108 Just Be Nice - Josh Jones
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/just-be-nice/
It can be discouraging to think about all the massive problems in the world today. How can one person possibly make a difference? Our guest today reveals an answer you might not expect.
I’m excited to speak with my friend Josh Jones. He believes that the key to massive and extraordinary change exists in the world right now. There are more than enough resources and goodwill to make a huge dent in the problems of today. These affect humans, animals, and the environment every day. What we need is coordinated, collaborative, and concentrated effort. Josh’s goal is to help individuals and organizations make ordinary changes that contribute to extraordinary positive change in the world. He shares how he is doing this through the Just Be Nice Project, and how you can practice these principles too.
Josh’s bio: Josh Reid Jones is the founder of the JBNProject, which aims to move people to an equality of opportunity through three core streams: housing, employment, and mental health. The JBNProject has been designed to amplify good will by utilizing the skills, infrastructure, even geographical location of existing businesses for maximum scale and impact. By bringing together existing businesses with the most effective, transparent, and efficient charitable organizations, the JBNProject drives complete outcomes across housing, employment, and mental health by creating a collaborative environment to deliver lasting change.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
Follow Josh on Twitter Use hashtag #JBNProject
107 Learning to Set Boundaries - The Pat Iyer Group
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/learning-boundaries/
As a business leader, what type of relationship should you have with your team members? Are they friends with whom you have a warm personal relationship? Or are they employees whom you keep at a distance? How do you learn to set proper boundaries?
Our guest today helps us find some answers. I’m thrilled to be talking with my new friend, Pat Iyer. Pat has a medical background and is also an author, expert witness and coach. For 26 years, she ran a small business that was focused on helping attorneys with cases involving medical issues. When she sold the company in 2015, she had over 200 expert witnesses under contract. In our conversation, Pat shares lessons about business, accountability, and learning to set healthy boundaries in the workplace.
Pat’s bio: Pat Iyer MSN RN LNCC is a medical liability expert, professional speaker, author and coach. She works with healthcare providers who want to reduce risks and improve patient safety. LNCC is the certification granted by the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants. It is the only legal nurse consulting certification which meets the standards of the American Board of Nursing Specialties. It is awarded to experienced legal nurse consultants who meet a practice requirement and pass a rigorous exam.
In 1989, Pat established Med League Support Services, an independent legal nurse consulting firm. As a result of reviewing thousands of medical records and talking with attorneys about thousands of cases, she developed her expertise in the concepts of medical liability and patient safety: from the labor and delivery to the nursing home, from the emergency department to the ICU, from the outpatient surgery center to the dialysis center, and everywhere in between.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
PatIyer.com
EditingMyBook.com (Ghostwriting and developmental editing)
PatIyer.com/Shop (Pat’s videos)
106 Becoming a Dynamic Communicator - Jill Schiefelbein
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.
If you want to be an effective communicator in today’s world, you must do more than just produce content. You must also learn to leverage and repurpose your content in order to reach more people. Our guest today shows us how to do this effectively.
I’m excited to be speaking with the amazing Jill Schiefelbein. She is a fellow colleague from the National Speakers Association and is known as the Dynamic Communicator. Jill helps us see why it’s vital to share your content on various platforms with multiple audiences. You’ll be inspired to take your business and communication to the next level.
Jill’s bio: Jill Schiefelbein is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and recovering academic. She taught business communication at Arizona State University for eleven years before venturing into entrepreneurship. Jill’s business, The Dynamic Communicator®, helps organizations increase sales and create consumer advocates. Jill runs the Dynamic Accelerator program, helping solo- and micro-entrepreneurs accelerate business growth. Her latest book, Dynamic Communication: 27 Strategies to Grow, Lead, and Manage Your Business hit stores March 2017.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
Jill’s articles on Entrepreneur.com
105 Creating a Culture of Trust - TiER1
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/creating-trust/
Summary
What is the measure of a great company? Is it profits? Size? The number of worldwide locations? While all of those can be significant, one measure of a great company is the level of trust within the organization.
Today I’m speaking with Greg Harmeyer, CEO of TiER1 Performance. TiER1 is an award-winning business that works with organizations on their strategic evolution, talent development, and change. In other words, they’re all about creating value. I first heard about TiER1’s innovative ideas as Lead Judge for the Engaging Pittsburgh awards. I also had the opportunity to hear one of their trainers speak on a subject that is vital in my speaking business as well: strategic change. On this episode, you’ll hear Greg’s innovative ideas for taking your organization to the next level by creating a culture of trust and engagement.
