Breakfast Leadership Show

Rachel Lyubovitzky from Setuply: Stop Leaving Money on the Table - Are You Utilizing Customer Potential?

Rachel Lyubovitzky is an accomplished serial entrepreneur, senior executive, published author, and investor passionate about innovation, effective strategy, and successful execution. She founded four B2B technology companies with her partners, powered by a mission to leverage technology to make people’s lives easier and more fulfilling. The latest venture, Setuply, aims to modernize the customer onboarding experience for companies, empowering clients to experience the benefits of digital adoption faster. Lyubovitzky graduated from the Wharton Executive MBA program and earned her Master of Arts degree in Computer Science from Brandeis University. She is an avid traveler and has visited over sixty countries.
 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlyubovitzky/
Website:  https://www.setuply.com/
B2B Enterprise Tech Opportunities and Onboarding
Rachel, a serial entrepreneur, discussed her focus on the B2B enterprise tech spaces, where she believes the biggest opportunities lie. She emphasized the importance of customer onboarding, particularly in complex sectors like human capital management, recruiting, and fintech. Rachel highlighted the need for efficient onboarding processes to ensure clients experience value quickly and to prevent overwhelming onboarding teams. Michael agreed, stressing the importance of a good onboarding experience for both candidates and customers, as it impacts retention and quality work.
Customer Experience and Business Transactions
Michael and Rachel discussed the importance of customer experience in business. Michael emphasized that a positive experience leaves a lasting impression on customers, leading to loyalty and repeat business. He also noted that many organizations focus on the transaction rather than the experience, potentially leaving money on the table. Rachel agreed, highlighting that the perception of onboarding as a transactional process can be limiting. Both agreed that organizations should prioritize creating a memorable experience for their customers.
Enhancing Client Experience and Team Continuity
Rachel emphasized the importance of a positive initial client experience, likening it to a hotel stay. She stressed the need for continuity between the sales process and the client success phase, ensuring that client expectations are met. Rachel also highlighted the need to assess the workload and tools of the team delivering the experience. Michael agreed, adding that clarity in communication is crucial for both internal staff and customers. He used a personal hotel experience to illustrate how a positive interaction can enhance the overall experience.
Encouraging Collaboration and Open Communication
Michael and Rachel discussed the importance of slowing down and taking a step back to improve the experience and efficiency of their team. Rachel emphasized the need for leadership to actively encourage collaboration and empower team members to share their ideas. Michael shared a recent experience where a key individual's ideas were rejected by the organization's owner, which could potentially lead to the individual checking out or leaving. Both agreed that a more open and receptive approach to new ideas would benefit the team and organization.
Customer Feedback and Product Development
Michael and Rachel discussed the importance of customer feedback in improving experiences and driving product development. Rachel emphasized the role of customers as key stakeholders in their product's mission and vision, and how their feedback is crucial for delivering satisfactory experiences. She also highlighted the importance of understanding customers' goals and expectations early on and continuously seeking their input. Michael agreed, suggesting the use of lean methodologies to identify areas for improvement based on customer experiences.
Concerns on AI Product Longevity and Sustainability
Michael expressed his concerns about the longevity of certain AI-driven products and services, drawing on his experience in the tech industry. He compared the current AI landscape to the startup era of the.com era, where companies rapidly added features and services. Michael also shared his skepticism about the sustainability of these companies, suggesting that only a few would thrive. Despite his concerns, he acknowledged the fun and excitement of working with these new technologies. Rachel, however, did not share her thoughts on the matter.
AI, ML, and Machine Learning Automation Potential
Rachel discussed the increasing availability and potential of AI, ML, and machine learning technologies to automate manual tasks and enhance personal and professional lives. She expressed optimism about these technologies enabling more meaningful interactions and improving outcomes in various sectors, including healthcare. Michael agreed, emphasizing the potential for AI to streamline administrative tasks and allow for more human interaction. Rachel was asked to share more about her work, but no further details were provided in the transcript.
Upcoming Conference in Boston: Onboarding and Customer Experience
Rachel and Michael discussed the upcoming conference in Boston, focusing on onboarding and customer onboarding. Rachel encouraged attendees to visit their website, setuply.com, for more information.

