Breakfast Leadership Show

Mastering Leadership Through Ping Pong: Insights from Justin Bookey, Author of 'Ping Pong Leadership

Justin Bookey is the author of Ping Pong Leadership: 18 Principles to Succeed at Any Table in Business, Sports, and Life. He’s a former lawyer, an award-winning marketing strategist, and a competitive table tennis player with medals from the US Open. He grew up in Seattle, Washington, playing a lot of ping pong in the family basement. He now lives in Santa Monica, California, and runs PongFit, a nonprofit that builds fitness and community through ping pong. He has played table tennis on seven continents.Website: pingpongleadership.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebookey/
Table Tennis and Leadership Principles
Justin shared his passion for table tennis, which he started playing at six. He discussed how the game helped him develop leadership skills, which he later applied in his professional life as a lawyer, digital strategist, marketer, and filmmaker. Justin realized the similarities between the principles used by successful leaders in table tennis and other professions, leading him to write a book titled "Ping Pong, Leadership." He interviewed 18 leaders to exemplify these principles, called the "Pong Principles." Michael, the host, expressed his admiration for the book and its potential to inspire others.
Leadership, Strategy, and Deception in Sports
Michael and Justin discussed the importance of discipline, strategy, and understanding the field of leadership. They highlighted the ability of successful leaders to have a big-picture view and focus on specific matters when needed. Justin also emphasized the accessibility of ping pong, which brings together people from different backgrounds and skill levels. Using table tennis and football examples, they touched on the concept of deception in sports. Justin shared a story about Nolan Bushnell, the founder of Atari, who faced competition from larger gaming companies and intentionally mislabeled parts for his competitors. Michael agreed with Justin's account and reminisced about the excitement of Pac-man's release on Atari. Both acknowledged the strategy behind the mislabeled parts and their impact on the gaming industry. Michael and Justin also discussed the importance of continuous learning and improvement in leadership. Justin shared his favorite principle from the book, "Ready Position," which emphasizes the need to be prepared for any situation by mastering probabilities and optimizing resources.
Passionate Gamer's Life and Gaming Community
Justin discussed the life of a talented individual who was passionate about creating games since childhood. This person, who studied enigmatology, has been actively involved in the gaming community, running contests and joining clubs. Despite pursuing a career in law, his love for games never waned, and he continued to create and participate in various gaming events throughout his life. He also has the world's most extensive collection of historical gaming books, showcasing his deep reverence for the game's history. Michael agreed, describing the individual as a creator and a caretaker of gaming.
Discussing Passion, Dedication, and Cultural Differences
Michael and Justin discussed the importance of passion and dedication in one's profession, using the example of gaming. They agreed that seeing people make their talents work for them, even in challenging circumstances, can be inspiring. They also shared personal experiences, with Justin recalling his time in a large agency where he found enjoyment through playing table tennis. Michael discussed the cultural differences and challenges faced by IT professionals from various countries, highlighting the importance of connectors like table tennis in bridging cultural gaps and fostering camaraderie. He also emphasized the game's stress-reducing and calming effects, which can lead to improved mental agility and clearer thinking.

Anne Lackey and Strategic Staffing: Boost Business Growth with Virtual Employees & Expert Recruitment

Helping Clients Recruit & Certify Virtual Employees • Helping Clients Right Staff & Save Money • Strategic Staffing • Speaker & 4x Best Selling Author • Founder & CEO of HireSmart Virtual Employees & HireSmart Careshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/annelackey
 