Greg’s bio: Now in his 15th year of business, Greg leads TiER1 Performance in crafting and delivering engaging, people-centered business solutions that help great companies achieve lasting results. TiER1 is a high-touch boutique consulting firm working to improve the performance of organizations through the performance of people to build a better world. A one-stop-shop for performance, TiER1 combines the talents of creative, technology, communications, learning, change management, and project management consultants to design and deliver innovative, people-centric solutions. The company’s clients include Procter & Gamble, FedEx, PPG, Macy's, Harley Davidson, Delta Airlines and over 200 other marquee organizations.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
TiER1Performance.com
Follow TiER1 on Twitter
104 Engagement Through Employee Recognition - Terryberry
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/engagement-through-recognition/
What do people really want from their jobs? We all want a paycheck, but we also crave recognition for our accomplishments. We all want to feel valued and affirmed. Our guest today shows how one company excels at recognizing employees and creating a great workplace culture.
I’m excited to bring you this interview with Mike Byam. He is the Managing Partner and a 4th generation team member of Terryberry, a family-owned business. Next year, in 2018, Terryberry will celebrate its 100th year in business. You don’t reach that without creating a great workplace culture. Terryberry is in the business of employee recognition, but today we are going to talk about what they do in-house to give what I say are the two most important feelings any human can have: being acknowledged and having value. In 2016 Terryberry was named one of the Best and Brightest companies to work for in the nation. After listening to this episode, you’ll see why.
Terryberry is helping their employees to achieve their best potential. The research shows that employee recognition is the #1 driver of engagement. Employee recognition is much more than perks or gifts at Terryberry. It's about being present, listening, and genuinely appreciating people for who they are and what they bring to the team.
Exposure to this culture begins even before an employee's first day. Upon acceptance of an offer, employees receive a welcome kit including a guidebook with information about "what to expect" and a "Welcome Aboard Questionnaire." The questionnaire asks employees about what kind of recognition is meaningful to them, and about favorite drinks, snacks and restaurants for managers to use to personalize the recognition they receive.
New employees are inducted into Give a WOW, our social media-style recognition program, where they receive welcome messages from peers and leaders. From the very start of their employment, all employees are encouraged to recognize others in the organization whenever they see someone demonstrating Terryberry's core values in an exceptional way.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
Terryberry’s philosophy of employee recognition (video)
Businesses That Care on C-Suite Radio
103 Navigating the Game of Life - Mo Gawdat
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/solve-for-happy/
How can happiness arise from a devastating loss? Is it possible to choose happiness over despair? What can we learn about life from video games? These may seem like unrelated questions, but today’s guest brings them together in a fascinating discussion.
I’m thrilled to share my interview with Mo Gawdat, the Chief Business Officer at Google’s [X]. This is an elite team of engineers who make up Google’s futurist “dream factory.” At the early age of eight, Mo decided to focus on a topic of interest each year and learn as much as possible. This incredible habit lead to some life-changing discoveries. I found his new book, Solve for Happy, to be a wonderful mixture of engineering genius and a huge empathetic heart. You’ll see this unique mix in our interview.
Mo’s bio: In the past ten years, Mo has made happiness his primary topic of research, diving deeply into literature and conversing on the topic with thousands of people in more than a hundred countries. He is also a serial entrepreneur who has co-founded more than twenty businesses. He speaks Arabic, English, and German. In 2014, motivated by the tragic loss of his son, Ali, Mo began pouring his findings into his first book, titled Solve for Happy.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
Solve for Happy by Mo Gawdat
Mo’s interview with Lewis Howes
Mo’s interview with the Free Library of Philadelphia
Follow Mo on Twitter (use hashtags #10MillionHappy and #SolveForHappy to tweet about Mo and the book)
102 Developing Company Culture - Professional Movers
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/developing-company-culture/
Great business leaders are found everywhere--office buildings, warehouses, stages and concert halls. Today you’ll hear from a leader in an industry you might not expect: professional moving.
I’m happy to bring you this interview with Andrew Androff of Professional Movers. What intrigued me about his company is that his management team all began as movers. For Andrew, although a college education is supported, those that have vested their time and grown within the company, possess the qualities to become leaders too. Professional Movers has created a culture that has been voted the Best Moving Service for five consecutive years by their community. Their Company Manifesto acts as their Culture Compass. Let’s find out how he does that.
