In this episode, I share key insights from my journey of over 1,200 conversations with leaders from rapidly growing companies. A central theme emerges: prioritizing employees is essential for delivering exceptional customer experiences. I illustrate how a people-first approach fosters a culture where employees feel valued, leading to enhanced service. I take a moment to celebrate the milestone of 1,200 episodes, reflecting on the growth and learning that has occurred through engaging discussions with founders and influential figures. I emphasize the importance of aligning company practices with core values and maintaining transparency to build trust within teams. I also highlight the necessity of continuous personal growth as a leader, encouraging listeners to invest in their development to positively impact their organizations. This episode aims to inspire leaders to nurture meaningful relationships, prioritize personal growth, and embrace values that resonate throughout their teams.

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Hare, Founder and Chief Narrative Strategist at The Storied Future, to explore the transformative power of Story Telling In Leadership. Chris shares how Story Telling In Leadership can align teams, inspire innovation, and drive meaningful change within organizations. We delve into the process of building a new narrative that resonates with stakeholders and propels companies forward. Through real-world examples, Chris illustrates how Story Telling In Leadership has been pivotal in navigating complex business landscapes. Tune in to discover how crafting compelling stories can elevate your leadership and shape the future of your organization.

In this episode, I discuss the journey of Ray Reyes, founder of Coastal Growth Services, who launched his business during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares his experiences overcoming financial fears, evolving from a home office to a team of 65 employees in just four years. Ray highlights the crucial mindset shifts from technician to strategic leader, the importance of delegation after a personal health scare, and how mentorship fuels growth. He reflects on the joy of helping his team succeed and his commitment to servant leadership, eager to guide others on their entrepreneurial journeys.

In this episode, I engage with Daria Leshchenko, co-founder and CEO of Support Your App, to discuss the challenges and strategies of business growth in the customer service sector. Daria shares her journey, highlighting the struggles of early entrepreneurship and the pivotal moments that drove her company's expansion, particularly into the tech industry. We delve into the significance of diversification and establishing standard operating procedures to maintain stability amid unforeseen changes. Daria also discusses the integration of artificial intelligence within her company, emphasizing the importance of balancing AI efficiencies with human touch to enhance customer interactions. We explore leadership's role in fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, as well as the initiatives that help her team stay agile and informed. Our conversation reveals the complexities of navigating a rapidly evolving landscape while remaining resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges.

In this episode, I dive into the transformative journey of leadership, drawing from my experiences as a former CEO and coach. I highlight the common challenges leaders face regarding time and energy, and I share actionable strategies to empower teams and shift focus from daily tasks to developing others. By discussing the five levels of leadership, I emphasize the importance of continual growth and reflection. I encourage listeners to identify their energy drains and rethink their leadership approach to navigate complexity and foster both personal and organizational development.

In this episode, I and, Manfred Mahrle, explore the transformative power of positive intelligence for CEOs facing the challenges of leadership. I discuss the importance of adopting a "sage mode" mindset, drawing an analogy to the conflict between Darth Vader and the Jedi. Through my journey from a two-decade corporate career to founding ActiMind, I emphasize the necessity of overcoming fear to achieve fulfillment and innovation. I unpack the foundational elements of the sage mindset, such as empathy and activation, which help leaders navigate challenges effectively. Highlighting a client’s breakthrough regarding perfectionism, I advocate for building healthier habits through mindfulness and adaptable strategies. Ultimately, I encourage listeners to engage in personal development and the ongoing practice of positive intelligence to enhance their leadership journey.

In this episode, we speak with Kristen Gwinn-Becker, founder and CEO of History IT, a pioneer in creating digital archives for museums, libraries, and historical societies. We explore effective leadership in mission-driven companies, focusing on trust and clear vision as foundational elements. Kristen shares her journey in building History IT, sparked by her passion for history and the urgency of digital transformation, especially highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss how a strong company vision fosters team alignment and drives the mission of democratizing access to historical content. Kristen also highlights the role of technology, particularly AI, in enhancing efficiency while maintaining the need for human oversight. The conversation underscores the necessity of adaptability and continuous growth in leadership, reflecting Kristen's commitment to preserving history and inspiring her team as they navigate the digital landscape.

In this episode, I speak with Jacqui Chew, managing director of iFusion Consulting, about the marketing challenges of fast-growing companies. We discuss the identity crisis organizations face as they evolve, leading to a disconnect between their original value and current offerings. Jacqui highlights that unclear narratives often mask the real issue of differentiation in a competitive market. We explore the significance of voice-of-the-customer exercises to gain valuable insights and emotional drivers behind purchasing decisions. Additionally, we delve into the concept of a “rally cry” for strong messaging and discuss the role of AI in marketing while emphasizing the need for human creativity. This conversation offers strategies to help fast-growing companies navigate their unique marketing challenges.