Breakfast Leadership Show

Faithful Fridays: Transform Your Life Through Faith, Fitness, and Wellness: A Conversation with Pastor and Public Speaker Jared Haley

Jared Haley is a follower of Jesus, a pastor, and a public speaker who believes God created the design for solid faith and healthy families. Serving in professional ministry for over 20 years with his Master’s Degree in Transformational Leadership and Spiritual Formation, Jared is passionate about investing in people and helping them understand how God wired and designed them to live strong. He loves any opportunity to speak publicly and share with others the wisdom God has given him through his years of ministry study and experience.Jared works full-time for Critical Bench as a Video Production Specialist when not podcasting. He has created and led several other productions, including The Pastors on Pop Podcast and Practical Living, a documentary-style YouTube show where Jared learned specific skills from experts and gave them the opportunity to share their individual stories. He continues to be active in the local Church, serving as a leader and vocalist on the worship team and volunteering to help his wife, who oversees the childcare ministry for all church services.Although originally from Denver, Colorado, Jared resides in Palm Harbor, FL, with his wife of 15 years, Christina, and their four children. He is an avid Denver sports fan and is always ready for a fun game night or watching a good movie. It is always a blessing when he can get outdoors to play soccer, softball, golf, or take a trip to the beach.https://www.youtube.com/@strongbydesignpodcast4492https://www.instagram.com/strongbydesignpodcast/
Jaredhaley's Work and Strong by Design Podcast
Jared Haley discussed his work at Critical Bench, a fitness publishing company that produces workout programs and health tips. He introduced the Strong by Design podcast, which aims to help people make positive choices in their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The podcast is hosted by four individuals, each with fitness, leadership, health, and nutrition expertise. Jared Haley also mentioned his connection to the company, as it is located near his home, and he can participate in their private gym community. Michael shared his fond memories of Clearwater Beach in Florida.
Healthy Diet and Exercise Impact on Well-Being
Michael emphasized the importance of a healthy diet and how it positively affects various aspects of life. He shared his personal experience with how eating good-for-him foods improved his overall well-being, including mental clarity, reduced inflammation, and better spiritual connection. Jared agreed, highlighting the impact of exercise on mental state and function. Both underscored that focusing on personal wellness can significantly improve one's ability to navigate life's challenges.
Introducing Breathing for Sleep and Holistic Wellness
jaredhaley introduced a new product called Breathing for Sleep, a program developed by their coach Zack Zenios, aimed at improving sleep quality without relying on melatonin. Michael concurred on the importance of good sleep for overall well-being, particularly in managing stress and preventing burnout. He highlighted the significance of addressing all aspects contributing to a good night's rest, including sleep hygiene, mindfulness, and regular exercise. Both agreed on the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual health, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to achieving optimal wellness.
Nutrition, Spirituality, and Holistic Health
Michael emphasized the importance of consuming nutritious and wholesome food for one's well-being, sharing a positive experience of how a simple strawberry boosted his energy levels. Jared Haley concurred, connecting the discussion to the biblical story of Elijah, who was revitalized after eating food and then received spiritual guidance. Both agreed on the interconnectivity of physical, spiritual, and mental health and the necessity of attending to one's basic needs for a fulfilling life.
Prioritizing Self-Care for a Better Life
Jared and Michael discussed the importance of prioritizing physical, mental, and spiritual care for a better quality of life. They highlighted the resources available on their website and YouTube channel to help people achieve this. They emphasized the significance of consistency and making self-care a habit to nourish oneself fully. They also discussed the concept of self-care as a means to become the best version of oneself and positively impact others. Lastly, they stressed the importance of enjoying the journey and living in the present moment.
Discussing Jared's Work and Goals
Michael and Jared discussed ways for people to learn more about Jared's work, including directing them to Jared's website, social media channels, and the Strongby Design podcast. Jared emphasized that his company aims to help people become their best selves.