Quick recap
Summary
Hire Smart Virtual Employees Business Discussion
Michael and Anne talked about Anne's business, Hire Smart Virtual Employees. The co-founder, Anne, explained that the company was born out of a need to solve labor problems for small to medium businesses. She and her husband, both serial entrepreneurs, identified a problem when a key employee unexpectedly quit during their vacation, prompting Anne to seek a more cost-effective and efficient way to hire staff. The conversation was organic and open-ended, with Michael guiding the discussion and Anne sharing her experiences and insights.
Addressing Employee Departures and Workplace Culture
Michael expressed his frustration over an employee's decision to leave the organization during his boss's first vacation in seven years. He emphasized that such actions can negatively impact the perception of workplace culture and the credibility of employees who genuinely experience toxic work environments. Michael also highlighted the importance of considering the timing of significant decisions, as they can significantly impact the organization's reputation and employee morale.
Virtual Employee Service Benefits and Personalization
Michael and Anne discussed the benefits of their virtual employee service, Hire Smart Virtual Employees. They highlighted the cost-effectiveness of hiring multiple virtual employees for the price of one US employee, allowing businesses to build a bench of talent. Anne emphasized the personalized approach of their service, recruiting the best talent for each client and ensuring their virtual employees embody the client's culture and values. She also noted that their service supports US workers, leading to a better work culture and reduced stress. Michael agreed, stating that their service solves a real problem for organizations by providing business continuity and allowing employees to take vacations without worrying about work getting done.
Virtual Employees and Business Growth Strategies
Anne and Michael discussed the benefits of hiring virtual employees for businesses, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive work environment and reducing burnout. Anne shared her experience of having a long-term virtual employee and the positive impact on her business. They also discussed the importance of holistically building relationships and taking care of employees. Michael agreed, highlighting the need for companies to hire before they're ready and the value of having an "all-stars" team. They concluded by emphasizing the need for businesses to recognize their limitations and delegate tasks effectively to maintain productivity and growth.
Remote Work Challenges and Productivity Strategies
Michael and Anne discussed the challenges of remote work and management. Michael emphasized the importance of productivity and avoiding frustration by outsourcing tasks that others could do more efficiently. Anne agreed that remote workers should be treated similarly to in-office employees, with clear communication and expectations. She also highlighted the benefits of using technology for training and recording sessions and the importance of cultivating a communication culture in remote work environments.
Managing Remote Staff and Onboarding Strategies
Anne emphasized the importance of clear expectations and quantitative measures in managing remote staff. She suggested setting specific goals and tasks for each role can help self-select employees meet expectations or seek help. Anne also highlighted the significance of onboarding in retaining employees, citing a statistic that employees who receive proper onboarding are more likely to stay longer than a year. Michael shared a real-life example of a company's poor onboarding process leading to an employee's departure, further emphasizing the importance of effective onboarding and communication in employee retention.
Investing in Employees for Organizational Success
Michael and Anne discussed the importance of setting employees up for success, particularly in entrepreneurial settings. They emphasized the value of investing in people to achieve organizational goals and the need for diverse experiences and perspectives within a team. Anne offered to help CEOs identify tasks they should not be doing, suggesting they could be delegated to others to free up their time for more productive activities.

Unleashing Curiosity in Leadership: Jon Bassford on Innovation and Psychological Safety

Jon Bassford is an operations professional and entrepreneur driven by his Curiosity! Curiosity is his superpower, driving his personal and professional advancement. After law school, Jon put this curiosity into launching, managing, and improving operations for venture-backed startups to global nonprofits with impact! For Jon, there is nothing that curiosity Curiosity. Today, Jon is known for his curiosity-driven leadership, helping organizations and individuals innovate, change, and grow by adopting Curiosity as their curiosity.https://www.instagram.com/jon_bassford/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonbassford/https://www.youtube.com/@JonBassford
 
