Breakfast Leadership Show

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thoughtful Thursdays: Navigating Tumultuous Times with AJ Amyx

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

Resource Wednesday: Unleashing Creativity with Wave Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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