Champions of Risk: Recent Episodes
Michael Kithcart
Champions of Risk is a podcast hosted by leadership coach Michael W Kithcart. The podcast is a series of conversations that explore the many aspects of risk that occur in our lives, both self-created and situational.Champions of RISK is about understanding risk’s role in living up to our fullest potential. In order to accomplish any big thing in life – starting a business, growing that business, switching careers, entering a partnership personally or professionally, leaving one life behind for another adventure – it all requires taking action in spite of uncertainty. That’s the definition of risk. By understanding what role risk plays in our lives, we can face uncertainty with more resilience, confidence, and humor together.
Whether or not you want to admit it, you're in sales. It's not just a profession or title description. Anyone who introduces themselves, interacts with others, persuades and influences...is in sales. There is a lot of resistance and declaration of not wanting to "sound salesy" and it's high time you got over it because it often stands in the way of getting outcomes you say you want. Charlene DeCesare is here to help. Charlene is a Senior Consultant and Lead Facilitator for the research-based sales training company, The RAIN Group, and iauthor of "The Email Cemetery: Where Bad Sales Emails Go to Die & How to Resuscitate Yours." Learn practical steps to improving communication and buy-in. This episode has at least one new takeaway for everyone regardless of how long you've been in sales or avoiding saying you sell.
Notes:
Charlene Ignites
Wynning Your Way for Senior Leaders
This is an encore episode from last season, reissued because it's been a recurring theme in leadership conversations lately. I love to challenge myself and others to examine where we are playing small in life so we can breakthrough, set the bar a little higher and truly go after what we want in life. Acknowledging there is an opportunity to step up is the first step. I break down how I caught myself playing small in an arena where I'm actually an expert. Catch my true confession, how I adjusted in the moment, and what I learned from the humbling experience.
Show Notes:
Wynning Your Way for Senior Leaders
Nearly every professional has felt like a fraud at one time or another and the higher you advance in leadership and responsibility, the more likely moments of inadequacy or "being found out" occur. While the drive to be confident in professional roles can have its benefits, it also tends to raise the likelihood of imposter syndrome emerging. Jen Coken is a comedian, coach, speaker, and Imposter Syndrome expert. She transforms womxn executives and founders from being stuck and fearful of making the wrong decision, to owning their expertise, having confidence in the direction they’re headed, and the courage to be with the uncertainty. She shares client examples of recognizing where their imposter syndrome initiated, how it became their superpower, and how they moved through the "fraud" to become more effective leaders. Hear the different types of imposters and ways to flip your narrative to work more for you.
Show Notes:
Jen Coken
Take the Quiz
Imposter Syndrome is your Super Power
Wynning Your Way for Senior Leaders
When does integrity get in the way? I recently had to wrestle with this because of a health episode and it was a knockdown, dragged-out fight with myself. I take it seriously when I say I'm going to do something, show up for someone, or provide a completed product by a certain date. It's far from perfect, but it is a constant driver in my life. The opportunity is to be integral while keeping your sanity and in some cases, like the one I just went through, sanity needed to overrule all else. I'm sharing this experience in case you're going through a similar dilemma and hopefully what I've learned from this can help you, too.
Show notes:
Wynning Your Way for Senior Leaders
Nearly 1 in 3 people are perfectionists. While many carry it as a badge of honor, or use it as an explanation as to why they have not completed or started something, it really is a dream killer. Perfectionism creates unnecessary pressure, amps up worry, fear and doubt. It is one form of procrastination, something nearly all of us encounter at least occasionally, 20% of us chronically. It is possible, and I'd say necessary, to break-free from perfectionism and create an identity that is more self-supportive. Elizabeth Onyeabor is a leading international expert on perfectionist leaders and high achievers. As the Founder of InnerGenuity and Habitual Happiness Hub, she coaches leaders ready to move forward with ease, be their best, and achieve unstoppable results. She shares the four main reasons why people procrastinate, 7 Practical Practices for Perfectionists that will help you start letting go of your perfectionist tendencies, and Elizabeth reveals the one thing you can start practicing today that will help you lead a more joyful life.
Show Notes:
Elizabeth Onyeabor
Free download on the 7 Practical Practices for Perfectionists
Champion YOU Group Coaching
As an independent journalist and two-time Emmy nominee, Georgia Fort is committed to providing visual stories about race and culture that build equity. She's had plenty of material to work with right here in Minnesota. She was one of two reporters in the courtroom for the sentencing of Derek Chauvin, the former officer who murdered George Floyd. She's also covered the Kim Potter trial, and most recently Amir Locke, who was killed by police in a SWAT raid (happened on the day we recorded this podcast). The murder of George Floyd once again raised the issue of responsible reporting and the need for change. It also shaped Georgia's purpose to help change the narrative in media to include different perspective from the perpetual white lens. Still truth. Different perspective. Perspective mainstream media has often failed to include in its storytelling. Her reporting has been published on CNN, ABC, NBC, Fox and CBS affiliates. Georgia also started BLCK Press, an ecosystem for independent journalists to go to be equipped with what they needed to further the quality of their stories. Hear how Georgia got her start, the importance of all narratives being represented, and the opportunities media has to better represent the full story and the communities it serves.
Show Notes:
Georgia Fort website
BLCK Press
Exhibit
Follow Georgia on Instagram
Follow Georgia on Facebook
Chris Olsen and Julie Burton knew when they met that they wanted to find a way to work together. Their combined passions of writing and helping women tell their stories was key. Chris Olsen is dedicated to amplifying women's voices through her social enterprise My Founder Story. Julie Burton is an author, co host of Her Next Chapter podcast and founder of ModernWell, the first female-centered co working collaborative space in Minneapolis. The two share their individual ventures and their new joint collaboration, Publish Her Press, a female founded hybrid publishing company that recently published "Her Path Forward: 21 Stores of Transformation and Inspiration".
Buy the Book: Her Path Forward: 21 Stories of Transformation and Inspiration
Modernwell | My Founder Story | Her Next Chapter
Chris and Julie recommend: Still Writing | On Writing | Bird by Bird
Champion YOU Group Coaching
People are the biggest asset of any company, but companies don't always provide their people with the greatest experiences or opportunities. As the VP of Growth and Search Practice Lead and Partner at Fahren, a digital leadership company, Susan Rylance has a unique vantage point into the leadership shifts needed to meet today's business environment. She shares
her wisdom about next level leadership and teams, and her experiences helping businesses achieve their goals while building next generation teams. Hear how she champions the Minority Business Growth Alliance, an alliance of volunteer professionals who support non-profits who serve minority businesses.
Check out Fahren
Support the Minority Business Growth Alliance
Sign up for Champion You Group Coaching
“Digideck is a cloud-based platform, allowing you to tell your business story in a very
dynamic, movie trailer kind of way.”
From Wallstreet to the hockey rink to the C-Suite, Angelina Lawton took her experiences and opportunities to create a new level of presentation experience with Digideck, the main product at Sportsdigita. As the founder and CEO, Angelina and her team are disrupting how sports teams and big brands are expressing and sharing their stories to generate more sales and fans. She shares the risks and rewards of running a successful SaaS company, making it in the world of sports, and the chapters of her life that made her who she is today.
Check out Sportdigita.com
Sign up for Champion You Group Coaching
What does it mean to be a Ladyboss? Laura Caroon reflects that most women she knows are already leaders in some way, they just might not recognize it. She shares about co-founding Ladyboss Midwest, which empowers and connects women leaders, and their upcoming FLOW retreat is this March. Additionally, Laura talks about her experience being elected to Moorhead city council and working with She Should Run, a nonprofit that helps give women the tools to run a successful political campaign.