Curiosity's Role in Career Growth and Burnout
Jon and Michael discussed their career paths and the role of curiosity in their curiosity; those who have worked in operations for nonprofits and startups identified curiosity as their Curiosity. He reflected on how his inquisitiveness has shaped his career and personal growth. Michael shared his experience of burnout and how approaching it with curiosity helped him rediscover curiosity, which was essential to him. Both agreed that curiosity is valuable for personal and professional growth.
Curiosity and Openness in Personal and Professional Life
Michael and Jon discussed the importance of curiosity in both personal and professional life. They emphasized that adopting a curious mindset can lead to insights and clarity and potentially diffuse the bombastic nature of current world issues. They also acknowledged that ego often gets in the way of being open to new ideas and perspectives. Jon agreed with Michael's points, suggesting that being open to new ways of thinking could change the world.
Addressing High Turnover Rates and Employee Retention
Michael discussed his approach to understanding and addressing high organizational turnover rates. He asked employees why they were leaving and used their feedback to implement changes. This approach created trust, and the organization's turnover rate decreased. Michael emphasized the importance of personal growth and approaching problems with curiosity. He also noted that the organization was recruiting employees and even turning away applicants due to a lack of open positions.
Creating a Culture of Innovation and Psychological Safety
Jon and Michael discussed the importance of creating a culture of innovation and psychological safety in organizations. Jon emphasized that leaders must change their mindset to allow for questioning and change, citing Google's Aristotle project as an example. Michael agreed, sharing his experiences with government entities where a lack of psychological safety stifled innovation and led to negative consequences. Both agreed that individuals should not be passive and speak up when they see something amiss, which is crucial for growth and change.
Fostering Innovation and Psychological Safety
Jon and Michael discussed the importance of innovation and psychological safety in organizations. Jon shared his experience with a cutting-edge organization that was not as innovative as it thought due to a culture of fear and lack of psychological safety. Michael shared a similar experience with an organization where the owner consistently dismissed an employee's suggestions for improvement. Both agreed that a more open-minded and flexible approach would lead to better outcomes and growth. They concluded that organizations must encourage curiosity and step outside their comfort zones to foster innovation and curiosity.
Fostering Curiosity and Innovation in the Workplace
Jon and Michael discussed the importance of a curious culture in the workplace, particularly in fostering innovation and growth. They emphasized the need for psychological safety, where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas without fear of judgment or criticism. Jon shared his approach to hiring new employees, encouraging them to share their thoughts and ideas, and highlighted the value of bringing in external consultants with fresh perspectives. Michael agreed, noting that organizations that promote curiosity and openness thrive in challenging times. They concluded the curiosity by discussing how others can learn more about Jon's consulting services and brand website.

Zen Leadership and Workplace Well-Being: Unlocking Productivity and Growth with Lori Saitz

Lori Saitz is the leading authority on improving productivity and engagement through workplace well-being. She is the founder of the Zen Leadership Program for Results-Focused Professionals. With a comprehensive background in wellness and communication strategies, Lori helps executives create focused, resilient, and collaborative teams that can move projects forward with less stress and drama.
You can also listen to Lori on her own podcast, Fine is a 4-Letter Word, where she engages guests in conversations about how they've grown from a time in their lives when things were decidedly NOT fine.
Lori is currently living a nomad life while cat-sitting in states across the southeast U.S. You can often find her in the weight room at the gym. She also loves cupcakes, Thai food, and classic rock music.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorisaitz/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zen_rabbit/Facebook personal: https://www.facebook.com/LoriSaitz/Facebook business: https://www.facebook.com/ZenRabbitTwitter: https://twitter.com/zenrabbit
 
