Breakfast Leadership Show

Navigating the Communicational Complexities of Organizational Life with Professor Craig Mattson

Community Engagement and Overcoming Digital Overwhelm
In this episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, Michael D. Levitt sits down with Craig to explore the power of community engagement in the workplace and how it impacts younger generations. Craig shares insights from his book Digital Overwhelm, which examines how people navigate technology-related challenges. They also discuss seasonal shifts in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the importance of being prepared for unexpected weather changes.
Generational Needs and Workplace Flexibility
Michael and Craig dive into the evolving dynamics of the workplace, emphasizing generational differences, adaptability, and flexibility. In today’s ever-changing professional landscape, leaders must balance structure and certainty while meeting the diverse needs of employees. Craig underscores the importance of human decency, effective communication, and emotional intelligence to foster stronger workplace relationships. Michael highlights his leadership approach—listening to understand rather than just responding—to create an inclusive and productive work environment.
Effective Team Management and Digital Communication
Managing a high-performing team requires active listening and adaptability. Michael shares his experience implementing employee suggestions to boost team morale and reduce turnover. Craig explores the challenges of digital communication, noting that while it can feel intimate, it often lacks personal connection. They discuss strategies to enhance digital interactions, ensuring messages resonate effectively in virtual settings.
How Sales Teams Overcame Pandemic Challenges
Michael recounts a compelling case study of a multi-state insurance sales team struggling with client retention during the pandemic. His innovative solution? Encouraging them to practice Zoom calls with their grandkids to boost confidence in digital communication. The result? Increased client engagement and higher sales performance, proving that adapting to new technology can drive success.
Leveraging Digital Tools for Business Growth
Transitioning to digital platforms can be overwhelming but crucial for business success. Michael shares a real-world example of helping clients embrace technology for business expansion. Craig highlights the balance between digital efficiency and maintaining authentic human connections, reminding leaders that relationships remain key even in a tech-driven world.
Digital Flexibility vs. Minimalism: Finding the Right Balance
Craig discusses key themes from Digital Overwhelm, advocating for digital flexibility over strict minimalism. While reducing screen time can be beneficial, many professionals must engage with multiple platforms. The book provides strategies to navigate different communication modes effectively. Michael shares a relatable anecdote about restaurant apps and smartphone dependency, reinforcing the need for healthy digital boundaries.
Reframing Mindset for a Positive Work Ethic
A positive mindset can transform workplace dynamics. Michael and Craig explore how giving back in tough times fosters resilience and success. Craig shares a story of a client who shifted from a “how can I survive?” mindset to a “how can I give?”, resulting in long-term professional growth. Michael encourages listeners to embrace generosity, even without immediate recognition, as it cultivates strong habits and workplace satisfaction.
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#WorkplaceCulture #DigitalOverwhelm #LeadershipDevelopment #CommunityEngagement #GenerationalWorkforce #SalesSuccess #BusinessGrowth #RemoteWork #DigitalMinimalism #Podcast
 
Craig Mattson is an organizational researcher and a professor of communication at Calvin University. He’s written several books and essays, often exploring the communicational complexities of organizational life. But he enjoys the natural world, hiking, running, and playing driveway pickleball when he's not writing, reading, or podcasting. Craig lives with his wife, Rhoda, in Grand Rapids, MI, and their four adult children live, study, and work across the Midwest.https://www.themodeswitch.com/. "I’d be grateful if people sign up for my free newsletter, making sense of work culture."And here’s a link to my book Digital Overwhelm, available wherever books are sold, as the saying goes: https://amzn.to/4hiwwJm
 
 

Building Resilience: Balancing Activism, Self-Care, and Emotional Hygiene with Malisa Hepner