Register for Ladyboss Midwest's FLOW retreat
Champion You Group Coaching
Chaz Sandifer set out to test her strength physically, mentally, and emotionally after a challenging life situation. She took back her personal power, became a bodybuilder, and created a business to be able to help others create their new versions of self through fitness and wellness. Chaz is the CEO/Founder of theNEWmpls which focuses on affordable fitness, wellness and nutrition. She shares what made the biggest differences for her, her motivation, and the importance of holding yourself accountable.
Show notes:
theNEWmpls
Her Path Forward Book
Champion You Group Coaching
Planning for the new year doesn't have to be stressful or even time-consuming. You can learn to love numbers and set goals you've never achieved before with confidence. This episode challenges the notion that goal-setting is what creates success and offers a different approach to getting a whole new level of outcome. Make '22 the year that you went for the dream you haven't dared to write down or say out loud. Learn the one thing that will make a big difference in achieving your goals, plus a workshop that will expand your revenue potential.
Register here:
Grow Revenue in '22 Workshop
Chances are you identify as a high achiever. You pursue goals, you have high expectations of yourself, you get a lot done in a day and sometimes get irritated with others who don't "do" your same volume. Great. How wiped out are you? How much time do you take care of yourself and spend time with others that give you energy? There is another version of success and in this episode, I dissect the difference between high achieving and high performance, plus I offer three really easy actions you can take today that will start shifting you into high performance mode.
Show notes:
Get help making the shift from achieving to performing
Covid forced Tammy Lee's medical device company to change its sales strategy. Since reps could no longer visit hospitals and clinics, she needed to find other ways to get Opal Cool for women and Onyx Cool for athletes into consumer hands. As the CEO of Xena Therapies, Tammy is creating new product uses as well as retail outlets for the core products, and her small ask, big impact approach to sales is an approach anyone in sales could incorporate. A lot has changed in the company since the last time Tammy was a guest on the podcast and this episode shares the challenges, progress, new thinking and participation in The Dayton's Project.
Show Notes:
Tammy Lee
Opal Cool
Onyx Cool
Dayton's Project
Champion You Group Coaching
In last week's episode I shared about a moment in my life when I took a huge risk. Today, I reveal how that decision was really just the beginning: from that experience, I realized I could do something I'd never done before. In fact, I could do it several times over. In this episode of Champions of RISK, I reflect on the chances I took next: traveling, living abroad, and making big career moves - some of which panned out better than others. But I have no regrets. Taking these risks helped me decide what kind of person I was going to be, and shaped who I am today.
Show notes:
Tell me your Risk story
Check out Champion YOU Group Coaching
Nearly two years ago I launched the Champions of RISK podcast because I love hearing how people came to a decision at a particular moment to take action in absence of clarity of the outcome. We all go through phases where we experience an abundance of uncertainty. Sometimes fear stops us in our tracks and other times we don't let anything stop us. In this episode, I share one of the periods in my life where I took a huge risk by declaring my goals, what I was going to do when I achieved them, and the actions I took to make it possible.
This is Part 1 of the story. Part 2 will reveal how this one decision opened up an entirely new world of possibility.
Show notes:
Tell me your greatest risk
5 Elements to Energized Free Download
I love to challenge myself and others to examine where we are playing small in life so we can breakthrough, set the bar a little higher and truly go after what we want in life. So imagine my surprise when I was caught playing small in an arena where I'm actually an expert. Catch my true confession, how I adjusted in the moment, and what I learned from the humbling experience on this week's Champions of Risk episode.
Show notes:
Tell me your Playing Small story
Download 5X Your Personal Power
Day to day, people exchange information, share perspectives, attempt to persuade one another. What if I told you there was a genuine way you could structure your conversations that would strengthen relationships, improve agreeability, and yield better outcomes for both sides? Would you try it? I lay out four steps that will better prepare you for any conversation personally or professionally. Each step is easily doable, preparation can take as little as three minutes, and it’s proven to improve the quality of your discussions. So much of it is human nature yet most people fail to tap into it and then wonder why meetings end in frustration. Learn the four steps, begin applying them immediately, and notice the different responses you start receiving. (I’ll provide the link)
Show Notes
Tell me how it went!
Workshop – 3 Roadblocks Keeping Your Team From Winning
Here are the show notes for Getting Your Mojo Back:
What happens when you lose your Mojo? You, know the thing that drives you, keeps you accomplishing and achieving, keeps the energy and enthusiasm firing. So many of us have lost our fire-in-the-belly this year at one time or another. But what do you do if you’ve had the blahs and the mehs for a while and you’d like to get it back? We don’t all work at Axe Capital and have Wendy Rhoades to put us back on track. So in this episode, I share my elixir to the mojo ho-hums – WWWWW. It’s been a well-received recipe and I’m betting it just might just do the trick for you.
Show Notes:
Wendy Rhoades Fixing Mindsets
Send me your results from 5W
Free Workshop – 3 Roadblocks Keeping Sales Teams From Winning
What if you listened to that internal rumble, made the leap, and trusted it would work out? What difference could that make in your life? Whether it’s a career change or launch into entrepreneurship, most people want to know the next move before they take it but what if you decided to just go for it? Shannon Olson loved her career and she was really good at it. At the same time, she knew she needed to keep stretching and growing, and it was time for a new adventure. Without knowing what that was, or how she would discover it, she left her corporate job and gave herself time to talk and learn from others. She’s now the Founder of Indee, a modern marketing co-op. Be ready to be inspired and challenged to go for it.
Show Notes:
Shannon Olson
Indee
We’re about to take RISK to a whole new level today with my guest Marc Wallert. Twenty years ago, he was kidnapped with 20 other hostages, by terrorists on a Philippine island and held captive in the jungle for 140 days. The jungle didn’t destroy him, but once he returned to Germany, everyday life drove him to burnout. These two experiences helped him better understand how to be resilient and move through crises. Today he shares his jungle strategies as a speaker, consultant and author of the book Strong Through Crises: The art of not losing your head. His story is incredible and his tips are practical for every day life.
Show notes:
www.marcwallert.com
Strength through crises: The Art of Not Losing Your Head
www.linkedin.com/in/marcwallert
Be Do Have Series
Personal and professional development have been at the core of my adult life. Hard to coach and promote evolving and growing if I’m not committed to doing it myself! On the latest Champions of RISK episode, I’m joined with friend and fellow colleague Laurie-Ann Murabito, as we share our biggest takeaways, shifts and discoveries we’ve had since we started incorporating the Be Do Have approach. We’ve both transformed our lives from the inside out and wanted to share what’s happened and how you can, too.
Show notes:
Be in Demand Podcast with Laurie-Ann Murabito
Be Do Have Series
Send me a note on your Be Do Have experience!
How good of a communicator are you? We spend our days expressing ourselves and our thinking in the words we use, our tone, hand gestures, pauses, emojis, volume. But how often do we stop and consider whether or not we’re communicating effectively? Dr. Amelia Reigstad, has studied, practiced, and taught others how to become better communicators for nearly 20 years. Learn what most commonly goes wrong in conversations, how we can all improve the way we communicate, the importance of effective communication in the workplace, and how communication style can help empower women. (link to be provided)
Show notes:
Dr. Amelia Reigstad
Just Not Sorry – The Google Plug-In
The Women Empowerment Series
Communication Style Assessment
5 Elements to Energized
“I really do have kind of that mentality of, if it feels hard or challenging, I want to try it. I want to take it on.” – Pam Kosanke
This is an episode for ballers.