Quick recap
Creating Positive Work Environments for Growth
Lori, an employee well-being expert, discussed the importance of creating a positive work environment to foster creativity and retention. She shared her personal journey of starting her first business, The Gratitude Cookie, in 2003, which aimed at promoting gratitude in businesses. Michael agreed on the significance of this approach and shared his contrasting experiences of donating to two different organizations, highlighting the positive impact of a positive work environment on organizational growth and employee satisfaction.
Employee Experience, Gratitude, and Business Success
Michael and Lori discussed the significance of employee experience, shifting from viewing employees as resources to valuing them as individuals. They emphasized the benefits of gratitude on productivity, health, and overall business success, citing a study from the University of Pennsylvania. Michael shared his experience of transforming a toxic healthcare clinic into a thriving environment by focusing on gratitude and specific acknowledgments, leading to increased patient outcomes and reduced turnover. Lori agreed, highlighting the importance of specific gratitude and its impact on retention, engagement, and overall well-being, as well as its benefits on physical health, creativity, and relationships. Both agreed on the importance of creating a supportive environment for employees to thrive.
Gratitude, Self-Improvement, and Bipartisan Values
Lori and Michael discussed the importance of gratitude in personal and professional life. They proposed an exercise called "I'm grateful for" to help people become more naturally grateful. They also discussed a situation where Michael had to provide guidance to a client despite feeling frustrated, and agreed that ultimately, the client's decision was their choice. They emphasized the need to focus on gratitude and its positive effects on mental well-being. Michael shared his personal practice of expressing gratitude upon waking up, which he believes helps in creating new patterns of thought and reducing stress. They concluded by agreeing on the value of gratitude and self-improvement, suggesting these are bipartisan values.
Driving Advancements Through Simple Practices
Michael and Lori discussed the value in facing challenges to drive technological advancements. Lori shared her "Staying Calm in Chaos" program, which teaches simple practices like expressing gratitude, setting intentions, and deep breathing. She noted people often underestimate the impact of such easy techniques. Michael agreed these practices are straightforward yet easy to neglect.
Embracing Gratitude and Mindset Shifts
Lori and Michael discussed the importance of changing one's perspective and embracing gratitude. Michael shared his personal experience of making a mindset shift 15 years ago, which has significantly impacted his life. Lori, who runs a company called Zen Rabbit, emphasized the significance of gratitude in personal and professional life. They ended the conversation by discussing how people can find out more about Lori's work and her company.

Unleashing Marketing Excellence: Tracy A. Wehringer's Proven Strategies for B2B Revenue Growth

A visionary and growth-focused marketing strategist, I am Tracy A. Wehringer, a leader with a proven track record in spearheading revenue-generating marketing initiatives across global B2B landscapes. My expertise lies in crafting marketing centers of excellence, underpinned by a comprehensive understanding of diverse marketing disciplines and robust business development strategies. With a flair for strong executive leadership, I excel in communication and thrive in environments that demand revenue acceleration and cost containment. My approach is always strategic, data-driven, and customer-centric, ensuring that every marketing effort aligns with the broader business objectives for sustainable growth.My journey is marked by solving complex challenges and turning marketing into a powerhouse for sustainable growth.What I Solve:•Tech Integration Challenges: Navigating the complex maze of integrating technologies like Salesforce, Pardot, and Five9. My approach led to a staggering 79.16% increase in net-new revenue, showcasing my ability to blend technology seamlessly for revenue growth.•Customer Retention Hurdles: Overcoming the prevalent issue of customer churn. I've implemented strategic communication automation in Salesforce, achieving an impressive 93% retention rate, far above industry norms.•Data Utilization and Optimization: Transforming underutilized data into a goldmine. I spearheaded a data enhancement initiative, increasing targeted data accuracy and volume by over 62%, and propelled marketing qualified leads by 67%.•Sales Funnel Inefficiencies: Revamping and streamlining the sales process. My strategies have drastically cut down the sales funnel duration, from an average of 6.3 months to just 1.7 months, optimizing sales efficiency and effectiveness.•ROI and Cost Challenges: Delivering a monumental Marketing Return on Investment (MROI) of 597% and playing a crucial role in a Six Sigma quality team, I’ve driven cost savings exceeding $24 million, showcasing my ability to balance quality and cost efficiency.My Vision:To redefine marketing as a critical revenue driver, not just a cost center. I focus on aligning every marketing initiative with the broader business objectives, ensuring strategic, data-driven, and customer-centric approaches for long-term growth. 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyawehringer/
https://moonshot-strategy.com/
 
