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In this powerful episode, host James Cronk welcomes back leadership expert Andy Stangenberg from Q Principle to tackle one of the most critical challenges facing golf clubs today: how to effectively coach and engage a multi-generational workforce.

Andy reveals why traditional "training" methods are failing and shares his proven three-tier approach to employee development: coaching, mentoring, and counseling. Through compelling real-world examples and practical strategies, he demonstrates how managers can transform difficult conversations into breakthrough moments that build trust and drive performance.

Key insights include understanding the five core motivators that drive today's employees (with family-work balance ranking #1), how to handle the 86% of veteran staff who resist feedback, and revolutionary pre-shift meeting techniques that turn mundane operations briefings into inspirational team-building sessions. Andy also shares his game-changing "phantom coaching" method and explains why the most successful managers focus on being respected rather than liked.

Whether you're a new manager struggling with difficult conversations or a seasoned leader looking to elevate your team's performance, this episode provides actionable tools to create a culture where team members of all types can thrive.

To learn more about Golf Industry Guru, and to gain access to online golf business education from the world's most successful business, golf, & hospitality industry leaders, visit us at www.golfindustryguru.com.

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In this powerful episode of The GIG Podcast, host James Cronk welcomes back Todd Kierstead, a PGA professional, world-renowned trick shot artist, and passionate advocate for adaptive golf. Todd shares his deeply personal journey as a skin cancer survivor, detailing his experience with nine surgeries and his mission to raise awareness about sun protection in the golf industry.

The conversation reveals startling statistics: while 7% of the general public will develop skin cancer, that number jumps to 27% for golfers. Todd discusses practical prevention strategies and challenges the industry to prioritize UV protection as seriously as lightning safety. Beyond his health advocacy, Todd shares inspiring stories from his work with Paragolf Canada and wounded veterans, demonstrating how golf can transform lives for people with disabilities. From performing at military bases to helping establish national adaptive golf programs, Todd's message is clear: golf should be accessible to everyone, and protecting our health ensures we can enjoy this game for a lifetime.

To learn more about Golf Industry Guru, and to gain access to online golf business education from the world's most successful business, golf, & hospitality industry leaders, visit us at www.golfindustryguru.com.

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In this inspiring episode of The GIG Podcast, host James Cronk sits down with Tiffany Gordon, Vice President of the PGA of Canada and soon-to-be first female president of the organization. Tiffany shares her remarkable 35+ year journey in the golf industry, from her early days as one of only a few female golf professionals to her current leadership role. She offers valuable insights on the evolving landscape for women in golf, both as professionals and players.

Tiffany discusses how the industry is gradually becoming more inclusive, with female membership in the PGA of Canada growing beyond the current 8%. She emphasizes that success comes to those who work hard regardless of gender, while acknowledging that creating welcoming environments for women remains crucial for the sport's growth. Listeners will gain practical advice on fostering diversity at their facilities, leveraging the unique skills women bring to leadership roles, and embracing the social aspects of golf to attract new players. This episode provides both inspiration and actionable strategies for golf professionals looking to grow their business through greater inclusivity.

To learn more about Golf Industry Guru, and to gain access to online golf business education from the world's most successful business, golf, & hospitality industry leaders, visit us at www.golfindustryguru.com.

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In this industry-focused episode of The GIG Podcast, host James Cronk speaks with performance coach Tim O'Connor on strategies that can revolutionize coaching methodologies for golf professionals. Tim, author of "Getting Unstuck" and "The Feeling of Greatness: The Moe Norman Story," brings a unique perspective shaped by his experiences as a caddy, journalist, and coach who has worked with the ManKind Project for over 20 years.

The conversation explores how integrating holistic coaching - addressing technical, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual elements - can differentiate instructors in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven environment. Drawing from influences like Fred Shoemaker's Extraordinary Golf, Tim offers practical frameworks for conducting more effective lessons, emphasizing how golfers can swing with freedom, overcome self-interference, and access their innate talents. Golf professionals will gain actionable strategies to enhance their coaching toolkit, create more value for their students, and future-proof their teaching careers against technological disruption. This episode provides essential guidance for instructors looking to elevate their professional practice and deliver transformative results that keep students coming back.

Listeners interested in learning more about Tim's holistic coaching approach can connect with him in several ways. Tim O'Connor is a Golf Instructor at The Golf House in Guelph and co-hosts the Swing Thoughts podcast with Humble Howard. For regular insights, follow his blog at toconnor.substack.com or visit his website at www.oconnorgolf.ca. Tim is the author of "GETTING UNSTUCK: Seven Transformational Practices for Golf Nerds" and can be reached directly at 519-835-5939. And for those curious about his creative side, Tim is also a bass player in the Guelph punk band C.I.D.

To learn more about Golf Industry Guru, and to gain access to online golf business education from the world's most successful business, golf, & hospitality industry leaders, visit us at www.golfindustryguru.com.

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In this insightful episode of The GIG Podcast, host James Cronk welcomes Paul Dank, a leading expert in member vetting from Kennis Member Vetting, to discuss the critical role thorough background checks play in preserving and enhancing club culture. Through compelling real-life examples, Paul reveals common gaps in traditional vetting processes and outlines why relying solely on member nominations and basic checks leaves clubs vulnerable to serious risks. Paul delves into how advanced fact-based vetting techniques uncover critical insights that protect clubs from potentially harmful members, sharing practical strategies clubs can implement immediately. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of rigorous member evaluation to safeguard their club's reputation, improve member satisfaction, and avoid costly legal and social repercussions.

To learn more about Golf Industry Guru, and to gain access to online golf business education from the world's most successful business, golf, & hospitality industry leaders, visit us at www.golfindustryguru.com.

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This episode of The GIG Podcast features an enlightening discussion with Laurie Martin, also known as "Trauma Mumma," who brings over three decades of experience in risk deterrence and crisis/trauma education to the table. With a history of responding to major global crises like 9/11 and the Oklahoma City bombing, Laurie offers profound insights into the necessity of crisis preparedness in the club industry. Host James Cronk and Laurie delve into practical strategies for building emotional resilience and managing unexpected events effectively within club settings.

Listeners will learn the importance of proactive crisis management and the benefits of establishing robust support systems for club employees and members. The conversation covers real-life crisis responses and the crucial steps in fostering a culture of safety and preparedness that can significantly enhance operational stability and emotional well-being in clubs.

Benefits of Listening

By listening to this episode, club owners, operators, and their teams will benefit by learning:

- Advanced Crisis Management Techniques: Laurie shares from her extensive experience dealing with high-stakes environments, providing listeners with advanced skills in crisis readiness.

- Emotional Resilience Training: Insights into fostering emotional strength essential for leadership and team effectiveness, especially during crises.

- Real-world Applications: Examples of crisis management from Laurie's own experiences, offering relatable and actionable guidance for club managers.

- Safety and Support Systems: Strategies to enhance the safety and emotional support structures within clubs, which are crucial for handling both minor incidents and major emergencies.

This episode is a must-listen for those looking to improve their ability to handle crises and build a more resilient club environment.

To learn more about Golf Industry Guru, and to gain access to online golf business education from the world's most successful business, golf, & hospitality industry leaders, visit us at www.golfindustryguru.com.

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In this episode of The GIG Podcast, James Cronk interviews Jake Gordon, CEO & Co-Founder of Noteefy, a groundbreaking tee time-reservation and booking platform designed to optimize revenue for golf course operators. The discussion explores Jake's path from discovering his passion for golf as an adult to co-founding Noteefy, a company that has swiftly grown since its inception.

We also get into Jake's journey as an entrepreneur, highlighting his experiences and insights entering into the golf industry over the past two years. The conversation covers a range of topics, from personal growth and leadership to the challenges and innovations shaping the future of the industry.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Discovering and Leveraging Strengths: Jake emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and leveraging one's strengths in both you personal and professional life. He shares anecdotes about how recognizing his strengths has helped him navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.

2. Mentorship and Continuous Learning: The value of mentorship and learning from others is a recurring theme. Jake discusses how guidance from experienced professionals has influenced his career and the growth of Noteefy.

3. Innovation and Industry Adaptation: The conversation touches on the need for innovation in the golf industry, particularly in adapting to new technologies and changing consumer expectations. Jake talks about how Noteefy is contributing to these changes by providing solutions that enhance communication and customer engagement.

4. Facing and Overcoming Challenges: Jake candidly discusses the challenges he has faced in building a startup and how resilience and adaptability have been crucial in overcoming obstacles. He provides practical advice for business professionals in any industry facing similar challenges.

5. Future Trends in the Golf Industry: The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion on the future of the golf industry. Jake shares his thoughts on emerging trends and how golf courses and businesses can prepare for the evolving landscape.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the entrepreneurial journey, particularly within the golf industry. They will learn about the importance of self-awareness, mentorship, and innovation in achieving success. Jake's experiences and practical advice offer a roadmap for navigating the challenges of building a business, making this episode particularly valuable for entrepreneurs and industry professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve.

To learn more about Golf Industry Guru, and to gain access to online golf business education from the world's most successful business, golf, & hospitality industry leaders, visit us at www.golfindustryguru.com.

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In this insightful episode of The GIG Podcast, we sit down with James Wilkinson, the innovative Founder and Managing Director of Albatross Digital, to explore the transformative changes in golf marketing that are currently happening around us. As the golf industry continues to evolve, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for club owners and operators. This episode delves into the cutting-edge strategies and technologies reshaping how golf clubs engage with members and attract new audiences.

Listeners will gain a deep understanding of how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing marketing tactics, from personalized member experiences to data-driven decision-making. James shares his expertise on leveraging AI to enhance customer engagement and streamline marketing efforts, ensuring clubs can maximize their outreach and retention rates.

The discussion also highlights the significant impact and importance of high-quality content creation in the digital age. James emphasizes the power of cinematic content, drone footage, and social media campaigns in capturing the essence of a golf club's unique offerings. He provides practical tips on how clubs can differentiate themselves in a competitive market by producing compelling visual content that resonates with both current and prospective members.

By tuning in, golf club managers and owners will discover actionable strategies to navigate the post-COVID landscape, where the demand for outdoor activities has surged. James discusses the lessons learned during the pandemic and how clubs can capitalize on the renewed interest in golf. From optimizing paid social ads to understanding the importance of consistent branding, this episode equips listeners with the tools needed to thrive in today's dynamic market.

Join us for "Navigating the New Era of Golf Marketing" and uncover the secrets to elevating your club's marketing game. Whether you're looking to attract new members, retain existing ones, or simply stay ahead of industry trends, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice that will benefit any golf club manager or owner.

To learn more about Golf Industry Guru, and to gain access to online golf business education from the world's most successful business, golf, & hospitality industry leaders, visit us at www.golfindustryguru.com.