Breakfast Leadership Show

Founder Friday: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Enock & Sue Denis’ Journey to Revolutionizing Homecare with AI Innovation

Sue Denis, the co-founder of HomeCare Bosses United® and the visionary behind the groundbreaking CareGrowth AI™. 
Sue's incredible journey from an ICU nurse facing burnout and personal challenges to becoming a successful entrepreneur and AI innovator in the home care industry is a story of resilience, determination, and transformative leadership. 
Her insights and experiences provide valuable lessons in overcoming adversity, entrepreneurship, and the future of homecare.
Her video introduction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PUrpM-Ecuk
Sue's Expertise:
Resilience and Transformation: Sue’s personal and professional journey showcases remarkable resilience. From facing the near-loss of her first son and moving across the country to starting a business with limited resources, Sue’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination.
Innovation in Homecare: As the co-founder of HomeCare Bosses United®, Sue has revolutionized the homecare industry by combining her nursing expertise with her entrepreneurial spirit. Her latest venture, CareGrowth AI™, brings cutting-edge AI technology to homecare agencies, helping them streamline operations and improve care quality.
Empowerment and Education: Sue’s commitment to empowering others is evident through her successful education and consulting business. With a 13k-member Facebook group and numerous events, she has helped countless individuals start and grow their own homecare agencies, transforming lives and communities in the process.
Summary
 
 
Care Growth AI Launch and Home Care Improvement
Michael and Enock & Sue discussed the launch of Care Growth AI, a home care operation software designed to enhance the experience of aging at home. Michael shared his interest in the software, highlighting its potential to fill the home care sector void. Enock & Sue, a former nurse, shared that he and his co-founder Sue developed the platform for their home care agency, drawing from their experiences in the healthcare industry. Both expressed a shared interest in improving home care for an aging population and creating a home environment for those receiving care.
 
 
Enock & Sue's Home Care Agency and Software
Enock & Sue shared their observations about elderly patients returning to the hospital due to a lack of support at home. He identified the need for in-home care services and founded a home care agency in 2016. Enock & Sue also highlighted the challenges his agency faced with existing software for home care agencies, which could have been more cohesive and efficient. In response, they developed Care Growth AI software to streamline their operations and improve care for their clients. The ultimate goal of this software is to reduce human errors, save time, and provide better care.
 
 
Leveraging Technology for Home Care Efficiency
Enock, Sue, and Michael discussed the importance of leveraging technology to streamline administrative tasks in in-home care agencies. Michael highlighted the challenges clinicians face, who spend too much time on paperwork and compliance, leaving little time for patient care. Enock & Sue introduced Carego, an AI-powered assistant that automates administrative tasks, freeing up time for caregivers to focus on patients. They agreed that this technology not only improves efficiency but also enhances the quality of patient care.
 
 
Preparing for Aging Population and Home-Based Care
Michael highlighted the importance of preparing for an aging population and the increasing need for home-based care. He emphasized that people heal faster and feel more comfortable at home, suggesting that society needs to improve its advocacy and preparation for this trend. Enock & Sue agreed, pointing out the financial challenges of home care and the need for long-term care insurance. He also noted that many older adults resist help, suggesting that education is necessary to help them understand that assistance enhances their quality of life.
 
 
Home Care Agencies and Technology Improvements
Enock & Sue: More providers at home care agencies ensure caregivers are trained, insured, and adequately supervised, improving safety and productivity. He pointed out the importance of technology in allowing providers to focus on caregiving while operations are streamlined. Michael stressed the need to recruit new people continuously to meet increasing demand, advising against "growing up" to maintain a youthful attitude.
 
 
Elder Care Platform and Collaboration
Michael expressed his appreciation for Enock & Sue's work in elder care, highlighting the importance of their platform. Enock & Sue informed Michael that more information about their work and upcoming training could be found on their website, caregood.ai. Michael agreed to share this information in his show notes and through his network to help promote their online course. Enock & Sue thanked Michael for his support and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of their mission to make home-based care easier for those in need.
 