Thoughtful Thursdays: Unlocking Human-Centered Connected Worker Ecosystems: A Conversation with International Consultant and Keynote Speaker Brent Kedzierski

Brent is a sought-after keynote speaker and a leader of connected-worker ecosystems at Hexagon ($HXGBY), an international data company working in many industries — from oil and gas to AI and manufacturing — to improve the human condition at work, amplify skills, and create a seamless collaboration between humans and machines.
His work at Hexagon involves digitizing and connecting data autonomously and holistically so that futuristic work environments, which are fast approaching, will be human-centered. He wants to give people the time, resources, tools, and skills to do their job.
Brent was involved in human performance trends in significant government and commercial industries, including the Department of Defense, executive and judicial branches of the US Government, aviation, healthcare, and nuclear industries.
With 35+ years of experience in human performance (including 25 years at Shell as Head of Learning Strategy & Innovation), he has been featured and cited in prominent publications, including Harvard Business Press, Workforce.com, and BBC News. In this article, he explores reclaiming human-centricity amidst a messy digital transformation.
On your podcast, Brent would be excited to discuss:
The Growing Disconnect: The reasons behind the growing disconnect in the anatomy of work, leading to increased worker frustration, disengagement, and disenchantment.
Enabling Human Centricity: The importance of considering the human experience cycle and human design principles in the design and execution of human-centered connected worker ecosystems across various industries.
Humans and the Future of Work: Why human-centric connectivity is more relevant than ever in a dynamic modern workplace where automation and AI are accelerating and have the potential to outpace humans if not harmonized.
To get a feel for Brent, check out his appearance on the most listened-to episode of Courage of a Leader, where he talks about insightful strategies for leading significant, complex movements. 
Also, here’s a webinar he did for Oil & Gas IQ about driving operational excellence through a connected worker strategy, which was the editor’s top pick for 2021. 
Bio:
Brent Kedzierski is an award-winning thought leader and innovator in Human Performance, Human-Centered Connected Worker Ecosystems, and the future of Industry. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered groundbreaking insights and transformative contributions. Brent's expertise has earned recognition from respected publications like Harvard Business Press, Chief Learning Officer Magazine, Workforce.com, BBC News, and more. His webinars have been featured as "editor's picks of the year," his podcast appearances consistently rank as "top-listened to" in the industry. Before becoming the principal industrial Strategist at Hexagon ($HXGBY), Brent spent nearly 25 years as Shell's veteran Global HR transformation strategist. Brent passionately advocates advancing progressive ideas and creating a more human-centered approach to industry, human development, well-being, and sustainability.https://twitter.com/humanwrks?lang=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brentkedzierski/
Summary
Brent's International Consulting and Expertise
Michael and Brent had an introductory conversation, discussing Brent's extensive international consulting work and his frequent travel. Brent shared his areas of expertise, which include work stress, line managers, human performance, and work-life balance. Michael expressed his appreciation for Brent's insights and experiences, particularly his global perspectives. They agreed to delve deeper into these topics in the following discussion.
Navigating Complex Organizational Changes
Brent shared his experiences and insights on navigating complex, global organizational changes, emphasizing the importance of understanding different perspectives and beliefs to build an effective change strategy. He introduced the concept of the "arc of drama for change," which describes the challenges and learnings that occur during a change process. Michael concurred, highlighting the importance of focusing on the journey, learning from setbacks, and managing workplace drama. He also noted the unique perspectives and approaches of different generations in the workforce. Brent was then invited to share his observations on the changing landscape of the workforce.
Evolution of Work and Its Impact on Generations
Brent, an industrial anthropologist, discussed the evolution of work and its impact on different generations over the last century. He highlighted the changes in work patterns and attitudes, from the early silent generation's strong work ethic and loyalty to the Baby Boomers' ambition and burnout, and the Gen Xers' pursuit of work-life balance, which often led to burnout. He noted that the Millennials, faced with the gig economy, student debt, and social media, are also experiencing burnout. Michael agreed with Brent's points, emphasizing that while the commonality across generations is stress and burnout, the reasons and impacts differ, highlighting the need for a tailored approach to address these issues.
Stress, Burnout, and Their Consequences
Michael shared his personal experience with stress and burnout, emphasizing the negative impact it can have on one's health and well-being. Brent added to this by discussing the prevalence of work-related stress and its consequences on individuals and society. He noted that stress can lead to substance abuse, obesity, and physical inactivity, which in turn increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Brent also highlighted the impact of work stress on family dynamics and the broader community. Michael agreed, pointing out that stress and burnout can hinder an individual's ability to engage in non-work activities, such as volunteering for charities, and can lead to relationship problems and divorce.
Embracing Personal Responsibility and Perspective
Michael emphasized the importance of taking personal responsibility for one's life and actions, particularly during times of stress or difficult situations. He shared his own experience of reflecting on his actions during a period of burnout and cardiac event, which helped him understand why he made certain decisions. Brent agreed with Michael's approach, adding that it's beneficial to step outside of oneself and observe one's situation from a third-party perspective to gain clarity and perspective. Both highlighted the need to understand one's role in their ecosystem, particularly in leadership and management roles.
Burnout, Leadership, and the 4th Turning
Brent and Michael discussed the impact of burnout on leaders and employees in organizations. Brent highlighted the significance of leaders' well-being, noting that their exhaustion can negatively affect their decision-making abilities, empathy, and capacity to empower employees. Michael emphasized that changing roles at the executive level can be disruptive and cause further burnout. They also discussed the concept of the "4th turning," a period of crisis in society that occurs every 180-200 years, which they believe the current society is entering. They concluded that understanding and managing the diverse perspectives and influences of multiple generations in the workforce is a challenge, but also an opportunity.
Disrupting Work Practices for a Changing Workforce
Michael and Brent discussed the rapid pace of change and its impact on the workforce, particularly in adapting to new technologies and work environments. Brent highlighted the issue of inefficient and unproductive work practices, emphasizing the need to improve the anatomy of work to make it more enjoyable and fulfilling for employees. He also stressed the importance of creative thinking and collaboration as automation takes over more tasks. Michael suggested that Brent's work in this area could greatly benefit the industry, and Brent agreed to continue sharing his insights through LinkedIn.
Ongoing Work, Sharing Plans, and Adaptation
Michael and Brent discussed the importance of their ongoing work, with Michael emphasizing the urgency of its completion due to the high rate of company failure among Fortune 500 firms. They also discussed plans for sharing their work, including the creation of educational snippets and the use of raw footage by Brent's team. The conversation touched on their locations, with Michael splitting his time between Toronto and San Diego, and Brent's experience with San Diego. They both agreed on the need for individuals to adapt and prepare for the changes and disruptions that are expected in the future.

Tuesday Tips: Maximizing Your Potential and Achieving Tremendous Success: A Conversation with Dr. Peter Rios

Dr. Peter Rios is the Founder of Peter Rios Consulting and the author of Untold Stories: The Latinx Leadership Experience in Higher Education. He has served diverse organizations, including businesses, religious institutions/churches, government, higher education, and non-profits, in organizational diversity, equity and inclusion, leadership development, and innovation. 
His extensive experience and doctoral education in strategic leadership and intercultural studies have made him a sought-after keynote and conference speaker. Rios has been invited to speak and train leaders nationally and internationally. In the United States Marine Corps, he gained global leadership experience while stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and South Korea, and most recently, he has lived in Barbados and St. Maarten.
Peter is a lecturer of leadership studies at Penn State and has been an adjunct professor at Colorado State University-Global Campus and Indiana Wesleyan University, teaching undergraduate and graduate students in organizational leadership, religious and cultural studies, and business management. Rios has also been a vice president at two universities. Before academia, Peter was involved in pastoral ministry for over ten years and has over twenty years of leadership development experience. 
Rios holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Graduate Schools, a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership (DSL) from Regent University School of Business and Leadership, completed doctoral work at the University of Southern California-Rossier School of Education, and an MA from Northeastern Seminary. He is married to Dr. Ruby Gonzalez-Rios, a cancer and infectious disease researcher. 
https://www.peterriosconsulting.com/
Book:  https://amzn.to/3xWXpQU
 
Summary
Peter Rios' Background and Journey @ 0:00
Peter Rios shares his story of growing up in underprivileged circumstances, struggling in school, eventually earning two doctoral degrees, and becoming a successful leadership consultant and speaker. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, mentorship, and not playing the victim, even in the face of societal inequities.
Maximizing Potential and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs @ 4:00
Peter discusses the tendency for people to get stuck in a "small mentality" or "fixed mindset," using the analogy of a goldfish confined to a small bowl. He encourages listeners to cultivate a growth mindset, embrace curiosity and discovery, and push beyond their self-imposed limitations to achieve tremendous success and fulfillment.
The Importance of Intentional Service and Mentorship @ 19:16
Peter emphasizes that authentic leadership and success are rooted in service to others. He shares his own experience of starting by assisting an established speaker, which eventually led to him launching his own non-profit and consulting business. Peter advises listeners to seek mentors and opportunities to add value rather than expecting overnight success.
Promoting Peter's Book and Future Offerings @ 21:31
Peter provides information on how listeners can connect with him and access his book, Maximize Your Life, which is available in English and Spanish. He also mentions an upcoming online course and coaching program that will further expand on the principles and strategies covered in the book.
Recap and Closing Thoughts @ 23:34
Michael and Peter conclude the conversation by reiterating the importance of taking action, overcoming self-doubt, and maximizing one's potential, even facing challenges. They encourage listeners to follow Peter's work and teachings to find the motivation and guidance to achieve their goals.
 

Motivational Mondays: Learn How To Overcome Extreme Adversity with CEO Victoria Pelletier

I am a corporate executive (COO at age 24, President by 35, CEO at 41) after overcoming extreme adversity (I was born to a drug-addicted teenage mother who abused me severely - I was removed from her care and later adopted). I have also built, bought, and invested in businesses. I sit on multiple boards and am an author and professional public speaker with ~100k followers across all my platforms. I talk about resilience /overcoming adversity, leadership and culture, DEI, negotiations, personal branding, the future of work, and more.
 
https://victoria-pelletier.com/

Faithful Fridays: Overcoming Long COVID and Leaving a Meaningful Legacy: A Conversation with Holly Porter

Holly Porter is a beacon of resilience, a 13-time best-selling author, a seasoned philanthropist, and a true survivor. Her incredible journey includes a 70-day battle with COVID-19, from which she emerged with unwavering determination. She is passionate about wellness and leads a non-profit dedicated to aiding the extended COVID community.
Holly's infectious joy embodies hope, her wisdom uplifting others, proving that healing is possible after the most brutal battles, inspiring countless lives. Holly’s newly founded Retreat RnR launch a SaaS Platform in early 2024. This is a game-changer for any Retreat Leader!https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyporter/https://www.instagram.com/hollyporterinternational/https://www.facebook.com/HOLLYANNPORTERhttps://twitter.com/HOLLYShapshttps://www.pinterest.com/hollyshapshttps://www.tiktok.com/@hollyaporterhttps://youtube.com/@HopefulHorizonsPodcast
Summary
Overcoming long COVID @ 0:26
Holly shared her harrowing experience of spending 70 days in the hospital with COVID-19, losing all five senses and facing the possibility of not surviving. She described the mental and physical challenges of this ordeal, and how it led her to reflect deeply on her purpose and legacy. Holly ultimately emerged with a renewed sense of mission, incorporating a nonprofit focused on long COVID awareness and support.
Leaving a meaningful legacy @ 7:21
During her hospitalization, Holly had time to reflect on what kind of legacy she wanted to leave behind. She realized the importance of doing work that has a broader impact beyond just her own family. This led her to start a nonprofit focused on long COVID, as well as a new SaaS company, with the goal of creating something impactful that will outlast her.
Embracing change and uncertainty @ 9:41
Holly emphasized the importance of being adaptable and open to change, even when it's difficult. She discussed how her previous businesses and lifestyle had to be put on hold as she recovered, and how she had to let go of her previous plans and priorities. Holly shared insights on the mental game of overcoming adversity, and the power of a positive mindset to push through challenges.
Advice for overcoming challenges @ 20:38
Holly shared her key advice for others facing difficult life challenges: take it one day at a time, focus on what you can control, and don't be afraid to seek help and support. She emphasized the power of a positive mindset, and the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. Holly encouraged listeners to make decisions that will lead to happiness and fulfillment, rather than dwelling on the negative.
Recap and next steps @ 24:15
Michael and Holly wrapped up the conversation by discussing ways to share Holly's inspiring story and insights. Holly provided her website and nonprofit information for listeners to learn more. Michael thanked Holly for her time and vulnerability, and expressed his admiration for her resilience and commitment to making a difference.

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/