Quick recap
Summary
Marketing Challenges for Solopreneurs and Entrepreneurs
Michael and Tracy discussed the challenges of marketing and growth for solopreneurs and new entrepreneurs. Tracy, the founder of Moonshot Strategy, shared her experiences and goals, emphasizing her focus on driving growth and connecting with the right audience. Michael, who initially had an accounting career, expressed regret for not paying more attention to marketing earlier in his life. The conversation was intended to be a casual discussion, with the aim of sharing insights and experiences.
Entrepreneurial Marketing and Sales Challenges
Tracy and Michael discussed the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in marketing and sales. Tracy shared her approach to helping clients, which includes an advisory session to understand their goals, challenges, and strategies. She also emphasized the importance of understanding the client's vision for the future, their business model, and their relationship with Wall Street. Tracy further explained her process of analyzing the client's data, tech stack, customer definition, and talent mix to provide a comprehensive view of their current situation. Michael acknowledged the importance of Tracy's work and the challenges entrepreneurs face in marketing and sales.
Marketing and Sales Alignment for Organizational Growth
Tracy and Michael discussed the importance of marketing and sales in organizational growth and success. Tracy emphasized the need for a complete understanding of an organization's current state and future goals, and the importance of aligning marketing efforts with key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect the organization's vision. She also highlighted the significance of having financial conversations with the CFO or CPO to provide a true return on investment for marketing efforts. Michael agreed, noting that many organizations struggle with understanding marketing and sales, and that bringing in expertise can help organizations reach their goals. They both agreed that understanding the organization's KPIs and having financial conversations are crucial for success.
Understanding Customer Needs and Building Trust
Michael emphasized the importance of understanding and meeting customer needs, whether it's a board of directors, shareholders, or individual customers. He stressed the need for trust and confidence in delivering what customers want, which can lead to positive outcomes and customer loyalty. Michael also highlighted the role of storytelling in sales and marketing, connecting potential customers with their desired future. He further discussed the importance of creating a positive work environment for employees, which can lead to organizational success. Lastly, he shared the advice of Michael to make one's own economy, understanding external forces but focusing on creating one's own environment.
Building Trust and Relationships for Lifetime Value
Michael and Tracy discussed the importance of building trust and relationships with customers to increase lifetime value. They emphasized the need for effective marketing and sales strategies, as well as a focus on customer onboarding and satisfaction. Tracy highlighted the significance of customer amplification, where customers promote the brand through testimonials, case studies, and speaking engagements. Both agreed that having customers do the marketing and sales work has more weight and is the ultimate goal.
Sharing Positive Experiences and Testimonials
Michael discussed the importance of sharing positive experiences with others, using the example of a colleague named Tracy who helped him achieve impressive results. He emphasized the value of testimonials and personal experiences in promoting a product or service. Michael also shared his own experience of taking a local tourist tour in his city, which led him to discover new things about his surroundings. He concluded by highlighting the benefits of such experiences, including learning something new and spending time with other people.
Focusing on Customer Experience and Feedback
Michael and Tracy discussed the importance of focusing on customer experience to transform an organization. They agreed on the value of customer councils, where customers can provide insights and suggestions for improvements. Michael shared his experience with patient advisory councils in healthcare clinics, highlighting the positive impact of implementing customer suggestions. Tracy emphasized the significance of understanding customer needs beyond surveys and the potential for customer councils to enhance lifetime value. Both agreed on the importance of making customers feel heard and valued, leading to a sense of ownership and improved experiences.
Identifying Areas to Stop Doing in Business
Tracy and Michael discussed the importance of identifying areas to stop doing in business, particularly in relation to quarterly business reviews. They emphasized the need for effective communication and change management when making such decisions. Tracy shared her experience with a merger and acquisition, highlighting the importance of retaining talent. Michael agreed, noting that communication is key in all aspects of life. The conversation ended with Tracy sharing her contact details and offering her newsletter for further information.
 

Rachel Lyubovitzky from Setuply: Stop Leaving Money on the Table - Are You Utilizing Customer Potential?

