Breakfast Leadership Show

Monday Motivation: Overcoming Biases with Lisa Tromba

Quick recap
Michael and Lisa discussed the importance of training and development within organizations, the evolving nature of leadership, and the role of cognitive biases in decision-making. They emphasized the need to create opportunities, manage expectations, and find the right fit when hiring. Lisa shared her motivations for writing her book on understanding and managing leadership biases, and they both stressed the importance of pausing, reflecting, and thinking things through to mitigate potential risks.
 
 
Summary
Training, Leadership, and Adaptability
Michael expressed his desire to train and develop individuals within his organization, highlighting instances where he had given recommendations that led to improved roles and opportunities. He also emphasized the importance of leadership and ongoing challenges. Lisa, an executive recruiter, joined the conversation, and they discussed the evolving nature of leadership, the importance of adaptability, and the need to utilize available resources. Michael also mentioned the importance of reaching out for help in achieving a common goal.
Leadership Biases in Writing and Decision-Making
Lisa shared her motivations for writing her book, which focused on understanding and managing leadership biases. She highlighted the challenges leaders face, particularly in remote work and the pandemic context, and emphasized the importance of being aware of biases. Lisa and Michael discussed the role of cognitive biases in decision-making, particularly in leadership, and how they can hinder the ability to adapt and process information. They stressed the importance of finding the right fit and managing expectations and highlighted the role of biases in the hiring process.
Creating Opportunities: Healthcare Receptionist's Journey
Michael shared a story about his experience as a healthcare executive, where he hired a medical receptionist without any healthcare experience. He emphasized that the candidate's experience in handling difficult situations in a retail setting was seen as a positive. Despite initial concerns from the board and other doctors, the receptionist proved to be highly effective. Later, when a similar opportunity arose at a clinic closer to her home, she was hired and eventually rose through the ranks to run the clinic. Michael emphasized the importance of creating opportunities and the individual's responsibility to take advantage of them.
Leadership, Bias, and Perspective
Michael and Lisa engaged in a conversation about leadership and overcoming biases. Michael shared an experience where he identified a talent in someone and provided an opportunity for them to thrive, irrespective of traditional checks and biases. Lisa emphasized the importance of first principles in evaluating candidates and stressed the need to step outside of personal biases to help individuals and organizations grow. She recommended the book 'Range' by David Epstein, which discusses the importance of having a broader perspective. In the end, Michael asked Lisa about her favorite chapters in her book, to which Lisa responded that specific chapters resonate more because she identifies with some of the biases discussed.
Balancing Intuition and Logic in Leadership
Lisa and Michael discussed the role of intuition and logic in leadership, highlighting the need to balance these biases. Lisa emphasized the potential risks associated with relying solely on intuition without applying logic, suggesting the need for countermeasures such as data analysis and perspective gathering to mitigate these risks. Additionally, Michael shared an anecdote of a successful staff member who was initially doubted but ended up being an asset to the team, underscoring the importance of giving opportunities and considering new ideas.
Bias Recognition and Leadership
Lisa and Michael engaged in a conversation about the importance of recognizing and managing biases, particularly in leadership roles. They emphasized the value of pausing, reflecting, and thinking things through. Lisa also mentioned that her book, which focuses on this topic, is available on Amazon and her business website, which is currently under rebranding. Michael agreed to include these details in the show notes and promised to share the links once the show goes live.
 
Book:  Mind Knots
“Where did we go wrong?”
This question plagues boardrooms worldwide when leadership fails. Ego, false optimism, overconfidence, risk aversion, and other psychological anchors can hinder a leader's effectiveness, threatening careers and organizations.
In Mind Knots, executive search expert Lisa Tromba explores the complex cognitive and emotional biases that can cloud even the most experienced executives' judgment and hinder logical leadership. While these cognitive undercurrents cannot be removed, they can be managed and reframed as transformative strategic advantages. 
Using real-life case studies, Mind Knots offers a novel viewpoint on overcoming biases by embracing them. Tromba offers a practical paradigm for fostering a culture of bias-aware leadership. Learn about processes, finances, mission-based initiatives, and capabilities to help leaders overcome prejudices and blind spots. Develop strategies and organizational models that use cognitive biases to benefit your organization.Learn to use your past knots to propel you ahead.
Please be sure to guide yourself with Mind Knots.
Author Biography:
Managing partner Lisa Tromba leads Lisa Tromba Associates (LTA) – Executive Search (formerly Luisi Tromba Advisors, of which she was co-founder) and is the founder of Leadership Intelligence Services, LLC. For more than 25 years, Tromba has guided companies from mid-market enterprises to Fortune 100 powerhouses in searching for and selecting their executive leadership.
Today, she caters to lower—to mid-market companies seeking executive leadership. Her high-touch, high-impact, solution-oriented approach includes assessing the impact of psychological bias on leadership.
Tromba is a best-selling author who has spoken on leadership topics to corporate, trade, and academic audiences, including Executive MBA participants and “rising leaders” whom she also coached for a Fortune 50 company. Publications featuring her work include Chief Executive Magazine and the AMA Quarterly, and she is referenced in the book From Cinderella to CEO.

