Breakfast Leadership Show

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

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/