Breakfast Leadership Show

How Non-Food Franchising Can Be Your Next Opportunity- A discussion with Jon Ostenson

Jon Ostenson
Jon is a multi-brand franchisee of 5 fast growing franchises located in Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Miami, a top 1% global franchise consultant, the best-selling author of Non-Food Franchising: The Better Path to Business Ownership, and the former President of ShelfGenie, an Inc. 500 franchise with 200+ locations.
 
He is a shining example of the success that can be achieved when someone follows their dreams. Seven years ago, while serving as the VP of Sales for Carter's Inc., responsible for $350M+ in annual sales, and after 20+ years in corporate America, Jon did the unthinkable and walked away while at the top of his career to pursue his dream of becoming an entrepreneur—even though, at the time, he wasn't quite sure what he wanted that path to look like.
 
His risk paid off, as he ended up in the industry he has dubbed ‘non-food franchising’, where he has had tremendous success, which has given him the autonomy many entrepreneurs desire, allowing him to commit over 90% of his time to helping others realize their own aspirations of freedom and generational wealth creation through business ownership.
 
Through his company FranBridge Consulting, Jon has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and investors understand all aspects of non-food franchising and has introduced them to opportunities from the 600+ high-growth brands that he represents. 
 
Jon also frequently contributes to publications such as Forbes, Inc., Bloomberg, The Franchise Journal, and Franchise Connect, where he writes about franchising and franchise investments.
Summary
 
Franchising opportunities overview @ 0:00
Jon outlined the benefits of franchising for new business owners, including starting with an established brand, playbook, and support system to leverage decades of expertise and avoid reinventing the wheel.
Benefits of franchising for new business owners @ 6:00
Jon argued franchising provides numerous advantages, such as guidance from franchisor experts and peer franchisees exchanging best practices, ensuring product-market fit and optimized operations and marketing from the start.
Non-food franchising opportunities @ 9:37
Jon emphasized exploring non-food industries like property services, noting insulation's $52B market, and discussed opportunities in health/wellness and services for kids, seniors, and families that remain recession-resilient.
Franchise stacking and portfolio growth @ 14:25
Jon discussed clients growing their franchise portfolios through adding units of their primary brand or complementary/diversifying brands for increased income streams and risk mitigation.
Semi-passive franchising investment @ 14:57
Jon outlined the option of operating as an investor/manager through hiring professionals to run day-to-day operations while still overseeing the business as an asset with tax benefits and eventual exit value.
Non-Franchising Financializing book overview @ 20:08
Jon's book shares opportunities beyond food franchising and how its profits support charity. It generates interest and jumpstarts the vetting process for new franchisee candidates.
Closing and next steps @ 21:55
Jon provided contact details and offered the book to listeners, emphasizing FranBridge's role in navigating franchise placement. 
 
 

Unlocking Profitable Vacation Rental Investing with Shawn Moore, Founder of Vodyssey.com

Shawn Moore is an active real estate investor, the host of theVacation Rental Revolution podcast, and the founder of Vodyssey.com, the #1 Vacation Rental Investing Education company in theworld. Shawn has one goal in mind: to cut through all of the noiseand help you find success in acquiring, managing & marketing a profitable vacation rental portfolio.Shawn has helped hundreds of new and experienced investorsalike build a profitable vacation rental portfolio. If you don’t catchhim at the office, he will be spending time with his wife and twokids on a river, beach, or mountain somewhere where phones andComputers don’t work.Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RealShawnMooreWebsite: https://vodyssey.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vacationrentalrevolutionInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vodysseyshawnmoore/

Thoughtful Thursdays: How To Conquer Your Business with Erin Marcus

Founder & CEO of Conquer Your Business
I help entrepreneurs and small business owners get the financial and emotional freedom they need to build a business and a life they’re proud of by learning how to Be In Charge, Take Action, and Get Results!
I have been mentoring, training, teaching, and coaching for more than twenty years. I love helping people take action they didn’t think possible, do things they didn’t think they could do, and succeed beyond what they dared to dream.
 
