Breakfast Leadership Show

Interview with Jamie Taets

My name is Jaime Taets. I’m a CEO, public speaker, author, podcast host, and thought leader… and I’m focused on helping you uncover the fears that are holding you back today.
My story begins with a corporate role at the largest privately-held corporation in the world. Thirteen years into that journey, I was comfortably uncomfortable, and I recognized that my strengths and approach would be better utilized outside the corporate world. Stepping out confidently (while facing my own fears), I launched Keystone Group International in 2013. This adventure has allowed me to create an impact beyond anything I could have imagined…at the human level.
https://jaimetaets.com/about-jaime-taets/
https://www.keystonegroupintl.com/about/
 
Quick recap
Michael and Jaime had a conversation about the importance of organizational culture, the need for leaders to cater to basic human needs, the significance of investing in employees, and the role of leadership coaching and professional development programs. They also touched upon the impact of a toxic culture on employee turnover and company growth. Jaime recently published a book, "The Culture Climb," aiming to simplify the complex concept of organizational culture for the average business leader.
 
 
Summary
Work Culture and Leadership Discussion
Michael and Jaime engaged in a conversation about work culture and its importance in organizations. They discussed their frustrations with companies that have not yet figured out how to cultivate a healthy culture, and how this impacts the workforce and the world at large. Jaime emphasized the importance of small changes and lighting a fire under leaders to initiate discussions. They also briefly discussed the pronunciation of Jaime's last name, Tates, before moving into their main discussion.
Leadership and Change Management in Pandemic Times
Jaime and Michael discussed the importance of managing change in organizations, particularly in light of the pandemic. Jaime emphasized the need for leaders to understand and cater to basic human needs such as certainty, significance, and connection. They highlighted the importance of leaders investing in their employees, fostering a culture where employees feel valued and motivated to exceed expectations. The conversation also touched on the underutilization of employees' capabilities, with Jaime suggesting that organizations should focus on maximizing the potential of their existing teams rather than hiring more people.
Transforming Toxic Clinic: Investing in Employees
Michael narrated their experience of turning around a toxic medical clinic into a trusting and productive environment. They stressed the importance of individual interactions with each team member to understand their needs and expectations. They also highlighted the story of a receptionist who was given the opportunity to grow and eventually rose to run another clinic. Michael emphasized the significance of investing in employees, even in difficult situations, and how this approach can enhance the overall work environment and employee retention. Jaime agreed with Michael's points, noting the importance of conscious leadership.
Leadership Coaching and Strategic Thinking
Michael and Jaime emphasized the role of leadership coaching, the significance of shaping team culture, and the importance of asking different questions to foster strategic thinking among team members. They agreed on the need for professional development programs and investing in their team's well-being. Jaime highlighted the direct impact of business strategies on results, underscoring the need to connect people and business outcomes. Michael highlighted the potential for cost-saving measures to boost revenue and productivity, stressing the need to ask different questions and focus on efficiency.
Book Discussion on Company Culture
Jaime and Michael discussed Jaime's recently published book, "The Culture Climb," which aims to simplify the complex concept of organizational culture for the average business leader. They emphasized the importance of a healthy company culture in promoting employee satisfaction, customer loyalty, and company growth. Jaime highlighted the book's practicality, offering actionable advice rather than abstract theories. They also touched upon the potential consequences of a toxic culture, such as employee turnover and company failure. Jaime encouraged readers to reach out for further discussion or advice. The book and Jaime's social media links can be found on thecultureclimb.com website.
 

Leadership is Overcoming the Natural - An Interview with Mike Merrill and Joe Judge

Quick recap
The meeting focused on leadership, emphasizing its challenges, evolution, and the importance of reflection, truth-telling, accountability, and ethics. The speakers stressed the need for conscious effort, trusted advisors, and ongoing learning. They also discussed the significance of culture change, finding the right fit for staff, and creating an environment where team members' needs are met. The conversation concluded with a call for more open-minded leadership, problem-solving, and embracing change.
 
