Breakfast Leadership Show

Tuesday Tips: Bruce Piasecki: Unveiling the Intersection of Climate Change and Conflict, and the Rise of Social Response Capitalism

Summary
Intersection of war and climate change @ 1:51
Bruce Piasecki discusses research showing that the top two global concerns are now war/conflict and climate change. He believes these issues are deeply interconnected, with climate change contributing to resource scarcity and instability that can lead to military conflicts. He emphasizes the need for leaders to recognize and address this relationship.
Bridging business and social interests @ 12:14
Bruce outlines six ways that the interests of business and society are converging in a "sweet spot": cutting costs, growing revenue, improving relationships, attracting talent, strengthening brands, and reducing risk. He believes this alignment creates a virtuous cycle of innovation, wealth creation, and social impact.
Shift towards social response capitalism @ 19:16
Bruce shares his view that capitalism can become a force for positive social change if companies realign their focus on money, people, and rules. He sees a growing trend of "invisible Robins Hoods" in the investment community who are redirecting capital towards more sustainable and socially responsible companies.
Empowering the next generation @ 19:56
Drawing on his observations of his daughter and her medical school peers, Bruce sees the next generation as naturally attuned to the intersection of business and social needs. He believes this osmotic learning will be a key driver of progress in addressing global challenges like climate change.
Recap and next steps @ 33:04
Michael and Bruce wrap up the discussion, with Michael expressing interest in continuing the conversation and receiving some of Bruce's books to further explore the ideas covered. They emphasize the importance of celebrating organizations and individuals who are driving positive change.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_W._Piasecki
 
Click below for photo, global podcasts, and books
https://www.creativeprocess.info/interviews-15/bruce-piasecki?rq=bruce%20piasecki
 
For new generation cartoon on Piasecki’s competitive principles, visit, and smile with Dr. Piasecki, a Ben Franklin all over again….
www.thedoingmorewithlessguy.com

Tuesday Tips: The Fit CEO Mindset: Boundaries, Balance and Peak Performance with Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann

Quick recap
Summary
CEO Fit Book and Boundaries Discussion
Michael and Rebecca discussed the importance of the CEO Fit book, with a particular focus on the concept of boundaries. Rebecca shared her extensive career experience in financial services and her recent shift to advising startup CEOs. She also highlighted her passion for small businesses. Michael emphasized the significance of self-care and rest, noting that many people struggle with these aspects due to their busy and often stressful lives. Both expressed their enthusiasm for the ongoing journey of learning and growing in their respective fields.
Flexibility, Adaptability, and Productivity in Workplaces
Michael and Rebecca discussed the importance of flexibility and adaptability in developing and utilizing skills across different workplaces. They both highlighted the value of experience, with Rebecca sharing her insights from managing large and small companies. They emphasized the similarity in the fundamental challenges of motivating and retaining teams, regardless of company size. Michael pointed out that productivity often increases when focusing on the essential tasks, noting that remote work during the pandemic had eliminated many distractions and allowed for more straightforward work processes. Rebecca agreed, noting the importance of focus in maintaining productivity.
Multitasking and Psychological Safety in the Workplace
Rebecca argued that multitasking, such as responding to emails or texting while in a meeting, is not efficient as it distracts the brain's ability to focus on one task at a time. She suggested that this lack of distraction was a contributing factor to improved productivity. Michael emphasized the importance of creating a psychologically safe work environment where employees feel comfortable being open and transparent about personal issues. He argued that such an environment not only benefits employee well-being but also enhances retention and overall job satisfaction.
Psychological Safety, Transparency, and Communication
Michael and Rebecca discussed the importance of creating a psychologically safe and transparent work environment. Rebecca emphasized that clear communication about the company's vision and goals, and how employees' work contributes to these, is crucial for employee motivation and retention. Michael agreed, noting that clarity attracts while confusion repels. They then moved to discuss Rebecca's book, which was inspired by questions she received after speaking engagements. She shared how these questions led her to reflect on her own life and work experiences, and eventually led her to write the book.
Collaborative Book Writing and Boundary Setting
Rebecca shared the story of how she and her personal trainer, Lillian, collaborated to write a book about fitness and wellness. The book, which was completed in 10 months, was designed to be a quick reference guide, with short chapters and Lillian's input interspersed throughout. Michael then discussed the importance of setting and respecting boundaries, emphasizing that it's not selfish but necessary to maintain one's own well-being. He highlighted the common problem of overcommitment, especially among executives and startup founders. Both Rebecca and Michael underscored the importance of establishing boundaries and the need to approach it as a partnership.
Work-Life Boundaries and Self-Care Strategies
Michael and Rebecca discussed the importance of work-life boundaries and self-care in the workplace. Michael emphasized the need to keep track of delegated tasks to avoid overworking employees. Rebecca suggested renaming the term "selfish" to "self-care" and introduced the concept of "pay yourself first," likening it to building wealth. They also discussed the "parking lot" strategy, where non-urgent tasks are listed and prioritized later. This strategy was praised by Michael, who shared his own experience of using a similar method to reprioritize his workload with his manager's help. They agreed that these strategies not only increase efficiency but also make employees feel more valued andCollaborate more effectively.
Effective Communication and Four Pillar Culture
Michael shared an observation about the importance of understanding and utilizing the rules in games like Monopoly to gain a strategic advantage. Rebecca then discussed the significance of effective communication in driving productivity, engagement, and motivation among team members. She introduced the concept of the "four pillar culture," which emphasizes the importance of focusing on customers, employees, excellent execution, and shareholder value. Rebecca also stressed the role of communication in all aspects of the business, from vision and strategy to execution plans and annual and quarterly plans. She suggested that this approach fosters clarity in work and contributes to overall success.
Parking Lot Exercises and Work-Life Balance
Michael and Rebecca discussed the benefits of using 'parking lot' exercises in their organization to allow for flexibility and adaptation. They also talked about the importance of work-life balance and how it can positively impact productivity. Rebecca shared about her book 'Fit CEO: 52 Weeks of Wellness, Wealth, and Wonder' which promotes this philosophy. Michael appreciated the book's insights and looked forward to sharing it with his audience.
Links:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-m-k/
Website:  http://rmkgroupllc.com/
Book: https://amzn.to/3RGcihy
Book site:  http://fitceobook.com/
 
 

Motivation Mondays: Dance with Your Dragons: A chat with Brad Axelrad

My name is Brad Axelrad, and for over a decade now, I’ve worked with coaches, consultants, and business owners to transform struggle into strength. By helping them face their fears and dance with their dragons, I help leaders like you step into their power and create a thriving coaching business in the process.
I’ve produced over 200 live events, spoken from nearly 300 stages (live and virtual), and interviewed top thought & business leaders and bestselling authors including industry GIANTS such as John Assaraf, Bob Proctor, Don Miguel Ruiz, Gay Hendricks, Ali Brown, Michael Gerber, and many more…
Since 2010, I’ve been a proud Founding Member of ATL SoCal (Association of Transformational Leaders) and Co-Founder of ATL Costa Rica, founded in 2017.
I’ve done all of this as a part of my ongoing mission to show tomorrow’s leaders how to embody success without sacrifice today—one that has seen thousands of lives transformed, just like yours CAN and WILL.

Founder Fridays: Streamlining Consulting Operations: Bizinta's Integrated System with Real-Time Reporting and Staffing Tools with Matt Lentzner