https://conqueryourbusiness.com/media-kithttps://www.facebook.com/ErinMarcusConquerYourBusiness, https://www.instagram.com/erinmarcusconqueryourbusiness, https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmarcusconqueryourbusiness, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLFD-aM6LmA10FQrFC_QchQ
Business Operations Transition Discussion
Erin and Michael discussed their approach to business operations, with Erin emphasizing her role in helping business operators transition to business owners. Erin stressed that this shift isn't about more work, but different work, and she helps her clients understand this. Michael added that it's important to remember the initial goals of the business, and not to wait too long to transition from doing all tasks to owning a business.
Business vs. Nonprofit Operations
Erin and Michael discussed the importance of treating a business as a business, not just a task to be completed. Erin emphasized that business owners should hire for expertise rather than just task completion, and then allow the hired experts to create processes without micromanaging. She also highlighted the need for businesses to have a vision caster who sets the parameters, but doesn't manage the day-to-day operations. Michael agreed, noting that he had to learn to not micromanage his employees after coming from a corporate background. He also pointed out that nonprofits often 'dumb things down', treating their operations less like a business.
Delegation, Strategy, and Expert Help in Business
Michael and Erin discussed the importance of delegation and strategy in business. Michael emphasized the need to pay others what they're worth to free up time for more important tasks. Erin stressed the danger of trying to solve business problems with marketing tactics, arguing that a strategy problem requires a strategic solution. Both agreed on the value of recognizing what you don't know and seeking help from experts. They also highlighted the common issue of entrepreneurs assuming they know how to grow a business, despite having no formal training in it.
Authenticity and AI in Online Presence
Erin and Michael discussed the challenges of projecting perfection online, with Erin emphasizing the importance of authenticity and vulnerability. They touched on the use of AI tools to help with tasks such as graphic design, with Erin noting that while AI can make the marketplace noisier, it also provides opportunities to stand out by being oneself. They also discussed the potential of AI in generating ideas and preventing writer's block, but agreed that authenticity and personal input are still crucial. Erin offered help to Michael for their next discussion and mentioned her work, which can be found at conqueryourbusiness.com.

A Discussion with Game On Nation founder Steve Shenbaum

Steve Shenbaum is the founder of Game On Nation, a nationally recognized communication firm that employs game dynamics and improvisation to teach high-performance teamwork as well as communication, story-telling, public-speaking and presentation skills.Game On Nation provides authentic and down-to-earth courses, keynotes, and custom training programs that are widely accessible and extremely successful. For over 27 years, Steve and his company have helped people at the highest level of every sphere in the country, including leaders at Fortune 100 companies, college and professional sports teams, all branches of the military, NASA, and the U.S. House of Representatives.Steve gained notoriety for his early acting career, with featured roles in popular comedy films and shows such as Space Jam, Will & Grace, and American Pie 2. He understands the immense power of positive humor, and his professional success allows access to high-level audiences and clients.Notable clients Steve has worked with include Yao Ming, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carmelo Anthony, Sydney Crosby, Abby Wambach, and the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, to name a few. One of those notable clients, Alex Smith, the #1 NFL draft pick in 2005, shared this testimonial:"Steve has had a major impact on my career by giving me tangible techniques to improve my communication, leadership, and overall development both on and off the field. He's also an incredible encourager and one of the funniest people I know.”Steve’s authenticity and knowledge of team building and experiential learning have not gone unnoticed; he created and oversaw the communication, leadership, and media training program at IMG Academy from 2003-2012.He aims to help human-resource executives, learning and development experts, young professionals, and emerging leaders and coaches looking to infuse positive humor, substance and authenticity into their message—or simply anyone who loves Ted Lasso or Mr. Rogers, as they would dig Steve’s vibe of kindness, empathy, and engagement.
Mission Statement and Workplace Culture
Michael D. Levitt and Steve Shenbaum discussed the importance of organizations understanding and aligning on their mission statements and the behaviors that embody them. Steve emphasized the need to go beyond the mission statement, engage with team members, and agree on behaviors that reflect the mission. He also highlighted the value of asking deeper questions and doing the necessary work to understand and address underlying issues. Michael agreed, noting the importance of preventative care over reactive measures, and the necessity of having difficult conversations about workplace culture. He shared an example of an abrupt departure from an organization, suggesting that such incidents could be prevented with better understanding and alignment.
Communication and Expectation Setting in Workplace
Michael and Steve discussed the importance of communication and expectation setting in the workplace. They identified a communication issue where employees felt unheard or misunderstood by management, which could have been prevented by open dialogue. They also highlighted the role of leadership in effectively delegating tasks and checking in on the workload of their employees. Additionally, they emphasized the need to establish clear expectations for employees, such as work hours and communication protocols, to avoid misalignment and ensure accountability.
Learning and Management Styles in the Workplace
Steve and Michael discussed the importance of understanding individual learning and management styles within the workplace. Steve emphasized the need for individuals to recognize what works for them and what doesn't, and the role of leadership in supporting their team. Michael noted that different generations may require different management styles. They also discussed the success of Steve's business, which is not niche in terms of audience, but is niche in terms of its delivery style, specifically focusing on presentation skills.
Improvisation for Team Building
Steve Shenbaum discussed the focus of his team on presentation and teamwork skills, using improvisation as a tool. He highlighted the importance of finding common ground to bring out people's talents and learning styles in a positive way. Steve also stressed the need to do challenging things together in a safe environment, and how improvisation can help create a strong bond. He emphasized the importance of communicating and trusting each other, and celebrating small wins. Michael D. Levitt shared his personal experience with a team building exercise that revealed similarities between him and a colleague who had a different perception of him, which Steve used to highlight the importance of focusing on behaviors rather than labels.
Workplace Culture and Productivity
Steve Shenbaum and Michael D. Levitt discussed the importance of workplace culture and productivity. Steve suggested a number of changes to enhance work processes, including adjusting meeting schedules, eliminating lunch and learns, and treating employees with respect. He shared insights from FC Cincinnati's general manager, who attributed their success to simple practices like sharing meals and acknowledging people's birthdays. Steve also mentioned that his company, Game On Nation, provides resources to improve presentation and communication skills.

How To Have A Work Life Well Lived with Kelly Mackin

Kelly Mackin is the author of Work Life Well-Lived and co-founder and CEO of the Motives Met Platform, which empowers people to build their most significant work life and workplace with actionable tools like the Human Needs AssessmentTM and Human Connection software. Kelly's transformation from illness to well-being at work inspired her to help others achieve health and happiness through her unique skills.
As a quantitative researcher, she analyzes human behavior, including values, stress, and emotions, to improve understanding and promote positive change. She is a qualified coach in mind management, psychological safety, and cognitive behavioral therapy and is constantly learning about the science of human thought. She utilizes mindfulness-based techniques from her meditation teaching expertise to enhance modern living at work and beyond. She assisted clients with anxiety, burnout avoidance, and attitude training in her coaching practice.
Kelly aims to establish a human work environment and founded Motives Met to promote a fulfilling work life for all. Kelly cites her proudest moments as summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa and seeing Mount Everest Base Camp. She enjoys sunsets, beach volleyball, and boxing sparring in sunny San Diego, California.
website: motivesmet.comLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/kelly-mackin-52793110/Instagram: kellymackin_motivesmet
Summary
 
Kelly Mackin introduces herself and Motives Met @ 0:00
Kelly shares her background leading Motives Met, which empowers people to create thriving work lives through tools like their human needs assessment. Her work stems from witnessing her mother's declining well-being in a toxic work environment.
The importance of understanding human needs at work @ 5:00
Kelly's journey through challenging work conditions led her to focus on well-being. Michael recalls turning around an organization with 86% annual turnover by listening to employees and addressing their individual needs.
Kelly's personal journey that led to focusing on well-being at work @ 6:00
Kelly details how witnessing her mother's suffering and her own experiences with an unwell work culture motivated her research into cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation and well-being. She moved to improve conditions for all workers.
Identifying the 28 human needs and developing the human needs assessment @ 10:20
Extensive research revealed 28 psychological, emotional and social needs at work, not just the 5 prior claims indicated. Motives Met developed an algorithm and assessment to uncover individual and team needs to build well-being plans.
Applying the human needs framework to create healthy organizations @ 13:47
Michael dramatically improved a healthcare organization by understanding employees' unique needs and empowering their leadership. Kelly agrees understanding needs is key but leaders need practical tools, like their assessment, to effectively support all workers.
Leaders must understand individual needs to effectively delegate and develop others @ 22:01
By comprehending motivations, leaders can delegate responsibilities and develop others' leadership. This shares the workload while cultivating an entity focused on collective success. Understanding different needs is essential for an inclusive environment.
Well-being at work is co-created when all show up for one another @ 25:20
Well-being depends on individuals and colleagues supporting each other's needs. Leaders set the standard but all must contribute. The human needs framework fosters compassion and accountability across diverse needs within dynamic workplaces.
 
Michael and Kelly had a casual discussion before the official start of their interview. Kelly shared about her book, "Work, Life Well Lived," and her role as CEO and co-founder of Motives Met, a company that focuses on human needs assessment. Michael expressed his anticipation for the conversation and shared his admiration for people making a positive difference in others' lives. The interview was about to begin with Michael introducing Kelly to the audience.
Empowering People With Wellbeing Tools
Kelly shared her personal journey that led her to develop a mission of empowering people to create their ideal work-life with wellbeing tools, such as the human needs assessment. She discussed her mother's struggles with a toxic work environment, which inspired her to focus on wellbeing in her personal and professional life. Michael acknowledged the importance of her work and shared his insights on understanding individual human needs in the workplace. Kelly highlighted the discrepancy between the emphasis on wellbeing by CEOs and the actual state of it in workplaces, identifying the problem as a lack of clarity on the goal of wellbeing. She also introduced their Human Needs Assessment tool, designed to help individuals identify their top motives and create wellbeing action plans.
Turning Around a Healthcare Organization With Listening and Trust
Michael discussed his experience of turning around a healthcare organization that was experiencing high turnover rates. He emphasized that he listened to the staff and asked about their needs, which helped build trust and improve the working environment. His approach resulted in a significant reduction in turnover from 86% to 6% annually. Michael also noted that he didn't offer financial incentives but instead focused on creating a better work environment. He concluded that his efforts allowed the organization to not only retain employees but also to expand and attract new talent.
Improving Organizational Culture for Enhanced Productivity
Michael emphasized the importance of a healthy organizational culture and how it impacts productiveness, growth, and expansion. He suggested that even a 20% improvement in workplace health could significantly enhance new products and services. Kelly agreed with Michael's points, adding that leaders need to understand the human needs of their teams and that employees often lack opportunities to have meaningful conversations with their leaders. She suggested that leaders should use assessments to better understand their teams and encourage open, human discussions.
Improving Employee Retention and Job Satisfaction
Kelly and Michael discussed the importance of addressing the needs of employees to improve retention and job satisfaction. They emphasized the need for providing leaders with effective and meaningful tools to support this, such as insights from research that can be put into action. They also highlighted the value of delegation and empowering team members to take ownership of tasks, potentially improving on leaders' original approaches. Lastly, they acknowledged the challenges posed by remote work, particularly at the onset of the pandemic, and the need to adapt to make it work effectively.
Promoting Employee Wellbeing in the Workplace
Michael and Kelly discussed the importance of promoting employee wellbeing in the workplace. Michael emphasized the value of Kelly's work, highlighting its potential to reduce strain on departments and improve the overall work experience. Kelly agreed, stressing the significance of shared responsibility in creating a healthy work environment, one where individuals, peers, and leaders support each other and prioritize their own needs. Both agreed that this approach can shift the mindset within an organization, leading to better collaboration, understanding, and accountability.
Quick recap
Michael and Kelly discussed the importance of addressing human needs in the workplace and the role of Kelly's company, Motives Met, in promoting employee wellbeing. They explored the challenges of creating a healthy organizational culture and the potential benefits of doing so. The conversation concluded with an agreement on the need for effective tools to support employee wellbeing and the importance of promoting Kelly's work to a wider audience.

Thoughtful Thursdays: A Discussion about Virtual Assistants and Podcasting with Natalie Guzman

Summary
Natalie's Entrepreneurial Journey and Podcast Episode Planning
Michael and Natalie Guzman discussed their recent experiences at a conference in Orlando, where Natalie Guzman was a speaker. They also touched upon a previous episode of Natalie on Michael's podcast and decided to proceed with another episode. The topics for the new episode were left open-ended. Natalie Guzman shared her experiences as an entrepreneur and her journey in launching her virtual assistant agency in 2015. The conversation was to be recorded for further discussion.
Entrepreneurial Efficiency: Launching White-Label Go High Level
Natalie Guzman presented the launch of a white-label version of Go high level and the creation of a community to assist entrepreneurs in streamlining their businesses. She explained her agency's unique approach of assigning a project manager to guide entrepreneurs in creating processes and systems. Michael D. Levitt emphasized the importance of entrepreneurs focusing on their strengths and delegating tasks. They discussed the significance of entrepreneurs not waiting until they reach a certain financial level to delegate tasks, as it can hinder their growth. They also touched on the issue of entrepreneurs often having to juggle multiple software tools that don't integrate well, leading to inefficiencies. Natalie Guzman mentioned how her company, Nador, offers a solution through their software that can automate tasks, thereby saving time for entrepreneurs. The conversation concluded with Michael encouraging entrepreneurs to reach out and take advantage of these solutions.
Podcasting Community and Networking
Natalie Guzman spoke about her experience at the Podcast Expo Conference for Podcasters, where she was a speaker. She highlighted the diverse audience, including dentists, entrepreneurs, and mental health advocates, and the unique networking opportunities it provided. Michael D. Levitt, who was also in attendance, emphasized the value of podcasting as a platform for storytelling and helping others. They both agreed on the importance of community and connection in the podcasting industry. Natalie Guzman shared her plans to focus on growing their Facebook community in 2023.
OCD, Business, and Societal Challenges
Summary
 
Introductions and background @ 0:00
Natalie and Michael reminisced on their previous conversations and podcast appearances. Natalie discussed growing her virtual assistant agency to six figures within three months due to her obsessive focus on leads, training, and hiring.
Podcast conference highlights @ 10:31
Natalie described the diverse attendees and wealth of education at the Podfest Expo. Speakers from various genres united the community. Natalie's workshop on podcast websites was well-received. Valuable connections emerged with industry leaders and entrepreneurs seeking support.
Community building focus for 2023 @ 20:14
Natalie aims to expand her Nodora community on Facebook and connect entrepreneurs through workshops and networking. She hopes to spread the bounty of her experience and connections to mutually benefit members.
Virtual assistant services overview @ 22:29
Natalie outlined Nodora's customized approach to project management, specialist virtual assistants, and integrated software. This streamlines clients' operations and frees their time to focus on their strengths. Attention to each client's unique needs and education ensures optimal results.
 

Interview with Kathy Hadizadeh

Kathy Hadizadeh is a highly accomplished former Tech Executive with an impressive 15-year tenure in the corporate world. Throughout her career, Kathy has worked with renowned Fortune 100 and 500 companies, including DIRECTV, AT&T, and Omnicom. Her vast experience spans across diverse industries such as Technology, Entertainment, Marketing and Advertising, Fintech and Biotech.
In 2018, Kathy embarked on a new journey by founding Heart Mind Tuning, an exceptional agency dedicated to empowering senior leaders in the Tech, Product, and Engineering fields. At Heart Mind Tuning, Kathy offers a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance whole-person leadership and executive coaching. With her expertise in Mindfulness practices, she enables leaders to bring about transformative change, both personally and professionally.
By partnering with Kathy and Heart Mind Tuning, senior tech leaders gain a significant competitive edge. Through Kathy's guidance, they develop enhanced decision-making abilities and cultivate a people-centered approach, aligning their leadership style with the needs of their teams and organizations. This powerful transformation not only boosts their executive presence but also fosters a culture of growth, collaboration, and innovation.
Clients who have embraced Kathy's proven Pause to Rise Method have witnessed extraordinary results, experiencing a remarkable 50-70% increase in their executive presence. By mastering the art of pausing, reflecting, and rising with purpose, leaders are equipped to navigate challenges with clarity, authenticity, and resilience. Kathy's unique approach combines deep introspection with practical strategies, enabling her clients to unlock their full potential and achieve exceptional success.
Elevate your leadership to new heights with Kathy Hadizadeh and Heart Mind Tuning. Discover the path to becoming a truly transformative senior tech leader, making impactful decisions, fostering meaningful connections, and propelling your organization to remarkable heights of achievement.www.heartmindtuning.comwww.linkedin.com/in/kathyhadizadehgo.heartmindtuning.com/get-access

Interview with ChatGPT Expert Amy Yamada

Amy Yamada is a speaker, seasoned business coach, and expert in the cutting-edge technology of ChatGPT. Amy empowers established coaches to grow their businesses in a way that is fully aligned with their authenticity and desired lifestyle through a deep connection in messaging, sales conversations, and transformational experiences such as VIP Days and high-ticket retreats.
Website: https://amyyamada.com
Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/amyyamadaonline
IG Handle: @amyyamada                 
The Ultimate Guide to ChatGPT for Online Coaches:
Optin page: https://amyyamada.com/chatgpt
Mock up promo graphics: The Ultimate Guide to ChatGPT for Online Coaches Mock Ups
“How I Trained ChatGPT To Create Authentic Copywriting and Content in Minutes - Without Sounding Like AI Generated It" (free live workshop)
Registration page: https://amyyamada.com/workshop
Authentic Marketing with AI Program: 
Sales page: https://amyyamada.com/ai