 
Summary
Leadership Challenges and Evolution
The meeting revolved around leadership, focusing on its challenges and how it has evolved, especially during the pandemic. Michael and Mike emphasized the importance of reflection and conscious effort in leadership, with Mike highlighting the need for truth-telling and accountability. Joe shared his learning journey to appreciate disagreement as a source of learning, emphasizing the significance of having trusted advisors and ongoing education. The conversation concluded with a discussion of the importance of ethics, personal growth, and truth in leadership. The speakers agreed that leadership involves bringing people together and moving forward, contrary to the current divisive society. They encouraged people to rise above their instincts and strive for better.
Leadership and Culture Change in Healthcare
Joe and Michael shared their experiences in leadership, specifically in the healthcare sector. They highlighted the importance of culture change and focusing on commonalities to improve situations rather than focusing on differences. Michael recounted his success in reducing turnover in a clinic he managed, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit for staff. The conversation concluded with a call for more open-minded leadership and problem-solving, starting with addressing common issues first.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
Michael and Joe discussed leadership, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where team members' needs are met, and they are encouraged to dream and speak up. They also highlighted the significance of confidence in leaders, not necessarily having all the answers but being aware of that and willing to figure things out together. Michael shared his experiences creating such an environment in his career and its positive impact on team performance. Joe stressed the need for leaders to care about their team members and involve them in decision-making processes.
Leadership Book and Adaptability
Joe and Mike discussed their recently published leadership book, which contains 52 maxims for effective leadership. They emphasized the importance of adaptability and flexibility in today's dynamic work environments. Joe highlighted the need for leaders to challenge their mental models and consider alternative perspectives. They also discussed the shift towards remote work and the difficulties leaders face adjusting to this new paradigm. Mike suggested that leaders should carve out time to reflect on their fears, insecurities, and anxieties. The conversation concluded with a call for leaders to embrace change and expand their mental models.
Mike and Joe are co-authors of Leadership is Overcoming the Natural. Mike is a physician executive, and Joe is a leadership consultant/coach. 
Book:  Leadership Is Overcoming The Natural
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-merrill-md-ms-ms-mba-834a8ba/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-judge-68187617b/

Interview with Dr. Tori Ellis

About
Tori Ellis is a New York native, a certified life coach, business coach, author, and entrepreneur. From a young age, she watched her family aid and empower many members of the youth in the community and decided to build from that legacy to create a lane of her own. She acquired her Master’s Degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and her PsyD. in Human and Organizational Psychology. She strives to give her peers and the generations under her the tools they need to be great members of society with her focus on wellness, positive psychology, and of course, entrepreneurship. These concepts were first debuted in her first book, The Sound of Business: Seeing Entrepreneurship through Hip Hop. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of T.S.O.B. Consulting LLC., where she applies her 7+ years of educational management experience with greater responsibility in directing/coaching organizational change development using innovative and creative techniques to successfully transform businesses and individuals to excel at their highest capacity.With her love and passion for children, she created the I Am A Mini Entrepreneur series/ brand to bring great stories that can teach and empower children around the world to always follow their passion and be their best selves. Through an expansion of the brand, the new sister series of Ms. Belladonna’s Lab was created and elevated to a new form outside of just books.Alongside her business partner, Danielle Corbin, Tori co-founded the Mindfulness & S.T.E.A.M Youth Mentorship Program. At MSYMP they expose youth to courses in Urban Gardening, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Veterinary Medicine, and mindfulness. Their program is aligned with the NYS standards to bridge the gap in Science and sustainable living. Their mission is to plant seeds of self-esteem, mindfulness, and S.T.E.A.M. into children, providing them with the nutrients (resources) to help them blossom, grow, and create a legacy of their own.
 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-ellis-psyd-1a170a166/
Key Takeaways
Moms often feel guilt about not spending enough time with kids while trying to grow their business. This can lead to stress and burnout.
Imposter syndrome is common among entrepreneurial moms.
Self-care is crucial - you can't pour from an empty cup.
Balance is key but it ebbs and flows, so you have to find what works for you.
Delegate tasks when possible to free up time and energy.
Be fully present with family by disconnecting from devices.
Topics:
Challenges for Entrepreneurial Moms
Common struggles are mom guilt and imposter syndrome. Moms want to be present for kids but also need to work. This causes stress and second-guessing abilities.
The pandemic added challenges - moms juggling work while kids were home from school. Caused very long days and prolonged stress.
Support is crucial but often lacking.
Importance of Self-Care
Can't pour from an empty cup - need to take care of yourself before others.
Prolonged stress leads to burnout and chronic health issues.
Approach yourself with curiosity instead of criticism. The world criticizes enough already.
Achieving Balance
Balance ebbs and flows, so find what works for you. Capitalize on strengths and passions.
Prioritize and delegate. Ask for help when needed.
Disconnect from devices to be fully present with family. Kids notice if you're distracted.
Well-rounded self-care is key: care for family, care for work, care for self. You spend the most time with yourself.

A Profound Dialogue With CX Expert Debbie Levitt

Dive into the world of customer experience (CX) with our special guest Debbie Levitt, a renowned speaker, best-selling author, and seasoned CX and UX strategist in our enlightening conversation on the Breakfast Leadership Show. Explore Debbie's insightful perspectives surrounding service quality, accountability, and customer centricity, critical elements that shape successful customer experiences.
This enlightening episode uncovers the increasing lack of consumers' trust and skepticism in the dynamic business landscape, and the essential role of accountability in restoring it. Debbie addresses the concerning trend of businesses overlooking the crucial aspect of accountability, resulting in myriad challenges including unmet goals and product disappointments.
The discussion further sheds light on the controversial practice of celebrating failure and its possible pitfalls in terms of customer satisfaction. The pivotal element, Debbie suggests, remains in understanding what exactly your customer wants and needs. This insight can be gained through effective research, task analysis, and keen observation.
Levitt shares some compelling personal experiences to illustrate how incorporating these principles into practice can drastically improve the efficiency of services and products. Towards the end, our conversation emphasizes the significance of gaining a deep understanding of your customer base in order to adopt a more customer-centric business approach.
Tune in to "Mastering Accountability and Customer-Centricity: A Profound Dialogue With CX Expert Debbie Levitt" for valuable insights on how to enhance your business' customer-centricity, transparency, and communication.
Connect with Debbie via LinkedIn or CustomerCentricity.com. You also might want to get a copy of her insightful book "Customers Know You Suck." Don't miss out on this information-packed episode!

Interview with Tracey Hawkins from Lead Dog Recruiting

Tired of posting your job and getting bombarded with unqualified candidates that don’t even come close to what you’re looking for? Did they even read your job post before applying? Not to mention the time it takes to wade through all that chaff and, in some cases, pay for every eyeball that reads or applies. I used to be you. I was an HR Manager for a manufacturing company and always struggled to balance recruiting with the other 100 things I was responsible for juggling. There were always employee conflicts, performance issues or looming deadlines that seemed far more urgent than that open position that no one applied for, that one position you inwardly groaned when you got because you knew it was going to be a beast. The other 95% of your job seemed more urgent until that hiring manager complained about the lack of support they were getting from HR, from you. They forgot about all the extra hours you pulled to ensure the ISO audit was successful, or how expertly you handled that difficult employee on their team. I know your struggle. You tried. You posted it, but you knew the right person wouldn’t fall in your lap. You engaged some external agencies and got a flurry of resumes the first few weeks, but that stream of candidates dried up when the hiring manager wasn’t interested in many of them. Abraham Lincoln said, “Give me 6 hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first 4 sharpening the axe.” I use that same philosophy. Talent Hawk Recruiting will save you time and help you hire the right people who fit the job and your culture. We are so sure we provide a 90-day candidate guarantee. Since 2020, we’ve only had 3 candidates that didn’t work out during the replacement period and successfully backfilled them all. Every company that has engaged my services continues to use me and refer me to others.Clients love how thorough we are at getting to the heart of what they’re looking for in a hire. To find out more, message me and I’m happy to share more insight into what I can do for you and your organization. thawkins@talenthawkrecruiting.com 919-601-5113
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-hawkins-leaddog/