Thoughtful Thursdays: Affiliate Marketing Guru Matt McWilliams

Are you a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur who has a message or mission to change the world…but you’re struggling to grow your affiliate program and take your business to the next level? If so, I can relate. I’ve been in there, done that…and I know the way out.
Ultimately, I help three types of online business owners. 
I Want to Master Affiliate Marketing
I Want to Start and Scale an Affiliate Program from Scratch
I Have an Existing Affiliate Program and Want to Grow it to 7-Figures and Beyond
I Want Master Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is easier than most people think…when you have the right guide.
It helps you to learn what your audience wants to buy, what price points they buy at, and how to sell more effectively to them. It also helps you to get noticed by other marketers in your niche (it’s a great way to find and connect with potential affiliate partners as well).
I’ve trained more than 320,000 affiliates for companies such as Shutterfly and Adidas and for entrepreneurs like Tony Robbins, Dean Graziosi, Michael Hyatt, Stu McLaren, Lewis Howes, Brian Tracy, Ray Edwards, Claire Diaz-Ortiz, Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington, Ryan Levesque, Jeff Walker, Kim Walsh Phillips, and Zig Ziglar. I know what it takes to be successful at affiliate marketing and to take your income and recognition to new levels.

Creating Impact as A Leader: A discussion with Melanie van de Velde

 In her Board Sessions, Talks, Impact Labs and Immersive Impact Trips, Dr. van de Velde supports leaders to outgrow the competition and transform our world. She provides inspirational examples from around the world that have far better outcomes than others across the sustainability landscape. She reveals the key factors as to why they achieve better results. Her insights are based on her award-winning research (nominated by Cambridge University), 20 years of experience, and best global practices.Her tools, such as the IMPACT Wheel, enable leaders to tease out innovative, effective impact initiatives for a 200-400% higher return, business growth, increased brand value, productivity & resilience. Whilst simple to apply, her thought-leading framework underpins our globe's most successful impact strategies.To receive our inspirational IMPACT Stories, and insights, or hear about our webinars, you can sign up for our occasional updates at BigTreeGlobal.net.
Book:  https://amzn.to/3vw8FCH
Or connect with me on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-van-de-velde-phd-mba-msc-1777b311/
Quick recap
Melanie and Michael had a preliminary discussion about the potential of businesses to address global issues such as poverty, plastic pollution, air pollution, and rising inequality. They emphasized the need for preventative solutions and wider promotion of sustainable practices. They also highlighted the importance of using high-quality, long-lasting products to reduce environmental impact and the potential for changing supplier mindsets to significantly reduce operational costs and waste.
 