More about Professional Movers: Professional Movers is a Residential and Office Moving Company that does things so positively different, they forever alter a customer’s expectations for the better. Since 1978, they have redefined the moving industry by creating a company-wide culture that values a compassionate connection with their customers. they take the time to understand their customers’ needs and provide solutions that saves money, relieves their stress, and transforms their perception of what to expect from a professional moving company.
More from Andrew about how Professional Movers developed its company manifesto: We invited our Team Members to put their individual fingerprint on the development of our Company Manifesto. We began by providing each with a document that explained what a company manifesto was and provided examples of other really emotionally positive company manifestos done well. We then provided a questionnaire that asked them specific questions about their role in the company.
We placed a manifesto box in our office and asked the team members to anonymously submit their completed questionnaires. We then utilized their answers to develop our company manifesto. We had the company manifesto printed into a really large design board and mounted it on our office wall for all to see. The Company Manifesto acts as our Culture compass. It reminds us of the fabric of our organization and the direction and goals we are collectively working towards.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
Follow Professional Movers on Twitter
101 The Power of Storytelling - Kelly Swanson
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/storytelling-kelly-swanson/
We usually think of storytelling as a skill reserved for movies, fairy tales, and novels. What if you could harness the amazing power of stories to better connect with your audience or customers? Today's guest shows us how.
I'm excited to bring you this interview with Kelly Swanson, an expert storyteller and comedian. Kelly not only knows how to tell a great story. She also understands why stories work and can help you improve your storytelling as well. You’ll learn a number of practical tips that will take your influence and engagement to the next level.
Kelly’s bio: Kelly Swanson is an award-winning storyteller, motivational speaker, comedian and author of The Gutsy Girl’s Pocket Guide to Public Speaking Kindle series and Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale?: How to Hang on to Humor When Life Doesn’t Go The Way You Planned. She’s also the creator of Prides Hollow and the wacky cast of Southern characters who show up when you least expect them.
Kelly has won awards for her storytelling from the Film Advisory Board of Hollywood and the National Parenting Publications Association. She was a featured entertainer for Holland America Cruise Lines and has been coined one of North Carolina’s funniest women.
She delivers funny, motivating programs on how to master the art of connection and engagement through the power of story. Woven into her powerful content on how you can craft your words to have more impact is her delightfully wacky and moving personal story of finding out how being the weird kid would turn out to be her greatest gift and biggest asset in business.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn
Connect with Kelly on Facebook
Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale? by Kelly Swanson
100 The Leadership Gap - Lolly Daskal
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/leadership-gap/
What is true leadership all about? Does it mean you’re just calling the shots and making all the decisions, or it is something much more important and meaningful? Our guest today has the answer.
I’m honored to share my interview with Lolly Daskal, someone I have been following for years. Lolly is one of the most highly regarded thought leaders in business today. She has enthused audiences around the world with her innovative perspective and challenges of conventional wisdom. I love her ability to be honest and thought-provoking, and she brings those qualities to our interview. Today Lolly and I will discuss some great ideas to increase employee engagement and create a more desirable workplace. You will instantly grow your leadership after hearing our practical advice for creating an enhanced workplace culture.
Lolly’s bio: Lolly Daskal is one of the most sought-after executive leadership coaches in the world. Her extensive cross-cultural expertise spans fourteen countries, six languages and hundreds of companies. As founder and CEO of Lead From Within, her proprietary leadership program is engineered to be a catalyst for leaders who want to enhance performance and make a meaningful difference in their companies, their lives, and the world. Based on a mix of modern philosophy, science, and nearly thirty years coaching top executives, Lolly’s perspective on leadership continues to break new ground and produce exceptional results.
Of her many awards and accolades, Lolly Daskal was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Experts by Inc. magazine. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, Psychology Today, and others.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
The Leadership Gap by Lolly Daskal
Follow Lolly on Twitter
099 Show Up as the Star You Are - Jess Todtfeld
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/show-up-as-the-star-you-are/
Are you coasting through life on autopilot? Do you feel overwhelmed by too many things to do? Could you use a change of perspective? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, our guest today will help you get out of a rut and create space in your life to truly “show up” as the star you are.
I’m happy to bring you this interview with Jess Todtfeld, who is a media expert and former TV producer. He holds the Guinness World Record for being interviewed the most times in 24 hours (112 interviews on different radio stations). This is a very fun interview that will inspire and motivate you to become your best self and maximize your potential.
Jess’s bio: Jess Todtfeld helps people who want to ... GET more media interviews, ACE more media interviews ... and CONVERT interviews into sales. His work helps create the space to “show up” in your life and create jumps in your confidence by eliminating the unknown and showing you possibilities...many you didn't even know were there.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
Connect with Jess on LinkedIn
Mere Mortals Unite on C-Suite Radio
098 Creating a Customer Service Culture – Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/customer-service-culture/
When you think of “customer service,” what industries come to mind? Perhaps you think of hotels, restaurants, tech companies, or entertainment. On this episode, you’ll learn how one state government agency is leading the way in customer service.
I’m thrilled to introduce you to Kim Heinle, who works with Customer Service and Advocacy for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority. You may have never considered what training is necessary for these workers, but they face many different personalities on a daily basis. For Kim, every day is a new adventure with new opportunities and challenges. He wants a team that truly wants to be there and love what they do. Kim is committed to helping his workforce live productive lives. His main goal is to weave a Customer Service Culture into the fabric of their business. On this episode, Kim shares how he accomplishes this.
Kim’s bio: Kim Scott Heinle is the Assistant General Manager for Customer Service & Advocacy with SEPTA, the public transit organization for Southeastern Pennsylvania. SEPTA has been in business since 1964, and Kim has been with the organization for 33 years. His goal is to empower employees at all levels to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Further thoughts from Kim on increasing employee engagement and enhancing the workplace culture: “Public Sector organizations need a new approach to business and it starts with understanding why we are here in the first place. Building a SEPTA Customer Service Culture (BASCSC) is now in the fabric of who we are. It’s the starting point for understanding the link between highly motivated employees and their ability to deliver amazing service to our riding customers and non-riding customers.”
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
Follow SEPTA Customer Service on Twitter
097 Love with Full Intelligence
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/love-with-full-intelligence/
Summary
One of the most enduring questions of the human race is “What is love?” Is it an emotion? An action? A choice? A feeling? How does it relate to our thinking? Our guest today helps us clarify this misunderstood topic and shows us how to love with full intelligence.
Nic Marks joins us from England, where he is the CEO of Happiness Works and a board member of Action for Happiness, a charity campaigning for a happier and more caring world. Nic has been an advisor to the government of the UK, spoken at the TED global conference, and hung out with the Dali Llama. You’ll want to hear what he has to say about love, choices, and relationships.
Nic’s bio: Nic Marks helps organizations build happier, more productive workplaces. Described as a “Statistician with a Soul” because of his unusual combination of ‘hard’ statistical skills and ‘soft’ people skills, he draws on scientific evidence to show that everyone benefits when businesses take happiness seriously. Nic founded Happiness Works, an innovative tech-based business with offices in London and San Francisco, to be the catalyst in changing the world of work for the better. Nic is an in-demand public speaker. Undoubtedly his favorite talk of the year was in a circus tent at the Wilderness music festival.
As well as being the CEO of Happiness Works, Nic is a board member at Action for Happiness, a charity campaigning for a happier and more caring world whose patron is the Dalai Lama and a Fellow of the New Economics Foundation.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
Happiness at work survey (free trial)
Action for Happiness & the Dali Llama
Follow Happiness Works on Twitter
Mere Mortals Unite on C-Suite Radio
096 Fun as Business Culture
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/creating-fun-as-business-culture/
Summary
Can an accounting firm actually be a fun place to work? The two concepts of “fun” and “accounting” seem to be polar opposites. On this episode, you’ll learn how one forward-thinking accounting firm has carefully created a fun business culture that allows their team members to grow and thrive.
I’m thrilled to share an interview with Bill Hagaman, CEO and Managing Partner of WithumSmith+Brown. Since I’m a recovering accountant, I was very intrigued to have Bill on the show. We don’t think of an accounting firm as a place where people have fun, but as you’ll learn in this episode, they have used videos and other intriguing programs to establish a business culture that is enjoyable and growth-oriented. You’ll be inspired to start thinking of ways to boost the culture at your own workplace after hearing how Withum does it. You might even be inspired to get up and dance!
Bill’s Bio: Bill is the Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of WithumSmith+Brown, PC, and has been a member of the firm’s management for over 30 years. He is a licensed certified public accountant in New Jersey, New York and Florida, as well as a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), specializing in merger and acquisition services and international business.
A graduate of Richard Stockton College of New Jersey with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Bill joined Withum in 1980. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA). He has also demonstrated a leadership role in expanding the firm’s global capabilities, serving as a current executive committee member of HLB International and as the former chairman of Nexia International USA. Both are worldwide networks of independent accounting firms and business advisors.
Bill has appeared on several television and radio programs discussing topics related to leadership and business management. He is frequently quoted in accounting and business publications, and has authored many articles over the years on topics ranging from fixed asset management, mergers and acquisitions and leadership within the profession.
You’ll discover:
The Ten Elements of the Withum Way
Interview Links & Other Resources
Breaking Stereotypes of Accountants (Video)
2016 State of the Firm (Video)
095 Fire Up Your Brain - Julie “Brain Lady” Anderson
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/fire-up-your-brain/
Summary
Everyone wants to be successful, but how do you do it? Is it a matter of working harder? Getting a good education? Knowing the right people? All of those elements can certainly be helpful, but our guest today points to a more fundamental element to success in life, business, and relationships.
I’m happy to introduce our guest, Julie Anderson, also known as the “Brain Lady.” For almost two decades, Julie has been using science to ignite people to fire up their brains. On today’s show, she shares specific ways to accelerate success in your personal and professional relationships, as well as your career. Her energy is infectious and she is really, really smart! You’ll learn a number of ways to enrich who you are and what you do.
Julie’s bio: Julie “Brain Lady” Anderson is considered to be one of the nation’s top experts on the Brain Personality Connection. She is a public speaker; business, communication, and relationship consultant; and published author. For more than 16 years, she has used the science behind psychology to ignite entrepreneurs and women to fire up their brains. The information she shares will help accelerate your success in your relationships, career, and business. Her background includes Natural Health, Psychology, Human Resource Development, Psychoneuroimmunology, as well as courses in Depression, Anxiety Disorders and Brain Function, Personality Types, Brain Health, and the Brain Personality Connection.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
Connect with Julie on Facebook
Connect with Julie on LinkedIn
Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient by Norman Cousins
Head First by Norman Cousins
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
094 Grooming Talent
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/talent-grooming/
Summary
Most companies don’t view interns as an integral part of their culture or strategy. At best, they view interns as a sap on company resources and energy. What happens when a company decides to focus on interns not only as a way to serve those students, but also as a way to develop talent for the company and invest in the community? Today’s guest gives us the answer.
I’m happy to interview Jennifer Trakhtenberg on today’s episode. She is the Senior Talent Leader at ClearVision, a B2B company that was recently recognized as one of the best companies to work for in the state of New York. Here is a short list of what is important at ClearVision: open communication; continuous improvement for our employees, customers, and community; a passion for grooming talent; investment in learning & development opportunities; a commitment to wellness; and a penchant for fun. Jennifer shares how ClearVision takes these values from concepts to reality through its innovative approach to internships. Don’t miss this episode that is filled with practical and actionable ideas you can implement today.
Jen’s Bio: Jen Trakhtenberg is an experienced human resources professional dedicated to growing teams, building employee programs, and developing tools to enhance the workplace. She has held leadership roles in HR functions at Morgan Stanley, Register.com, and most recently at ClearVision Optical. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Binghamton University with a Business Management degree and concentrations in Human Resources & Marketing. She then pursued a Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at NYU, and obtained a Certificate in International Studies & Executive Coaching.
Jen has a genuine passion for using creativity to improve organizational culture and infusing fun into the corporate environment. She is a cheerleader for instilling core values in how work gets done, and focuses leadership efforts on everything related to people, culture, and philanthropic giving. She currently oversees the Talent Management function & team for ClearVision Optical with an emphasis on cultivating an engaging & fun company culture.
She leads the effort to identify top talent through recruitment, assessment & retention. She also developed and designed the company’s dynamic intern training program, from which over 14 full-time hires have been made. Jen’s personable approach has led her to become a coach and mentor to many in the areas of performance management, team building, & talent development. She is invested in employees’ wellbeing and growth, offering an array of trainings for ongoing education. She also helps deliver innovative philanthropic efforts, holiday celebrations, motivational exercising, and exciting networking activities that keep employees engaged.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
Connect with ClearVision on Facebook
Connect with ClearVision on LinkedIn
093 Slow to Anger, Quick to Forgive - Thom Singer
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/slow-to-anger-quick-to-forgive/
There are many aspects of life that can create anger and derail your success. But the biggest threats come from within. Our guest today identifies one of these threats--anger--and shows us how to successfully deal with it.
I’m thrilled to interview Thom Singer, who is known as the Conference Catalyst. His high energy, positive outlook, and engaging style cultivates a better conference experience and changes lives. In this interview, Thom shares why it’s so important to be slow to anger and quick to forgive. He shares practical strategies for living out this key principle that can change your life. I think you’ll find Tom’s words of wisdom to be an asset in life as well as business.