Pam Kosanke has excelled a lot in life. As an athlete and coach, she has been in championships in three different sports. As a global marketer, she’s elevated, rebranded and reorganized brands. She coaches entrepreneurs using EOS and as an entrepreneur herself, she’s looking to change the course of how women’s sports are supported and celebrated with the launch of Sport Bigs, the world’s first plush toy focused on promoting women athletes and athletics. One is even modeled after past Champions of RISK guest Rebekkah Lamar Brunson. Pam shares how her sports life merged with her business life that created an entrepreneurial track, which led her through an inspiring sequence of introductions and connections that resulted in Sport Bigs. Hear the key lessons that continue to serve Pam well, the women who Sport Bigs are modeled after, and her $42,000 mistake.
Show Notes:
Pam Kosanke
Sport Bigs
5 Elements to Energized
If a stranger were to take a look at your weekly calendar, what would they say you’re committed to? Would the actions and to dos represent what you want to be committed to? If not, what’s getting in the way?
If you’re like most people, commitment gets associated with others - clients, family, work peers, community, friends. For some there’s a good balance between professional and personal commitments, while others feel more pulled to one side. What often gets missed is the dedication to self and what you need to need to be productive, energized, joyful.
How is your level of dedication, or lack of it, impacting your life? Learn three areas to examine how commitment is playing out in your life and how to amplify it where it matters most to you. Plus, you can have me as your accountability partner if you're one of the first people to email me what you're committing to. Listen to find out more.
Show notes:
michael@michaelwkithcart.com
5 Elements to Energized
“I knew that I wanted to create a place I wanted to work. I had this passion around the fact that I could live my values and be successful. I wanted to prove that and not have to compromise between those two and just be my whole self.” – Leslie Holman
Humans show up for work but so often environments don’t support having human experiences during working hours. Leslie Holman is out to prove that it’s possible to be successful having humanity in the workplace. As CEO of Pinnacle Performance Group – a woman-owned management consulting firm, she is modeling the motto “take care of yourself, take care of your family, do good work, in that order” for her company and the companies they work with. In this episode we discuss humanity, deprogramming, modeling the behavior, and stopping the “I’m sorry’s”.
Show notes:
Pinnacle Performance Group
Leslie Holman
Champion You Group Coaching
What are you so interested in learning so much that you’d be willing to follow someone around and work for free? Rebecca Monet was an established therapist for business owners and a speaker but when travel got to be too much, she sought out her next thing. Her willingness to work for free for a business broker led her to the franchise industry and the creation of her company, Zorakle Profiles, which provides assessment tools for the franchise space. Their Spot On! Science determines franchisee- franchisor compatibility and predicts performance. We cover the power of curiosity, franchise as an entrepreneurial path, how franchises thrived during COVID, and trends of the industry.
Show notes:
Zorakle Profiles
The Coterie for Women
Where Passion and Purpose Collide Podcast
Champion YOU Group Coaching
“Why be tired of being exhausted when instead you could be tired of being so excited? Doesn’t the latter sound better?” Michael Kithcart
Aren’t you so over feeling exhausted in your bones AND in your mind? Me, too. I recently went against all the things I coach and paid the price. Remember the gap between knowing and doing? Yeah, I fell into that chasm and if you’re anything like me, chances are good you’ve been there, too. Luckily there are ways out of the overwhelm and ways to get back to being excited about life. I kept this episode short so you can quickly hear one thing that you want to try and put it into action immediately…and then tell me how much better you feel. Seriously. This episode contains “one way” in five areas you can add a little pep into your day. Try one and let me know in the comment section how it helped you.
Show notes:
5 Elements to Energized
Champion You Group Coaching
“It was just this epiphany for me that no one avoids having to evolve and change.” – Jaime Taets
As the CEO of Keystone Group International, Jaime Taets focuses on leadership development, organizational strategy, growth, and change. She is also generous in sharing her personal experiences and insights to help entrepreneurs grow and evolve, which we can all get a glimpse of through her Superpower Success podcast. Today we talk about her new book You Are Here, Kick-Ass Inspiration for Navigating Your Journey to Success. You’ll hear what all entrepreneurs have in common, her take on failing, the good that’s come from Covid, how she uses personal experiences to help businesses grow, plus sneak peaks into the wisdom contained in her new book before it’s released!
Show Notes:
Jaime Taets
Keystone Group International
You Are Here: Kick-Ass Inspiration For Navigating Your Journey to Success
Superpower Success Podcast
Jaime Taets on Character Defining Moments
“If you get in by referral, you have a 40% chance of getting that job. If you get introduced to a decision maker, you have a 60% chance of getting hired. If you get introduced to the hiring manager, you've got a 92% chance of getting a job. So talk to people, because it dramatically cuts your job search down by 55%.” - Cat Breet
Cat Breet has been playing career matchmaker for 23 years, and along the way has had a few career changes herself. Her experiences help others evaluate and mitigate their career risks especially now in the new world of work. She is the Chief Stripe Changer, President and founder of Arbez, and has taught over 167,000 people how to get more money, freedom and fun out of work. She also hosts Planet Work Live on LinkedIn on Tuesdays and Thursdays to add perspective and the full human experience of work. Cat shares how COVID is changing the workplace, what’s become more important to employees, and how companies need to change in order to be a desirable place to work in the post-Covid era. Gain job search tips and how to evaluate if it’s a new career or entrepreneurship you’re seeking.
Show Notes:
Arbez
Cat Breet
Planet Work Live
Priority Scorecard
Champion You Group Coaching
“I've realized that hiring smarter, more capable people and putting them around me, has been the best risk that I've ever taken” - Michelle Myers
One of the biggest challenges in business, and especially for entrepreneurs is the people equation. It’s risky to have people be part of the business you’re working so hard to build, especially when you’re looking to others have contact with your customer base. It’s also turned out to be a great business model for Michelle Meyers, who started a business out of necessity and grew into a model that serves the needs of both employees and customers. She is the Founder and CEO of Pink Callers, an administrative support solution that assigns customer service rockstars to support home service businesses remotely. Michelle also has a podcast with three other women entrepreneurs called Fight Club 4 Business. Hear her tips on entrepreneurship and hiring on this week’s Champions of Risk podcast.
Show notes:
Pink Callers
Fight Club 4 Business
Eva Lovisa on Airstream Living
Ever wonder what it’s really like to live in a tiny house or be a nomad by choice? There is something romantic and freeing about the idea of hitting the road, exploring new places and living minimally. Many think about it, few do it. Eva Lovisa and her husband, Nick, are in the camp of living life in an Airstream. Former condo owners and current web and design professionals, they decided to sell everything, buy an Airstream, and set out to find where in the country they might want to live permanently. Learn the unimagined benefits, the realities of truly living and working remotely, and how a spark of an idea can create an even more abundant life. For Eva, that applies to both her Airstream living and the new business she created, Lucky Yarrow.
Instagram : evalovisa3
LinkedIn: Eva Lovisa Nelson
Show Notes:
Eva Lovisa
Lucky Yarrow
Jayne Ellegard on Women and Money
What gets in your way of talking about money? Was it the way you were brought up? Is it a chore to understand investments? Don’t know how to get money to work for you? How about YES to all of the above? Jayne Ellegard, Founder and Coach at Ellegant Wealth, is determined to make it easier for women to talk about and understand money. Early in her career, she stumbled into managing wealth for others and in her examination of her own thoughts and beliefs about money, she understood on a different level what influences our relationship with money and building wealth. Jayne is a Women and Wealth coach, money confidence creator, engaging speaker and the author of her new book “Financial Empowerment for Women: Your Guide to Courage, Confidence, and Wisdom!” In this episode shares why we struggle to talk about money, why we need to understand how money works, and how to get ahold of our finances regardless of where we’re starting from with her six pillars to financial empowerment.
LinkedIn: Jayne Ellegard
Instagram: jayne_ellegard
Show notes:
Jayne Ellegard
Ellegant Wealth
Financial Empowerment for Women: Your Guide to Courage, Confidence and Wisdom
Michaelwkithcart.com
Champions of RISK
Your current thinking around winning is messing you up.
Chances are your definition of winning is influenced by others’ definitions. Maybe you picked up a piece from a leadership book, a section from corporate goals, maybe a smattering from a mentor or from playing a team sport.
How’s that working for you?
I want to talk to you about the difference you can make in your life by redefining what it means to YOU to win at work and in your life. I’m not talking about winning at all costs and smashing unrealistic goals set by people with little skin in the game (or understanding of the game in some instances.) I’m talking about how you define what it’s like for you to feel like you are operating at your best, showing up as your best self in situations that matter to you, and feeling like you’re participating according to your own rules. I’m talking about Wynning Your Way. Listen to what it takes to Wyn Your Way and how you can define it and live it on the latest Champions of RISK episode. Season 2, Episode 19
Show Notes:
Michaelwkithcart.com
“The military and the business sector just handle chaos differently.” – Erik Therwanger
Cancer, Combat and Covid. What do all three of these have in common? Chaos and Erik Therwanger. He uses his personal, professional and service experiences to help businesses and teams reach new levels of success. As the Founder of Think GREAT, Erik sees a great opportunity with returning work forces to have CEOs and managers lead in a different way to create work cultures that represent a new era post COVID. He shares how he’s counted on his Marine training to navigate other chaotic times in his life, and how understanding the three stages of chaos can better equip leaders and build better teams. Season 2: Episode 18.
Show notes:
Think Great
Think Great Experience Podcast
Masterclass: How to Move from Exhausted to Energized: For Leader on the Brink of Burnout
Buckle up, buttercup. This episode covers a lot of ground as Nancy Lyons and I talk about death, grief, racism, white privilege, mindset in the workplace, making work better, how Wells Fargo could make banking better coming out of COVID, and being kind. Nancy is thecofounder and CEO of Clockwork, an award-winning digital agency. She has been a leader in the technology industry for more than 25 years and has proven that people first business strategy wins. She is also a national speaker, great conversationalist, and the author of “Work Like a Boss: A Kick in the Pants Guide to Finding (and Using) Your Power at Work”. Check it out on the Champions of RISK podcast (Season 2, Episode 17)
Shownotes:
Nancylyons.com
Work Like a Boss
Clockwork.com
Dr. Joi Lewis
Masterclass: Secrets of the World's Most Successful People
“The way we look at it is, when you have a business partner, your business partnership is built on trust. And if you can't trust your spouse, you got a whole different set of issues, right? It actually helps that you're never questioning the other person's motives – they are both automatically going in the same direction.” – Mike Grinberg on being in business with a spouse
There are many reasons entrepreneurs start their businesses, including necessity. Mike and Gaby Israel Grinberg created Proofpoint Marketing, a remote people first business to business revenue marketing agency, out of necessity to generate income that also met specific family needs. Mike and Gaby share their personal journey that includes their now thriving daughter who was born four months prematurely. Hear how the partners in life became business partners, what works well working with a spouse, the surprising risk of being in business together, and how they’ve extended their family first value into their company culture on Champions of RISK
Show notes:
Proofpoint
Champion You Group Coaching
“It felt like my whole life changed once I made the necessary shifts to get in thrive mode.”
Have you ever felt like you’re working hard but you’re not sure where it’s getting you?
Do you wonder what you’re working towards?
I used to be the same way. I was striving and achieving, it’s just it was coming at a high cost to me and the people around me.
It took a lot of unwinding of old beliefs - like I had to work hard to get ahead – and really identifying what work and activities mattered…and which ones didn’t.
I’m not going to lie. I didn’t make it easy on myself. I took the long route, but now that I’m on the other side, I want to share ways you can move from striving to thriving at a much faster pace than I did.
Psst…it’s easier than I thought it would be.
If you pride yourself on being a hard worker, but you’d like more ease in your life. If you want to feel more energized in your day instead of exhausted. Or, if you want or need a vision to work toward, then you’re going to love today’s podcast
Masterclass: Secrets of the World's Most Successful People
“There's a really big disconnect between some of the systems we put in place, and what our community really needs. And that was the struggle for me was trying to figure out how do we bridge this gap? And really show up?” – Kori Stephens
What if our words, actions, systems, and culture were all aligned? What could that do for communities, businesses, and the alteration of leadership? This is a deep conversation that covers a lot of territory with Kori Stephens (she/her), a culture curator, leadership coach, organizational consultant and wholeness revolutionary. Yes, a wholeness revolutionary and you’re going to want to listen to discover how much we need this movement. Kori is the Founder of Resonance Rising which supports her mission through consulting, coaching and the development of the Resonant Leader Lab. Hear how radical alignment is both possible and necessary on this episode of Champions of RISK
michaelwkithcart.com/podcast
Show notes:
www.resonancerising.org
Champion You Group Coaching
“If you’re not sure, you’re sure.” – Eric Harkins
If your culture sucks, it stems from the top. It’s really that simple. Even simpler, there are a few key areas leaders need to focus on that can and do create great workplace culture. This week we talked with Eric Harkins, President, and Founder of GKG Search & Consulting. His company helps leaders get, keep and grow talent, all of which require certain leadership skills. Eric organized his key lessons from 25 years in HR leadership in his new book “Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck”. We talk all about the little things leaders can do to create cultures high performers want to be a part of…and a few of the things leaders don’t do that cause more trouble than they need to. Michaelwkithcart.com/podcast
Show notes:
“Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck: A Guide to Building Great Workplace Culture” by Eric Harkins
GKG Search and Consulting
Champion YOU Group Coaching
“I knew I wanted to share this product with the community around me.” – Rebekkah Lamar Brunson
Rebekkah Lamar Brunson and Bobbi Jo Lamar Brunson created their company, Sweet Troo•Vī Waffle, as a vessel for good.
Not only do they serve up deliciously kind waffles and luxury sweetness, but they’re also committed to spreading love, encouraging change, and doing the most good within their community. Hear about their commitment to youth, partnering with other small minority/woman/LGBTQ+ businesses, and modeling being a TROO human (To Realize your Optimal Opportunities). Hope, love, and inspiration, all on this episode of Champions of RISK. Michaelwkithcart.com/podcast
Show notes:
Sweet Troo•Vī Waffle
Champion YOU Group Coaching
“Champion is about being a warrior and an advocate. When you break it down, if you’re rallying a team, building a business, working on being the best version of you, how could you be anything other than a champion?” – Michael W Kithcart
The only thing I love more than winning is helping other people win.
Everyone needs a champion in their corner, someone who sees the potential before you do, who believes in your ability when you’re not quite yet there.
At the same time, it’s essential to learn how to champion yourself, make your voice heard, champion your dreams.
This week’s episode breaks down the many ways champion is not reserved for athletic elites, but rather a movement to bring out the very best in yourself and others.
Show Notes:
Michaelwkithcart.com/CYFGroup
Why aren’t women more supportive of other women? For all the women’s organizations, networking groups, and women empowerment programs, so many of us have experienced times when other women didn’t have our back, that we weren’t united or even interested in empowering others. This is a conversation that’s been had by many privately, and we want to change that. On this episode of Champions of RISK, Jodi Duncan and I talk about what’s changed from when we first started our professional careers and the barriers we still witness. Jodi has long championed women in the workplace. She is the President of Flint Communications, a full-service marketing communication agency headquartered in Fargo, ND., and writes about her experiences and observations in her blog series Women in Business.