Interview with Eureka Lithium's Jeff Wilson

Lithium Exploration: Eureka's New Junior Company
Jeff Wilson discussed Eureka, a new exploration company focusing on the lithium space. The company, listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange a year and a half ago (Stock symbol:  ERKA), raised significant funds and started field exploration in 2023. Jeff also highlighted the role of a renowned prospector, Shawn Ryan, who brought a thesis about potential lithium exploration in an overlooked area of Canada. Michael D. Levitt expressed interest in the company's approach and the promising lithium readings from government surveys.
Electric Vehicles and Lithium Demand Rise
Michael and Jeff discussed the increasing global demand for electric vehicles and the subsequent need for lithium, a critical component in lithium-ion batteries. They noted that governments, particularly in California and China, are pushing for electric vehicle adoption, which will further strain the demand for lithium. Jeff highlighted how automakers are investing in the lithium sector to secure their supply and prevent potential disruptions in production. Michael pointed out that this is a significant shift for the auto industry, as these companies are now directly investing in parts production, a trend not seen since the days of Henry Ford.
Northern Quebec's Mineral Potential Discussed
Michael D. Levitt and Jeff Wilson discussed the mineral potential of Northern Quebec. Jeff highlighted the region's rich mineral history, particularly in gold, silver, copper, and nickel. He emphasized the importance of large land packages for exploration and the need for infrastructure support. Jeff also mentioned the presence of Kobold Metals, a private company with notable investors working nearby, which he sees as validating the region's potential. Jeff concluded by mentioning that people can find more information about Eureka Lithium Corp on their website.
 
https://eurekalithiumcorp.com/
 

Interview with Davina Stanley

Your Bio and Social Media links: Website: https://clarityfirstprogram.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davinastanley/?originalSubdomain=auBook: http://www.elevatetoengage.comDavina Stanley is a business communication expert. For 25+ years, Davina has advised thousands of executives from some of the world's largest companies, including Meta, KPMG, and Mercer. She has helped clients from nearly all industries in Australia, Asia-Pacific, the US, and the UK communicate complex ideas extremely clearly and quickly, ideally within 30 seconds.She founded the Clarity First Program, which helps C-suite executives and teams better engage senior leaders and boards in complex ideas.Davina began her career at McKinsey & Company, working in the Hong Kong and Melbourne offices and Firm Learning, where she helped executives use the Minto Pyramid Principle(R) to communicate better. She was ranked as one of the top performers of her era.Barbara Minto approved her to teach the Pyramid Principle in 2009, and she is also the author of The So What Strategy and about to release two new books: Elevate and Engage.Elevate will be released during September and helps leaders lift the quality of thinking in team’s board papers without needing to rewrite them.Engage will be released soon after that and helps executives write papers that leaders don’t need to rework.The books are two sides of the same coin…imagine the leader reading Elevate and then asking team to get hold of Engage or one of Davina’s online programs to fix the board paper problem together.Davina also offers self-paced and cohort-based learning programs. She will hold her next Board Paper Bootcamp in October.
 
 
 
 
 
Summary
Podcasting and Leadership Discussion
 
Effective Communication and Seattle Transition
Davina Stanley shared her experiences helping executives communicate effectively with senior leaders and boards, drawing on her diverse background. She also discussed her recent move from Australia to Seattle, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of such a transition. Davina praised the welcoming and inclusive nature of the people in Seattle, contrasting the "Seattle Freeze" rumors. She also mentioned the success of transitioning her business online in 2017, which allowed her to maintain consistency with clients and deliver bite-size live learning. Michael D. Levitt agreed with Davina's observations, describing Seattle as a great place for business and acknowledging its reputation for friendliness and welcoming nature.
Elevate and Engage: Improving Team Quality
Michael and Davina discussed Davina's upcoming book, "Elevate," which focuses on helping leaders improve the quality of their team's writing and presentations through structured thinking techniques. Davina also mentioned a companion book, "Engage," aimed at individual contributors seeking to improve roles within collaborative processes. The conversation emphasized the importance of early and structured thinking to avoid last-minute rush and enhance the quality of deliverables.
Presentation Preparation Challenges Discussed
Michael D. Levitt and Davina Stanley discussed the challenges and inefficiencies of traditional presentation preparation. Michael highlighted the issue of individuals being overworked and burning out due to the last-minute preparation of presentations, often during personal time. He emphasized the importance of having clear ingredients for a project and the need to avoid "PowerPoint karaoke". Davina added that presenters often fail to address the right problem, which can result in the rejection of proposals. She stressed the importance of understanding the audience's question and providing the appropriate answer.
Planning and Communication in Project Execution
Davina Stanley and Michael D. Levitt discussed the importance of thorough planning and communication in project execution. Davina emphasized the value of investing time in understanding the project's outcome and stakeholders before moving on to the presentation stage. Michael agreed, noting that this approach allows for more thoughtful and effective presentations and reduces the likelihood of needing to revise materials. They also touched on the personal impact of this approach, such as reducing workload and improving work-life balance.
Work, Book, Networks, Personal Lives, Sharing Resources
Michael and Davina discussed Davina's work, found on clarityfirstprogram.com. Davina also mentioned her upcoming book, "Elevate and Engage," which she plans to publish by the end of the week. Michael offered to share these resources across his networks. They also touched on their personal lives, with Michael sharing his split time between San Diego and Toronto and Davina revealing her family in Seattle. The conversation ended with Michael showing interest in Davina's work and promising to share information about his show when it goes live.
 
 
 
 
 
 

How GenX Is Preparing To Lead the World with Dr. Robert DeFinis

Generation X Leadership and Characteristics
Robert, a career educator and higher education administrator, shared their journey in writing their book, "Gen, Exceptional," which explores the unique characteristics of Generation X. They emphasized the potential of Generation X to lead effectively and shape the future, while also acknowledging their tendency towards skepticism and critical thinking. Michael, also a member of Generation X, appreciated Robert's work and added their perspective on the generation's experiences.
Gen X Adaptability and Learning From Different Generations
Michael and Robert discussed the adaptability of Generation X compared to other generations, specifically Baby Boomers and Millennials. Michael emphasized how Gen X has adjusted to numerous innovations over the years, while Robert pointed out that Gen Xers are often the bridge between traditional and new ways of thinking. Robert also noted the shorter generational cohorts, suggesting that adaptability and learning from different generational perspectives are becoming increasingly important. Both agreed that Generation X possesses the ability to learn and adapt from both traditional and modern approaches.
Gen X Leadership Styles and Technology Reflection
Robert and Michael reflected on their experiences with technology and leadership styles in the workplace. Michael highlighted their observation that Gen Xers tend to analyze things differently and adapt to new situations, often blending elements from different leadership styles to create their own. They emphasized the importance of setting up future leaders for success. Robert agreed, sharing that their generation's experiences, including political events like Watergate, have shaped them into skeptics who approach new ideas critically.
Gen Xers as Batman: Adapting, Balancing, Leading
Robert discussed the value of Generation X in the workplace, likening them to Batman due to their ability to adapt and pull from previous generations. They emphasized the importance of balance, collaboration, and commitment, while also highlighting the need for Gen Xers to take a leading role. Michael agreed with Robert's assessment, noting the benefits of their diverse experiences and skills, and suggested that Gen Xers should take the reins in the workplace.
Retirement Challenges and Work-Life Balance
Michael discussed the challenges of retirement, particularly for those who struggle with letting go of control. They suggested that the transition could be aided by practicing retirement, such as taking a month off without pay, to better understand the financial and time management implications. They also emphasized the importance of work-life balance, noting that for many people, work is their identity, leading to stress and burnout when retirement occurs. Michael recommended figuring out one's personal identity separate from their job to better handle retirement.
Gen Xers' Leadership Transition and Challenges
Michael and Robert discussed the impending retirement of the baby boomer generation and the subsequent leadership transition to Gen Xers. Robert emphasized the need for Gen Xers to prepare for leadership roles in their companies and society, acknowledging that they will inherit some challenges. They expressed optimism about Gen Xers' ability to guide and collaborate with younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z. Robert also highlighted the importance of holding Gen Xers accountable and not allowing them to remain on the sidelines. They pointed out that the current U.S. political landscape is dominated by baby boomers and called for Gen Xers to take on more leadership roles and guide the next generations forward.
Gen. X Leaders' Potential and Book Discussion
Robert and Michael discussed the need for Gen. X leaders to take charge and use their experiences for the greater good. Robert expressed their optimism about their potential for success and encouraged others to join them in their endeavor. Michael congratulated Robert on their book and expressed their enthusiasm for the conversation. Robert shared their contact details and where people could purchase their book, with Michael expressing interest in continuing and sharing their discussion.
Links:
Website:  http://www.drdefinis.com/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertdefinis
Book:  Gen-eXceptional