. Track your progress. Your difficult to reach future goal has to be more compelling that your easy present.

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This is Part 2 of a 7 Part Series of the most important Mindset Habits and tips to help you grow on your career.

The three A’s: Attitude, Authenticity and Accountability!

Attitude:

With a great attitude you hold in your hands the keys to the kingdom of success.

Your attitude will be the key to unlock the doors to your best possible life!

Authenticity:

“true to one's own personality, spirit, or character”

Be who you are. That’s it.

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else”.

Accountability:

I want you to be 100% accountable for your what you do and who are you.

No excuses.

Accountability simply means you do what you said you were going to do.

Don’t tell ppl your busy or there’s not enough time.

“Creating a culture of integrity and accountability not only improves effectiveness, it also generates a respectful, enjoyable and life-giving setting in which to work.”

— Tom Hanson

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One thing I like to say is in order to live the very best life possible you have to put your energies into the things that give you the greatest reward.

You just have to decide on what that reward is and it’s different to everyone.

Oprah Winfrey said in 1986…”I know that I am where I am now is because I always believed I could get here.”

1) Everything Starts with a Vision and Setting Goals.

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5 Tips for Better Health!

1. Try to get at least 30 minutes or more of exercise a day.

2. Reduce your alcohol intake.

3. Cut out the sugar.

4. Stay away from overly processed foods.

5. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep.

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Mr. Herman Cain, CEO of Self:

"Success was not a function of what you start out with materially, but what you start out with spiritually."

What I learned and put into practice from Herman Cain:

1. CEO of Self – You are in charge of your life…nobody else. It’s up to you and only you.

2. Stay humble and always be open to learning.

3. Be fierce and bold in your leadership, you’re in charge.

4. Lastly, you succeed through “Sweat Equity” …you got to work for it.

“The tragedy of life does not lie in reaching your goals, the tragedy is not having any goals to reach for.”

How can you be a better "CEO of Self?"

What goals are making for yourself right now?

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1. The Diary of Anne Frank.

2. To kill a mockingbird - Harper Lee

3. The Leadership Challenge. - Kouzes and Posner

4. Rich dad, poor dad. - Robert Kiyosaki

5. Profiles in Courage by John F Kennedy.

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1. Talk possibilities and stop discussing limitations.

2. Starve the drama.

3. Stay calm, collected, and poised. Exude confidence.

4. Speak up to people.

5. Run to problems and SOLVE.

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Be easy to work for. It doesn’t mean you don’t challenge people and it doesn’t mean that you don’t set aggressive goals and it doesn’t mean you let people walk on you but it just means that you keep the main thing the main thing. Keep the game that we play the game we play.

Have you ever met somebody that creates problems to make it look like they’re solving them when there was never a problem to begin with? We’ve all run into this person.

Being easy to work for means that you eradicate complexity. It’s like when I talk to you guys about my leadership motto which is take care of your people, take care of the customer and crush your goals!

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Don’t let anything or anyone RUIN your day.

so we all know there’s 24 hours in a day right? Well if there’s also 1440 minutes in a day. There is also 86,400 seconds in a day.

We can all agree that time is precious right?

I want you to carry yourself with the confidence that your day is going to be great. Believe in yourself, believe in your skills and believing the good intentions that you have for all the people around you today. I think the key thing is to not take anything personally and even if you feel like it’s a personal attack laugh it off because you can’t let those bullets penetrate you.

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Every day before I go to work as a manager and a leader I remember this… Our people have hopes, dreams and aspirations.

I watch a lot of managers out there forget this and it really drives me crazy. The job is not about you, the job is about the people that work with you. You already clearly have a career so what are you doing to enhance their career? Work can’t just be this I’m going to milk every dollar out of you on our sales floor and then you can go home to wake to the next day and do it all over again.

Work should be a vehicle for them to start to build the best life possible. Work should be the jump off point to this amazing life ahead of them.

Our job is to open doors not close them.

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𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀?....𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆. Let's talk about it.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻'𝘀 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲.

Happiness is a journey, and everyone’s path is different. Enjoy each step along the way.

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”
― Roy T. Bennett

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𝙏𝙖𝙥 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚. 𝙒𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝘼𝙇𝙇 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙧𝙚.

𝙏𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨.

𝙄𝙛 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙨.

“𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙮. 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙮 𝙣𝙤𝙩. ”

― 𝙋𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙤 𝙋𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙤

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You are Not Alone! Think about these simple things along the journey ahead.... We start with gratitude for who loved us into our existence. That we are given this amazing life to live and live it all we can. The world is a beautiful place! We have a foundation of confidence because we know we are loved…even if sometimes it doesn’t feel like it. We find the good in ourselves and we love ourselves first. My wife always says, have a love affair with yourself first. Love yourself there’s nothing wrong with that. We find others along the journey that we see amazing and beautiful things in. We aspire to be those things and incorporate that into your lives. We build our strength through a community of relationships and bridge humanity. We have a purpose to our lives. We may not know exactly what it is but are always striving to find it.

I read a joke one morning that changed how I looked at my work/life balance forever.

Are you living life on your terms or on somebody else's?

What are you putting your energies into?

What's truly important in your life?

We all have to make sacrifice somewhere, somehow, but how far are you willing to go?

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Episode 7) Do You Want To Prolong Your Life?

Based on a recent Harvard Study, here are the basics:

1. Get 6-7 Hours of sleep. (Early to bed, early to rise.)

2. Eat Healthier. (Greens, Greens, Greens.)

3. Exercise up to at least 30 minutes a day. (Keep the ticker ticking.)

4. Maintain a Healthy Diet. (Weight yourself weekly.)

5. Reduce Alcohol intake. (5:00 means live in the moment.)

Check out Dan Buettner's Blue Zones.

https://www.bluezones.com/

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How do you choose to show up?

1) Morning Routine.

2) Your attitude is your Energy.

3) How do you look and sound?

4) Station THEN Destination.

5) Managing Stress.

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Retail Business: 6 simple rules to follow to crush your sales goals!

Know exactly what it takes financially. (Avg$ sale X Conversion.)
Remove Obstacles. ((Run to Problems)
Define what's in it for them. (WIIFM)
Coach, Track, Practice (you know the way to Carnegie Hall right?"
Set Stretch Goals. (Don't reside in mediocre.)
Celebrate! ("We're gonna have a good time tonight, we'll celebrate, it's alright.")

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Your always leading from the front and modelling the way but....

How would we sometimes Lead From The Back?

1) Provide Free space. 2) Empower them to Experiment 3) Nurture 4) Be in the Struggle. 5) Identify Victories.

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In this episode we are gonna talk about a couple quick concepts to help your team enhance their customers experience.

How do we as leaders get them there? It all starts we these key principles: Presentation - Performance - Reliance

Let's dig in!

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We have to a better job of on-boarding new hires to our teams!

Here are some tips to get there.

1) Explain what we do and why we do it.

2) Explain the Value

3) On-boarding has to be Organized and Timely.

4) Illuminate The Path Ahead

5) Provide Progress check, Feedback, and Coaching.

Get your People to Love Their Jobs!

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No matter what business, sports team, or anywhere you manage people , they have to come first.

10 Simple things to keep in mind as we lead our teams:

1) Remove Hierarchy. 2) Get to Know them. 3) Put them First. 4) Seek Feedback Constantly. 5) They Eat First. 6) Develop Their Career

7) Let them Take Ownership. 8)Stand by Them 9)Be Clear on Expectations 10) Create The Magic.

"A Leader never has to recover from a good start."- John Maxwell

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