Breakfast Leadership Show

Thoughtful Thursdays: Taking a Booze Vacation with Clifford Stephan

Your Bio and Social Media links: 
https://www.tiktok.com/@cliffordstephan1https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliffordstephan/https://www.instagram.com/boozevacation/https://www.facebook.com/BoozeVacation/
Clifford Stephan founded Booze Vacation, a health and wellness company for high-performing guys seeking to advance their jobs and lives by leveraging the extensive benefits of a vacation from alcohol. The founder of OneCompensation, a Bay Area consulting firm, has assisted Silicon Valley organizations such as Google, LinkedIn, Kaiser Permanente, and Motorola Mobility in attracting and retaining top talent.
After understanding that recreational drinking hindered his personal and professional success in his 40s, Clifford Stephan founded Booze Vacation.Despite not being a problem drinker, he took a year off to improve his health and career. Indeed, Booze Vacation was created.
After starting as a passion endeavor, Booze Vacation became a company as others saw its potential for success. Clifford became an accidental TikTok star, garnering millions of views on his videos about better alcohol usage and the opportunity for health, life, and economic success during a "Booze Vacation."
With a B.S. Degree in Nutritional Science (Cal Poly SLO), he is an ardent surfer, tennis player, and loves the outdoors. With over a dozen long-course triathlons under his belt, he remains committed to competing well into his 80s and beyond.
Quick recap
Summary
Discussing Alcohol Consumption and Resources
 
Clifford's Journey to Health and Wellness
Clifford, a 51-year-old human resources consultant from the Bay Area, shared his personal journey towards health and wellness, which included taking an extended break from alcohol after realizing its negative impact on his well-being. He expressed his enthusiasm for his new full-time passion project, 'Booze Vacation,' aimed at encouraging peers to adopt a similar lifestyle for improved health and wellness. Michael acknowledged the significance and importance of Clifford's work.
Addressing Alcoholism and Coping Strategies
Michael and Clifford discussed the prevalence and impact of alcoholism within their families and among their peers. They emphasized that alcoholism not only affects physical health but also mental health, and stressed the importance of addressing underlying stressors as a coping mechanism. Clifford highlighted the challenges of navigating an alcohol-centric culture and suggested a dedicated 3-6 month break for those struggling with alcohol abuse. Michael agreed, noting the common issue of burnout and stress within his client base.
Alcohol's Promotion and Abstention Benefits
Michael highlighted the ubiquitous and normalized promotion of alcohol in various social settings, such as sporting events, concerts, and restaurants. He noted the potential negative effects on those who consume alcohol, including peer pressure and impairment of judgment. However, he also pointed out the potential benefits of abstention, such as improved health, altered eating habits, better sleep, and increased resilience to stressors. He hinted at the positive changes in physical appearance and overall success that can result from these benefits.
Breaking Free From Alcohol: A Path to Wellness
Michael shared his positive experience of giving up alcohol and the improvements it brought to his life. Clifford emphasized the importance of taking a break from alcohol for overall health and wellbeing, and highlighted the negative impact alcohol use can have on various systems in the body. Both agreed on the potential long-term consequences of chronic alcohol use, including the development of chronic diseases and the need for lifelong medication. The discussion also touched on the societal pressure to consume alcohol and the challenge of breaking free from this norm.
Michael's Personal Journey to Sobriety and Its Benefits
Michael shared his personal experience of being sober for over a year, which he attributed to improved health, clarity, and performance in various aspects of his life. He emphasized the benefits of this lifestyle change, such as better digestion, cleaner blood work, and increased capability to take on new challenges. He also encouraged others to make positive adjustments for their well-being, especially those in high-performing positions, as he believed it could significantly enhance their professional and personal lives.
Booze Vacation: A Program for Positive Change
Clifford discussed his motivation for creating 'Booze Vacation', a program designed to help individuals take a break from alcohol. He emphasized the program's goal to normalize the idea of taking a break from alcohol, providing tools and resources to aid the process. He stressed that the decision to take a break is the most challenging but also the most beneficial step towards positive change. Clifford encouraged his peers to try 'Booze Vacation', highlighting its potential for improving physical and mental health, and its ability to help individuals enjoy life without relying on alcohol.
Improving Performance Through Mindfulness, Sobriety, and Boozevacation.com
Michael and Clifford had a discussion about improving personal and professional performance through mindfulness and sobriety. Michael expressed his appreciation for Clifford's work and his desire to share it with his audience. Clifford highlighted the importance of being present, engaged, and real, and how his platform, boozevacation.com, offers tools and resources for individuals seeking to improve their well-being. 

Motivation Monday: Chaos, Overcoming the Overwhelming: A New Book by Noah Asher

 
 
 
 
 
Discussing Noah's Book and Collaboration Plans
Michael and Noah discussed Noah's recently published book, "Chaos, overcoming the overwhelming". Noah directed Michael to his website, https://www.thenoahasher.com/, where links to purchase the book and other relevant information can be found. Michael expressed his intention to share information about Noah and his work across his network, aiming to increase traffic to Noah's site. Both parties thanked each other for their time and looked forward to future collaborations.

Future Fridays: Reinvention of Healthcare with Britt Gottschalk

Britt serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Geno.Me. Britt’s role focuses on advancing the mission, work and overall vision of the company. She is a Milwaukee native and holds a bachelor’s in Psychology from UW-Milwaukee and dual masters’ degrees in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Business Administration from Elmhurst University.Britt has cultivated a professional background in the healthcare, services, and communications sectors for the last 15 years. She is passionate about championing the innovative ways that Geno.Me is revolutionizing the future of healthcare. In her spare time, she enjoys running, getting together with friends, hitting the dog park with her dog, Brock, or grabbing a bite at local restaurants.Social Media Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g_e_n_o.m_e/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/geno-meFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourgeenomeTwitter: https://twitter.com/yourgeno_meDirect Website: https://yourgeno.me/

Thoughtful Thursdays: Rebuilding in the Midst of Conflict: Insights on Investing in Ukraine from UBN Network Co-Founder Mark McNamee

Mark recently moved to Kyiv and co-founded the Ukraine Business Network (UBN), a platform that provides research to industry leaders. The goal is to aid foreign investors operating in the country and ultimately contribute to the nation’s reconstruction.Through panels, reports, and surveys, UBN gives businesses insight into their opportunities in Ukraine during times of war. It works with 4,000+ companies across sectors, including the World Bank Group, UN, Coca-Cola, Radisson, McDonald’s, and the Wall Street Journal.An expert analyst on Ukraine and CIS countries, Mark has spent 15 years tracking the region's political, economic, social, and intelligence activities. He has also instructed at the U.S. Army’s Combating Terrorism Center, teaching counterterrorism courses to CIA and FBI agents.He was previously the Managing Director of FrontierView (Europe), an advisory firm valued at $18M that gives 300+ multinationals market intelligence to help their businesses grow. He has been featured on Bloomberg, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and the BBC.On the podcast, Mark discussesHow do you start a company in a war zone without income or local knowledge?Identifying the right critical skills and market niches for business success in Ukraine.Challenges of workforce development in Ukraine and how to effectively deal with them.https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mcnamee-58950910/https://ubn.news/ubn-network/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Commonwealth-of-Independent-Stateshttps://ctc.westpoint.edu/https://frontierview.com/https://updatefromkyiv.podbean.com/e/137-analysis-mark-mcnamee-on-ukraine-s-economic-opportunities-and-challenges/https://www.potomac-group.com/podcast/episode-12-mark-mcnamee-on-the-ongoing-russian-war-on-ukraine
Summary
Introduction to Mark and UBN Network @ 0:00
Mark introduced himself as the co-founder and owner of UBN (Ukraine Business News) Network, a company he started with his co-founder Andrew to help Western companies navigate the investment environment and understand the economic and geopolitical situation in Ukraine. Mark discussed his personal and academic background that led him to focus on this region, and his decision to move to Kyiv last October to be part of Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction efforts.
The Significance of Ukraine's Conflict @ 3:00
Michael and Mark discussed the importance of recognizing that the conflict in Ukraine is not just about the current war, but is part of a larger geopolitical struggle between Western democratic values and the "might makes right" mentality of Russia and other non-Western powers. They emphasized that Ukraine's fight is not just for its own sovereignty, but for upholding the international order and rules-based systems that the West believes are better for humanity.
The Human Toll and Resilience of Ukrainians @ 8:26
The conversation explored the immense human suffering and trauma experienced by Ukrainians due to the war, including the stories of families being separated, people fleeing their homes, and the psychological impact on the nation. However, they also highlighted the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people to carry on with their daily lives and livelihoods despite the ongoing challenges.
Opportunities for Rebuilding and Recovery @ 19:44
Mark and Michael discussed the importance of the work that UBN Network is doing to help facilitate Ukraine's economic recovery and reconstruction, even as the war continues. They emphasized the need for the West to continue supporting Ukraine and providing resources to help the country rebuild, with the goal of eventually transitioning from a wartime to a peacetime economy.
Closing and Call to Action @ 21:11
In closing, Michael thanked Mark for his work and encouraged listeners to connect with Mark and UBN Network to learn more about the situation in Ukraine and how they can get involved in supporting the country's recovery efforts.
 

Tuesday Tips: Parenting Tweens with JoAnn Schauf

JoAnn Schauf founded Your Tween and You, writes her blog, The Tween Times, coaches parents and adolescents, and speaks at conferences and to parent groups. After earning her Master of Science in Counseling, she worked as a therapist in a psychiatric hospital and served as a counselor in secondary schools and colleges. 
Her interactions with parents of tweens, who were confounded by their children’s burgeoning adolescence and the influence of technology, led her to write her best-selling book Loving the Alien, How to Parent Your Tween. As the parent of four, she experienced the same challenges and frustrations! JoAnn lives in Austin, Texas and spends her free time volunteering and on the beach in California. You can reach her at yourtweenandyou.com
 
Summary
Introductions and background @ 0:00
JoAnn Schauf shares her background, starting as a fashion major but then transitioning to psychology and counseling. She opened her own business, Your Tween and You, about 6 years ago to help parents navigate the challenges of raising tweens.
The challenges of parenting tweens @ 2:04
JoAnn discusses the common challenges parents face when their children transition from happy, compliant kids to more distant, independent tweens. She explains the "trio of trials" tweens face - puberty, identity search, and underdeveloped decision-making skills - that contribute to this challenging phase.
Importance of parent-child connection @ 6:00
Michael and JoAnn emphasize the importance of parents staying present and connected with their tweens, even when the kids seem disinterested. Sharing stories, asking open-ended questions, and spending quality time together can help maintain the relationship.
Strategies for effective communication @ 23:54
JoAnn provides specific tips for how parents can improve communication with their tweens, such as asking open-ended questions to get the full story rather than yes/no questions that shut down conversation.
Resources and next steps @ 25:06
JoAnn shares information about her website, blog, and coaching services to help parents of tweens. She and Michael conclude by discussing the importance of raising happy, healthy children who will become future leaders.

Motivational Mondays: Empowering Employers: Unveiling Workers’ Compensation Secrets with Kevin Ring

 Website: https://www.workcompprofessionals.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iwcpkevin/Kevin Ring is the Lead Workers’ Compensation Analyst at the Institute of WorkComp Professionals (IWCP), which trains both insurance agents and employers in how to build a successful workers’ comp program.Employers have been taught that because workers' comp is mandatory, and the policy is the same no matter who they work with, that they have no control and should just shop for the lowest price. But nothing could be further from the truth!Kevin is extremely knowledgeable in the field of workers’ compensation, and he wants to help struggling business owners and employers across America (particularly those in blue/grey-collar industries) limit unnecessary expenses and have more productive and profitable businesses.He has reviewed and analyzed over 1200 experience mod worksheets with clients, and has served as an expert witness in litigation involving the workers' comp premium audit.Kevin has also been published in Rough Notes, Insurance Journal, and other insurance and general industry trades publications, and has been called an "encyclopedia of workers' comp" by accomplished insurance agent and podcast host David Carothers.
Workman's Compensation for Small Businesses
Michael and Kevin Ring discussed a potential conversation about workman's compensation for small businesses and entrepreneurs. They highlighted the importance of the topic and agreed to focus on the topic of classifications and premium audit, a requirement for every business buying workers' compensation insurance. They also discussed the potential of reaching larger organizations through their show. The conversation was set to be organic and last between 15 to 20 minutes, with Kevin Ring sharing relevant links at the end.
Workers Compensation: Employer Responsibility and Prevention Strategies
Kevin Ring from the Institute of Work comp Professionals explained the importance of workers compensation to employers. He traced its origins to 1911 Wisconsin's Workers Compensation Law, which shifted liability for employee injuries from employees to employers. Kevin Ring emphasized that workers compensation is not just about injury claims, but also about employer responsibility and prevention strategies. He pointed out that the cost of workers compensation premiums is controllable through program setup and injury prevention strategies. Michael D. Levitt facilitated the discussion, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of workers compensation among business owners.
Workers' Compensation Policy Importance
Kevin Ring and Michael discussed the importance of businesses understanding their workers' compensation policies, particularly the classifications applied to their policy. Kevin Ring emphasized the need for businesses to work with their insurance agents to ensure the classifications are correct, as they determine the rates businesses pay on different parts of their payroll. He also highlighted the role of the workers' compensation premium audit, which checks if the estimated payroll matches the actual payroll of the policy. Kevin Ring also noted that there are exceptions to what is included in workers' compensation, such as overtime pay in most states.
Insurance Audit and Record-Keeping Importance
Kevin Ring emphasized the importance of accurate record-keeping for expense reimbursements to avoid potential issues with insurance audits. He stressed that businesses should consult with their insurance agents to understand what expenses are exempt in their state, as there are variations from state to state. Michael D. Levitt agreed, noting that accurate records are important not only for insurance situations but also for taxation. They discussed the need to correctly classify employees to avoid potential claims and disagreements with insurance companies. Kevin Ring concluded by stating that while insurance companies typically pay by default, inaccurate classification of employees could lead to scrutiny during a premium audit.
Policy Classifications and Insurance Costs in Construction and Agriculture
Kevin Ring discussed the importance of understanding the complexities of policy classifications in construction and agriculture, particularly in relation to payroll. He emphasized the need for a strong agent to guide businesses through this process to prevent overcharging. Kevin Ring also pointed out the importance of having an outside bookkeeper handle workers' compensation premium audit and advised businesses to ensure they don't pay more than necessary for their insurance. Michael D. Levitt agreed, stressing the importance of clean books and preparation for potential legislative changes. Both agreed on the need for businesses to select the right agent, not just the one offering the lowest price.
Work of the Institute and Training Program Launch
Michael D. Levitt and Kevin Ring discussed the importance of understanding the work of the Institute and the potential for further exploration of its system. Kevin Ring mentioned that interested individuals could learn more at work.comp professionals, com or by calling him directly at (828) 274-0959, or emailing him at Kevin@iwc.pro.com. Kevin Ring also mentioned the release of their first training program for employers, which can be found at locked and loaded training.com, and is specifically designed to provide employers with the basics to better manage their program.

Foundational Fridays: Embracing Generational Diversity: A Conversation with Jonathan Sheppard on Navigating the Multigenerational Workplace

Jonathan Sheppard is President and CEO of J. Sheppard Associates, a full-service Attorney Search and executive Placement firm servicing top-tier mid-to-large-size law firms, corporations, and nonprofits. Having spent his entire career in the recruiting industry, starting at 19 years old, Jon founded J. Sheppard Associates in January 2000 to place lateral partners, associates, and executives across the legal landscape. 
Operating from the prism of generational inclusiveness, “The Generationality of Work Today,” Jon advocates for all four generations. “ As Jon says, “We have four generations working together trying to figure each other out. This “generationality” and its issues have brought Jon to The Breakfast Leadership podcast today. 
Beyond his search business and being a “generational advocate,” Jon also enjoys working on behalf of various charities on issues he is passionate about—currently a board member for Goodwill NYNJ. Jon is also the former NYC board chair for Easter Seals, and his charitable work extends to New York Cares, the 911 Memorial and Museum, The Cristo Rey NY High School, and other notable charities. An avid runner, Jon has completed seven NYC Marathons. He generally enjoys an active lifestyle of golf, paddleboarding, gardening, and outdoor activities with his wife, Susan, and stepchildren in Huntington, New York. 
To view the videos on “The Generational of Work Today” on Linked In, follow this page :
https://www.linkedin.com/company/j.sheppard-associates/
And on Instagram  here:
https://www.instagram.com/jsheppardassociates/
Show notes:
Summary
Introductions and background @ 0:00
Jonathan shares his background in recruiting and noticing generational differences in the workplace. He discusses how embracing different perspectives across generations can strengthen organizations.
Generational differences in the workplace @ 3:32
Jonathan discusses the four generations now coexisting in workplaces for the first time. Each generation has different needs that must be understood to maximize performance and engagement. Partners must make an effort to communicate effectively with younger associates.
Creating an environment for growth @ 25:15
Jonathan emphasizes creating a culture of courtesy, respect, and accountability where different opinions are encouraged. Michael shares how hiring based on coachability and interpersonal skills allowed an employee to thrive far beyond expectations.
The importance of communication and accountability @ 28:36
Regular communication and accountability are vital, including self-accountability. Younger workers want mentors present, while partners must be engaged to effectively lead. Progressive firms listening to all generations will be positioned for success.
Navigating future changes and opportunities @ 30:25
While changes continue, focusing on including diverse views and giving people stake in decisions prepares organizations to withstand challenges. The conversation emphasizes extending beyond comfort zones and bridging generations through open communication.
 

Thoughtful Thursdays: Interview with Eric Fong

Decades of experience, over 100 cases tried to a jury with monumental failures and success, Eric uniquely tries civil and criminal cases with equal passion and sophistication. Landmark cases include creating the constitutional right to Intimate Association (Eric protected the rights of low-income housing residents against oppressive “crime control” measures) and his historic $91,000,000 verdict is the largest compensatory damages verdict for one person in Washington State. As George Clinton's lawyer, the iconic funk musician/artist, Eric's unique view into the entertainment industry crafted a result that allowed him to maintain his collection of music and is the lead attorney on the definitive copyright case in American jurisprudence. His representation of George Clinton, the iconic funk musician/artist, is the definitive copyright case in American jurisprudence.Eric’s passion is to create and move juries in the courtroom, seek out truth, and deliver justice. He is recognized as an innovator in trial work and the only Washington lawyer to be acknowledged by the Plaintiffs Trial Bar (WSAJ) and the Defense Trial Bar (WDTLA) for their prestigious Trial Lawyer of the Year award.
A teacher of over 16 years at the Trial Lawyers College and a student there for 21, Eric is committed to the grace of continued learning. Eric’s deep friendships and mentors, Gerry Spence, Paul Luvera, Rick Friedman, Nick Rowley, and Bill Barton, gift reciprocity of thought and offer tapestries of insights that inspire and guide him daily.www.ericfonglaw.com
 
Quick recap
In their conversation, Michael and Eric touched on various aspects of life's purpose, work, and the legal profession. They discussed Eric's career as a trial lawyer, his personal fulfillment in helping individuals, and his concerns about the influence of the insurance industry on the legal world. They also talked about the issue of insurance rates, especially in areas prone to natural disasters, and the importance of self-confidence and positive mindset in overcoming adversity.
 
 
Summary
Life's Purpose and Spontaneity
Michael and Eric had a conversation about life's purpose and the importance of spontaneity. They also discussed Eric's work and how people can connect with him. Michael expressed his appreciation for Eric's time and his openness to having a natural conversation. They briefly mentioned a shift from Google Podcasts to YouTube, which Michael mentioned would provide an opportunity to reach a wider audience.
Advocating for the Underdog: A Career in Law
Eric and Michael discussed Eric's career as a trial lawyer. Eric shared his personal fulfillment and purpose in helping individuals, particularly those in challenging circumstances. He acknowledged the complexities and potential biases within the judicial system but expressed his belief in the potential fairness of the jury system. Michael echoed Eric's sentiment about the significance of human connections and storytelling in advocating for causes. Both agreed on the importance of supporting the 'little guys' in their battles against larger entities. They also acknowledged the challenging and demanding nature of such advocacy work.
Insurance Industry's Impact on Legal World
Eric voiced his concerns about the influence of the insurance industry on the legal world, highlighting its control over various aspects of life such as car ownership and health care. He emphasized the difficulties in holding the industry accountable and the crucial role of trial lawyers. Eric and Michael expressed their frustration with the insurance industry's practice of not fulfilling its promises to pay claims, noting the stress it causes claimants. Eric, a lawyer, shared his mission to handle legal matters and hold insurance companies accountable to alleviate the stress for his clients. They also discussed the negative consequences of claimants deciding not to pursue their claims, enabling insurance companies to continue their practices.
Insurance Rates and Climate Change Concerns
Michael and Eric discussed the issue of insurance rates, particularly in California and other areas prone to natural disasters. They noted the trend of insurance companies pulling out of certain markets due to financial losses from covering hurricane damages. Eric expressed concern over the situation, suggesting it was a wake-up call for society, as it indicates the unforeseen consequences of climate change. Michael added that even in areas prone to natural disasters, not every property is affected, which complicates the issue for insurance companies.
Legal Profession and Justice System Debate
Michael and Eric discussed their perspectives on the legal profession, focusing on the role of risk-sharing and accountability in the justice system. Eric expressed his dissatisfaction with the current model, citing a lack of accountability and the concentrated power of insurance companies. He emphasized the importance of trial lawyers who can effectively communicate and inspire justice. Michael agreed, highlighting the necessity of presenting a clear and compelling case for jurors. Additionally, Eric shared his approach of turning down settlement offers in favor of potentially higher payouts at trial, despite the risk of losing. Both agreed on the inefficiency of mass marketing by lawyers, with Eric arguing that these advertisements often misrepresent the quality of legal services provided.
Self-Confidence and Positive Mindset
Michael and Eric discussed the importance of self-confidence and positive mindset in overcoming adversity. They emphasized the need to be one's own champion and to use simple strategies such as listening to music or going for a walk to regain positivity during down days. Michael highlighted the power of mindset, noting that it can impact the trajectory of an entire day. Eric further emphasized the importance of recognizing negative thoughts as they come, acknowledging they will pass and be replaced by more productive ones, such as solutions or positive ideas.