Thom’s Bio: Thom Singer has an eclectic background working in sales, marketing and business development roles for Fortune 500 Companies, Law Firms, and entrepreneurial ventures. He is a professional master of ceremonies, motivational keynote speaker, and the author of twelve books on the power of business development, networking, entrepreneurship, legal marketing, and presentation skills while also serving as the host of the popular “Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do” podcast. He regularly speaks at business and association conferences around the United States and beyond, and has presented to over 600 audiences during his career as a speaker. He lives in the amazing city of Austin, Texas where he and his wife are the parents of two highly spirited daughters.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do Podcast
092 Developing Compassion & Empathy
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/developing-compassion-empathy/
Many workplaces and industries today operate like war zones. Employees experience high levels of stress, fatigue, burnout, and other symptoms of disengagement. Workers in fields such as law enforcement and health care are especially prone to these symptoms. Our guest today shares a unique, empathetic approach his company uses to help employees stay more engaged and thrive in stressful environments.
I’m happy to introduce you to Zach Stone, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder of the Red Kite Project. Red Kite stops burnout, disengagement, conflict, and violence in the workplace using techniques built in war zones for high-stress professionals. Their methods are research-proven to reduce absenteeism, assaults, complaints, rule violations, health-care costs, workplace conflict and resource wasting. Zach shares why and how Red Kite was founded, as well as a number of principles you can start using today to help employees stay healthier and more engaged.
Zach’s Bio: Zach Stone is co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Red Kite Consulting Inc. in 2008, He co-created Red Kite Project in an effort to bring healing and burnout prevention methodology used in places like Afghanistan, Rwanda, Chechnya, and Bosnia to the United States of America. Red Kite is the world's first workforce development firm that uses methods built in war zones to help professionals in the harshest jobs to survive and thrive. Zach Began his career in 1999 when he was trained in group facilitation and adult learning.Since then he has worked as an educator, mediator, facilitator, corporate trainer, and crisis interventionist. He has trained over 6,000 professionals in the military, first response, crisis intervention, diplomacy, healthcare, and transportation industries. Zach has been featured twice by Apple Inc, for innovation in the field of training and social innovation.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
Follow Red Kite Project on Twitter
The Harvard Wellness in the Workplace Review (2010)
Here’s What Burnout Costs You (Forbes article)
091 Increasing Engagement in the Workplace
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/engagement-in-workplace/
Summary
Did you know that by 2020, there will be a shortage of 5 million workers across all industries? This translates to more choices for workers and a greater need for employee engagement. Money is no longer the dominant factor that drives a person’s choice of where to work. How can you help employees be more engaged and create a culture that will help your company thrive both now and in the future?
On this episode, you’ll learn practical tips and strategies that will help you add value to employees and create a culture they love. I’ll share why communication, collaboration, and change management skills are so important and how to help employees develop them. These used to be known as “soft skills” but are now considered essential. Don’t miss this episode that’s packed full of ideas to help you create an environment that exudes success!
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
090 Be More, Do More, Have More, The Power of Significance - Tom Ziglar
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/ziglar-on-significance/
Summary
What does it mean to create significance? How can I make a greater impact on others? How are my habits related to my personal and professional achievement? Those are questions every success-oriented person should be asking, and our guest today will help you find the answers.
I’m excited to introduce you to Tom Ziglar, son of the late Zig Ziglar, one of the world’s top motivational speakers for decades. Tom is CEO of the Zig Ziglar Corporation and travels the world speaking to billion-dollar companies, small business owners, and at prestigious academic institutions. In our interview, Tom reveals the secrets that have helped him become so successful. You’ll learn why you must be before you can do, why you must do before you can have, and what the ultimate goal of your success should be (hint: it’s to help others). Grab pen and paper, your phone or tablet, because you’ll want to take notes on the practical strategies Tom shares for success.
Tom’s Bio: For over two decades, Tom has served as CEO of the family business. He joined the Zig Ziglar Corporation in 1987, learning every aspect of the business as he climbed from working in the warehouse, to sales, to seminar promotion, to sales management, and then on to leadership. Tom has had the privilege of speaking around the world to billion-dollar companies, small business owners, and at prestigious academic institutions like Cambridge and Harvard. He excels at speaking on leadership, business, and performance. Tom’s mission in life is simple: To help you become significant by equipping you to help others be, do, and have more than they thought possible.
You’ll discover:
Tom’s 5:00 a.m., 45-minute routine that has laid the foundation for his success:
Interview Links & Other Resources
089: Building Connection in the Workplace - Bristlecone Holdings
http://www.julieannsullivan.com/workplace-connection/
If there is one industry that is perceived as cold and uncaring, it’s finance. Banks, credit card companies, asset management firms, and insurance companies. They are not usually known for their customer care. Our guest today will explain how one finance company provides exceptional care not only to its customers, but its employees as well.
Today I’m thrilled to introduce you to Kelsey Martin, Chief People Officer at Bristlecone Holdings in Reno, Nevada. Bristlecone provides consumer leasing to several niche markets, and has distinguished itself by diving deeper into the data spectrum. Their mission is to redefine creditworthiness, and by doing so have helped many consumers who would not otherwise be able to obtain financing. In our interview, Kelsey describes how she has helped Bristlecone serve its employees and connect with them through simple but effective engagement strategies. Listen in and prepare to take your business to the next level!
Kelsey’s Bio: Kelsey Martin is the Chief People Officer of Bristlecone Holdings, an alternative consumer finance company. She oversees its culture, human resources processes, policies and procedures, and talent development.
About the company: Bristlecone is a group of individuals frustrated by current financing options. Kelsey described it like this: “Like our customers, we survived the Great Recession. Like our merchants, we adapted to a changing market. We knew we weren’t alone. We set out to build financing that made more sense for everyday people.”
We partnered with the smartest and the best to build a more resilient, reliable and accessible finance model. We found those with shared values to collaborate in our mission. We work with the most trusted retailers in each market. We strive to delight our customers with prime customer service. Together, we want to revolutionize consumer finance using modern technologies.
You’ll discover:
● Why it’s important for Bristlecone to care for its customers as well as engage its employees.
● The importance of defining your workplace culture.
● What it means for Bristlecone to have a “ranch-style” culture, and how it helps employees feel more engaged.
● A simple and fun practice they use to publicly recognize employees, and how it connects to their three core values of innovate, empower, and serve.
● How Bristlecone’s focus on employee connection has impacted their turnover rate and created culture of appreciation.
● Why the company is different than other financial institutions that serve lower-credit customers.
● What Kelsey will be working on this year to help employees stay connected, and how it will continue to help their workplace feel like an extended family.
Interview Links & Other Resources
Connect with Bristlecone on Facebook
Connect with Bristlecone on LinkedIn
Businesses That Care on C-Suite Radio
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088: The Power of Resilience - Lauren Schieffer
http://www.julieannsullivan.com/the-power-of-resilience-lauren-schieffer/
All of us face trials and setbacks on a daily basis. Whether it’s a minor problem or a major tragedy, one quality will help you deal with these setbacks successfully: resilience. My guest today helps us understand why we need to be resilient and how to put it into practice every day.
I’m thrilled to introduce you to Lauren Schieffer, a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) who works with leaders and organizations who want to go from successful to significant. She shares some great wisdom from her father, “The Colonel,” on how a setback is merely a setup for a comeback. She also shows how resilience has played a huge part in helping her overcome personal challenges. Lauren’s story will have you cheering and ready to handle with whatever life throws at you!
Lauren’s Bio: Lauren Schieffer works with leaders and organizations who want to go from successful to SIGNIFICANT. Able to relate to and energize everyone from the custodial staff to C-Level executives, Lauren has spent her career pinpointing characteristics of significance, how to understand differing communication styles, and how to prevent and manage conflict from the High Road. She delivers inspirational and relevant content, infusing humor and interaction. As a recovering bulimic and assault survivor, Lauren is the embodiment of the reality that what happens to you in your life is not as important as how you choose to respond to what happens to you. It's all about choice.
You’ll discover:
4 things Lauren does to create more resiliency in her life:
Interview Links & Other Resources
Road Signs on the High Road of Life by Lauren Schieffer
Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn
Connect with Lauren on Facebook
087 How to Create an “Unleavable” Culture
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/create-unleavable-culture/
Summary
Most companies are focused on profitability and how they can improve their bottom line. In the process of doing business, it’s easy to forget the number one factor that determines profitability: culture. Today’s guest, Jason Forrest, will help you understand why the workplace environment is so important to your business or organization, and how to improve it.
Jason is the CEO and Chief Culture Officer of Forrest Performance Group (FPG). FPG is a company focused on mastering the art and science of human performance, and was named the Best Place to Work in Fort Worth, TX by FWInc. He’s one of the world’s top sales trainers, and has created a sales and sales management training program that is regarded as one of the world’s best. His focus on motivation and unleashing human performance is contagious. You’ll come away from this episode with the motivation and knowledge to impact your organization’s culture and improve your own performance.