Unlocking Executive Potential: How Erin Mac Transforms Stressed Leaders into Thriving Entrepreneurs

Erin Mac is an Executive coach who helps stressed-out executives & entrepreneurs excel in their current or next role, unlock their full potential, and enjoy their journey to professional success.
Erin has over 6+ years of experience as an executive coach, helping stressed-out entrepreneurs and executives unlock their full potential, and 10+ years of experience teaching and creating curricula for seminars and courses on various topics, including relationships, communication, and entrepreneurship.
She has been an entrepreneur for over 24 years and has 16+ years in business consulting. Erin became a coach because she was a stressed-out leader who overcame her anxiety disorder. She now teaches leaders how to overcome and prevent stress and find purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in all they do.
www.erin-mac.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinmaccoaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-mac-600b86178/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi6W7xVZXGk9ryLfOFJOGiw/videos

Finding Serenity through Creativity: Nancy Dillingham Marks Goes From Corporate Stress to Mindfulness in a Glass Art Studio

I want to share my journey of discovering a new career in my 60s, which led me to a community filled with warmth and compassion, where the joy of making art binds us. This experience has shown me how creativity can be a powerful path to mindfulness and inner peace. I’m excited to share the beauty and serenity it has brought into my life.
https://www.glassartscollective.com/
https://www.instagram.com/glassartscollective
https://www.facebook.com/glassartscollective
https://www.youtube.com/@glassartscollective
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancymarks/
 
Transitioning From Corporate to Glass Art Studio
Michael and Nancy discussed Nancy's transition from a corporate career to running a glass art studio. Nancy shared her experience of stress and burnout in the corporate world, attributing it to her logical thinking style and the inability to find a creative outlet. She mentioned working for big names like IBM, Toshiba, Sony Pictures, and ABC. Nancy emphasized the importance of asking questions and seeking improvements in the workplace. She also expressed regret for not finding her creative sanctuary earlier in life. Michael encouraged Nancy to continue pursuing her passion for glass art and acknowledged the positive impact of creativity on mental health.
Exploring Career Changes and Personal Growth
Michael and Nancy discussed their career changes and the importance of self-reflection and exploration. Michael, who initially pursued a career in public accounting, shared his realization that he needed a change. Nancy, who initially believed she lacked creativity, discovered her passion for working with fuse glass. Both emphasized the importance of giving oneself permission to change directions and explore new interests. They also discussed the process of working with fuse glass, which involves breaking glass and stacking pieces in a kiln at a temperature of 1,500 degrees.
Embracing Imperfections in Glass Art and Teaching
Nancy shared her passion for glass art, emphasizing the importance of embracing imperfections and respecting the material. She described her teaching approach as helping people understand the beauty in uniqueness and the joy of creating one-of-a-kind pieces. Michael appreciated Nancy's perspective and shared his own thoughts on the importance of focusing on dreams rather than worries. He also expressed his growing appreciation for the arts, mentioning his love for music and his interest in visiting art studios and museums.
Exploring Art, Stories, and Singular Focus
Michael shared his perspective on art and the stories it tells, emphasizing the importance of understanding the choices and reasoning behind a piece. He used the example of a sculpture by Picasso to illustrate this point. Michael also shared a personal story about a paper mache bottle he made in 6th grade, which his mother kept and his brother now has. He reflected on the process of creating the bottle, highlighting the singular focus required for such tasks. Nancy agreed, noting the benefits of single focus and the decline of multitasking as a valuable skill.
Exploring Paper Mache and Stress Relief
Michael and Nancy discussed their past experiences with paper mache and the potential for future projects. Michael expressed interest in trying the project again, possibly with his wife, and suggested adding more color to the project. Nancy shared her stress-relieving experiences at her studio, where she focuses on her work and decompresses. She also mentioned the occasional breakage of glass in the kilns, but reassured that the broken glass is often reused to create something new. The conversation ended with Michael drawing parallels between the creation of byproducts in cost accounting and the potential for scraps to create something magical.
Exploring Art Therapy and Creative Outlets
Michael and Nancy discussed the therapeutic benefits of creating art, such as reduced stress and improved perspective. Nancy shared how customers are amazed by their creations, even if they claim to lack creativity initially. Michael suggested that being creative leads to clarity in other aspects of life. Nancy recommended finding simple creative outlets like doodling or gardening to boost well-being and happiness. They emphasized that engaging in creative activities can positively impact one's mindset and understanding of others.
Fused Glass Artist's Work and Promotion
Michael and Nancy had a lively conversation about Nancy's work as a fused glass artist. Nancy shared her website, gift shop, and social media handles, encouraging everyone to visit and support her unique, handmade art.

Unlocking Calm and Creativity: Exploring Vedic Meditation and Its Life-Changing Benefits with Michael Miller

Jillian Lavender and Michael Miller are two of the world's most experienced teachers of Vedic Meditation. Co-founders of London and New York Meditation Centers have taught thousands of people to transform their lives. Their work has taken them to seven continents (including Antarctica) — teaching private clients in group settings and with fashion, tech, and finance companies. Jillian’s first book, Why Meditate? Because It Works. has been featured in The Guardian, The Times, and Vogue. Michael hosts the Speaking of Meditation podcast with guests, including functional medicine pioneer Dr Frank Lipman and Zoe app founder Tim Spector.
Jillian and Michael come from corporate careers—Jillian is the CEO of a global publishing company based in Paris, and Michael is an executive in the entertainment industry in LA. They recognized immediate improvements when they learned Vedic Meditation and were inspired to share this knowledge. They met in India in 2005 and have been working and teaching together.Instagram: @newyorkmeditationcenter @londonmeditationcentre @jillianlavender @miller_jiWebsites: https://newyorkmeditationcenter.com, https://www.londonmeditationcentre.com
Book: Why Meditate? Because It Works
Summary
 
 
Exploring Meditation and Its Benefits
Michael and Michael Miller had a conversation about meditation and its benefits. Michael Miller mentioned her partner's book, "Why Meditate? Because it works," and her podcast, "Speaking of Meditation," which she believes could be helpful for people looking to understand the potential impact of meditation. Michael agreed, noting that people often look for a quick fix, but sometimes it's easier than they think. They decided to record the conversation for future reference. Michael Miller also mentioned her work as a co-founder of the London and New York Meditation Center.
 
 
Exploring Vedic Meditation and Mindfulness
Michael Miller discussed the technique of Vedic Meditation, which has been practiced for thousands of years and involves quieting the mind and resting the body. Miller mentioned that this technique is taught to people from all walks of life, including high performers who understand the power of their mind and focus. Michael agreed on the importance of meditation, especially in managing stress and burnout, and expressed interest in the technique. He also shared his observation that people often take things personally. Michael Miller responded by discussing the importance of maintaining a clear signal amidst the noise in the mind and being present to detect what's happening.
 
 
Exploring Meditation's Benefits and Mental Focus
Michael Miller and Michael discussed the benefits of meditation, particularly its ability to enhance perceptual capability, reduce reactivity, and provide a sense of grace. Michael Miller emphasized that meditation allows individuals to be more present and available to others and to respond to situations more thoughtfully. Michael shared his experience with noise cancellation on his ear pods, likening it to a moment of silence amidst the world's noise. He also referenced a scene from a movie where a baseball pitcher, Kevin Costner, quiets himself down to focus solely on the game, illustrating the importance of mental focus.
 
 
Self-love, Meditation, and Inner Stability
Michael and Michael Miller discussed the importance of self-love and self-acceptance in achieving inner stability and calmness. Michael Miller used the metaphor of a wave on the ocean to illustrate how meditation can help individuals connect with their true selves beyond external achievements and material possessions. He emphasized the value of tapping into inner quiet and stability to navigate the outside world more effectively. Michael agreed, noting that this ability is crucial for elite athletes to continue thriving and winning.
 
 
Michael Miller's Book Meditation Guide and Writing Process
Michael and Michael Miller discussed Michael Miller's book, "Why Meditate? Because it Works". Michael Miller explained that the book came to fruition before the Covid lockdowns and was written to provide a comprehensive guide to meditation, as the technique requires a personal, in-person experience. The book aims to dispel misconceptions about meditation, such as its complexity or challenge. Michael Miller shared her disciplined writing process, which involved meditating at 5 am and writing for 6 hours daily. The book has resonated with people, mainly those interested in meditation but who have yet to attend in-person sessions.
 
 
Meditation vs Running: Mental and Physical Benefits
Michael Miller discussed the differences between meditation and running as mental and physical exercise forms. Miller explained that running can lead to a quieter mind due to the body's fight or flight response, and meditation induces a settled mental state with optimal brain functioning for creative insight. Michael Miller emphasized that meditation can lead to deep rest, improved brain functioning, and greater creativity. It can also help manage energy levels and reduce reliance on caffeine. Miller also mentioned that meditation can enhance the quality of sleep. Michael agreed with Miller's points, noting that once one experiences the benefits of meditation, one tends to seek it out again.
 
 
Discussing Meditation's Impact and Benefits
Michael and Michael Miller discussed the benefits of meditation and its impact on individuals. Michael Miller shared her podcast, "Speaking of Meditation," which features interviews with various individuals who have experienced the transformative power of meditation. Michael expressed his appreciation for the stories shared on the podcast, particularly those involving individuals who have found change through meditation, such as those in prison. He emphasized the potential of meditation to provide different perspectives and promote personal growth.
 
 
Overcoming Burnout and the Power of Meditation
Michael shared his experience overcoming burnout in 2009, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and avoiding self-judgment. He highlighted the benefits of meditation for improving relationships, productivity, and well-being. Michael Miller agreed on the benefits of meditation and stressed the importance of self-care and personal balance for positively impacting society. Miller argued that being happy and generous can contribute to a more peaceful world and urged individuals to take responsibility for their well-being.
 
 
Exploring Meditation Benefits and Resources
Michael Miller and Michael discussed the benefits of meditation and its potential to improve people's lives. Michael Miller offered resources for learning meditation, including the London and New York Meditation Centers' websites
 

Investing Unplugged: Will Nutting's Unique Perspective on Global Markets, Cannabis, and Emerging Technologies

Quick recap
Michael and William discussed Williams’s unconventional approach to investing, emphasizing freedom of thought and unique perspectives. They also discussed various investment opportunities and market trends, focusing on the potential in the marijuana and cannabis industry, offshore drillers, and the global economic landscape. The conversation also touched on the importance of more profound research into investments, the potential of embracing new technologies and markets, and the benefits of investing in their respective organizations.
 
 
William's Unconventional Investing Approach
Michael and William discussed Williams's unconventional approach to investing, which emphasizes freedom of thought and unique perspectives. They agreed on the conversational format of their chat, lasting around 20-25 minutes. Michael mentioned including relevant links in the show notes. The recording then began with Michael inviting William to elaborate on his successful investing business.
Nutstock Initiative: Active Equity Investment Strategy
William, a seasoned equity investor with a background in multi-strategy hedge funds and family offices, shared his vision for Nutstock, an initiative that has been running for five years. He expressed his desire to bridge the gap between macro geopolitics and stock selection investment thematics, which led to the development of a team of four to five people. They aim to identify exciting opportunities and publish their findings twice to three times a week, with a total fund published every Monday. William emphasized his preference for active equity fund management rather than simply reflecting the index, which he found challenging throughout his career.
Investment Opportunities and Market Trends Discussion
william’s and Michael discussed various investment opportunities and market trends. William highlighted the potential in the marijuana and cannabis industry, particularly in companies with economies of scale and low debt. He also mentioned offshore drillers as another area of interest, noting that they could benefit from favorable real and strong day rates. Michael emphasized the importance of researching and not expecting overnight success. The conversation also touched on the geopolitical landscape and its impact on investments. William suggested that life is becoming more like a Netflix series, making it more exciting and unpredictable.
Global Economic Landscape and Investing Strategies
William discussed his views on the global economic landscape, emphasizing the dominance of Western economies, particularly the US, and the potential for a shift in power to other regions. He criticized the US for its debt and demographic issues and suggested that the rest of the world is now catching up with US technology. William also expressed his belief in questioning and challenging conventional wisdom and his approach to investing, which involves identifying undervalued or underloved companies with growth potential. He mentioned his interest in extraordinary situation stories and small/microcap companies, which he believes could benefit from market catalysts.
Mainstream Media Critique and Investment Strategies
Michael and William discussed the superficiality of mainstream media and the need for deeper research into investments. They highlighted the importance of understanding the big picture and the potential impact of events on various industries. Williams expressed his interest in engaging high-net-worth individuals and those intellectually interested in markets and geopolitics. He also discussed the potential of cryptocurrencies, suggesting that if not banned, their market cap could significantly increase. Both agreed on the need for more in-depth analysis and understanding of investments.
Exploring New Technologies and Investment Opportunities
William discussed the potential of embracing new technologies and markets, particularly in tokenization and blockchain. He suggested that young people could consider alternative investment opportunities beyond traditional stocks, such as those offered by companies like Airbnb and Uber. William also emphasized the importance of seeking higher returns, noting that a 7% annual return, including dividends, is a significant achievement over 100 years. He highlighted the potential benefits of this return for young people who may not be able to afford a house or own a car.
Discussing Strategic Risks and Investment Opportunities
William discussed the importance of taking calculated risks and seeking opportunities for significant returns. He emphasized the need to understand the underlying themes and trends in various industries, such as AI and digital assets, and how they intersect with geopolitics and socio-economic factors. William also highlighted the importance of considering the needs and aspirations of different demographics and how they impact investment decisions. He suggested that investors should not shy away from often overlooked sectors, such as fossil fuels, and should respect the value of companies that generate strong cash flows and buy back their stock. Michael agreed with william’s's perspective, noting the importance of understanding the bigger picture and how different industries are interconnected.
Energy Infrastructure, Tokenization, and Sustainable Solutions
Williams and Michael discussed the future of energy and the role of fossil fuels. Williams emphasized the need for investment in the current energy infrastructure, likening it to a bridge that must be maintained to reach a cleaner energy future. He also highlighted the potential of tokenization in the energy sector, drawing parallels with the success of Tether in the financial industry. Michael agreed, noting the ongoing shift towards hybrid vehicles and the continued demand for gasoline-powered cars. Both agreed that technological advancements and the need for sustainable solutions will shape the future of energy.
Investing in Organizations and Nutstuff Overview
Michael and William discussed the benefits of investing in their respective organizations. William shared details about his organization, Nutstuff, including its website (www.nutstuff.co.uk), social media presence, and subscription options. He emphasized the importance of celebrating successes and learning from failures.

From Creative Passion to Profit: Success Strategies with Diane Strand, Serial Entrepreneur and Mindset Leader

Diane Strand is an award-winning serial entrepreneur, marketer, speaker, and coach who helps entrepreneurs turn their creative passions into profitable businesses — as she did with her own business, JDS Productions, a seven-figure media company creating engaging video content for organizations, people, and products.In 2024, she released the mindset-leadership book Creativ-Preneur, which details critical entrepreneurial steps such as creating a business concept, establishing your entity, working through challenges to level up, and leveraging your money and marketing for success.With her experience working on the production team for famous shows and organizations such as General Hospital, Friends, and The Walt Disney Company, Diane co-founded the JDS Actors Studio, which has launched 100+ mainstream actors and producers such as Corrine Massiah and Sierra Swartz.Diane also co-founded the non-profit organization JDS Creative Academy, which works with mainstream, foster, and at-risk youth and special needs adults to provide career-pathway opportunities in visual, performing, and digital arts.She has won many awards, including 10 Telly Awards, 7 Communicator Awards, 2 Anthem Awards, Standout Business (San Diego and Riverside Counties), and the 2021 Non-Profit of the Year by the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce.On your podcast, Diane would be excited to discuss:How to turn your creative passion into a profitable business.How to successfully leverage money and marketing as an entrepreneur.How can I lead as a woman in business and lift other women?How to collaborate and create compelling marketing videos for consumer audiences.Creating an inclusive workforce for marginalized groups and special needs adults.To get a feel for Diane, check out her appearance on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur podcast, where she talks about turning her passion into a profitable enterprise.Website: https://jds-productions.com/LinkedIn Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dianestrandFacebook Page - JDS, Inc. http://www.facebook.com/JDSProductionsFacebook Page - JDS Actors Studio https://www.facebook.com/JDSActorsStudioFacebook Page - JDS Creative Academy https://www.facebook.com/JDSCreativeAcademyCheck out our YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/JDSVideoProductions
 
 
Summary
Exploring Diane's Diverse Roles and Accomplishments
Diane and Michael had a casual conversation, with Diane sharing her various roles and accomplishments, including her work as a serial entrepreneur, executive producer, bestselling author, speaker, and nonprofit founder. Michael expressed his admiration for Diane's background and experiences, and they agreed to delve deeper into her work during their conversation. Diane also mentioned her involvement in festivals, teaching, and her work with adults with developmental disabilities, which led to her involvement in TV shows, radio shows, and podcasts. Michael indicated that he would not delve too deeply into Diane's past work in general hospital or Disney, but acknowledged the importance of her experiences in shaping her current endeavors.
Creativity and Entrepreneurship in Business
Diane and Michael discussed the importance of creativity in business and entrepreneurship. Diane, with her background in Disney and General Hospital, emphasized the need for creatives to stay at the forefront of their businesses. She also mentioned her work with entrepreneurs and creatives to help them launch and scale their businesses. Michael agreed, highlighting the importance of remembering one's past accomplishments and experiences, and approaching challenges with a childlike curiosity. He also mentioned his work in the burnout space, reminding people to remember who they are and where they've come from. The conversation concluded with the importance of creativity and curiosity in business and personal growth.
Embracing Challenges for Personal Growth and Success
Diane and Michael discussed the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing challenges for personal growth and success. Diane emphasized the need to trust oneself, follow through on commitments, and not let fear hold one back. She also shared her acronym for 'dream' which stands for direction, realization, evaluation, action, and momentum. Michael agreed, highlighting the importance of being present and taking one step at a time, rather than overplanning. Both agreed that pivoting and adapting to changing circumstances is essential for success. They concluded by encouraging each other to find new experiences and challenges to continue growing and achieving their goals.
Embracing Gratitude, Growth, and Resilience in Life
Michael and Diane discussed the importance of gratitude, growth opportunities, and resilience in the face of challenges. They emphasized the value of creativity, determination, and collaboration, drawing parallels with their experiences in the arts and business. Diane shared her journey from dyslexia to a successful career, highlighting the importance of living in the moment and taking each step with gratitude. Michael agreed, noting that these experiences can lead to a contagious desire to create and grow. They also touched on the unpredictability of life, using the example of a last-minute speaker cancellation, and the need to adapt and exceed expectations.
Discussing Approaches to Value and Creativity
Michael and Diane discussed their respective approaches to providing value and creativity in their work. Michael emphasized the importance of self-accountability and striving to give the best possible service. Diane shared her focus on building personal and business brands, and the importance of creativity in marketing and storytelling. They also touched on Diane's experiences in the entertainment industry, including her transition from acting to writing, producing, and directing. The conversation concluded with the importance of being in the game to win, as emphasized by Michael.
Embracing Change and Pursuing Personal Growth
Michael and Diane discussed the importance of self-discovery and adaptation in life. Michael shared his experience of transitioning from acting to writing and directing, highlighting the importance of following one's passion and not being afraid to pivot when necessary. Diane agreed, emphasizing the need to live in the moment and celebrate small wins, as these contribute to achieving bigger goals. Both agreed that trying new things and sparking creativity can lead to personal and professional growth.
Exploring Social Media and Creative Business
Diane shared her various social media platforms and her business, Jds, which includes video production, actor studio, and the nonprofit Creative Academy. She emphasized her goal of moving the arts across America and helping creatives and businesses alike. Diane also mentioned her co-hosted TV show, "Spirit of Innovation Arts Across America," which is available on various streaming platforms. 

Human Success in Business: Rasmus Holst's Global Journey and Investing in Employee Growth with Sensai CEO

Quick recap
Summary
CEO and Michael's Conversational Meeting
Michael and Rasmus discussed their work and expectations for the meeting. Rasmus, the CEO of Sensai, a global Human Success Company, expressed his readiness to engage in a challenging and interesting conversation. Michael, looking forward to the conversation, mentioned that the meeting could last anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes and would be organic and conversational.
Rasmus' Career Journey and Global Experiences
Rasmus shared his career journey, which included living in Luxembourg and Silicon Valley and relocating his family, including their horse, from California to Denmark. He explained that there is an industry that moves horses around, even in first-class business class. Rasmus discussed his experiences after returning to Denmark after living abroad for 14 years, noting that it felt like moving backward and that he had become more aware of how the world works and how life is in different areas. He also mentioned his extensive travels and pride in being a global citizen. Michael agreed, adding that even when returning to one's hometown, it can feel like a new place due to changes over time.
Investing in Employee Growth and Success
Michael and Rasmus discussed the importance of investing in the continuing education of teams and leaders for workplace culture and retention. Rasmus emphasized the need for a shift in vocabulary from 'human resources' to 'human success,' highlighting the importance of investing in employees' growth and success, even if they leave the company. He also introduced the concepts of learning, engagement, and performance, suggesting that a balanced approach is necessary for employee success. Both agreed on the need for a cultural shift in how organizations view their employees and the potential for younger generations to drive this change.
Investing in Human Success and Growth
Rasmus and Michael discussed the importance of investing in human success rather than human resources. They agreed that when people are given the best possible chance to succeed in their work, the organization, customers, and individuals benefit. They also discussed the importance of creating an environment where people can thrive and grow, even if it means letting them go to better opportunities. Rasmus shared his experience hiring a new Chief Revenue Officer and how the company's focus on human success attracted many qualified candidates. They concluded that creating a positive work environment not only retains employees but also attracts new talent and fosters a sense of belonging among former employees.
Adapting to Changing Workplace Expectations
Rasmus and Michael discussed the changing expectations of younger generations in the workplace. They agreed that these generations want a different work experience that allows them to feel successful, challenged, and part of a team while also maintaining a balance between work and personal life. Michael emphasized the importance of human success and the need for organizations to adapt to these changing expectations. Rasmus shared his journey, highlighting how his career goals and aspirations have evolved.
Discussing 'Human Success' in Organizations
Rasmus and Michael discussed the concept of "human success" in the context of their respective organizations. Rasmus explained that "human success" encompasses personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of being a good human and achieving success. He also shared his experience finding his Chief Revenue Officer with a search firm, Heidrich. Michael agreed with Rasmus's perspective and expressed his intention to advocate for "human success" in his work.
https://zensai.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasmusholst/
 

Empowering Women in Leadership: Insights from Lisa DeFrank-Cole on Diversity and Inclusion

Lisa is the Director and F. Duke Perry Endowed Professor of Leadership Studies at West Virginia University. She is widely known for her academic and practical expertise in women’s leadership.A leadership coach and author of the award-winning textbook Women and Leadership, Lisa overcame many stereotypes as a first-generation college graduate from Appalachia to reach where she is today. WV Living magazine named her a “Wonder Woman” in 2019, celebrating her for defying barriers and working towards uplifting West Virginia.She has 20+ years of experience working with academic and government institutions in West Virginia, including the Governor’s Office. As a Fulbright Specialist Scholar, she taught women in Bahrain about leadership and empowerment. Lisa has also conducted leadership workshops for women in Saudi Arabia.Lisa’s insights on leadership have appeared in outlets such as Forbes, the London School of Economics Blog, La Razon daily newspaper in Spain, and KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh.https://lisadefrankcole.com/about/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-defrank-cole-7b32286b/https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/women-and-leadership-lisa-defrank-cole/1137845764
 
Increasing Women in Senior Leadership Positions
Lisa and Michael discussed the importance of increasing the number of women in senior leadership positions. Lisa expressed her passion for this issue, citing the need for different perspectives and experiences in leadership roles. She pointed out the disparity between the number of women earning college degrees and their representation in leadership positions, stating that it would take over 200 years to achieve equal representation at the current rate. Michael agreed, using the example of Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, as a successful female leader who has navigated the company through challenging times. Both emphasized the need for equal access to leadership roles for women.
Diverse Teams, Creativity, and Business Success
Lisa discussed the benefits of diverse teams, highlighting that they are more creative and can solve problems better than homogeneous ones. She also mentioned that companies with women on board seats and in the C-suite tend to be more profitable. Michael shared his experience running a multi-site medical clinic with representation from 16 different countries, emphasizing the importance of creating an open and welcoming environment for people from different backgrounds. He noted that this approach improved access to care, particularly for patients who shared a common language or cultural background with their healthcare providers.
Fostering Inclusive Collaboration in Organizations
Michael and Lisa discussed the importance of creating a more inclusive and collaborative organizational culture. Michael emphasized the need for trust and understanding among team members, while Lisa highlighted the benefits of a collective approach to achieving goals. They also touched on the challenges of adapting to a traditionally competitive work environment and the need for change to foster a more egalitarian culture. Both agreed that organizations should strive to create an environment where individuals feel safe to be bold and innovative, and where collaboration is valued over competition.
Fostering Inclusive Workplace Relationships and Equity
Lisa and Michael discussed the importance of fostering relationships and community within the workplace. They highlighted the need for inclusive activities that cater to diverse needs, such as potlucks and childcare services. Lisa emphasized the impact of caregiving responsibilities on women's participation in the workforce, suggesting that paid childcare could be a significant benefit. Michael agreed, noting the need for work to be reinvented to accommodate individual needs and promote equity. They both expressed hope for a future where work is more accessible and equitable, leading to better products and services for everyone.