 
Summary
Organic Conversation Planning
Melanie and Michael had a preliminary discussion about an upcoming conversation, which Michael described as organic and conducive to sharing information. They agreed to keep the conversation organic and to share where people can find them. Michael mentioned that their conversation would be edited by their editor and then shared widely. The specific topic of their discussion was not revealed in the transcript.
Empowering Communities: A Business Solution to Global Issues
Melanie shared their journey from their engineering business background to their current focus on finding solutions to global issues. They emphasized the power of businesses to create structural impact, particularly in addressing poverty. They also highlighted the challenges of doing this work effectively. Michael concurred with Melanie's approach, noting that teaching communities to help themselves through business opportunities and education can be more sustainable than traditional charity methods. They both agreed on the need to empower communities and utilize untapped talent across the globe.
Root Causes and Solutions to Global Issues
Michael and Melanie discussed the importance of addressing the root causes of global issues rather than merely treating their symptoms. Melanie highlighted the negative consequences of charity in the long term, using the example of second-hand clothing donations leading to job losses in local textile industries. They emphasized that businesses are well-positioned to provide structural solutions such as empowering people with training and employment. Melanie also talked about the plastic crisis, detailing the alarming health effects of plastic pollution and the need for upstream innovations to tackle the issue.
Plastic, Air, and Inequality: Environmental Challenges
Melanie and Michael discussed the problems associated with plastic pollution and its impact on the environment and human health. Michael pointed out the need for preventative solutions, such as using reusable materials like bamboo or metal, and emphasized the importance of proper disposal. Melanie agreed, noting the need to promote these solutions more widely. They also touched on the issue of air pollution and rising inequality, connecting these environmental concerns to larger societal issues outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Business and Environmental Impact Discussion
Melanie discussed their book focusing on four core areas to tackle global issues within a business context. They emphasized the importance of addressing issues at their root across supply chains. Michael shared their personal experiences of implementing small changes such as using reusable bags and washing dishes to reduce waste and pollution. They also mentioned the financial benefits of these changes. Both agreed on the importance of tackling environmental issues one step at a time, even with small actions, to make a significant difference.
Small Changes, Big Impact: Tackling Environmental Issues
Michael emphasized the importance of starting small and thinking creatively to reduce the environmental impact of businesses. They suggested asking employees for ideas and considering simple changes that could make a significant difference. They pointed out the positive effect of remote work and reduced business travel on air quality, noting that everyone can contribute to making a positive change. Melanie agreed, highlighting the importance of thinking outside the box to tackle bigger environmental issues.
Sustainable Products and Practices Discussion
Melanie discussed the issue of unnecessary waste and emissions caused by products intentionally designed with a short lifespan for frequent replacement, such as light bulbs and household appliances. They mentioned the successful initiative by Skipple Airport, who shifted their focus from buying products to buying light as a service from Philips, leading Philips to design more durable and energy-efficient products. They also highlighted the importance of considering out-of-the-box solutions and working with suppliers to introduce more sustainable practices, such as the use of recyclable nylon in carpet tiles. Michael agreed with Melanie's points, noting that changing supplier mindsets could significantly reduce operational costs and waste.
Sustainable Living: High-Quality Products, Lifestyle Changes
Michael and Melanie discussed the importance of using high-quality, long-lasting products to reduce environmental impact. Melanie shared their personal experience with a pen that has lasted years, emphasizing the importance of using high-quality items rather than disposable ones. Melanie also mentioned their work on sustainability, including running workshops and immersive impact trips for business leaders. They encouraged people to find sustainable products and to make changes in their lifestyles to reduce their environmental footprint. Melanie's book, which focuses on sustainable living, can be found on traditional channels like Amazon and also on Lulu.com, a print-on-demand platform known for its sustainability practices.
Summary
Introductions and backgrounds @ 0:10
Michael welcomed Melanie to discuss sustainable business practices. Melanie shared their background in engineering and running a business in Kenya empowering women, sparking their research on impactful companies.
Sustainable business practices and impact @ 1:21
Melanie discussed how some companies structurally impact issues like poverty by empowering communities through business, education, and jobs rather than just donations. Michael agreed this teaching-to-fish approach is better for long-term change.
Plastic pollution and solutions @ 5:07
Melanie outlined the dire plastic pollution crisis and health impacts if not addressed. Cleanup initiatives are needed but won't solve the root cause. Innovations preventing plastic use upstream like reusable systems greatly reduce waste and emissions.
Long-term solutions over short-term fixes @ 5:46
Charity aids short-term but businesses can regenerate areas through jobs and opportunity. Examples like durable lighting contracts incentivized long-lasting products cutting waste and costs. Out-of-the-box thinking transforms issues like planned obsolescence.
Business opportunities in sustainability @ 12:57
Four core areas within supply chains, organizations, communities and externally can tackle global issues fitting any company through impact examples and questions. Starting small collectively creates big change through reusable items and efficient operations.
Individual and collective action @ 13:23
Small sustainable switches like reusable bags and coffee cups significantly help if adopted widely. Seeking durable products and questioning short lifespans reduces waste. Collaboration between companies and suppliers innovates solutions for materials and services. United impact inspires positive change.

Focus Friday: Journey of a Successful CEO - Interview with Craig Goodliffe

In this compelling episode, Craig Goodliffe, successful CEO and founder of a global hiring company, shares intriguing insights into his leadership journey intertwined with personal challenges. A stalwart in efficiently managing both professional and personal upheavals, Goodliffe emphasizes the importance of resilient leadership even in the face of adversity. He shares his experiences of steering his company through turbulent times, amplifying the significance of a transparent leadership model and balancing personal struggles alongside.
Goodliffe's business, which saw impressive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, was built on a vision of making global hiring affordable and accessible. This episode explores the untapped potential of worldwide talent and discusses the potential shift of businesses towards hiring talented individuals from across the globe, hence contributing towards international development.
Apart from strong leadership, this episode also delves into the necessity of efficiency and innovative thinking within a business setting. The significance of understanding primary responsibilities and discerning them from less crucial ones is discussed. The conversation also wanders into the potential growth scope through the integration of technological advancements such as AI. The dialogue also highlights the vital aspect of empathy towards customers, despite leapfrog advancements in social media.
Finally, the importance of making the right hires, effective task delegation, and understanding your limitations as a business leader forms a critical part of the conversation. This episode is a wealth of insights from a seasoned leader's lens, making it a must-hear for every aspiring and established business leader.
Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-goodliffe-054543188/
 

Thoughtful Thursday: Emotional Intelligence: A Thoughtful Interview with Paul Bramson

Quick recap
The main topics discussed in the conversation between Paul from Bramson Companies and Michael D. Levitt include the evolution of the workplace, the importance of emotional intelligence, the shift towards work-life harmony, effective communication and burnout, the value of having a personal board of advisors, personal accountability, the impact of remote work on workplace dynamics, and the significance of workplace happiness.
Emotional Intelligence in Workplace Evolution
Paul Bramson discussed their experience in training, keynote speaking, and working with different organizations. They highlighted significant shifts in the workplace over the past four years, including the entry of Gen Z into the workforce, the trend towards remote work, the evolution of sales strategies, and the increased need for emotional intelligence in leadership. Michael D. Levitt agreed with Bramson's points, noting the growing emphasis on emotional intelligence. Bramson emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence and communication, which he felt had been overlooked even after the financial crisis.
 
 
Work Culture Evolution: Balancing Work-Life Harmony
Michael and Paul Bramson discussed the evolution of work culture over the years, specifically the shift from a strict separation of work and personal life to a focus on work-life harmony. They emphasized the importance of understanding and accommodating employees' personal circumstances that might affect their work. They also touched upon the role of information and how it can be utilized to allocate resources and ensure project success. The conversation concluded with the agreement that having more information does not necessarily mean success, but rather how that information is used is crucial.
 
 
Burnout and Communication in the Workplace
Paul Bramson and Michael D. Levitt discussed the importance of effective communication and the impact of burnout in the workplace. They emphasized that employees feel unheard and disconnected, leading to burnout. They also highlighted the complexity of leaving an organization due to the same issues that may be present elsewhere. Michael suggested that individuals should debrief themselves when leaving an organization to understand their role in the situation.
 
 
Personal Board of Advisors for Decision Making
Paul Bramson and Michael D. Levitt discussed the value of having a personal board of advisors for decision making and accountability. They emphasized the importance of having older or more experienced individuals who can provide constructive feedback and help maintain focus. The discussion also highlighted the significance of running new ideas by this board for careful analysis and scrutiny. Michael D. Levitt stressed the importance of setting priorities, reflecting on feedback, and being open to constructive criticism. He also emphasized the need for patience, the benefits of being present in communication, and the link between these principles and effective leadership.
 
 
Personal Accountability and Emotional Intelligence
Michael and Bramson discussed the importance of personal accountability and the need to avoid a victim mentality. Michael shared his own experiences with burnout and how he took responsibility for his actions instead of blaming others. He emphasized the importance of curiosity and learning new things. Bramson noted the emergence of a new element of emotional intelligence, the social quotient, and predicted it would gain significant traction in the future.
 
 
Workplace Dynamics: Loss of Personal Connections
Michael D. Levitt and Paul Bramson reflected on the changes in workplace dynamics, emphasizing the loss of personal connections and conversations that happened outside of work. They contrasted this with the early days of their careers when workplaces fostered deeper relationships and socialization. They observed that in today's workplaces, where remote work is increasingly common, employees often do not know each other's personal lives, even after working together for years. Paul Bramson shared that some companies they work with require younger employees to work on-site for the first two years to foster connections and build a sense of community.
 
 
Workplace Happiness and Remote Work Shared Spaces
Michael D. Levitt and Paul Bramson discussed the importance of workplace happiness and the benefits of remote work. They talked about the concept of shared spaces for remote work, where people from different companies rent rooms or desks, creating a sense of community. They also touched on the popularity of in-person events and conferences despite the availability of virtual options. Bramson mentioned his active presence on LinkedIn and his website, PaulBramson.com. They also discussed the impact of technology on interviews and meetings, noting that while virtual interactions aren't the same as in-person ones, they are still effective.
Website:  https://PaulBramson.com
Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbramson/
 
 

Thoughtful Thursdays: Navigating Tumultuous Times with AJ Amyx

In this insightful episode of the Breakfast Leadership Show, host Michael Levitt chats with the transformational coach and bestselling author AJ Amyx. They explore AJ's journey and his role as a brand manager for a software company, Social Glow. Engaging in a dynamic discussion, they tackle the effects of the ongoing pandemic on society, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and personal responsibility.
The hosts highlight various strategies for navigating chaotic periods, preventing burnout, and living a fulfilling life aligned with personal vision and purpose. They also delve into the state of inflation and how individuals can successfully navigate these complex times by making conscious personal choices and shifts.
Switching victimhood mentality for a proactive attitude, they explore the concept of "radical responsibility." They advise on the importance of acceptance as a survival tool, whether facing severe weather conditions or a life-altering diagnosis.
The episode likewise spotlights the need to genuinely feel and control our emotions, discussing the benefits of conscious breathing as part of this process. This power-packed conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to take charge of their life amidst uncertainty and turbulence.
To discover more about our work and how Social Glow can help build resilient communities, visit SocialGlow.com.

Resource Wednesday: Unleashing Creativity with Wave Video

Welcome to a new episode of The Breakfast Leadership Show's Resource Wednesday series, hosted by Michael Levitt, renowned keynote speaker, best-selling author, and chief burnout officer of the Breakfast Leadership Network.
In this episode, Michael shares his experience with Wave Video, a video creation tool he and his team use to produce engaging video content for their brand. Wave Video's simplicity has made it a staple in his content creation process.
Whether you are a seasoned leader, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply looking to learn more, these mini-clips speak volumes on how to enhance your leadership skills, foster a healthy company culture, and adopt effective learning techniques. Wave Video's user-friendly interface and flexible design options enable you to bring ideas alive through the medium of video, furthering your reach and impact.
From transforming blog articles into concise videos with catchy music and high-quality graphics to uploading content on various social platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, Wave Video offers a multifaceted approach to sharing your subject matter expertise. As indicated by its success within the Breakfast Leadership Network, this tool can significantly boost your viewership and overall online presence.
Michael highly recommends Wave Video as a resource to help generate captivating content. Interested to give it a try? Find the link in the show notes to sign up. Tune in and boost your business and personal branding journey with these insights. Remember, the sky's the limit!
Thank you for tuning into The Breakfast Leadership Show, part of The Breakfast Leadership Network. For more business and life empowerment tips, visit our website at breakfastleadership.com.
Link to get Wave Video:  https://fas.st/t/BZwRFBCL
 

The 80/20 CEO: A Leadership Discussion with Bill Canady

Bill Canady has over 30 years of experience as a global business executive in a variety of industries and markets focused on industrial and consumer products and services. As a leader, he concentrates on aligning with key stakeholders to set a clear and compelling vision that will rally an organization to drive growth, control costs, and increase profitability. One of the keys to his success is he develops strong leaders and management teams and establishes deep relationships. His experience encompasses global public, private, and sponsor-owned companies.
Bill is the CEO of both OTC Industrial Technologies and Arrowhead Engineered Products (AEP). OTC is an industrial distribution company located in Columbus, OH, that has $1 billion in sales with 1,900+ employees and over 60 sales/distribution offices in 40 states. During his tenure, OTC has grown revenues by more than 43% and earnings over 78%. AEP is a leading supplier of non-discretionary, mission-critical, aftermarket replacement parts for a wide variety of motorized vehicles and equipment headquartered in Blaine, MN, and has $1.5 billion in sales with 3600+ employees and sells in over 50 countries.
During his career, Bill has been responsible for leading several organizations through their most important challenges and opportunities, often in complicated regulatory, investor, and media environments. He discovered a passion and knack for the art and science of business. Taking the tools and techniques that he developed growing multibillion-dollar companies, he created the Profitable Growth Operating System (PGOS) and set out to help owners and operators around the world profitably grow their companies.
PGOS is a time-tested set of simple tools and processes that fosters a common culture creating value for all stakeholders: customers, employees, suppliers, and shareholders. PGOS shows how to increase the productivity of assets, increase profits, and make better decisions at every level of a business.
Bill graduated summa cum laude from Elmhurst University with a Bachelor of Science inBusiness Administration and received his MBA from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business. He is a veteran of the United States Navy
Book:  https://amzn.to/44ca12N
Social Linkswww.linkedin.com/in/bill-canadywww.facebook.com/Billcanady2www.instagram.com/billcanady2