Show notes:
Women in Business blog
Flint Communications
Ladyboss Midwest
Champion YOU Group Coaching
“Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious.” - Rumi
I read this quote every day.
And some days, it scares me.
Other days, it excites me.
But every day, it reminds me that we all have a choice to live a courageous life.
In this episode of Champions of RISK, I help you identify what courage means to you, point out the types of pain fear generates and walk you through where you can elevate your level of courage.
Determine if you’re a worrier, a waiter, or a warrior.
And learn what to do with each.
How does a born and raised New Jersey girl end up in Minnesota? Let’s just say it’s complicated . Donna Valentine is an on-air radio personality who spent over 20 years at K102 Morning Show before switching to Entertainment Talk radio as part of The Donna and Steve Show on My Talk 107.1. On today’s episode of Champions of RISK, Donna discusses the many risks she’s taken in her career and provides insight on the gifts of reinvention. You'll want to hear her Dolly Parton story, too!
Show notes:
Michaelwkithcart.com/podcast
The Donna and Steve Show
Champion YOU Group Coaching
Have you ever had to sit down and have a tough conversation with yourself? Something along the lines of get your shit together and make it happen? Yeah, me, too. I found myself on my own receiving end the other week and walked myself through a framework of eliminating excuses. As in take 100% responsibility for everything – my actions, thoughts, beliefs, outcomes. It was actually liberating so on today’s episode of Champions of RISK, I’m sharing the framework I use to remove the fear and indecisiveness that show up as excuses. I hope you have as much fun with it as I did – really!
Show notes:
Champion YOU Group coaching
"A lot of stubborn days made a pretty good career." - Jen Mueller
Hanging out with the guys is just part of Jen's day to day. As a sideline radio reporter for the Seattle Seahawks and a Seattle Mariners television broadcaster on ROOT Sports, Jen Mueller is charged with getting insights and perspective from some of the world's best athletes in a matter of seconds.
On today's Champions of Risk episode, Jen shares how she has mastered the art of asking good questions to be able to get players to reveal their personalities and perspective on key plays. Hear how her role as an intramural football referee improved her communication skills and how she teaches those same skills to businesses. Her love of talking also sparked her company, Talk Sporty To Me, which offers keynotes, workshops, and courses on how to have better conversations and ask better questions. Jen demonstrates how working a sideline is similar to effective leadership. Learn communications tips and how she entered a life of sports on today's episode.
Show notes:
talksportytome.com
Ask Better Questions video series
Champion You Group Coaching
Is ‘freedom’ really the answer you’ve been searching for?
In 2020, Freedom was my word of the year.
I craved freedom in all aspects of my business. From who I worked with to when I worked, I wanted the freedom of my own choice.
And then, my desire for freedom ended up being the thing that was holding me back.
In my latest Champions of RISK episode, Freedom is Not What You're Seeking, I share how freedom held me back from reaching my full potential and how you can distinguish what freedom means to you.
Book your one on one coaching appointment at
https://www.michaelwkithcart.com/coaching
“Conflict happens when limited resources crash into differing goals.” - Jenn Whitmer
Conflict impacts all our lives. Handled poorly, it erodes relationships, alienates people, and impacts the quality of leadership. It doesn’t have to be that way. Conflict isn’t a bad thing. It’s how we deal with it that can mess things up. Today’s guest, Jenn Whitmer, is a speaker, leadership and Enneagram coach and training. Her own personal experience with a leader who refused to handle conflict led her to study the art of conflict. Her love of teaching made her want to help others better understand themselves and start to see conflict as a good thing. Hear how self-compassion and understanding our fears can lead to better conflict resolution. Jenn shares three tips you can implement not to resolve conflict and an overview of how the Enneagram helps us understand our “why” instead of “what”. Conflict and the Enneagram on today’s episode of Champions of RISK podcast.
Show notes:
Jenn’s Enneagram Overview Booklet
jennwhitmer.com/freebies
@JennWhitmer
“The Road Back to You”
“The Honest Enneagram”
Champion You Group Coaching February 6th
What if you EASED your way through the year and as a result, you had greater results, more fun, better relationships, and more success? On today’s episode of Champions of RISK, I’m sharing how my word selection of the year has already helped me see what is possible when you do the work AND don’t force the outcome. You’ll learn the four C’s to Ease for an UNSTOPPABLE year!
If you would like to connect to get on your path to being unstoppable this year - click here:
https://www.michaelwkithcart.com/lets-connect
“How willing are we to be transparent? To show up in the world who we are rather than looking at that as vulnerable - “ I’m afraid to share my idea with you,” - how about if it’s transparency, authenticity, and an invitation to another to tap into their creativity and authenticity?” - Risë Severson Kasmirski
Anne Pryor, an internationally recognized LinkedIn expert, and Risë Severson Kasmirski, founder of RightPath Careers, are close friends and business partners who were independently called to collaborate and create their new book “When Paradise Speaks.” The calling came from their mutual friend, Irene, who passed away. Today’s Champions of RISK episode is about having the courage to create and share what intuitively feels so right regardless of the outcome. In doing so, Anne and Risë have opened the conversation and possibility for others to share their afterlife experiences and step into their own authenticity.
Show notes:
When Paradise Speaks
Lovitude.com
Lovitude on Facebook
Anne Pryor
Risë Severson Kasmirski
“Transformation comes from leading with your WHY instead of WHAT.” - Chris Olsen
Chris Olsen is the founder of Chris Olsen Communications and the Founder and CEO of My Founder Story. She helps women business owners develop their stories of why they do what they do which better sets them up for success. Consider it a competitive edge. She recently released her first book “Whyography: Building Brands Fueled By Purpose”. Hear how her experiences led her to create My Founder Story where she empowers womxn business owners in clarifying their WHY, developing their purpose-driven brand story, and confidently sharing it with the world, providing a foundation for entrepreneurial success. Listen to Chris’s story on the Champions of RISK podcast today!
Learn more about My Founder Story
“Whyography: Building Brands Fueled By Purpose”
"Taming Your Gremlin: A Guide To Enjoying Yourself " by Richard Carson is the book that my first coach gave to me. I found it the other day and it reminded me what an impact she has on me to this day, 20 years later. She helped me discern between the fear voice that was holding me back and the empowering voice that propelled me forward to reach my goals. She made me want to become a coach. Today on the Champions of RISK podcast I share my coaching journey and what to take into consideration if/when you are seeking a coach.
https://www.michaelwkithcart.com/group
businesscoach #championsofrisk #personalpower
Looking to support local businesses this holiday season? Today’s episode of Champions of RISK talks about all things small business in Minnesota. Stephanie Hansen is my girlfriend go-to whenever I need a food or gift suggestion but she doesn’t just provide her secret picks with me. Her podcast, Makers of MN, features the stories of artisans and crafters who make beautiful things. Stephanie uses her years as a business owner and radio co-host to champion small businesses so more people know about the amazing places and products we have in our own backyard. Hear us talk about the local scene, some clever ways business owners transitioned as a result of COVID, and she shares her favorite story so far of how a local business is making a real impact supporting restaurants AND gifting customers. All on today’s episode of Champions of RISK podcast.
michaelwkithcart.com/podcast
Show notes:
@MakersofMN on Instagram
MakersofMN Podcast
Weekly Dish Podcast
www.Stephaniesdish.com
MSP Magazine article on holiday gift ideas from local BIPOC owned businesses
Free Masterclass registration for“The Secrets of the World’s Most Successful People”
Gloria Perez became the President and Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Foundation of Minnesota right as the pandemic hit. After 20 years with Jeremiah Program, Gloria is now focused on leading efforts that impact systemic change so there is more equitable parity for women and girls in Minnesota. In today’s episode, we talk about the need for ongoing systemic change that is in support of ALL women and girls, the mission and work of Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, women leaving the workforce as a result of COVID, and the importance of supporting women in leadership roles even when we don’t always agree with them. Hear Gloria on today’s episode of the Champions of RISK podcast. michaelwkithcart.com/podcast
Show notes:
www.wfmn.org
michaelwkithcart.com/masterclass
“Speaking and leading are very closely aligned.” - Sally Z
Leaders lead better when they become strong, clear speakers. Practicing the art of speaking improves business for everyone, regardless of position so today’s episode has something for everyone. Sally Z is a professional speaker and speaker coach. Her company, Be Moved, helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs create and deliver talks to move the world. Sally and I talk about all the ways we can benefit from becoming more clear and concise, plus Sally shares tips on how to conduct more engaging Zoom calls and provides a framework for how to think through any talk, presentation or speech.
www.michaelwkithcart.com/podcast
Show notes:
Be Moved
Elizabeth Gilbert Your elusive creative genius TED Talk
www.michaelwkithcart.com/masterclass
“All the doing was a great coverup of not being.” - Kate DiLeo
What does soul searching, getting real with yourself and brand have to do with one another? Kate DiLeo is today’s guest and she shares a very personal moment in time that led her to change her thinking…and then EVERYTHING started to change. It’s a conversation about the importance of paying attention to what you’re saying to yourself, becoming the person you want to be, and that moment when risk is so much more appealing than comfort. Kate is the CEO and Chief Brand Architect for the branding firm Ennobble. She candidly shares how her breakdown eventually led to entrepreneurship and how she helps other businesses get clear in their thinking to win more business.
Show notes:
Ennobble
Kate DiLeo
Free Masterclass on The Secrets of the World’s Most Successful People
What’s the difference between fatigue and burnout and how do you prevent it from happening? Tiffany Mattick, fellow coach and Founder of There She Grows, joined me in a conversation that started with a podcast and then a book called “Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle”. We have had a number of clients bring this up in coaching sessions, both feeling it coming on and wanting to avoid it. We share our experiences, how we coach through ongoing stress and overwhelm, and highlights from the book. This and more on today’s episode of Champions of RISK.
Show notes:
“Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” by Emily Nagoski, PhD and Amelia Nagoski, DMA
Brene Brown, Unlocking Us podcast, episode on Burnout and How to Complete the Stress Cycle
There She Grows at tiffanymattick.com
The Crew - Facebook group
November Masterclass on The Secrets of the Worlds Most Successful People
“Go big or go home. The only way to thrive is to go big.”
Tammy Lee’s early career as a journalist helped her master story-telling in a clear and concise manner. She has used those skills to raise capital, run companies, run for Congress, and launch her own company. Tammy is the CEO of Xena Therapies which makes Xena Cool and Onyx Cool medical devices. Hear how her risk tolerance, unabated optimism, and ability to persist shape her leadership style and company growth, despite launching at the start of the pandemic. All this and more on today’s Champions of RISK episode.
Show notes:
Xena Therapies
Tammy Lee
Receive your FREE copy of “Best of Daily Rituals” at www.michaelwkithcart.com/rituals
“People at every turn have been willing to help me.”
Jen Swanson took her love of learning, building, marketing, and IT to first create ideal roles in companies, and then to launch her own business. Along the way she fostered relationships that have served her well as she continues to navigate entrepreneurship. Today’s episode covers the importance of personal brand, getting specific, powerful women, and the willingness to ask “help me understand”.
Show Notes:
jenswanson.net
Bloomberg article on First Female Recession
6 Things We Can Learn From How Women Leaders Have Handled the Pandemic
Receive your FREE copy of “Best of Daily Rituals” at www.michaelwkithcart.com/rituals
Hey Type A, high achievers! Get ready to learn new coping tools for enduring stress on today’s episode. Tara Haelle is the author of the article“Your Surge Capacity is Depleted - It’s Why You Feel Awful”. She is a science and health journalist who sought out to understand why she coped with COVID, remote learning, social unrest, isolation for the first several months…and then crashed. Turns out there many reasons why so many of us have yo-yo’d between fine and down the last six months…and there are ways revamp, rebound and feel revitalized once again.
www.michaelwkithcart.com/podcast
Show notes:
“Your Surge Capacity is Depleted - It’s Why You Feel Awful”
Tara Haelle on Twitter @tarahaelle
“If people feel like this year has been moving at warped speed, it’s been because it has been. We’ve experienced about 10 years of change in 3 months. “ Today’s guest, Leilani Bloomquist, explains the rapid change people and businesses have experienced as a result of the “cataclysmic” events of the pandemic. Leilani shares how she came to love the mix of technology and consumer experience, why the year has flown by, the importance of mentorship, and how she took the leap into entrepreneurship.
michaelwkithcart.com/podcast
Show Notes:
Champion Your Future Group Coaching michaelwkithcart.com/CYFGroup
The Best of Daily Rituals FREE compilation download michaelwkithcart.com/rituals
Martec article: https://chiefmartec.com/2020/08/bending-martecs-law-2020-taught-us-agile-thought/
The Brand lab
https://www.thebrandlab.org/
Find more on Leilani at www.leilanibloomquist.com
The hospitality industry has been hit especially hard this year and today’s episode of Champions of RISK focuses on a success story that has endured over 40 years in business. El Burrito Mercado opened in 1979, the dream of new immigrants and today is owned and run by second and third-generation family. Milissa Silva is the CEO and co-owner, along with her sister and niece. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Milissa shares how the family business has weathered many ups and downs, including several this year, and what keeps her going. It’s a story of entrepreneurship at its finest. Enjoy!
Show notes:
El Burrito Mercado at elburritostp.com
Milissa Silva on instagram at milissa_ebm
Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
Free download of The Best of Daily Rituals at michaelwkithcart.com/rituals
Reinvention is an opportunity to become more in alignment with who you are and what you want to become. Sometimes when we reinvent ourselves it’s out of a greater desire and sometimes it’s out of necessity. Either way, there is still choice and opportunity to elevate and improve oneself. Hear some of the ways I’ve reinvented myself, what’s worked for my clients, and the four questions that can guide you from “what is that rumble?” to taking action.
Establishing habits that support your desired outcomes is essential in reinvention. Download your free copy of The Best of Daily Rituals to see what the world’s highest performers do on a regular basis to operate at their highest levels. The Best of Daily Rituals is a compilation of best practices so you can choose one or two that work for you.
“I use comedy to start conversations.” - Miss Shannan Paul
For many of us, getting on stage and making people laugh is something to avoid, but for Miss Shannan Paul, comedy became a calling. She’s since expanded her comedic talents to address issues of racial and social injustices, equality, mental health, COVID. Today Miss Shannan shares what got her started in comedy and some of the different ways she is using her voice to spark action. And she just might reveal some of her auctioneering secrets!
Show notes:
Grey Zones
Comedy Through the Chaos
Miss Shannan
“Our brains are in the prediction business” - Kayt Sukel
On today’s episode, Kayt Sukel, author of “The Art of RISK: The New Science of Courage, Caution, and Chance” gives us a glimpse into how our brains process and analyze risk. She also shares several other factors that influence our perception of risk, our ability to assess risk, and the one thing that combats risk. You’ll notice a little fan geeking on my part because Kayt shares her work in an engaging and entertaining way. This is the podcast I wished could have been done in person over wine. Nevertheless, enjoy it!
michaelwkithcart.com/podcast
Show notes:
The Art of RISK: The New Science of Courage, Caution, and Chance
“One of the challenges we have as a country is for folks not to see racial injustice as a problem that Black people and other people of color need to solve, that it’s their problem. It’s a problem for our nation. When we’re more fair, more just. When we live up to our vision of ourselves in a real way, that’s a benefit to every American, not just those who are suffering from racial injustice now.” - Gaye Adams Massey, CEO of the YWCA St. Paul, and today’s guest on the Champions of RISK podcast. Please listen to this important conversation we all need to be having.
Show Notes:
Bryan Stevenson Ted Talks
United Shades of America Season 6, Episode 1 White Supremacy
YWCA St. Paul - CEO letter on George Floyd
Anti-Racism Resource List from the 21-day Challenge
Conversation, Activism and Reform Panel Discussion
John Lewis letter read by Morgan Freeman
What’s worth it to you to risk it all? What’s worth it to walk out of a job you love in order to stand up for what is right? Today Bret Herzog, strategy director at Periscope, shares how he and four Black teammates, and eventually the whole company, walked out because the parent company, Quad, was telling the advertising agency it couldn’t use #BlackLivesMatter in its communication and was not being responsive to concerns on its reporting on diversity. Hear:
- what led to the decision of deciding to walkout
- what action finally got Quad to change
- how the new CEO of Periscope is supporting and creating a new culture
- the work that needs to continue
It’s a fascinating story that reminds us all that the power of a few voices can make real change happen.
Show notes: Periscope Declaration of Independence
https://www.michaelwkithcart.com/podcast
Do you have days, or even weeks, where it’s harder to stay focused and accomplish projects or to-do lists? We are weary…and we still want to win. Today’s episode is on motivation, what contributes to us having it, where we can look to when we need to reconnect with it, and tools we can incorporate into our lives that can support keeping the drive alive. Share what helps keep you going and moving closer to your goals in the comment section and tune in to this Champions of RISK episode.
Schedule you're free coaching session to get started on your motivation accountability today here: https://www.michaelwkithcart.com/coaching
In today’s podcast, Michael Kithcart shares a culmination of some of the themes and characteristics she has observed from the risk-takers in her previous podcasts. Michael gives you 6 characteristics that her risk-taking guests share, that you can adopt, as you strengthen your own “Risk Muscle.”
"I’ve helped hundreds of high performers like you reach their next level of excellence. I will schedule a free one-on-one coaching strategy session with you. Yes, really – I’ll help you for free on this one.
On our first call, I’ll share with you what I've learned about the world's most accomplished and influential people. And I’ll give you five principles you can use to better master your mind, body, and ability to be more productive and influential every day of your life.
It’s your time! Let’s champion your future together!"
https://www.michaelwkithcart.com/coaching
“Dreaming can make me irate”. Heather Manley is a serial entrepreneur who is all about action. She’s not interested in words. She wants to know what you’re going to do about your idea, put a plan together, and get moving. And while you’re at it, remove the unnecessary hurdles and check to see if you’re part of the problem of getting to the action that’s needed to start and grow a business…or two. Listen to today’s episode of Champions of RISK with Heather Manley, CEO of On-Demand Group, Crooked Water Spirits, Heather’s Dirty Goodness, and ClusterF Creative.
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” I love this quote by George Addair and we address this and more with today’s guest Jaime Taets, CEO of Keystone Group International. What we do in the moments when we are risking everything with the hope that we are on to something bigger and greater than ourselves are character-defining moments. Jaime shares one of her fear-breaking moments, ways to get unstuck, and lots of other wisdom on this episode of Champions of RISK.
We wanted to become “champions of small business.”
Amanda Brinkman has been a brand and marketing executive for big brands and is currently the Chief Brand Officer for Deluxe. She set out to create something big for the company’s centennial, something that would raise the company’s brand awareness that would also make a big difference for the small business community. She started a movement to support small business by telling their stories and making the owners the focus. Hear how the reality series “Small Business Revolution” was created and how it is continuing to support small businesses through COVID. Check out the episode notes for links to “Small Business, Big Heart” that showcases businesses that have responded to COVID-19, as well as the “Small Business Revolution” series.
Watch the Small Business Revolution featuring Amanda here:
https://smallbusinessrevolution.org/small-business-revolution/big-hearts/
”Space is an activator.” Betsy Vohs, Founder and CEO of Studio BV. Today’s episode is all about the future of business offices and features Betsy and Ben Crawford, Director of Sales for General Office Products. There are now so many other things businesses and the designers that create their spaces will need to take into consideration.We cover everything from air quality, to technology, to behavior profiles and materials on today’s Champions of RISK.
Today’s episode features Jennifer Smith, CEO of Innovative Office Solutions, one of the largest and fastest-growing independent office solutions companies in the country. COVID isn’t the first time Jennifer has quickly and dramatically altered her business to respond to changing times. Hear how her past risks paid off and the biggest risks she’s facing today. Enjoy this Champions of RISK episode!
Here is the return to work guide referred to in the episode:
http://innovativeos.com/return-to-work
My gal pal Stephanie Hansen and I talk #afterthecast with Giselle Ugarte. What does it look like when your original path isn’t what you want?
Take a listen and if you are someone who is thinking about taking a big risk and you need some tools for breaking down the steps - let’s connect. I can coach you through distraction to action at MichaelWKithcart.com
Today’s episode of Champions of RISK is about courage, belief in self, and a willingness to risk everything to pursue a dream. Giselle Ugarte did that early on and has never looked back. She constantly takes big leaps in her roles Marketing Director of Media Bridge Advertising, as a coach, motivational speaker, and an influencer. Enjoy the ride she takes us on!
My gal pal Stephanie Hansen and I talk #afterthecast about our episode with Rebecca Longawa
AfterTheCast
Today our guest on the Champions of RISK podcast is Rebecca Longawa, founder and president of Happy Warrior, a consultancy firm for e-sports and sports technology start-ups, and brands that are looking to navigate the e-sports space. Rebecca took lessons from her father to muster the courage to start a business and enter a space that’s still largely unchartered. When she doubted herself, she followed her mother’s saying, “Do it afraid”. A great mantra for any risk taker.
Notes: Link to the Character of the Happy Warrior poem
Today’s episode of Champions of Risk is with Somer Kvale, an A-level cycle instructor at The Firm, and a volunteer firefighter in Golden Valley. Hear how her early life situations helped her see, “I’ve always been a first responder in some way.” Some of her learnings from the Firefighter Academy are applicable when dealing with launching into risk. They include:
- Break the big stuff into small bites, take it step by step.
- Take as much decision making as possible out of the equation, automate or make action instinct.
- Look around you, everyone builds their own skillset and expertise.
Tap into them!
Today’s Champion of RISK podcast episode is up close and personal on owning a small business is today’s economic climate, including challenges with PPP. Business ownership is risky business on a good day and as a women-owned business, Paula Beadle is accustomed to making it on her own without a lot of assistance. It’s been a source for pride for her as CEO of Caravel Marketing, a sponsorship marketing agency. Now she’s wondering if her ability to go it alone for 10 years impeded her ability to receive relief funding through PPP. Hear her story, challenges and persistence in today’s episode.
My gal pal Stephanie Hansen and I talk #afterthecast with Jenny Evans, a speaker and coach on resilience and stress management. She has created mind body exercises and ways of processing and working your resiliency muscle.
There’s been a lot of emphasis during the pandemic about how humans are resilient and while it’s true, what does that really mean? And if I’m not feeling resilient, is there a “muscle” I can build to become more adaptable to stress and uncertainty? On today’s episode of Champions of RISK, our guest is Jenny Evans, award-winning author of “The Resiliency rEvolution”, speaker, coach, and on-air expert on physiology and chemistry as it relates to resiliency, confidence, and performance. Jenny shares what’s going on in our bodies under stress and ways we can become more resilient to ongoing changes. She also shares her own recent self-induced state of stress to transform her business in the midst of the pandemic. Whether you’re looking for coping tools or inspiration to follow that pesky nudge now, today’s podcast has something for everyone.
My gal pal Stephanie Hansen and I talk #afterthecast with Sales Guru and Author, Rebecca Gebhardt about her book, “Beyond The Board, How to Address Your Vision Board Goals in a Fulfilling and Sustainable Way.”
Click in the Bio and take a listen and if you are someone who is thinking you need some tools for breaking down the sales steps and moving towards your vision. Check out Rebecca's book:
"Beyond the Board" How to Achieve Your Visionboard Goals in a Fulfilling and Sustaining Way."
https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Board-Achieve-Fulfilling-Sustainable-ebook/dp/B084T4X23F
Are you in sales (who isn’t, really)? What’s your mindset like these days - are you waiting it our or are you striving and thriving? Rebecca Gebhardt, CEO of Rise Up Consulting, is our latest guest on the Champions of RISK podcast and she gives us all practical tips on taking control of the day and doing what matters. She works with sales and business leaders on rising up to the next level. Yes, even today. We recorded right before isolating and our conversation is in many ways even more relevant today for all of us. Learn how to plan emotionally and execute rationally and how “simplify to multiply” can really be applied to today’s environment. Today’s episode kicks off with a few minutes of Rebecca and I addressing how she’s helping salespeople navigate in the current environment.
Check out her book and the Podcast.
Beyond the Board
https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Board-Achieve-Fulfilling-Sustainable-ebook/dp/B084T4X23F
AfterTheCast
My gal pal Stephanie Hansen and I talk #afterthecast with Tracy Call. What does it look like when you go with your gut? Is going with your gut a plan? Looking at situations through the “Lincoln lens” can be helpful to all of us.
Take a listen and if you are someone who is thinking about taking a big risk and you need some tools for breaking down the steps - let’s connect. I can coach you through distraction to action.
“You have to be willing to dream big and fail, but you also have to be willing to enter the danger.” That’s the definition of risk from today’s guest, Tracy Call, CEO of Media Bridge Advertising. Hear how being adopted and her fear of rejection helps propel her business forward along with great practical advice she’s acquired as a business owner, mom, and athlete.
Notes from episode:
- “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” Theodore Roosevelt
- “Media Bridge Advertising waives fees for“pivoting”
- “Lead With Heart” by Tom Gartland
* Special Programming note:
This episode was recorded before the outbreak of Coronavirus.Each week my gal pal Stephanie Hansen and I talk #afterthecast about the previous episode, We break down our thoughts about the episode and identify critical steps along the way where our guests took risks and experienced resiliency.
What does it look like when you decide to quit your job and travel or move to another country? We talk about how to set yourself up for those types of big life moments.
Take a listen and if you are someone who is thinking about taking a big risk and you need some tools for breaking down the steps - let’s connect. I can coach you through the steps to help you get unstuck, out of your head, and taking action. See michaelwkithcart.com
Are you an entrepreneur looking to grow your business and learn from others? Consider Champion Circles for Women Entrepreneurs: https://www.michaelwkithcart.com/champion-circles-1
* Special Programming note:
This episode was recorded before the outbreak of Coronavirus.
Champions of Risk shares conversations to explore the many facets of risk so we can all face our own uncertainties with more resilience and confidence. A frequent dream I hear shared is a desire to be able to take off and travel the world. The dream is also usually followed up with how risky it would be for the person on several levels. So today we're talking with Andrew Mahowald, global nomad, and adventure seeker. Nearly two years ago Andrew quit his corporate job in digital marketing to set out and see the world. We talk about how he made the decisions, risks he's taken along the way and a couple of opportunities he's passed on.
You can follow Andrew's journey on Instagram @Andrew.adventuring.
Want to build your risk resiliency? Consider a coach to help you get unstuck, out of your head, and taking action. See michaelwkithcart.com
Are you an entrepreneur looking to grow your business and learn from others? Consider Champion Circles for Women Entrepreneurs: https://www.michaelwkithcart.com/champion-circles-1
Michael W Kithcart launches her first episode of the Champions of Risk Podcast by having a conversation with Stephanie Hansen, the NAWBO business owner of the year in 2012, about the risk of starting and selling business...with a spouse.
Are you interested in learning more about Champion Circles? Champion Circles are monthly peer to peer groups for women entrepreneurs and leaders to learn, challenge, and grow together. Champion others and champion your future.
MWK Coaching gets you on track and moving forward faster. Gain the clarity needed to make key decisions and connect to new information and ideas to see a new possibility. Get an accountability partner to support you in taking the action needed for change and a champion for your vision and success along the way.
Do you know of individuals who have taken risks in their personal or professional lives that would make for a good podcast guest? Contact Michael here.
Hi everyone, I’m Michael W Kithcart, Welcome to Champions of RISK - Conversations that explore the many aspects of risk that occur in our lives, both self-created and situational, so we can face uncertainty with more resilience, confidence, and humor together.
Champions of RISK is about understanding risk’s role in living up to our fullest potential. In order to accomplish any big thing in life – starting a business, growing that business, switching careers, entering a partnership personally or professionally, leaving one life behind for another adventure – it all requires taking action in spite of uncertainty. That’s the definition of risk. Here’s the thing: what’s feels like a big risk to me might not to you. You might be willing to take a risk in one aspect of your life but not another. I know I have taken bigger risks at different times in my life and at other moments, have turned my back on it. We’re on this journey together.
Why a podcast on Risk? I want to applaud, highlight – champion - the stories of women and men who have mustered up the courage and taken action to get where they want to go so that we can all see ourselves in their stories. When we learn from each other, it makes us all braver to go after what we truly want in life. So we’re going to dig in and find out what they’ve learned from taking risks, what they would do differently and what were the unintended benefits. We’re going to talk to people who describe themselves as risk-averse to better understand what that means, how it serves them and how it gets in the way. We’ll talk to neuroscientists who can help us better understand what goes on in the brain when faced with risk and discuss whether or not we can build up a tolerance.
Please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform so you get updates, and if you know of someone with a great risk story, please let us know in the contact section on michaelwkithcart.com.
Hi everyone, I’m Michael W Kithcart, Welcome to Champions of RISK - Conversations that explore the many aspects of risk that occur in our lives, both self-created and situational, so we can face uncertainty with more resilience, confidence, and humor together.
Champions of RISK is about understanding risk’s role in living up to our fullest potential. In order to accomplish any big thing in life – starting a business, growing that business, switching careers, entering a partnership personally or professionally, leaving one life behind for another adventure – it all requires taking action in spite of uncertainty. That’s the definition of risk. Here’s the thing: what’s feels like a big risk to me might not to you. You might be willing to take a risk in one aspect of your life but not another. I know I have taken bigger risks at different times in my life and at other moments, have turned my back on it. We’re on this journey together.
I’m excited to be launching this podcast because Risk is a subjective term with multiple meanings, perspectives, scenarios and a varying degree of outcomes. Risk is part of our daily lives. We constantly navigate and make choices around varying degrees of risk. There are consequences in risk – both positive and negative. There is value in understanding all the aspects of risk and I think storytelling is the best way to examine the what, why and how of risk.
We’re going to explore beyond the definition and hear people’s stories on how they’ve interacted with risk – both successfully and some of the failures. There’s learning in both. Our guests will cover a wide gamut of experiences, professions, perspectives, and we’ll learn how we can build our risk muscles to better leap into uncertainty with confidence in whatever bold action/move we want to take.