You’ll discover:
Bonus Content
According to Jason, there are 4 levels of employees:
As an employee “levels up” they become more and more engaged and invested in the company’s vision, culture, and beliefs.
Interview Links & Other Resources
Networking, Relationships, Business, Connections, Goals
Episode 049: Dynamic Networking - Meridith Elliott Powell
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/dynamic-networking-meridith-elliott-powell
On this episode of Mere Mortals Unite, I‘m speaking with Meridith Elliott Powell about Dynamic Networking. It’s not just about making the rounds in a room full of people. Meridith shares some valuable skills on making your time beneficial by not placing the focus only on yourself. A true connection is made when you follow the 80/20 rule--20% of the time the conversation is about you and 80% of the time it’s about the other person.
This power of connection doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Meridith says you have to be intentional, and she gives a number of great ideas about doing that. Some of the easiest actions you can take can also help you reap the greatest rewards. You gotta work it, though, and Meridith tells you how.
Voted one of the Top 15 Business Growth Experts to watch by Currency Fair, Meridith Elliott Powell is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and business strategist. With a background in corporate sales and leadership, her career expands over several industries including banking, healthcare, and finance. Meridith worked her way up from an entry-level position to earn her seat at the C-Suite table. She is Certified Speaking Professional, a designation held by less than 12% of professional speakers, and a member of the prestigious Forbes Coaching Council.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
Follow Meridith Elliott Powell on Twitter
Connect with Meridith Elliott Powell on LinkedIn
Connect with Meridith Elliott Powell on Facebook
Yes, Believe It or Not, There is Leadership in Washington
Own It: Redefining Responsibility by Meridith Elliott Powell
Letting Go, Clarity, Focus, Productivity
Episode 064 Letting Go for Clarity and Focus with Joe Calloway
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/clarity-focus-joe-calloway/
Today’s guest is Joe Calloway, a leadership & performance speaker, author, business workshop leader, keynote speaker, and a consultant on branding and competitive positioning. He has authored Becoming a Category of One, Be the Best at What Matters Most, Magnetic: The Art of Attracting Business, Work Like You’re Showing Off, and several other top sellers on Amazon and other book publishers.
He has been a coach and speaker for the past 30 years and his client list includes global brands like BMW, IBM, Saks Fifth Avenue, Coca Cola, American Express, newspapers in Sweden, companies in South Africa, and hotels in Great Britain. He speaks on various topics but most frequently on business trends.
The major themes in his motivational talks include “moving on”, “letting go” and forgiveness.
Bio: Joe Calloway is a business author, consultant and speaker who helps top performing individuals and organizations unlock potential and get even better. Joe is the author of 7 business books, including the classic Becoming A Category Of One.
You’ll discover:
Joe Calloway’s list of things to let go:
Let go of the toxic people in your life.
Let go of being envious.
Let go of being late.
Let go of having to be right.
Let go of re-posting without fact-checking.
Let go of not listening.
Let go of negative self-talk.
Let go of trying to impress everyone.
Let go of beating yourself up for past mistakes.
Let go of making the same mistake over and over.
Let go of over-thinking everything.
Let go of making it complicated.
Let go of someone else’s definition of success.
Let go of the need to please everyone. You can’t.
Let go of waiting for someone else to make you happy.
Let go of spending all of your money. Save - even a little.
Let go of saying “yes” to things you don’t want to do.
Let go of hating people who don’t look, sound, or think like you.
Let go of being afraid of new ideas.
Interview Links & Other Resources
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Faith, Laughter, Humor, Purpose, Suffering
Episode 41: Faith - Maia Aziz
URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/faith-maia-aziz/
On this episode of Mere Mortals Unite, we interview our first Canadian, Maia Aziz. Maia has her own podcast called Morning Moments with Maia. She’s a mother of six, a wonderful wife, and works at Mackay Rehabilitation Centre in Montreal as their program director. I hear she’s a great cook and I know she can crochet awesome scarves. She can do it all, but none of that prevented her from having a child with some genetic anomalies.
Maia shares her story and how it solidified her faith that all will be well. She reminds us that we have the ability to choose having faith that life has a great purpose for us, but we have to remember to make that choice. A key to her success is to accept that sometimes we have to suffer through and know that’s OK. We all have days that don’t go according to plan, so join us to find some helpful ideas on how to cope.
You’ll discover:
Interview Links & Other Resources
Connect with Maia Aziz on LinkedIn
Connect with Maia Aziz on Facebook
Morning Moments With Maia: Sheva Carr on Humor and Human Trafficking
Morning Moments With Maia: Judith Henry on Humor and Caregiving