Thoughtful Thursdays: From PwC to $50M Impact Investing: Cole Shephard's Journey to Sustainable Coffee Empire

Cole is the Founding Partner of Legacy Group, a leading alternative investment firm with over $50M in assets under management.They focus on profitable investment opportunities with high social and environmental impact in the US and Latin America. Their flagship portfolio company, Green Coffee Company (GCC), is Colombia's #1 largest coffee producer, with 7.2M+ coffee trees planted on 6,372 acres.Cole and his team at GCC aim to grow the company to be the world's largest producer of arabica coffee. They've raised $35M+ from 275+ high-net-worth investors to fund Green Coffee Company operations in Medellin, Colombia.Before forming Legacy Group, Cole spent close to a decade at PwC (the second-largest Professional services network in the world and one of the Big Four accounting firms), working in accounting, advisory, M&A, and consulting across the United States, Bermuda, Hong Kong, and Beijing.He is an expert in emerging markets and understands the capital movements of high-net-worth investors. He is currently based in Medellin, Colombia.
Quick recap
Green Coffee Company's Growth and Michael's Coffee Journey
Cole, the founder and chairman of Green Coffee Company, the largest coffee producer in Colombia, shared the company's growth story from a small investment to becoming a significant player in the industry. A coffee enthusiast, Michael shared his journey of appreciating coffee's flavors and aromas after giving up lactose-containing cream and sugar. Cole explained his interest in the coffee industry, which started after seeing a potential business opportunity in Colombia following his move from Hong Kong. He shared how the company initially focused on high-net-worth investors before expanding with a Professional management team, leading to significant growth.
Curiosity, Hard Work, and Success Stories
Michael emphasized the importance of curiosity, hard work, and seizing opportunities in the consulting field. He shared his delight in hearing success stories, particularly in regions where success is not as expected. He also highlighted the benefits of such achievements for the individual, the local community, and the organization. Michael then asked Cole about his experience navigating different jurisdictions and how he convinced authorities to allow his organization to grow.
Cole's Experiences and Strategies in Emerging Markets
Cole shared his experiences working in emerging markets, emphasizing the importance of being present on the ground and understanding the unique challenges of each market. He discussed his approach to navigating these challenges, which involved using his capital to build teams and identify opportunities, such as trade flows between Asia and Latin America. Michael highlighted the pioneering nature of Cole's work, noting that many of the strategies and platforms he established have yet to be replicated elsewhere. Both agreed on the need for adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to learn from failures to succeed in emerging markets.
Expanding International Trade and Partnerships
Michael and Cole discussed the opportunities and challenges in expanding international trade and developing new business partnerships. Michael emphasized the importance of being bold and capitalizing on new opportunities despite potential obstacles. He also highlighted the significance of risk-taking in improving the world. Cole agreed with Michael's views and was asked to share his predictions for the future of their industry, particularly in Colombia and internationally.
Green Coffee Company Fundraising and Industry Trends
Cole discussed the company's successful fundraising efforts for the Green Coffee Company, highlighting the significant amount of capital raised in the US and its potential to build a dominant industry in Colombia. He noted the trend of high-net-worth investors seeking international exposure, particularly in Latin America, due to its high return profiles and acceptable risks. Cole also predicted the rise of vertical integration in the coffee industry as companies seek to secure their supply chains and improve efficiency. He invited listeners to learn more about the company's activities through its website and LinkedIn pages. Michael agreed with Cole's points and emphasized the importance of localizing supply chains to improve agility and reduce risks.
https://www.greencoffeecompany.com/

Tailored to You: Discovering the Power of Personalized Fashion and Love Activism with Asta Jakubson

- Are you getting stressed & frustrated trying to find the perfect dress for your mum[especially now when is not safe to drive around]?
-Do you want to feel confident & look good in a perfectly tailored suit at your business conferences on Zoom video & make a powerful impact on your colleagues or potential customers?-Are you tired of hearing shop assistants say “ we don’t have that in your size or color to suit your body shape? -Do you want to stop wasting time searching through all the shops trying to find your Mother of the Bride or Groom outfit with a perfectly matched hat?-Do you worry about meeting someone in the same dress at a wedding or special occasion?-Is your wardrobe cluttered with no space from all of the hats you wore to previous weddings or events?-Is your wardrobe full of clothes & yet you say.. “oh I’ve nothing to wear” let’s re style your clothes while saving the environment at the same time-We are here and ready to serve you:*Free Zoom consultation for your custom design-dressmaking /alterations*Free Zoom consultation custom made dress design for mother of the bride/groom, guests ,flower girls.....*tailored suits for business ladies, speakers(includes 20 min free style consultation on choosing the correct style for your body shape )*custom made millinery designs to hire or buy( just send me the photo of your dress,shoes and jewelry)*hire a millinery design for free when you get your outfit custom made *restyling and alterations
 
Quick recap
Summary
Fostering Love and Reducing Negativity
Michael and Asta had a discussion about the importance of love and its activation in their lives. Asta expressed her desire to talk about how to foster love and reduce negativity. Michael agreed with Asta's points and emphasized the urgent need for more love in the world, stating that their conversation would typically last around 20-25 minutes. Both were ready to delve deeper into the topic.
Asta's Journey to Self-Discovery and Fulfillment
Asta shared her journey of overcoming personal struggles to find happiness and fulfillment. She revealed that her father's suicide when she was young had a profound impact on her subconscious and her relationships. Despite this, she became a successful fashion designer and, after 24 years, embarked on a journey of self-discovery through retreats and spiritual learning. This journey led her to find the love she had been seeking within herself, which in turn attracted a fulfilling romantic relationship. She also noted improvements in her business and health.
Asta's Journey to Holistic Fashion Design
Asta and Michael discussed Asta's journey towards holistic fashion design and the integration of love and energy healing into her work. Asta shared how she reconnected with herself, rediscovered her passion for her business, and how her newfound love and energy attracted positive changes in her life, including rekindled romantic relationships and clients who have been with her for over 20 years. Michael commended Asta's ability to tweak her approach while staying true to her passion. Both highlighted the importance of self-love and open-heartedness in fostering connections with others and creating a fulfilling life and career.
The Power of Connection and Empathy
Asta shared a powerful story of how she helped a woman who was on the brink of suicide. She emphasized the importance of human connection and how one positive interaction can have a ripple effect. Michael also highlighted the interconnectedness of life and the impact of individual actions on those around them. Asta further discussed how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected everyone and how it has led her to appreciate the importance of staying connected with loved ones. Both agreed on the importance of empathy and understanding, and urged people to look beyond superficial differences and connect with their hearts.
Embracing Love and Focusing on Essentials
Asta discussed her approach to working from home and her dedication to serving her clients with love and care, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. Michael concurred, emphasizing the importance of approaching life with a giving and loving mindset to foster empathy and understanding. Both agreed on the significance of focusing on what's essential and ignoring distractions, pointing out that this approach leads to personal growth and alignment with one's soul's purpose. They also cautioned against getting bogged down by unimportant information, which can harm the mind and divert one from their true path.
Focusing on Happiness and Love Activism
Asta emphasized the importance of focusing on what makes one's soul happy, suggesting that this approach would lead to greater fulfillment and success, as well as positively impact those around them. She encouraged people to ask themselves this question and to act on the answer, with the aim of spreading more love and happiness. Asta also shared her own experiences and offered her services as a fashion designer and love activator, emphasizing the importance of serving others from a place of love rather than competition. Michael agreed with Asta's approach and asked her to share more about where people could find her services.
Love's Power and Well-Being Collaboration
Asta and Michael had a conversation about the power of love and its positive effects on well-being. Michael expressed appreciation for Asta's insights and promised to share the conversation via his network. They agreed to collaborate in sharing links and spreading their message of love and wellness. Both Asta and Michael felt uplifted and energized by the discussion.
Sign up for energy healing session waiting list:
https://link.appointmatichosted.com/widget/form/8mbcKwZN1eJqFABBKHh7
Website: https://www.relationshipcoach.biz/ 
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@astajakubson?_t=8mWyEFWtnlJ&_r=1
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/relationship_love_activator/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Nq25ZdiMlDSmgXRAid7eg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555956167645

Motivation Monday: Revolutionizing Food Security: Marc Plinke on Sustainable Year-Round Greenhouse Solutions

Marc is the Founder of Ceres Greenhouse Solutions, LLC®, an innovative design company that partners with residential and commercial food growers to help build extremely energy-efficient greenhouses with advanced climate-control technologies.Marc has a PhD in chemical engineering, giving him a unique perspective on food production and climate optimization. His in-demand book The Year-Round Solar Greenhouse details the fruit of his research and experience in perfecting greenhouse technology and design.Ceres has created a unique ground-to-air heat transfer (GAHT®) supplemental heating and cooling system for greenhouses that allows plants to survive—and thrive—through cold winters by harnessing the earth’s natural ability to produce heat and regulate climate.Ceres is also the only distributor in North America of ETFE Glazing, a super durable and highly light-transmissive (95%) greenhouse material that has been widely used in Japan for decades—and it is also recyclable!Our food systems in North America are disconnected and wasteful, forcing us to transport food in long-distance supply chains. Not only does this use excessive energy, it also creates food deserts and alienates communities from their food source.Marc wants to revolutionize this antiquated system by using climate-controlled greenhouses, empowering communities to produce high-quality, local food throughout the year.Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CeresGreenhouseSolutionsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcplinke/
instagram: @ceresgreenhousesfacebook: facebook.com/CeresGreenhouses\
Michael and Marc discussed business issues, sustainability, and the importance of inspiring people to do good in the world. They focused on improving food production and sustainability through year-round crop growth, the benefits of raised bed gardens and greenhouses in educational facilities, and the importance of consuming fresh, locally grown produce.
Michael and Marc discussed business issues, sustainability, and inspiring people to do good in the world. Michael introduced Marc and gave him the opportunity to share about his work. The conversation was expected to last between 15 and 20 minutes, and Michael encouraged an organic and authentic discussion. Marc's last name, Plinka, was clarified for Michael's reference.
 
 
Year-Round Crop Growing for Food Security
The chemical engineer speaker shared their vision of improving food production and sustainability by growing crops year-round. Recalling his childhood experiences with seasonal food scarcity, Michael expressed appreciation for the speaker's work and highlighted the importance of food production in feeding a growing global population. Both agreed on the potential of their approach to mitigate food shortages and prevent starvation.
 
 
Fresh Produce, Sustainability, and Education
Marc discussed the importance of producing and consuming fresh, flavorful produce all year round, particularly in colder climates. The speaker emphasized the focus on sustainability for future generations. Michael concurred, highlighting the significance of good taste and texture in vegetables and the positive impact this can have on overall health and well-being. Both agreed on the importance of early education in developing healthy food habits, with Marc sharing a personal example of how growing vegetables in school influenced their son's future cooking habits.
 
 
Benefits of Raised Bed Gardens and Greenhouses
Marc discussed the benefits of raised bed gardens and greenhouses in educational facilities, highlighting their potential to teach people about food growth and sustainability. Michael concurred, emphasizing the value of learning how to cook and combine food ingredients. He also pointed out the importance of growing one's food to self-sustainability, especially during potential shortages or supply chain issues. Michael further shared his appreciation for community gardens, particularly in impoverished areas, to provide food and foster a sense of community.
 
 
Emphasizing Local Produce for Health, Agriculture, and Climate Change
Michael emphasizes the importance of consuming fresh, locally grown produce, sharing his positive experience at a local farmer's Marcet. He encourages others, especially younger people, to appreciate such foods' flavors and nutritional value. The iPhone participant agrees, highlighting the benefits for health, local agriculture, and adapting to climate change.
 
 
Connecting With Nature for Well-Being
Michael and Marc discussed the importance of connecting with nature for overall well-being. They highlighted the benefits of gardening, spending time in the sun, and practicing mindful eating. Michael shared his experience in healthcare, emphasizing the role of these practices in preventing burnout and promoting recovery. Marc introduced his work in greenhouse solutions, and they agreed to share their discussion across their networks.

Founder Friday: Creating Immersive Experiences: A Conversation with Geoff Thatcher, Founder of Creative Principals and Author of The CEO’s Time Machine

Known by his peers for his infectious creativity and enthusiasm, Geoff Thatcher is an experienced creative leader who knows how to take a project from concept to reality. For most of his career, these projects have involved creating world-class experiences in theme parks, museums, visitor centers, brand experiences, and live events.Geoff’s eclectic background always delivers a fresh perspective. His experience includes everything from helping the General Entertainment Authority declare Saudi Arabia open for business to Hollywood in 2018 to envisioning new concepts for Miral on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. Geoff's work transcends borders, whether it’s the world’s largest video dome on a beach in Dubai or the opening ceremonies of the Rio 2007 Pan American Games in Maracanā Stadium. Recent and current projects include the Delta Flight Museum, Abu Dhabi’s Playtopia, College Football Hall of Fame, Jacksonville’s H2.O Purification Center, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, the FM Global Visitor Center outside Boston, and the Speed Experience Center in Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya giga project. His work can be seen in attractions such as the Ozark Mill at Finley Farms outside Branson, Missouri, the Quest theme park in Doha, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.Geoff is a student of the themed entertainment industry who got his start working as a teenage clean-up boy, lifeguard, train engineer, and stuntman at Lagoon Amusement Park & Pioneer Village in Utah. Before founding Creative Principals in 2017, Geoff was a creative writer, producer, and creative director for JRA, FiveCurrents, and The Brand Experience. He worked on various world-class projects in these roles, including brand experiences like the Lockheed Martin Space Experience Center, museums like Enguinity in the United Kingdom, and theme parks like the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii. Clients included Fortune 500 icons such as Honeywell and Procter & Gamble and institutions and non-profits such as Kaiser Permanente.He is an author, writer, and speaker who has ghostwritten books, published articles, and speaks regularly at TEA and IAAPA events. His first book, The CEO’s Time Machine, was published in April 2020. TD Magazine said the book is “a great way to prepare your mindset going into conversations about how your business can navigate our new, uncertain world.” He was featured on Science Channel’s show If We Built It Today, discussing how “The Lost City of Atlantis” could be transformed into an attraction. Finally, he launched and owned Ask Buzz, a website and attraction calculator honoring the late Harrison “Buzz” Price.Instagram: @geoffthatcherX: @geoffthatcherLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffthatcher/www.creativeprincipals.com
Geoff's Work and Book Discussion
Theme Park Experiences and Career Paths
Geoff, a veteran of the theme park industry, shared his passion for creating memorable experiences and telling powerful stories with Michael, who agreed on the importance of experiences over possessions. They reminisced about their favorite parks, with Michael mentioning Kings Island and Geoff discussing the global impact of Kings Island's success. Geoff highlighted the benefits of hands-on experience in the amusement industry and the variety of career paths available, including engineering, hospitality, and space travel. Geoff's work as a writer was also discussed, with Michael showing interest in his motivation for writing a book.
Geoff's Time Travel Book Journey
Geoff shared the story of how he wrote "The CEO's Time Machine" while travelling to Saudi Arabia for work. The book explores the idea of time travel and the challenges of making decisions in the present. Geoff had initially intended to publish the book himself, but due to the pandemic, he collaborated with his daughter Zoe, who designed and illustrated the book. The book was eventually published in April 2020, and although it wasn't a bestseller, Geoff expressed pride in its positive reviews.
Debating Time Machine and Future-Thinking
Geoff and Michael debated the pros and cons of a time machine, particularly focusing on its impact on decision-making and future-thinking. Michael highlighted the potential benefits of learning from past events and historical figures, but also noted the potential drawbacks of knowing tragic events in advance. Geoff, drawing from his experience with a history exhibit, underscored the value of a forward-looking perspective, using the example of an invisible airplane, and argued that envisioning and living in the future could offer insights that are currently unavailable.
AI Enhancing Immersive Experiences in Concerts
Geoff and Michael discussed the future of immersive experiences in the experience industry, with a focus on the integration of AI. They agreed that AI has the potential to transform the industry, much like animatronics and other techniques have in the past. They also discussed the evolution of music concert experiences, particularly the use of holographic technology. They highlighted how current technology, such as the new stadium in Vegas and the YouTube concert sphere, offers a more immersive experience compared to traditional concerts, and how AI enhances these experiences by enabling virtual participation and on-stage performances.
 
 

Paths to 2X to 10X Revenue: Embracing Change, Passion, and Creativity with Paul Lemberg

 
 
 
Pablo's Journey to Business Coaching
Pablo shared how he invented the term "business coaching" in 1996 after a significant career change. He had been working as a consultant for large tech companies, but left his job to pursue his life's work after a voice in his head urged him to get busy. His friends suggested he become a coach, which initially didn't interest him, but after realizing he could apply his business experience to help others grow their companies, he started his own coaching business. Over the past 28 years, he has honed his skills to specialize in adding revenues to businesses, avoiding leadership coaching and corporate politics.
Maximizing Revenue and Managing Expenses
Michael highlighted the importance of managing both revenue and expenses for optimal organizational performance. He emphasized that focusing on revenue generation could lead to cost efficiencies and increased profits, which could also be seen as a form of revenue. He also criticized consultants who delve into too many details, instead advocating for a focused approach to identifying areas of improvement. Pablo agreed with Michael's points, particularly the emphasis on revenue growth.
Pursuing Passion for Business Success
Pablo and Michael discussed the importance of pursuing one's passion to prevent burnout and achieve business success. Pablo, who transitioned from programming to coaching, emphasized the value of focusing on revenue growth rather than expense-cutting. Michael shared his unsuccessful attempt at becoming a CPA and highlighted the example of John Madden as a successful career changer. They both agreed on the importance of keeping an open mind and being willing to try new things to find one's true calling in life. Furthermore, they touched on the experiences of their family members, discussing the potential of their daughter and cousin becoming coaches.
Music, Creativity, and Burnout Prevention
Michael and Pablo discussed the significance of music and its ability to evoke different emotions and memories in listeners. Michael shared the story of a friend who created his own successful guitar pedal company, emphasizing the importance of understanding the 'why' behind one's work to prevent burnout. Pablo agreed and shared his personal strategy of incorporating creative activities into his work routine to maintain focus and prevent burnout. Both underscored the importance of enjoying life and pursuing one's passions to prevent burnout and achieve creativity.
Connecting With Pablo and Discussing ADHD
Pablo, whose website is Lemberg.com, encourages people to connect with him through his blog or contact page. Michael appreciates Pablo's openness and his conversational format that makes listeners feel like they are eavesdropping on a casual chat. 
Bio:
Paul became an entrepreneur at 27. He sold his first company for just under $9mm and sold his second company to a large German bank. He’s published three books, including the business best-seller Be Unreasonable. For 28 years, Paul has coached entrepreneurs to grow revenues and profits, scale with chains and franchises, execute M&A, raise capital, and sell their companies. Clients typically grow profits from 2-10x. A number of them have sold their companies for millions. One client sold his healthcare chain for over $100 million. He’s spoken on stage for Jay Abraham, Tony Robbins, T. Harv Eker, Marshall Sylver, Brian Tracy, CEOSpace, Digital Marketer, Roland Frasier, and many others. He’s been featured in the New York Times, the LA Times, the Wall Street Journal, CNN, CNBC, Good Morning America, and hundreds of special interest publications. Paul has an undergraduate fine arts degree, an MBA from NYU Stern School, and is a Mensa member.https://www.linkedin.com/in/unreasonable/https://www.facebook.com/paullemberg/https://twitter.com/Paul_Lemberg

Wednesday Wisdom: Leadership Strategies for Thriving Organizations with Oddi Aasheim from FirstHuman

About Oddi:
Partner - Performance Interventions
 
I feel privileged getting to spend my days working with people that are up for making our world a truly exciting and fulfilling place. I partner with leaders and executives committed to transforming their organisations, develop groundbreaking strategic solutions, mobilising executive teams and organisations into passionate and purposeful action.
 
 
Quick recap
Summary
AI, Personal Growth, and Leadership
Michael and Oddi discussed using AI for personal growth and the concept of leadership, particularly in unfamiliar situations. Michael, the founder of Breakfast Leadership, emphasized the evolving definition of leadership and used the example of a new album that blends multiple genres to illustrate how things can be categorized in ways that may not fully represent them. Oddi, with a background in engineering and strategy consulting, showed interest in understanding what leadership looks like when faced with the unknown.
Addressing Analysis Paralysis in Leadership
Michael expressed concern about leaders with analysis paralysis due to over-reliance on KPIs and other data. Oddi responded by emphasizing the importance of leadership being contextually aware and committed to their circumstances. Oddi further argued that the fear of justification and criticism leads to analysis paralysis and discourages leaders from fully engaging with their situations. Oddi suggested that leaders should focus on tuning into their circumstances and identifying opportunities rather than trying to emulate past successful leaders.
Michael's Decision-Making Process and Trial Implementation
Michael shared an experience from his time as the head of a healthcare clinic, where his decision was initially questioned but later proved beneficial. He discussed how he implemented the decision after considering its impact on the staff and ensuring their approval. However, the change initially caused anger and dissatisfaction among the physicians, clinicians, and other staff. To rectify the situation, Michael proposed a six-month trial with the option to revert if necessary. He mentioned that the people affected by the change were still at their new location seven years later, suggesting that they had come to appreciate the benefits of the change.
Leadership Challenges and Self-Doubt
Michael and Oddi discussed the challenges of leadership and the importance of understanding and respecting individual motivations. Oddi emphasized that a leader's role is to guide people, not to impose a vision on them. Michael added that leaders should not expect consensus but focus on driving and directing. They also touched on the insecurity and self-doubt that often come with leadership positions and the need for leaders to recognize and manage these feelings.
Balancing Work Ethics and Focus
Oddi and Michael discussed the pressures and challenges of the modern workplace. Michael highlighted the familiar feelings of being overworked and overwhelmed among employees, emphasizing the importance of a work ethic. Oddi agreed, noting that as employees progress in their careers, their professional credibility becomes tied to their knowledge and ability to resolve complex issues. Both acknowledged the need for focus and tunnel vision in certain situations while stressing the importance of being open to opportunities and not becoming too narrowly focused.
Creating an Environment for Team Success
Oddi emphasized the importance of creating an environment that fosters new ideas and allows people to thrive without his direct involvement. Michael concurred, highlighting the danger of ego and the need for accountability partners to keep leaders in check. He shared his leadership philosophy of providing his team with everything they need to succeed, stating that the results would naturally follow. Both agreed that the success of their respective roles was due to their teams' efforts.
Building Trust and Open Communication in Work
Oddi and Michael discussed the importance of building trust and open communication in a work context. Oddi emphasized the value of creating a safe space for ideas to be shared, where people feel comfortable being honest and straight. Michael agreed, highlighting that such an environment fosters collaboration and innovation. Both stressed the need for individuals to show a genuine interest in the ideas and perspectives of others, as this encourages more open and honest communication.
Psychological Safety and Thriving Organizations
Michael and Oddi discussed the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment in organizations, emphasizing that empowering people and focusing on stakeholders, including customers and communities, leads to thriving organizations, especially during challenging times. They highlighted the significance of giving employees autonomy, being available for questions and ideas, and then letting them execute their tasks. Oddi also mentioned a study on successful Indian businesses, which showed that prioritizing people's thriving and alignment with company values was a key factor. Lastly, Oddi introduced their business, FirstHuman, which offers executives various programs and business coaching.
https://www.firsthuman.com/

Tuesday Tips: The V-Formula: Building Multi-Million Dollar Businesses with Christopher Volk

Christopher is the author of the highly rated book The Value Equation, which teaches entrepreneurs how to create profitable businesses that generate multi-million dollar wealth for them and their investors using a simple formula he made in 1999.Using his V-Formula, entrepreneurs can determine their companies' pre-tax return on equity and wealth creation potential in advance.Christopher, a recognized business model expert, shares in his book the ideas he used to lead and take three market-leading real estate investment companies, two of which he co-founded, public via the New York Stock Exchange.His companies provided $20B+ in growth capital to thousands of businesses across the U.S., helping them succeed. The strong business models Chris devised enabled his companies to outperform and attract some of the world's leading investors, including Berkshire Hathaway.https://thevalueequation.com/the-author/https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-volk-86848b3/
Summary
Career Discussion and Meeting Format
Michael and Christopher discussed their respective careers and their current meeting format. Michael assured Christopher that the meeting would be recorded and edited for corrections. Christopher shared his background as a finance professional, detailing his real estate experience and success in publicizing companies. He also mentioned his current role as chairman of another such company. Michael commended Christopher's work in creating opportunities for investors and providing funds for small businesses to grow.
Successful Companies, Free Enterprise, and Small Businesses
Christopher shared his success in creating a successful company and his belief in the virtuous nature of the free enterprise system. He decided to write a book to inspire others to create their own successful companies. Michael agreed with Christopher and highlighted the importance of small businesses, emphasizing their role in creating jobs and serving communities. He also shared his observation of the recent surge in people wanting to start their businesses. Both agreed on the need for more small businesses to meet the growing demand for services in suburban areas.
Discussing Book on Business Wealth Creation
Michael and Christopher discussed the time-consuming nature of writing a book and the motivation behind it. Christopher shared that his book, which took about a year to write, was inspired by 20 years of contemplation on how businesses create wealth. He noted that while there are many books on personal finance, there needs to be more literature on wealth creation through business. Christopher explained that businesses are the primary engine generating most of the wealth in the US, and his book aims to fill the gap by describing how to start and grow profitable businesses.
Entrepreneurial Motivations and Business Creation
Christopher and Michael discussed their motivations for starting companies, citing a desire to avoid regret and pursue their passions as primary drivers. Michael shared his experience and advice, emphasizing the importance of taking marketing classes and encouraging accounting students to be more entrepreneurial. He also highlighted the value of creating new businesses and products to benefit society and the economy, using his observation of new store openings as an example. Michael praised Christopher's book for providing practical guidance and encouraging people to prioritize their well-being and success.
Developing a Successful Business Strategy
Michael and Christopher discussed the process of developing a successful business. Michael emphasized the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and a desire to learn to build and improve a business continuously. He also highlighted the importance of giving back to the community and supporting other local businesses. Christopher agreed, noting that a well-designed business model could make a company worth more than it costs to create, leading to financial success, employee wealth, and the ability to impact the community positively. They both stressed the importance of considering all business model components to achieve these goals.
Mentorship, Wealth Creation, and Voting Preferences
Michael stressed the importance of mentorship and paying it forward, illustrating how Red Fox helped Marita buy a house. Christopher responded by discussing his book, "The Value Equation," which emphasizes the role of mathematics and accounting in wealth creation for entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders.