Breakfast Leadership Show

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
 

Interview with Aslak de Silva

Aslak has nearly 20 years of experience as a practitioner and instructor of Han Moo Do martial arts, competing in about 100 full-contact fights and winning the World Championship gold medal in Michigan, USA, in 2000. Martial arts has taught him the importance of leaders being life-long learners and coaching others.Aslak is also the CEO of Selfly Store, where they use the latest developments in loT, machine learning, and AI to offer smart vending machines that make grab-and-go food shopping as easy as using your home fridge.Selfly Stores are used by 100+ companies in 22 countries across Europe, and in 2023, Selfly Store was named among the "50 Most Innovative Companies To Watch" by CEO Views.Aslak, who was recognized by Chief's Digest as one of the "10 Best CEOs to Watch in 2023" has been leading teams and companies for 15+ years. Before becoming CEO at Selfly Store, he was the CEO of Nordic Business Forum, one of the world's biggest business and leadership conferences, with 7K+ attendees annually from 50+ countries and featuring world-class speakers like Barack Obama, George Clooney, and Steve Wozniak.https://www.linkedin.com/in/aslakdesilva/https://twitter.com/aslakdshttps://twitter.com/SelflyStore
Meeting with oscarhamilton.com
Aslak De Silva Breakfast Leadership Show Oscar Hamilton
April 09, 2024  •  24 mins  •  View Recording & Summary
 
 
 
Introduction and background @ 0:00
Aslak introduced himself as CEO of Selfly Store, an intelligent vending machine company operating in over 20 countries. He discussed his prior experience leading a leadership conference and saw synergies between the roles.
Selfly Store's intelligent vending machines and international operations @ 1:20
Aslak detailed Selfly Store's use of predictive analytics and AI to optimize over 15 nationalities' vending machine inventory, pricing, and sales based on real-time data from weather, holidays, and times of day.
Predictive analytics and dynamic pricing opportunities @ 2:35
Michael praised Selfly Store's data-driven approach and discussed using supply-and-demand pricing to maximize profits and convenience, like surging prices for high-demand items at lunchtime.
Convenience, accessibility, and growth opportunities for vending machines @ 3:25
Michael highlighted vending machines' expanding product ranges for forgotten airport items and noted their space-saving and labor-saving benefits over queues. Both agreed on vast growth opportunities, especially through predictive placement and inventory.
Maximizing sales through product selection, bundling, and upselling @ 10:19
Aslak detailed how AI revealed pairing Coke and Pepsi increased sales, and Selfly Store's machines encourage larger baskets through touch-and-feel browsing and friends' joint purchases.
Balancing work and personal life to avoid burnout @ 12:53
Aslak shared his approach to "Tetris-ing" blocks of family, health, work and education by combining activities, like training with his daughters while listening to audiobooks.
Future of vending machines in travel, last-mile delivery and on-demand ordering @ 18:45
Both predicted the rise of "half-mile stores" and predictive, on-demand vending for coincidental needs along journeys, to replace struggling malls with greater proximity and customized just-in-time inventory and delivery.

Finance Fridays: The Wealth Management Trailblazer: An Interview with Paul Franco – Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Life Well Lived Financial Group

Paul Franco is a Certified Financial Planner™️️️, Chartered Financial Consultant®️️, Behavioral Financial Advisor, and founder of Life Well Lived Financial Group, an independent wealth management firm. A thirty-year veteran of the financial advising industry, Paul operates three locations in Colorado, where he enjoys skiing, hiking, running, fishing, and traveling. He is the author of Success with Succession: How to Sell Your Asset Management and Financial Advice Practice.
Summary
Paul Franco's background and business strategy @ 0:00
Paul Franco is a 30-year veteran of the financial services industry, with a firm called Life Well Live Financial Group in Colorado. Over the past 8-10 years, he has focused on acquiring the practices of retiring financial advisors as a growth strategy, rather than trying to build his client base one client at a time.
The importance of succession planning @ 4:39
Paul explains that he came up with this acquisition strategy after realizing that most financial advisors and business owners are unprepared for their own succession and retirement. Many think they will never retire, but fail to plan for the unexpected. Paul emphasizes the importance of having a clear succession plan in place, even for younger business owners.
Challenges with abrupt transitions @ 12:57
Paul shares an example of an early acquisition where the retiring advisor did not provide enough time for a smooth transition, leading to many clients choosing to leave rather than work with the new advisor. He stresses the importance of allowing ample time for the new owner to get to know the clients and build relationships before the full transition.
Collaboration over competition @ 18:19
Michael and Paul discuss the value of viewing other businesses in the same industry as colleagues rather than competitors. They emphasize the importance of networking and building relationships with potential buyers or sellers, rather than operating in silos.
Paul's book on selling financial advisory practices @ 19:27
Paul shares that he wrote a book called "Success with Succession" to help financial advisors and other business owners prepare their practices for a smooth sale or transition, rather than just closing their doors and leaving clients in the lurch.
Recap and resources @ 23:04
Michael and Paul wrap up the conversation, with Paul providing his website (successwithsuccession.com) where listeners can find more information and sign up for his newsletter.
 

Thoughtful Thursdays: Make Work Relationships Work with Dr. Paul White

Dr. Paul White is a psychologist, author, and speaker who “makes work relationships work.” He has written articles for and been interviewed by BBC News, Business Week, the New York Times, CNN/Fortune.com, Entrepreneur.com, Fast Company, Fortune, FoxBusiness.com, U.S. News and World Report, Washington Post, and Yahoo! Finance.As a speaker and trainer, Dr. White has taught worldwide, including North America, Europe, South America, Asia, and the Caribbean. His expertise has been requested by PepsiCo, Microsoft, NASA, L’Oreal, Ritz Carlton, Starbucks, Boeing, HP, Exxon Mobile, DIRECTB, and numerous other multinational organizations.Dr. White is the coauthor of the best-selling book, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, which has sold over 575,000 copies (written with Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the #1 NY Times bestseller, The 5 Love Languages) and has been translated into 25 languages.Based on their extensive research and expertise, Dr. White and Dr. Chapman have developed practical ways for leaders and employees to communicate authentic appreciation that leads to increased employee engagement, lower staff turnover, more positive work environments, and higher productivity.Additionally, their online assessment, the Motivating By Appreciation Inventory, has been taken by over 375,000 employees worldwide and is available in multiple languages.Cited as a thought leader in developing healthy workplace relationships, his speaking style has been described as “world-class” expertise providing practical, easily implemented information with the right touch of humor.”facebook.com/appreciationatworklinkedin.com/in/paul-white-ph-d-317826instagram.com/appreciationatworkX (Twitter): @drpaulwhite
Book:  https://amzn.to/3TEJDtA