Building Resilience and Emotional Hygiene
In this episode, I sat down with Malisa to talk about her new course, Surviving the Shit Show, which is all about building resilience and emotional hygiene in today's chaotic world. Malisa shared how daily practices can help cultivate joy and peace, no matter what's happening externally. She also opened up about her healing journey, self-love, and the power of human connection. I encouraged her to dive deeper into her experiences and what she hopes to achieve with the course.
Balancing Activism and Self-Care
We tackled a big challenge many people face—balancing activism with self-care. Malisa stressed the importance of choosing one or two causes to focus on rather than trying to carry the world's weight. She highlighted why setting boundaries and prioritizing personal well-being is crucial for long-term impact. I completely agree—if you want to serve others effectively, you must show up as your best version first.
Managing Negative Thoughts and Sleep
We also dug into how negative thoughts and constant news consumption can seriously affect well-being. Instead of suppressing those thoughts, Malisa emphasized the power of recognizing and managing them with the right tools. She discussed the importance of having a solid "toolbox" for navigating challenging moments. Sleep was another big topic—we both agreed that maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is a game-changer for mental clarity and emotional resilience. Before wrapping up, I suggested we explore the deeper reasons behind forgetfulness and distraction in a future conversation.
Emotional and Physical Well-Being Strategies
Malisa and I shared strategies for maintaining emotional and physical well-being. She talked about the power of setting up a morning routine that aligns with your personality—whether it’s EFT tapping, yoga, or something else that grounds you. We also discussed the importance of checking in with yourself throughout the day to track energy levels and adjust accordingly. I pointed out that hourly check-ins can be a great way to identify personal energy patterns. We both agreed that self-love and reprogramming the subconscious to reinforce worthiness are key to long-term well-being. We also touched on the "big rocks" concept—aligning tasks with natural energy cycles to work smarter, not harder.
Productivity Strategies and Natural Work Approach
Finally, we explored productivity strategies that work with your natural rhythms rather than against them. Malisa shared how she structures her work around what energizes her rather than forcing herself through tasks that drain her. We agreed that understanding your energy patterns, taking breaks when needed, and avoiding burnout is critical for sustainable productivity. I encouraged Malisa to keep sharing her insights because these strategies can make a real difference for many people trying to navigate life and work healthily.
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/malisa.hepner/
Website:  https://empoweredwithmalisahepner.org/
Podcast:  https://tr.ee/i6YuUQX748

How To Transform Workplaces With Heart-Centered Leadership with Joshua Hoecherl

Heart-Centered Leadership & Entrepreneurial Innovation with Joshua and Michael D. Levitt
🎙️ Episode SummaryIn this episode, Michael D. Levitt and Joshua dive deep into heart-centered leadership, entrepreneurship, and the challenges of remote work. They discuss breaking down silos, fostering innovation, and promoting accountability within organizations. Joshua shares insights from his Entrepreneurial Leaders System, while Michael reflects on transforming a toxic workplace culture into a thriving, collaborative environment.
📌 Key Takeaways:✅ Entrepreneurial Leadership & Innovation – Joshua shares his framework for developing leaders from within and fostering ownership in organizations.✅ Heart-Centered Leadership & Emotional Intelligence – Learn how balancing data-driven decisions with empathy creates positive ripple effects in business.✅ Creating a Thriving Work Culture – Michael shares strategies for workplace transformation, employee empowerment, and community impact.✅ Breaking Down Silos & Encouraging Collaboration – The importance of communication, trust, and intentionality in driving business success.✅ The Future of Work & Digital Adaptability – How leaders can navigate remote work challenges, productivity hacks, and organizational alignment.
📌 Real-World Case Studies:🔥 Michael’s experience in revitalizing a toxic healthcare organization into a culture of trust and collaboration.🔥 Joshua’s leadership strategies that have helped businesses improve team accountability and innovation.
💡 Next Steps for Listeners:👉 Prioritize intentionality in business decisions to drive meaningful change.👉 Implement heart-centered leadership to balance strategy with emotional intelligence.👉 Foster a growth mindset to break down barriers and promote team alignment.👉 Embrace continuous innovation and cultural alignment for long-term success.
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🚀 #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #RemoteWork #Innovation #WorkplaceCulture #HeartCenteredLeadership #Accountability
 With over two decades of experience navigating the intricate landscape of business consulting and entrepreneurship, I strive to provide insightful expertise in guiding businesses towards success. My journey began with a fervent passion for understanding the intricate dynamics of businesses, which eventually culminated into a career enriched with diverse experiences and profound insights.Throughout my career, I have had the privilege to serve a multitude of businesses across various industries. From startups grappling with their initial stages to established enterprises seeking innovative strategies, I have been entrusted with the responsibility of steering them towards prosperity. My experience encompasses a wide spectrum of businesses, with my passion being with service-based businesses, particularly those with a high mission based emphasis. This extensive exposure has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the nuanced challenges that businesses encounter, enabling me to craft tailored solutions that yield tangible results.My personal journey in the consulting field has been complemented by my ventures as a business owner. These firsthand experiences have provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of entrepreneurship, allowing me to empathize with the trials and tribulations that accompany the journey of building and scaling a business.At the core of my business principles lies a philosophy rooted in heart-centered leadership. I firmly believe that the most successful businesses are those that prioritize empathy, compassion, and authenticity in their leadership approach. By fostering an environment where individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered, organizations can unlock their true potential and foster a culture of innovation and growth.The aspect of my passion-based career that brings me the greatest joy is witnessing the transformation that occurs within organizations when they embrace the principles of heart-centered leadership. There is nothing more fulfilling than witnessing a shift in mindset, where leaders recognize the profound impact of leading with empathy and authenticity. Seeing teams unite, collaborate harmoniously, and achieve extraordinary results reaffirms my belief in the power of heart-centered leadership to effect positive change.Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuahoecherl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinpointmanagement

Olga Skipper on Burnout in Tech: How Founders Can Lead Better, Stay Balanced, and Build Resilient Teams

Show Notes:
In this insightful conversation, I’m joined by executive coach and cross-cultural advisor Olga, who works closely with tech leaders and entrepreneurs navigating high-pressure environments. Together, we unpack the intense demands of the tech industry—where innovation races ahead at lightning speed, but personal well-being often gets left behind. Olga highlights the unique tension of building groundbreaking technologies while maintaining a healthy life outside of work. I chimed in with what I see far too often: burnout is rampant in the tech sector, and without prioritizing self-care, decision-making—and company longevity—suffers.
We also dove deep into the entrepreneurial journey. Olga and I explored the emotional and psychological toll founders face—especially around identity, self-worth, and navigating interpersonal conflict within founding teams. It's not just about scaling a business; it's about sustaining the human behind it. Effective communication, conflict resolution, and staying grounded during turbulent times are non-negotiables for any founder.
The conversation turned toward a recurring theme in my work: leadership. I shared my concerns about poor leadership styles that, despite producing short-term success, damage team morale and engagement. When top talent walks out the door due to burnout or toxic management, entire industries suffer. Strong, people-first leadership isn’t optional—it’s foundational to innovation and impact.
Finally, we discussed the importance of addressing the real issues holding teams and organizations back. Growth doesn’t come from ignoring problems; it comes from facing them head-on with clarity and humility. Olga shared her coaching philosophy, focused on healing systems by identifying and amplifying what is working, and slowly transforming the rest.
This episode is a must-listen for tech leaders, founders, and anyone navigating leadership in high-pressure spaces. Be sure to connect with Olga to learn more about her transformative coaching work.
 
About
As a former CEO, startup executive, and investor, I’ve navigated every stage of company growth— from inception to IPO— as both a founder, business owner, and corporate executive. Early in my career, I achieved “success” and became well-known, gaining a deep understanding of the rapid and often unstructured journey of building a business.Today, I coach and advise startup CEOs, serial founders, and ambitious tech leaders who are navigating high complexity and uncertainty. I’ve mentored, advised, and coached over 200 CEOs and their teams through various stages of transformation and growth, including even pandemics, wars, and natural disasters. My mission is to help leaders walk this path consciously with a bigger life vision in mind.The benefit of working with me is having someone by your side who has seen the entire journey multiple times. Whether you're starting from scratch or scaling an established company, I can help guide you toward a successful and sustainable future.🔹 Specialized Areas- CEO Coaching - Executive and Transition Coaching- Global Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship- Tech Leaders Transition🔹 Fun Facts- 🌐 Multilingual: I live, think, and feel in three languages: English, German, and Russian.- ✈️ Global Citizen: I am a serial foreigner, calling Berlin, Vienna, San Francisco, Singapore, New York, and Zurich home.- 💻 Tech Enthusiast: With a background in mobile hardware and software, I have a strong passion for technology and innovation and a knack for fixing my husband’s computer.- 💡 Advocate: Diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, I know how it feels to be different and "not enough." I've learned to love myself despite it and achieve from a place of self-acceptance.
 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgaskipperexecutivecoaching/
Website:  https://olgaskipper.com/
 

Harnessing Breath Work for Stress Management and Mindfulness with Anisa Elamin

Breath Work for Stress Management
In this episode, Michael and Anisa dive into the power of breath work as a tool for managing stress, enhancing mindfulness, and building emotional resilience. Anisa, the creator of the Yang Energy practice, highlights how intentional breathing can prevent burnout and improve overall well-being. Michael, drawing from his own experience with asthma, emphasizes the importance of proper breathing for grounding and focus. In today’s fast-paced world, they agree that breath work is a vital tool for navigating uncertainty. Anisa also shares how she integrates breath work with yoga and meditation, expressing her passion for helping others harness this powerful practice.
The Science Behind Breathing and Energy
Anisa explains the critical role of oxygen in the body's energy production and its direct impact on physical and mental health. She breaks down how proper breathing supports cellular function, energy levels, and detoxification. Michael highlights the need for a more holistic approach to healthcare, advocating for natural healing methods alongside traditional medicine. Anisa delves into the mental, prana, spiritual, and physical dimensions of breath work, showing how it aids in stress management, self-development, and deepening the connection with one's inner self. She also underscores the importance of utilizing all three parts of the lungs to optimize oxygen intake and avoid energy depletion.
Breath Work for Cognitive and Physical Health
Anisa shares how deep, intentional breathing can improve mental clarity, reduce stress, and enhance sleep quality. Michael reinforces the idea that these benefits are accessible without external stimulants—just by harnessing the body’s natural mechanisms. He compares deep breathing to daily habits like brushing teeth, stressing that making it a routine can have lasting cognitive and physiological benefits.
Integrating Breath Work with Mindfulness
Michael and Anisa explore how breath work serves as a bridge to mindfulness, creating immediate benefits for emotional regulation and focus. Anisa explains how breathing techniques engage the amygdala, reducing negative emotions and fostering positive mental states. She highlights breath work as an active form of meditation, making it an excellent starting point for those new to mindfulness. Michael reinforces that intentional breathing is an easily accessible, no-cost tool that can transform daily life.
Preventing Burnout Through Self-Awareness
Michael underscores the importance of self-awareness in avoiding burnout, emphasizing deep breathing as a simple yet effective method to check in with one’s mental and physical state. He shares concerns about the increasing strain on healthcare systems due to preventable stress-related illnesses, advocating for proactive self-care. Anisa agrees, highlighting the value of regular self-assessment and mindfulness practices in maintaining both personal well-being and professional performance.
Resources on Breath Work, Mindfulness, and Burnout Prevention
To learn more about Anisa’s work in breath work, stress management, and mindfulness, check out her YouTube channel and website.
Website:  http://www.yoganisacentre.ca/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/yoganisacentre/
 

Creating Work Environments Where Employees Thrive: Insights from Eric Stone

Creating Thriving Work Environments
Eric and I dove into the essentials of workplace culture, a topic central to our careers. Eric shared his journey from a childhood fascination with business to leading large teams at Enterprise Rent-a-Car. His book on company culture and high performance has become a key resource for his speaking and consulting work.
We explored what it takes to create work environments where employees don’t just survive—they thrive. It all starts with strong relationships, clear communication, and understanding the diverse needs of a multigenerational workforce. Setting clear expectations is critical, especially in today’s workplace, where retention is a growing challenge. When organizations prioritize culture and communication, they see stronger engagement and long-term success.
Effective Communication and Planning for Success
Our discussion also highlighted the role of communication and strategic planning in driving results. I shared a case from my time at Mercedes-Benz, where we implemented an asset-tracking system to streamline operations. The key takeaway? Getting things right the first time prevents unnecessary work and improves efficiency.
Eric echoed this with his experience launching a content initiative for sales, emphasizing the importance of a steady, intentional approach to culture-building. We also tackled a critical hiring insight—focusing on a candidate’s match rather than just their fit within an organization. Engaged employees who align with company values will consistently outperform those who check the right boxes. His book profoundly covers these themes, offering practical strategies for building high-performing teams.
Hiring for Potential and Career Growth
One story that stood out was hiring a receptionist without prior healthcare experience. Over time, she thrived, earned a promotion, and eventually ran a clinic. It reinforced the idea that hiring should be about potential rather than just experience.
Eric and I agreed that asking the right questions during hiring is essential in identifying high-potential candidates. Too often, employers focus on filling a position quickly rather than considering a candidate’s long-term career trajectory. Investing in people’s growth benefits both the individual and the organization.
Connecting Beyond the Conversation
We wrapped up by discussing ways to keep the conversation going and share the episode when it’s live. If you’re interested in Eric’s work, you can find him on LinkedIn or at ClearPathVentures.com, where he offers speaking and coaching on leadership and company culture.
ERIC D. Stone’s passion for business led him to an influential twenty-six-year career at the iconic rental car company Enterprise Holdings, where he quickly became one of the most decorated Regional Vice Presidents in the company’s history. His ability to connect and motivate employees from all different generations and demographics allowed his teams to sustain top-level results and a culture of pride.
Eric attributes much of his success to his ability to create, ignite, and sustain a high-performance culture—one that enabled him to lead his teams through challenges like 9/11, the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Great Resignation—along with an extraordinary ability to adapt to the unexpected and help others do the same.Eric is the author of the award-winning book Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture and an international speaker on leadership, employee engagement, and creating high-performance organizations. He retired from Enterprise in 2018 and founded Clear Path Ventures, which specializes in guiding young professionals and businesses as they navigate their path to success.My social media handles:a. https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-stone-clear-path/b. https://www.instagram.com/clearpathventures_/c. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040382190383d. https://www.youtube.com/@ericdstone1/about 
Websites: https://clearpathventures.com/about http://www.ericdstone.com/

Why a Chief Consciousness Officer is a MUST for Your Company: A discussion with Charley Johnson

Show Notes:
In this thought-provoking episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, I sit down with Charley, a visionary leader whose personal and professional evolution exemplifies what it means to lead with awareness and purpose.
We begin by exploring Charley's roots—his upbringing in Utah, a deeply unique religious foundation, and the life-shaping mentorship of a profoundly enlightened teacher. These early experiences ignited Charley’s pursuit of understanding across multiple spiritual traditions, laying the groundwork for his future leadership role as a Chief Consciousness Officer (CCO).
The Rise of Conscious Leadership
Charley and I delve into why organizations today need to make the shift from reactive, unconscious practices to intentional, conscious operations. As a CCO, Charley champions the integration of awareness into business strategy—helping companies move away from performative wellness and toward environments where authenticity, compassion, and clarity are the norm.
We also confront a critical workplace issue: burnout. Charley shares how burnout often stems from misalignment—between values, leadership clarity, and wellness initiatives that lack true depth. A CCO’s role? To dismantle those barriers and build bridges of understanding, trust, and open communication.
Overcoming Bias and Reframing Organizational Dynamics
Together, we unpack the dangers of preconditioning and unconscious bias in hiring and leadership. Charley underscores the value of objective insight—approaching workplace challenges without a fixed agenda, but with curiosity and humility. As I share from my own consulting work, the best transformations often begin when we ask deeper questions and truly listen to the answers.
Spiritual Intelligence in the Workplace
We talk about the need for companies to embrace a broader view of employee potential—including their spiritual and personal growth. Consciousness, as Charley describes, isn’t a woo-woo concept—it’s a powerful, untapped resource for innovation, connection, and long-term success.
My Personal Story: Reducing Turnover with Intentional Listening
I share a powerful story from my own leadership journey—reducing turnover at a healthcare clinic not through quick fixes, but by fostering real dialogue. When I shifted from telling to asking—Why do you choose to work here? What would you change if you were in my shoes?—I created space for honesty, collaboration, and a wave of positive change led by the employees themselves.
Creating Cultures That Thrive
Charley and I agree: when organizations invest in people’s growth—when leaders actually listen and allow ideas to flourish—magic happens. I highlight a real example of a former receptionist who rose to lead a clinic, all because the culture encouraged growth over conformity.
Charley rounds out the discussion by offering a global perspective. He believes we’re in the midst of a deep, planetary shift—not just economic or environmental, but spiritual and personal. Old paradigms won’t cut it anymore. What we need now are guides—like CCOs—who can help individuals and organizations navigate this new terrain with grace and resilience.
What’s Next: Conscious Shifts and the Future of Leadership
In the closing moments, Charley speaks to the future: generational shifts, rising consciousness, and even the possibility of contact with civilizations beyond our own. It’s a bold, expansive view—but one rooted in his mission to awaken humanity, one organization at a time.
This conversation is a must-listen for leaders, change-makers, and anyone curious about the intersection of spirituality, consciousness, and business.
Want to connect with Charley or learn more about bringing conscious leadership into your organization?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjconsciousness/
 
charleypif@gmail.com
 
801 633 6033
 
Truth has no sides Book -  https://shorturl.at/Mh9Fr
 
🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more conversations with changemakers shaping the future of work and leadership.
 

AP Automation Revolution: Transform Your Finance Operations with Yooz CFO John Gronen

Breakfast Leadership Show: Interview with John Gronen, CFO of Yooz
Episode Recap:
Michael sat down with John Gronen, Yooz's CFO, to discuss the shift from paper-based processes to automation in accounting and finance. They explored the real benefits of AP automation, including time and cost savings, reduced errors, and improved fraud detection—all while tackling the common roadblocks businesses face when adopting digital solutions. The conversation also took a fascinating turn regarding AI advancements, including the impact of voice cloning technology and security considerations.
Key Takeaways:
🔹 The Paper-to-Digital Shift: Many industries still rely heavily on paper despite technological advancements. Michael and John examined the challenges of going paperless and why organizations hesitate to switch.
🔹 Why AP Automation is a Game-Changer: John shared how automating invoice processing and payments can save time, improve accuracy, and enhance employee satisfaction. He emphasized how AP automation can help reduce fraud risks and generate revenue through virtual credit card payments.
🔹 Overcoming Resistance to Change: Transitioning from manual processes can seem daunting, but John reassured us that modern automation software is flexible and can adapt to unique workflows. Michael echoed this, emphasizing that there's no turning back once teams experience the efficiency gains.
🔹 AI in Finance & Security Considerations: The discussion expanded beyond automation to the rapid advancements in AI, including voice cloning. Michael shared a personal story about using AI to clone his late mother’s voice, highlighting this technology's incredible potential and ethical concerns. They also stressed the importance of security measures, such as setting up code words to prevent misuse.
Next Steps:
✅ Learn More About Yooz’s AP Automation Solutions – Visit getuse.com or connect with John on LinkedIn.
💡 Final Thought: AP automation isn’t just about saving time—it’s about unlocking strategic growth opportunities. As technology evolves, embracing AI-driven solutions will be a competitive advantage, not just a convenience.
🎧 Listen to the full episode to get the insights you need to future-proof your finance operations!
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gronen-4062604/
Website: https://www.getyooz.com/