Matt is a 20-year expert in Business Management of Professional Services Companies. He has the rare ability to understand both the technical and business sides, mapping one to the other. He took that expertise and built Bizinta (www.bizinta.com) so the system and the business became one.https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-lentzner/
Bizinta's Integrated Back-End System for Consultants
Matt, the co-founder and CEO of Bizinta, presented a highly integrated back-end system designed for consulting companies. The system was initially created to manage the operations of his former finance and accounting consulting company in Silicon Valley, and it was later spun off as an independent company in 2017. The tool helps companies track their employees' skills, schedules, and billing and generates reports quickly and efficiently. Michael praised the system's ability to streamline operations and reduce silos, giving companies a competitive advantage by allowing them to focus on creative work.
Leadership Roles and Software Development Advantages
Michael and Matt discussed the advantages of having a background in software development for leadership roles. Matt's experience building systems from the ground up gave him a unique perspective, allowing him to understand and communicate effectively with his team about new features and tools. He also mentioned the advantage of quickly adapting to and implementing new features, giving his company a competitive edge. Furthermore, they discussed the importance of connecting to the development process and profoundly understanding the company's framework and capacity.
Consulting Industry Challenges and Opportunities
Matt and Michael discussed the challenges and opportunities in the consulting industry. Matt explained the unique difficulties of scaling a consulting business, contrasting it with the relative ease of scaling a product company. They identified a critical point for consulting companies: the founder can no longer personally oversee every aspect of the business due to its size and must expand the team. Michael highlighted a concerning statistic that 52% of Fortune 500 companies from 2000 have either gone bankrupt or been acquired, emphasizing the importance of growth and adaptation for businesses. They agreed on the need for a system to help manage and expand the knowledge of a consulting company to continue providing quality service to larger clients.
Bizinta System for Efficient Reporting
Michael and Matt discussed the impact of organizations on their communities and the importance of efficient reporting processes. Matt highlighted the advantages of their system, Bizinta, which was built with integration in mind, making it more efficient and effective than other systems. He demonstrated how the system can compare planned schedules with recorded time, enabling organizations to evaluate their performance and make necessary adjustments. Michael agreed and noted the potential for this system to auto staff adequately
roving Staffing for Customer-Driven Organizations
Michael and Matt discussed the challenges and inefficiencies in customer-driven organizations, such as restaurants and grocery stores, which experience fluctuating demand. Michael suggested designing the staffing to meet the demand, emphasizing the importance of proper resource allocation to ensure a good customer experience. He also highlighted the potential of this approach to improve efficiency and identify opportunities for the organization. Matt agreed with Michael's assessment and approach.
Introducing MoAR for Customizable Reporting
Matt introduced the MoAR, a robust reporting tool that allows users to tailor reports according to their specific needs, which can be saved and reused for their companies. Michael appreciated the flexibility of this tool, contrasting it with the inflexible and often problematic Crystal Reports. Matt emphasized the tool's potential in allowing management teams to quickly decide on the most important KPIs to track and share these among the team. The discussion indicated that this tool could be valuable for companies managing consultants, particularly those without an IT department.
Bizinta's Real-Time Capabilities and Enhancements
Matt and Michael discussed their system's real-time capabilities, emphasizing its potential for immediate data reflection and decision-making. Matt explained that their company, Bizinta, continuously adds features to its platform, including a recent partnership with a payment processor for automatic invoice generation and processing. They also revealed plans to introduce a tasking system similar to Monday.com by year-end to enhance efficiency and customer service. Michael highlighted the importance of real-time information for businesses to make informed decisions and succeed.
Integrating Software Systems and Company Culture
Michael and Matt discussed the importance and challenges of integrating different software systems and the role of company culture in this process. Michael shared a humorous anecdote about changing error messages to bike bell sounds in a software company, highlighting the significance of a positive work environment. 

Thoughtful Thursdays: Leadership Lessons from Fiction: Melanie Bell's Journey in Fostering Growth and Empathy

Melanie is the Founder of Leaders Who Fiction, an online book club and community that offers a unique way for people to acquire and develop leadership qualities through reading and discussing novels.On this fast-growing platform, leaders meet on the last Wednesday of each month for intellectual, business-oriented conversations centered around a selected novel.Melanie is also the Co-Founder of Strategic Piece, where she works with C-suite executives at growth-stage companies to deliver exceptional revenue growth by bringing together their marketing, sales, and service teams around an information-driven customer experience built on the HubSpot platform.She has been an entrepreneur for almost a decade and witnessed what works and doesn't work in leadership and how reading fiction equips leaders with the skills they need to achieve their professional goals.
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieabell/
https://LeadersWhoFiction.com
 
Summary
Introductions and reading habits @ 0:00
Michael and Melanie discussed their love of reading novels which faded during busy periods but was rediscovered, finding fiction teaches valuable life lessons better than textbooks.
Fiction novels teach leadership lessons @ 3:38
Michael argued novels show complex human interactions better than business books, citing how Star Trek addressed 1960s racial issues through diverse crews solving problems together.
Reading reduces stress and improves focus @ 8:14
Studies found just six minutes of reading significantly reduces stress versus other activities, with focus allowing clarity to solve problems. Leaders Who Fiction aims to prioritize this stress relief.
The value of getting 'lost' in a story @ 8:38
Getting fully immersed in a story transports the mind creatively, helping forget stresses as pages turn eagerly to discover outcomes, paralleling life's journey over destinations.
COVID increased humanity in remote work @ 10:57
Pandemic blurring of work and home made video calls more "human" as families joined, normalizing interruptions rather than masking imperfections.
Leaders Who Fiction book club @ 14:13
Melanie founded the free monthly Zoom book club to motivate busy leaders to read fiction through accountability and discussion of novels offering career value beyond "black-and-white" business stories.
 

Wisdom Wednesdays: Leading Through Turbulence: Strategies for CEO Success with Katy Trost

Katy coaches and advises CEOs and founders at Series B and beyond. She helps them become more effective leaders and navigate the challenges of scaling people and operations.
 
Her clients include some of the fastest-growing companies in the US and UK tech ecosystem, backed by leading investors, including SoftBank, First Round, Felix, Octopus, Inflexion, and more.
 
Katy is also a coach and judge for Tech Nation Future Fifty and Upscale, Octopus Ventures, Founders Forum, Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs, PwC Fintech, the Mayor of London Mentoring Program, and a member of the board of advisors for various startups.
 
Her work has been featured in publications such as Forbes, Success Magazine, The Org, and Thrive Global. She shares her insights on CEO leadership, developing high-performing executive teams, and building healthy organizations at scale.
 
Born and raised in Germany, Katy spent four years traveling the world before moving to New York City. After multiple years in the US startup ecosystem, she expanded her business to the UK, bringing a global perspective to her work with innovative and purpose-driven organizations.
 
