Breakfast Leadership Show

Tuesday Tips: Harnessing Hardiness: Turning Stress into Success with Dr. Steven Stein

Dr. Steven Stein, PH.D., a world-renowned clinical psychologist, international best-selling author, and leading expert on psychological assessment and emotional intelligence, instead. 
 
Dr. Stein has released, Hardiness: Making Stress Work for You to Achieve Your Life Goals (2020) and Emotional Intelligence for Dummies, 2nd edition (2023) to help individuals improve their emotional understanding, enhance their work performance, and leverage stress for personal growth and life satisfaction.
Dr. Stein also consults with numerous reality TV shows, including Big Brother Canada, The Amazing Race Canada, MasterChef Canada, Bachelor Canada, Bachelor in Paradise, Blown Away, and many others, providing psychological expertise and candidate selection assessments. You can find his press kit here.
 
Dr. Stein can discuss:
Hardiness: Making Stress Work for You: 
How Hardiness can make working environments more adaptive 
Steps leaders can take to build up their own Hardiness attitudes and behaviors and those of their teams 
How the three Cs of Hardiness promotes a culture of resiliency that improves productivity, health, and the bottom line.
Why individuals who possess high levels of emotional intelligence are also more likely to possess high levels of Hardiness. 
Emotional Intelligence for Dummies, 2nd edition: 
Discuss what emotional intelligence is in greater detail and how to improve it
How emotional intelligence can contribute to the enhancement of work performances 
Explore how leaders can use emotional intelligence within their teams
Quick recap
Managing Workplace Stress With Hardiness
Steven and Michael discussed the increasing stress levels in the workplace and the factors contributing to this trend. They identified the importance of a mindset called 'hardiness' which enables individuals to better manage stressful situations. This mindset is characterized by a focus on challenges, control, and commitment. Michael emphasized the need to maintain perspective, particularly in the face of change or difficult circumstances at work. Steven furthered this by suggesting that individuals should focus on their long-term goals and work towards them, using imagery to help maintain a positive outlook.
Achieving State of Flow in Work
Michael used the analogy of athletes, such as basketball players and Usain Bolt, to describe the state of flow one can experience in their work when fully engaged and creative. He emphasized the importance of visualization in achieving this state. Steven expanded on this concept, drawing from his book Hardiness, and suggested that these techniques used by elite athletes could be applied in the workplace to improve performance in tasks like presentations and sales calls. He indicated that by practicing visualization and the right processes, one could experience a similar state of flow in their work as athletes do on the playing field.
Finding Joy in Work: Michael's Game-Changing Approach
Michael shared his experience of how he found joy and satisfaction in his work by turning it into a game. He shared how he enjoyed setting up computer labs for his former job in a school, finding it invigorating and efficient. Steven agreed with Michael's approach, highlighting the importance of finding work that one enjoys. Michael further elaborated on his experience in healthcare clinics, where he enabled staff to work on tasks that suited them best, resulting in positive outcomes and a happy work environment.
Emotional Intelligence and Personal Success
Michael and Steven discussed the importance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional success. Steven highlighted the three key aspects of emotional intelligence: understanding one's own emotions, managing emotions effectively, and using emotions to achieve goals. Michael agreed with Steven and added that self-awareness is crucial to emotional intelligence, and shared his personal experiences on how preparing for tasks and maintaining a positive emotional state can improve performance. Steven further emphasized the significance of self-awareness in identifying and addressing internal issues that might hinder success.
Embracing Flexibility in Unpredictable Situations
Michael emphasized the importance of preparedness and flexibility in managing unexpected situations, such as noisy construction work from a floor above. He stressed that being proactive and focusing on things within one's control can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Steven concurred, highlighting the need to move beyond initial triggers and find ways to overcome obstacles. Both agreed that adapting to changes and adjusting one's approach can lead to successful outcomes despite unpredictable circumstances.
Emotional Intelligence and Counteracting Polarization
Steven and Michael discussed the importance and growing relevance of emotional intelligence in our lives, particularly in a world increasingly dominated by technology and automation. Steven noted the evolution of the concept from being an obscure term to a widely recognized and discussed one. Michael underscored the value of seeking to understand others' perspectives, promoting empathy and non-judgmental dialogue to de-escalate conflicts and reduce polarization. They agreed on the need to counteract the negative effects of social media and other screen-based platforms. 

Monday Motivation: Talent Management Strategist Watchen Nyanue

Watchen Nyanue is an expert talent management strategist, speaker, and facilitator who helps Fortune 500 companies keep their employees from quitting.
As the Founder and CEO of I Choose the Ladder, Watchen has been a guide for companies such as Nike, McDonald’s, and Best Buy as they redefine what it means to cultivate a global, inclusive, and innovative workforce. With over fifteen years of corporate experience, Watchen’s work sits at the intersection of talent, culture, and strategy.
Prior to founding, I Choose the Ladder, Watchen was the Senior Vice President of MarketingPartnerships for the 2021 WNBA Champions, the Chicago Sky. During the past 15 years of working in Corporate America, Watchen has had the privilege to work for many renowned companies, including Comedy Central, Hearst Digital, Yahoo!, and Johnson Publishing Company.
Watchen has a proven track record of creating work environments where individual contributors and leaders alike are inspired to take action to shape the future of corporate America for all employees.
Watchen has been recognized as a Chicago Scholars 35 Under 35 Honoree, a 2018 Chicago Business Journal Woman of Influence Honoree, a Biz Women 2018 Headliner, and a 2019 Black Women's Expo, Presented by BET Her, Phenomenal Woman Honoree, 2020 WVON presented by
Ariel Investments 40 Gamechangers Under 40 Award, 2022 CMAC "Iconic 22" honoree.Watchen has been featured on Forbes.com, Black Enterprise, WGN, XONecole, Madame Noire, WVON, and Amsterdam News.
A proud immigrant, Watchen was born in Liberia and immigrated to Chicago in 1991 after living through the Liberian civil war. She is an alumnus of the Posse Foundation and holds a Bachelor's in Communication from DePaul University and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.Website: https://www.choosetheladder.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-choose-the-ladder/?viewAsMember=trueFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/IChoosetheLadderInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichoosetheladder/Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watchen/

Finance Fridays: Rent Your Online Business: A Discussion with Luke Van Der Veer

Luke is the Founder of Website Rental Coaching (WRC), a digital agency that trains people in the rank and rent online business model. The goal is to give them greater control over their work/life balance and create wealth.WRC’s program has financially empowered clients across various professions by educating them on SEO, lead generation, and client sourcing. While several have earned passive incomes to match and replace their 9-5 salaries, many earn thousands each month as a side hustle.Over the past decade, Luke has built 100+ rank and rent websites that organically generate tens of thousands of high-quality business leads every month across 73 niches and 48 states in the US. Businesses that rent these sites have been able to automate customer acquisition and eliminate advertising costs while increasing their rate of growth and expansion.Luke has also been able to branch out to acquire local businesses, to which he applies his lead generation expertise to scale them for a big exit later. In 2023, he notably purchased Mr. Ding-A-Ling for $1.7M, raising the ice cream company’s valuation to $2.2M in just a few months.Luke’s journey as a digital landlord started with his own search for financial autonomy as an unfulfilled 9-5er in the corporate world. He set about using his digital know-how and, in just six months, built an SEO-powered portfolio that generated high revenues.On the podcast, Luke would love to talk about:- How is the education system designed to keep people working instead of creating wealth?- How website rental works and why it is worthwhile to build a solid passive income.- Key methods and strategies to optimize the rank and rent model to generate leads for any business.
Quick recap
Summary
Discussing SEO, AI, and Business Experiences
Michael and Luke had a productive discussion about their recent schedule changes and upcoming topics for discussion. Michael, a specialist in SEO and AI, expressed his interest in learning more about Luke's business, particularly its website rental side. Luke was invited to share his experiences and thoughts on SEO and AI, and Michael emphasized the importance of referencing relevant information during the conversation. They agreed to proceed with a planned discussion about the current state of SEO and AI.
Burnout, Corporate Jobs, and Alternatives
Luke and Michael discussed their experiences with burnout in corporate jobs and their decisions to quit and pursue passive income. They also talked about their observations of the issues inherent in traditional corporate environments, such as lack of control, inflexibility, and focusing on short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainability. They agreed that individuals should prioritize their well-being and consider alternative working methods for more autonomy and flexibility.
Michael and Luke's Journeys in SEO and Website Design
Michael and Luke discussed their journeys into SEO and website design. Michael shared his view on the ongoing relevance of websites and SEO, emphasizing their importance for businesses to be found. Luke shared that his motivation for starting his own business was to create a flexible income and have more control over his time. After trying various models, he landed on SEO and built an agency. However, he found that owning the sites was limiting, so he switched to renting digital spaces online, giving him more control and independence.
Frustration With Unrealistic Client Demands
Michael used the analogy of going to a restaurant to describe a situation where clients have unrealistic demands, causing unnecessary stress for the service providers. He expressed frustration with those who order complex modifications, likening it to his harrowing experiences with his family's breakfast orders. He emphasized the importance of simplicity to avoid confusion and ensure satisfaction.
Search Engine Rankings and Website Reliability
Michael emphasized the importance of having a website that ranks high on search engines like Google, noting that a well-designed website is only helpful with good rankings. He highlighted the need for regular updates and the use of platforms that keep websites up-to-date. Luke concurred that people rarely look beyond the first few search engine results. Michael also shared his experience with various browsers and how some websites can become unavailable due to changes, underscoring the need for a reliable platform to avoid such issues.
Outsourcing Tasks for Business Growth
Michael and Luke discussed the benefits of outsourcing specific business tasks to focus on growing the business. Michael emphasized that outsourcing tasks, such as dry cleaning, allowed more time and resources to be directed toward revenue-generating activities. Luke agreed, stating his focus is on assisting business owners who are proactive in their approach to growth and seek to outsource tasks that are not their strengths. Both underscored the importance of investing in development and focusing on passive, low-maintenance tasks to maximize results.
Maximizing Efficiency and Profitability Through Niches
Luke and Michael discussed the importance of focusing on specific areas within their business to maximize efficiency and profitability. They agreed that choosing the right niches can lead to significant returns without wasting time, allowing companies to concentrate on their core functions. Luke shared his experience with a successful initiative he worked on, indicating that such opportunities are becoming more saturated. However, he believed that the potential rewards justify the investment when considering the revenue generation potential.
Potential Partnership and Maximizing Efficiency
Luke and Michael discussed a potential partnership with mutual benefits. Luke proposed providing capital for the venture in exchange for a significant share of its profits, which Michael found tempting due to the potential for passive income and exploring a new niche. They both appreciated the importance of time and the value of learning from others to maximize efficiency and profits.

Thoughtful Thursdays: Interview with Wishes Founder Chase Harmer

Chase Harmer spent 25+ years as a payments entrepreneur, he is a pioneer in virtual credit card technology with 7 patents since 2013. Founder of ProfitPay, acquired by PayCertify in 2021 with a valuation > $500M. Chase knows how to build enterprise value and process for scale. Chase uses his experience as a Lecturer and Mentor at the Founders Institute.Now, as the Founder of Wishes, Inc, he and his team have built proprietary technology to revolutionize fundraising. Wishes deliver the resources and financial support needed quicker than any other platform in the market.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-harmer-657a5b5/
https://www.getpaycertify.com/
https://www.wishes.inc
 
 

Tuesday Tips: Revamping Your Business Strategy: Insights from Small Business Consultant and Author Richard Gunderson

Richard Gunderson is the founder and owner of Career Job Transition LLC. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He is a consultant, coach, and author living in Lakeville, MN.Richard is the author of “Step Up to That New Career, " published in March 2022. That book documents his training and coaching process that unlocks the secrets for professionals seeking new employment.
His newest book “The Great Awakening of American Business” was published in October 2022. That book provides management recommendations for addressing the high rate of voluntary employee terminations.
As a small business consultant, Richard helps emerging small business owners strengthen their businesses by improving recruiting results, employee engagement, and retention.
https://careerjobtransition.comhttps://careerjobtransition.com/secrets
 
https://careerjobtransition.com 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardgunderson/ 
During the show, Richard and I discussed:
Managing the growth of an emerging small business is a challenge. One of the challenges is the business leader’s belief that they have all the answers.
The human side of many emerging small businesses is often the source of lost productivity, profit, and cash flow.
An on-site assessment of a business can reveal huge ROI opportunities that the business owner is unaware of.
Job seekers often fail to understand the needs of an employer. Employers often fail to understand the needs of the job applicant. That’s the reason for poor results in recruiting, hiring, employee engagement, and turnover.
Traditional recruiting, hiring, and manager selection methods often fall short of the desired result. It’s time for renewal of these policies and procedures.
Turnover and employee engagement data have failed to exhibit significant improvement in American businesses over the past five years.
The challenges of overcoming deficiencies in recruiting, hiring decisions, management selection, employee engagement, and employee turnover can be solved.

Motivation Monday: Reviving the Legacy of Swimming: A Conversation with Hasty Awards Owner Steven Hasty

Hasty Awards Owner Modernizes Swimming Magazine
Steven Hasty, owner of Hasty Awards and partner of Jack Hallahan, shared his interest in a recent partnership to modernize Swimming World magazine. Hasty's connection to the magazine dates back to his childhood when it was a monthly source of information on the swimming competitions he and his father followed. After being asked to join the magazine's board at the Swimming Hall of Fame, Hasty saw the opportunity to refresh the publication's content and distribution. Michael expressed his support for Hasty's endeavor, emphasizing the continued relevance of print magazines and the value of nostalgia in attracting readers.
Sports Popularity, Streaming, and Legacy
Michael highlighted the enduring popularity of sports, especially during the Olympics, and the growing demand for streaming services and cable. He praised the publication for keeping readers up to date on the latest trends and stories in sports, particularly in Olympic events. Steven Hasty, who co-owns the publication with Jack, shared their enthusiasm for the brand and enjoyment of participating in the swimming community. He also noted the magazine's legacy and its role in facilitating growth and technological advancements.
Swimming Benefits and Unifying Potential
Michael highlighted the benefits of swimming, emphasizing its positive impact on stress management and overall physical well-being. He encouraged individuals to take advantage of access to pools and lakes for a relaxing and regenerative experience. Michael also spoke highly of the sport of swimming, praising its competitive nature and its ability to unify individuals across various backgrounds. Steven Hasty agreed with Michael's points and seemed receptive to incorporating swimming into their daily routines.
Discussing Athlete Stories and Magazine Revival
Michael and Steven Hasty discussed their admiration for the stories and achievements of athletes, particularly in swimming. Michael expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share these stories through a magazine, highlighting athletes' hard work and determination to overcome obstacles and improve over time. StevenHasty agreed, noting the value of the individual stories and the passion for the new ownership in reviving the magazine. Both expressed their belief in the importance of these stories and the role of magazines in bringing people into the world of sports.
Swimming World Magazine Success and Future Plans
Steven Hasty discussed the success and future plans for Swimming World Magazine, highlighting its unique global reach and commitment to covering the sport from various angles. He also revealed the magazine's upcoming coverage of the Olympic trials and the Paris Olympics, where they would have three press passes. Michael expressed appreciation for the magazine's impact and ability to bring people together while acknowledging the athletes' hard work and dedication. Both parties agreed on the excitement and significance of the upcoming Olympic games.
 
Summary
The enduring appeal of print magazines @ 2:42
Michael and Steve discuss how print magazines thrive, even in the digital age. They note that many people still enjoy the tactile experience of reading a physical magazine, and that magazines provide a unique way to tell in-depth stories and provide insights that complement the digital content.
Steve's background in swimming and the Swimming World magazine @ 4:00
Steve Hasty grew up in a household where his father was a swim coach, so swimming has been a lifelong passion. He has been involved with the Swimming World magazine for many years, including serving on the board of the Swimming Hall of Fame when the magazine was donated to them. Steve saw an opportunity to acquire and modernize the magazine, bringing on his business partner Jack Hallahan to help lead the effort.
The mental and physical benefits of swimming @ 11:00
Michael shares his personal experience with the relaxing and rejuvenating effects of swimming, noting how it can be a powerful tool for stress relief and overall well-being. They agree that swimming is a life skill with tremendous value beyond just the sport.
The unifying power of the Olympics @ 12:51
The conversation explores the unique ability of the Olympics to bring people together and celebrate human achievement, regardless of background. They discuss how the personal stories of the athletes competing add to the drama and appeal of the games.
The Future of Swimming World magazine @ 22:15
Steve shares details about the magazine's website, SwimmingWorld.com, and the company's awards business, Hasty Awards. He expresses excitement about the magazine's coverage of the upcoming Olympic trials and games, noting that Swimming World will have unprecedented access as the only news outlet with three press passes for swimming events at the Paris Olympics.

Finance Fridays: Optimize Your Healthcare Revenue Cycles: A Chat with Matt Seefeld

Your Bio and Social Media links: Website: https://medevolve.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-seefeld-521319/Matt Seefeld is the Executive Vice President at MedEvolve, a top provider of data-driven solutions that help healthcare businesses optimize their revenue cycles and medical billing teams to lower money collection costs, increase efficiency, and enhance revenues.MedEvolve collaborates with tens of thousands of physicians and 50+ provider organizations nationwide, who in 2022, submitted $3.8B worth of claims with their assistance. They have over 90 employees, and their annual revenues are close to $20M.Matt has over 24 years of management consulting experience in the healthcare sector and is very skilled in the evaluation, design, and execution of process improvement programs and the development of new technologies that can be applied across the entire revenue cycle.He spent most of his early career assisting health businesses of all sizes in aligning people, processes, and technology as a revenue cycle consultant with Stockamp/Huron, PwC, and Deloitte.Matt also founded and served as the CEO of Interpoint Partners, a provider of business intelligence solutions, which he sold to Streamline Health Solutions in 2011. He remained in the company after he sold it as the Chief Strategist of Revenue Cycle and later as the Senior Vice President of Solutions Strategy until 2014.Before taking a full-time position at MedEvolve, he managed worldwide sales for NantHealth and offered consulting services to healthcare technology and service companies around the country.
Quick recap
Summary
Matt Seefeld's Journey and My Life Link App
Matt Seefeld, a former Deloitte consultant turned healthcare software entrepreneur and recovering alcoholic, discussed his personal and professional journey with Michael. Matt shared how his experiences with addiction and recovery inspired him to create a free app called My Life Link, connecting people struggling with various addictions to a supportive digital community. Michael agreed to promote the app and show notes on his platform to help those in need. They also touched upon the skills and challenges required in entrepreneurship and leadership.
Concerns Over Healthcare Challenges and Transformation
Michael, who has a long-term experience in healthcare administration, expressed his concerns about the challenges and reluctance in the healthcare industry to make necessary adjustments and take risks. He highlighted the increasing older population's need for more healthcare providers, yet many are closing their practices. Matt furthered these concerns, pointing out the rising costs of delivering care, the apathy in the system, and the lack of transparency in payment and administrative processes. He emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of the business side of healthcare, likening it to Henry Ford's early 1900s revolution in the automotive industry.
Transforming Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management
Matt emphasized the need for a significant transformation in the healthcare industry, particularly in revenue cycle management. He identified the issue as one of high turnover, low wages, and a lack of motivation due to the high number of touches required to get payment for services. He suggested reducing touches and using non-emotional objective data to hold people accountable for their work. He also pointed out the problem of select patients in certain communities, which is a result of the high cost of healthcare services. Matt proposed that AI and machine learning technologies could help transform the industry, but only after identifying the areas where human involvement is crucial. Finally, he stressed the importance of helping providers drive margins and retain their independence to ensure access to quality healthcare services.
Employee Clarity, Ownership, and Attitude
Matt and Michael emphasized the importance of employees understanding their roles and the company's mission. Matt argued that lack of clarity on these points often leads to workplace dissatisfaction. Michael concurred, stressing that employees should take ownership of their experiences and strive to improve processes. He also highlighted the need for discipline and a positive attitude to make work more enjoyable and fulfilling. Both agreed that this approach benefits not only the individual but also the organization as a whole.
Overcoming Burnout Through Self-Actualization
Burnout in the workplace affects individuals differently despite having the same job and workload due to factors like mindset, energy levels, and approach to life. Michael and Matt emphasize the importance of self-actualization, discipline, and taking ownership of one's goals, using the example of a potential professional athlete who needs to be obsessed with achieving their dreams through consistent actions and effort.
Self-Worth, Maladaptive Behavior, and Goal Setting
Matt spoke about the challenges of self-worth and maladaptive behavior. He emphasized that individuals should not derive their self-worth from external factors such as other people's opinions or career success. Instead, he advocated for setting personal goals and building a lifestyle based on intrinsic values, highlighting that this approach fosters greater satisfaction and reduces stress. He also shared his own career journey, expressing regret for not following his instincts earlier in his career, and offered advice to his younger brother, encouraging him to pursue his passions without fear of failure.
Goal Setting, Emotions, and Discipline
Matt and Michael discussed the importance of setting and achieving goals, as well as the role of thoughts and emotions in their pursuit. Matt emphasized that one should question whether they are in the right role and passionate about their work. Michael suggested writing down daily goals and dealing with negative thoughts by understanding their triggers and learning from them. They both agreed on the need for discipline and consistency in pursuing goals, and the impossibility of escaping one's own thoughts by changing locations or circumstances.
Matt's Journey to Sobriety and Lifelink App
Matt emphasized the importance of living in the present moment and not dwelling on future worries or past failures. He shared his struggles with anxiety and how it manifested in his sports activities as a child. He also discussed his journey towards sobriety and the creation of the sober app, Lifelink, with his twin brother. Matt highlighted the importance of personal responsibility in overcoming addiction and encouraged listeners to seek help if they were struggling.
Selflessness and Kindness: Making a Positive Impact
Matt emphasized the importance of selflessness in life, stating that focusing on others and serving them without expecting anything in return had a positive impact on himself and those around him. He shared his hope to inspire others to continue this selfless spirit even after he's gone. Michael also shared a personal experience where his small act of picking up litter and disposing of it properly made a positive impact on someone else's day, highlighting the significance of such simple acts of kindness.
Empathy, Gratitude, and Helping Others
Michael and Matt discussed the importance of helping others and being grateful for their own blessings. Matt shared how a simple act of kindness, like coaching a child in baseball, can make a significant impact on someone's life. They also discussed the value of empathy and how it can lead to a ripple effect of positivity. Matt encouraged people to take small steps towards helping others, and invited listeners to connect with him through his LinkedIn and LifeLink app.

Thoughtful Thursdays: Be a Leader of Significance with Mosongo Moukwa

Mosongo Moukwa is a seasoned executive and consultant who has dedicated his career to helping companies thrive by commercializing new technologies, diversifying their product offerings, and entering new markets.
Across thirty-plus years in leadership, Mosongo has applied his unique talent for identifying leadership gaps and developing the talent andculture necessary for success. He helps solve important innovation challenges that hold organizations back by unleashing the collective creativity of their people.
As a thought leader in leadership development and organizational change, Mosongo has shared his insights such as leadership demystified with Human Capital, and panel discussions on neuroscience, project management, and business moderated by Wanda Curlee of American Public University. His articles have appeared in Business Today, The Journal of Creative Behavior, Crain’s Cleveland Business, and R&D Innovator, and he is a regular contributor to Business Standard.
Mosongo serves as the President at Hathaway Advanced Materials and has held leadership positions in R & D and operations at some of the world’s most respected brands, including vice president, global technology at SC Johnson; vice president, global technology at Reichhold; vice president, technology at Asian Paints; director of technology at Avient (formerly PolyOne); and chief, global R & D at PCBL (formerly Phillips Carbon Black Ltd.).
Connect With Mosongo: 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosongomoukwa/
Book:  https://amzn.to/493kFLp