Rachel Lyubovitzky is an accomplished serial entrepreneur, senior executive, published author, and investor passionate about innovation, effective strategy, and successful execution. She founded four B2B technology companies with her partners, powered by a mission to leverage technology to make people’s lives easier and more fulfilling. The latest venture, Setuply, aims to modernize the customer onboarding experience for companies, empowering clients to experience the benefits of digital adoption faster. Lyubovitzky graduated from the Wharton Executive MBA program and earned her Master of Arts degree in Computer Science from Brandeis University. She is an avid traveler and has visited over sixty countries.
 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlyubovitzky/
Website:  https://www.setuply.com/
B2B Enterprise Tech Opportunities and Onboarding
Rachel, a serial entrepreneur, discussed her focus on the B2B enterprise tech spaces, where she believes the biggest opportunities lie. She emphasized the importance of customer onboarding, particularly in complex sectors like human capital management, recruiting, and fintech. Rachel highlighted the need for efficient onboarding processes to ensure clients experience value quickly and to prevent overwhelming onboarding teams. Michael agreed, stressing the importance of a good onboarding experience for both candidates and customers, as it impacts retention and quality work.
Customer Experience and Business Transactions
Michael and Rachel discussed the importance of customer experience in business. Michael emphasized that a positive experience leaves a lasting impression on customers, leading to loyalty and repeat business. He also noted that many organizations focus on the transaction rather than the experience, potentially leaving money on the table. Rachel agreed, highlighting that the perception of onboarding as a transactional process can be limiting. Both agreed that organizations should prioritize creating a memorable experience for their customers.
Enhancing Client Experience and Team Continuity
Rachel emphasized the importance of a positive initial client experience, likening it to a hotel stay. She stressed the need for continuity between the sales process and the client success phase, ensuring that client expectations are met. Rachel also highlighted the need to assess the workload and tools of the team delivering the experience. Michael agreed, adding that clarity in communication is crucial for both internal staff and customers. He used a personal hotel experience to illustrate how a positive interaction can enhance the overall experience.
Encouraging Collaboration and Open Communication
Michael and Rachel discussed the importance of slowing down and taking a step back to improve the experience and efficiency of their team. Rachel emphasized the need for leadership to actively encourage collaboration and empower team members to share their ideas. Michael shared a recent experience where a key individual's ideas were rejected by the organization's owner, which could potentially lead to the individual checking out or leaving. Both agreed that a more open and receptive approach to new ideas would benefit the team and organization.
Customer Feedback and Product Development
Michael and Rachel discussed the importance of customer feedback in improving experiences and driving product development. Rachel emphasized the role of customers as key stakeholders in their product's mission and vision, and how their feedback is crucial for delivering satisfactory experiences. She also highlighted the importance of understanding customers' goals and expectations early on and continuously seeking their input. Michael agreed, suggesting the use of lean methodologies to identify areas for improvement based on customer experiences.
Concerns on AI Product Longevity and Sustainability
Michael expressed his concerns about the longevity of certain AI-driven products and services, drawing on his experience in the tech industry. He compared the current AI landscape to the startup era of the.com era, where companies rapidly added features and services. Michael also shared his skepticism about the sustainability of these companies, suggesting that only a few would thrive. Despite his concerns, he acknowledged the fun and excitement of working with these new technologies. Rachel, however, did not share her thoughts on the matter.
AI, ML, and Machine Learning Automation Potential
Rachel discussed the increasing availability and potential of AI, ML, and machine learning technologies to automate manual tasks and enhance personal and professional lives. She expressed optimism about these technologies enabling more meaningful interactions and improving outcomes in various sectors, including healthcare. Michael agreed, emphasizing the potential for AI to streamline administrative tasks and allow for more human interaction. Rachel was asked to share more about her work, but no further details were provided in the transcript.
Upcoming Conference in Boston: Onboarding and Customer Experience
Rachel and Michael discussed the upcoming conference in Boston, focusing on onboarding and customer onboarding. Rachel encouraged attendees to visit their website, setuply.com, for more information.

Unlocking Executive Potential: How Erin Mac Transforms Stressed Leaders into Thriving Entrepreneurs

Erin Mac is an Executive coach who helps stressed-out executives & entrepreneurs excel in their current or next role, unlock their full potential, and enjoy their journey to professional success.
Erin has over 6+ years of experience as an executive coach, helping stressed-out entrepreneurs and executives unlock their full potential, and 10+ years of experience teaching and creating curricula for seminars and courses on various topics, including relationships, communication, and entrepreneurship.
She has been an entrepreneur for over 24 years and has 16+ years in business consulting. Erin became a coach because she was a stressed-out leader who overcame her anxiety disorder. She now teaches leaders how to overcome and prevent stress and find purpose, meaning, and fulfillment in all they do.
www.erin-mac.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinmaccoaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-mac-600b86178/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi6W7xVZXGk9ryLfOFJOGiw/videos

Finding Serenity through Creativity: Nancy Dillingham Marks Goes From Corporate Stress to Mindfulness in a Glass Art Studio

I want to share my journey of discovering a new career in my 60s, which led me to a community filled with warmth and compassion, where the joy of making art binds us. This experience has shown me how creativity can be a powerful path to mindfulness and inner peace. I’m excited to share the beauty and serenity it has brought into my life.
https://www.glassartscollective.com/
https://www.instagram.com/glassartscollective
https://www.facebook.com/glassartscollective
https://www.youtube.com/@glassartscollective
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancymarks/
 
Transitioning From Corporate to Glass Art Studio
Michael and Nancy discussed Nancy's transition from a corporate career to running a glass art studio. Nancy shared her experience of stress and burnout in the corporate world, attributing it to her logical thinking style and the inability to find a creative outlet. She mentioned working for big names like IBM, Toshiba, Sony Pictures, and ABC. Nancy emphasized the importance of asking questions and seeking improvements in the workplace. She also expressed regret for not finding her creative sanctuary earlier in life. Michael encouraged Nancy to continue pursuing her passion for glass art and acknowledged the positive impact of creativity on mental health.
Exploring Career Changes and Personal Growth
Michael and Nancy discussed their career changes and the importance of self-reflection and exploration. Michael, who initially pursued a career in public accounting, shared his realization that he needed a change. Nancy, who initially believed she lacked creativity, discovered her passion for working with fuse glass. Both emphasized the importance of giving oneself permission to change directions and explore new interests. They also discussed the process of working with fuse glass, which involves breaking glass and stacking pieces in a kiln at a temperature of 1,500 degrees.
Embracing Imperfections in Glass Art and Teaching
Nancy shared her passion for glass art, emphasizing the importance of embracing imperfections and respecting the material. She described her teaching approach as helping people understand the beauty in uniqueness and the joy of creating one-of-a-kind pieces. Michael appreciated Nancy's perspective and shared his own thoughts on the importance of focusing on dreams rather than worries. He also expressed his growing appreciation for the arts, mentioning his love for music and his interest in visiting art studios and museums.
Exploring Art, Stories, and Singular Focus
Michael shared his perspective on art and the stories it tells, emphasizing the importance of understanding the choices and reasoning behind a piece. He used the example of a sculpture by Picasso to illustrate this point. Michael also shared a personal story about a paper mache bottle he made in 6th grade, which his mother kept and his brother now has. He reflected on the process of creating the bottle, highlighting the singular focus required for such tasks. Nancy agreed, noting the benefits of single focus and the decline of multitasking as a valuable skill.
Exploring Paper Mache and Stress Relief
Michael and Nancy discussed their past experiences with paper mache and the potential for future projects. Michael expressed interest in trying the project again, possibly with his wife, and suggested adding more color to the project. Nancy shared her stress-relieving experiences at her studio, where she focuses on her work and decompresses. She also mentioned the occasional breakage of glass in the kilns, but reassured that the broken glass is often reused to create something new. The conversation ended with Michael drawing parallels between the creation of byproducts in cost accounting and the potential for scraps to create something magical.
Exploring Art Therapy and Creative Outlets
Michael and Nancy discussed the therapeutic benefits of creating art, such as reduced stress and improved perspective. Nancy shared how customers are amazed by their creations, even if they claim to lack creativity initially. Michael suggested that being creative leads to clarity in other aspects of life. Nancy recommended finding simple creative outlets like doodling or gardening to boost well-being and happiness. They emphasized that engaging in creative activities can positively impact one's mindset and understanding of others.
Fused Glass Artist's Work and Promotion
Michael and Nancy had a lively conversation about Nancy's work as a fused glass artist. Nancy shared her website, gift shop, and social media handles, encouraging everyone to visit and support her unique, handmade art.