LinkedIn
Instagram
 
Quick recap
Next steps
• CEOs should focus on maintaining a human approach to leadership, especially during challenging times like layoffs.
• Executives cultivate a problem-solving mindset and view daily challenges as opportunities for growth.
Tech Ecosystem Advisor Role and Approach
A tech ecosystem advisor, Katy shared her role and approach with Michael. She works with CEOs and executive teams, focusing on leadership, branding, operations, and scaling organizations. She differentiated her role from that of a consultant, emphasizing the importance of creating buy-in and seeing the pain points for solutions. She also highlighted her background in executive coaching. Michael acknowledged her deep understanding of an organization and the importance of her approach in integrating with the system's flow. He agreed with her that advisors should be a crucial part of the organization's DNA.
Tech Industry Impact and CEO Behavior Amid Pandemic
Katy and Michael discussed the impact of the pandemic on the tech industry. Katy noted that many companies, especially those with large tech spikes, had little substance behind their valuations and were ultimately forced to cut costs and let people go. Katy emphasized this as a daily challenge that CEOs face, but the pandemic accelerated it significantly. Michael agreed and asked Katy for her perspective on the behavior of CEOs and leadership during this time.
Impact of Pandemic on Startups, VC
Katy and Michael discussed the impact of the pandemic on startups and the venture capital landscape. The pandemic led many companies to overhire and pursue products without market fit. Katy emphasized bootstrapping, validating products before scaling, and using cost-effective marketing channels. Due to a slowdown in the VC ecosystem, many companies now face difficulties raising funds and need to shift toward profitability. This poses challenges for founders who have given up significant equity but cannot achieve desired growth. Katy highlighted the need to keep teams motivated despite lacking a potential "big exit."
Attracting Talent Amidst Competitor Pressure
Michael highlighted the tendency for companies to lose key personnel to competitors like Google and Facebook when their stock underperforms. He shared a personal experience where a potential partnership with a company ended prematurely, hinting at the challenges of maintaining long-term business relationships. Katy agreed, noting that when organizations face numerous options and distractions, it can be challenging to navigate through them effectively. She emphasized that simply adding more people to a company does not increase efficiency, implying that a change in approach is needed when a company grows.
Managing Growth, Strategic Exits, and Contingencies
Katy discussed the challenges and strategies of managing a growing company. She emphasized that while there are opportunities for increased revenue through product launches in new markets, it's essential to maintain focus and consider creating separate business units to manage these endeavors. Katy also highlighted the need for a strategic exit plan, suggesting that founders should be prepared to sell when the company is in a strong position rather than holding on for a potentially lower valuation later. She also advised that founders should have contingency plans if the desired valuation is not reached, such as buying out investors or seeking secondary funding.
Focusing on Process for Successful Strategy
Katy and Michael discussed the importance of focusing on the process and journey in executing a successful strategy rather than solely on the end goal. Michael emphasized the value of being present and navigating through challenges and stressed the need for setting targets to ensure progress towards the desired outcome. He also believed that adapting and persevering through difficult times is a crucial characteristic of successful executives and companies.
Strategies for Executive Leadership in Turbulent Times
Michael and Katy discussed strategies for executive leadership in turbulent times. Katy emphasized taking one day at a time, approaching challenges as new opportunities, and maintaining a human-centric leadership style. She also stressed the need for transparency, understanding decision-making processes, and communicating effectively, particularly during layoffs. Michael agreed, highlighting that a robust support system, including a sound board and team, was crucial to avoid executive burnout. Both underscored the significance of reputation, noting it can take years to build but can be quickly damaged.
Navigating Public Life, Social Media, and Layoffs
Michael and Katy had an insightful conversation about navigating public life and social media, with Michael advising Katy on how to handle different situations. Katy shared details about her work, and Michael praised her work. They also discussed the importance of understanding and respecting leaders' decision-making process during layoffs. Michael shared his personal experience with layoffs and emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional attitude. 

Tuesday Tips: Designing Workplaces for Boosting Productivity and Culture. A Conversation with Rebecca Swanner

Rebecca is the Workplace Sector Leader of HED, one of the largest architectural and engineering design firms in the US, serving clients nationally in a broad range of market sectors including Healthcare, Higher Education, Mission Critical, Housing and Mixed-Use, Pre-K 12, Science, Manufacturing and Product Development, Workplace, Community and Government.. 
 
Her sector specializes in designing workplaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and a supportive team environment that promotes the brand, products and services, and culture of the client.
 
Pivoting to a new hybrid work style, HED’s LA office recently designed its own innovative workspace that features a HUB — an open activity space with material libraries, interactive projection walls, and intentional meeting spaces — to facilitate the team’s working and communication dynamics.
 
Rebecca is a licensed architect with 15+ years of experience leading projects for national and global brands, including BELKIN, Kennedy Wilson, Disney-Marvel, and Apple and Beats 1 Radio.
 
She has a depth of insight into design strategies and styles that can impact company culture, productivity, and the recruiting and retention of talent.
 
On the podcast, Rebecca discussed:
 
How to downsize your office space the right way: understanding right-size building selection for the necessary amenity mix to draw employees back to the office.
How intelligent workplace design can combat burnout and reduce in-office frustration.
The fastest growing and most popular office building and workplace amenities.
How HED LA office design and amenities facilitate company culture and productivity.
https://www.hed.design/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-swanner-b8a9a55/https://www.officelovin.com/2021/12/a-look-inside-heds-new-los-angeles-office/
Quick recap
Summary
Evolving Office Design for Post-Pandemic Workforce
Rebecca, a workplace sector leader for Harley Ellis Devereux, and Michael discussed the changing trends in office design in the wake of the pandemic. Rebecca expressed her interest in the concept of wellness in the workplace and how design can respond to the changing workforce population post-pandemic. Michael emphasized the importance of authentic employee feedback in design. They also discussed the flexibility of the podcast format, with Michael assuring Rebecca that any potential gaffes could be edited out.
Evolving Office Spaces for Hybrid Work
Michael and Rebecca discussed the evolving office space and design in the context of the hybrid work era. They noted how the pandemic has altered the way people work and interact, leading to early retirements and a shift in the workforce. They underscored the importance of considering both how people work and how they live in the new office spaces. Rebecca presented the concept of designing spaces that cater to different needs, such as socializing in a "prairie" setting and feeling secure in a "woods" setting. Michael concurred, highlighting that options like these could accommodate different work styles and personalities.
Creating Safe Workplace Spaces for Excellence
Michael and Rebecca discussed the importance of creating a 'safe space' in the workplace to foster individual and team excellence. They agreed on the significance of understanding employees' work styles and personalities to optimize their work environment. Rebecca emphasized the need for thoughtful and intentional workplace design, keeping in mind that employees are not constantly present, but should still feel ownership over the space. Michael shared his own experiences working in shared spaces, highlighting the importance of the space feeling like a 'guest's home' when visiting other locations.
Understanding Individual Differences in Office Design
Michael and Rebecca discussed the importance of understanding individual differences in work environments and incorporating these insights into office design. They highlighted that everyone has varying needs, with some preferring minimalistic setups. Michael emphasized the need to communicate with employees to design spaces that benefit everyone. Rebecca added that gathering information from the entire workforce, not just the C-suite, is crucial. She also pointed out a common fear among employers regarding open-ended surveys, as they worry employees might ask for things they can't provide.
Employee-Driven Workspace Transformation
Rebecca emphasized the importance of having open, honest conversations with employees about their needs and how the workspace can accommodate their changing work habits. She pointed out that such discussions can lead to innovative solutions that go beyond superficial perks like yoga balls, while also acknowledging the potential constraints, such as budget or location limitations. Michael agreed with Rebecca's approach and shared his own experience of reducing turnover at a healthcare organization by implementing changes based on employee feedback. Both stressed the significance of making employees feel valued and creating a positive work environment.
Creating Productive Work Environment Strategies
Michael and Rebecca discussed the importance of creating a productive and healthy work environment. They emphasized the need for leaders to be vulnerable and open to feedback, particularly regarding workspace and office design. Rebecca highlighted the necessity of data-driven decision-making, using a workplace strategist to understand the company's culture, schedules, and demographics before making changes. Michael expressed concerns about employees' reactions to changes in office space, stressing the potential for burnout if the new layout is not designed appropriately. Rebecca agreed, noting the importance of proper change management and employee education in effectively using the new space.
Designing Spaces for Work-Life Balance
Rebecca and Michael discussed the importance of work-life balance and the need for intentional space design to promote rest and rejuvenation. They explored the concept of designing spaces that can be used for various activities, such as exercise, relaxation, and social gatherings. Rebecca shared her ongoing project for a new building's interior design and programming, where they are soliciting input from their employees on the desired functionalities of the space. Michael concurred, highlighting the potential for a variety of spaces to suit different needs.
Addressing Office Space and Employee Well-Being
Michael shared a humorous story from his past about the issue of unevenly sized offices due to the building's unique design. He explained how, with approval from the CEO, they ensured that all offices had the same number of ceiling tiles, despite their differing shapes. Rebecca and Michael then discussed the importance of focusing on employee well-being and the functionality of their working space, rather than trivial details like the number of ceiling tiles. They emphasized that a thriving work ecosystem involves providing employees with the tools and environment they need to succeed, and not just a uniform office layout.
 

Motivation Mondays: Design Your Career Success Blueprint: A Chat with Tammy Alvarez

Tammy Alvarez, CEO and Founder of the Career Winners Circle, a world-class coaching organization.
Tammy has an unwavering commitment to advancing ambitious business leaders so they can grow their careers as far as their drive will take them. She is the creator of the Career Success Blueprint – the ultimate executive career strategy framework, Own Your Power!
 
https://careerwinnerscircle.com/ 
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammyalvarez