Breakfast Leadership Show
The Breakfast Leadership Show is a top 20 global podcast hosted by Michael D. Levitt. It features thought-provoking discussions with industry leaders, experts, and influencers, focusing on leadership, burnout prevention, workplace culture, and personal growth. The show provides listeners with actionable insights on improving productivity, fostering resilience, and enhancing well-being in both professional and personal life. Want to be a guest on the Breakfast Leadership Show? Send Michael Levitt a message on PodMatch here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/michaellevitt The Breakfast Leadership Show may include sponsored guest appearances, which means the guests may have provided financial compensation to participate in the podcast.
Episodes
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
https://www.crystalviewcapital.com/our-team
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-ricciardella-a9156796/
Matthew Ricciardella is a self-made entrepreneur, business executive, investor, and philanthropist. Matthew is the proud Founder and Principal Manager of Crystal View Capital. With over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, Mr. Ricciardella is responsible for managing and overseeing all Crystal View Capital Fund aspects, including investment strategy, fundraising, asset management, and operations. He currently manages over $400 Million in real estate assets. Matthew inspires confidence and helps others achieve their full potential with his strong leadership expertise and alignment of interest in all Funds.
With a personal investment of $10M+ in Crystal View Capital Funds I, II, and III, Matthew has created a powerful personal bond with his stakeholders. Under Mr. Ricciardella’s leadership, Fund I’s investors have realized an average internal rate of return of 47% since its inception. Matthew has earned a reputation for dealing fairly, honestly, and with integrity with his stakeholders and sellers, which he believes is his most valuable asset. In Mr.Ricciardella's free time, He loves spending time with his two sons and loving wife, Jessica, a company co-founder.
Summary
Self-Storage Industry Growth and Strategies
Michael and Matt discussed their respective roles and their companies' strategies. Matt, the founder and CEO of Crystal View Capital, shared that his company focuses on self-storage and manufactured housing communities, raising equity capital to purchase under-managed assets. They aim to maximize efficiency and net operating income, creating value and selling these assets to distribute profits to investors. Michael highlighted the growth of the self-storage industry and the importance of understanding the reasons behind this growth. The conversation was set to delve deeper into these topics.
Affordable Housing Crisis and Storage Demand
Michael and Matt discussed the demand for self-storage and mobile home communities due to the affordable housing crisis. Michael highlighted the need for storage among downsizers and businesses, while Matt emphasized the increasing demand for storage facilities as people downsize to save money. Matt also noted the stigma around mobile home communities has diminished, making them a more attractive option for affordable housing. Both agreed that the lack of new mobile home communities being built and the growing demand for affordable housing presents a significant opportunity for growth and increased pricing power.
Addressing Affordable Housing and NIMBYs
Michael and Matt discussed the issue of affordable housing and its impact on generations. Michael emphasized that the problem has been ignored for decades and has reached a critical point, causing despair among those who fear they will never be able to own a home. He encouraged perseverance and suggested that increasing access to housing could positively impact all levels of housing. Matt agreed with Michael's points. They also touched on the issue of NIMBYs (Not In My Backyard) and their influence on community development, with Michael expressing frustration over the exclusion of affordable housing in specific neighborhoods.
Discussing the Importance of Community
Michael and Matt discussed the concept of community, drawing parallels between a condominium building and a neighborhood. Michael emphasized the importance of community in fostering relationships and mutual support among neighbors. He shared his experience of living in a community where neighbors knew each other well and looked out for one another. Matt agreed with Michael's perspective, highlighting the value of community in both personal and investment contexts. They concluded that community is not just social and physical but also shared and mutu, al cared for.
Pride of Ownership and Home Equity Importance
Matt emphasized the importance of pride of ownership in their work, particularly in helping people afford and build equity in homes. He highlighted the potential for these homes to become their most significant asset and a source of financial growth. Matt also differentiated their approach from apartment complexes, noting that homeowners tend to stay longer and build stronger community ties. Michael agreed with Matt's perspective.
Discussing Performance, Growth, and Marketing Strategy
Michael and Matt discussed the performance of their organization in comparison to their competitors. Matt highlighted their organization's consistent delivery of promises and strong track record of making distributions to partners despite competitors cutting distributions or making capital calls. He emphasized the importance of hard work, execution, and under-promising and over-delivering. Matt also mentioned their organization's growth in occupancies, cost-cutting, and system refinement, leading to increased cash flow at the property level. He concluded by stating that they have made almost a hundred million dollars in distributions to partners over the years. Michael praised Matt's success and suggested an outward-facing marketing campaign, while Matt encouraged interested parties to contact them for more information. Both agreed on the importance of due diligence and making the right investment choices.
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Cordell Carter, Esq. Convenor | Leaders, Ideas, and Experiences Cordell Carter, Esq. is a dynamic leader, speaker, and advisor known for his relentless pursuit of a world where everyone belongs and has opportunities to thrive. As the long-term executive director of the Aspen Institute Socrates Program (2017-2024) and founding director of the Project on Belonging, Cordell curates transformative, off-the-record leadership seminars in capital cities across the globe, shaping the perspectives of over 1,500 leaders annually.
Cordell’s passion for creating inclusive spaces led him to establish the Festival of the Diaspora in Medellín, Colombia—a powerful summit (deemed the secular tent revival) uniting diasporic communities across the Americas. As the founder of Expectant Advisory, LLC, he helps leaders and boards navigate their inclusion and belonging journeys with thoughtful strategy and foresight. His leadership journey spans prestigious roles at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, IBM, Seattle Public Schools, and the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. He is a sought-after speaker and facilitator on belonging, inclusion, post-secondary success, and the democratic ideals that hold our society together.
Cordell is also the author of the groundbreaking keynote series, "Becoming an Inclusive Republic," a forthcoming book of the same name, and the producer of the documentary “The Road Trip to Belonging." In recognition of his expertise and leadership, Cordell was appointed by President Biden to the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships and has received numerous accolades, including being named a 2023 Minority Executive Making Moves, a 2021 Champion of Change for Computer Science Education, and a distinguished Eisenhower Fellow to China. Cordell also serves as a Board Director for Concordia, Orbit Capital, Oasis Fresh Markets, Redemption Holdings, and the International Advisory Committee of Danubius University (Galatz, Romania). Finally, he is a limited partner with the Fvlcrum Fund and Mendoza Ventures.
His influence stretches far and wide. He has spoken in 15 countries and 20 U.S. states on topics such as liberal democracy, belonging, and civic faith. Cordell’s leadership extends to corporate boardrooms, advising companies like SkillStorm in their mission to upskill underserved communities. He holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Washington, and his thought leadership continues to shape the national and global conversation around equity, inclusion, and the future of democracy.
https://CordellCarter.com
Friday Oct 25, 2024
How To Navigate Stress During The US Presidential Election
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Friday Oct 25, 2024
The US Presidential Election is less than 2 weeks away.
It feels like this campaign has been going on for decades.
This episode provides tips on managing your stress during stressful times like these.
Go vote!
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Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Jeffrey founded Equine Biomechanics & Exercise Physiology (EQB), which helps HNWIs and entrepreneurs looking to enter the horse racing business pick and manage young, unraced thoroughbred horses that may become champions.
Jeffrey has spent millions, including $7M+ of his own money, researching and refining the science of picking a champion racehorse for more than four decades and has grown EQB to be one of the USA's leading talent scout buyers for young unraced thoroughbred horses.
They helped one of their clients go from start-up to the leading USA racing stable in 4 years with a profit! This was even before the client made $50M+ from a racehorse they selected that won several world championships and became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. Several other clients have also had world champions.
Jeffrey disrupted the horse racing industry by developing a quantitative approach to finding the best racehorses, much of which has now been widely copied.His approach pre-dates and is similar to the one depicted in the Brad Pitt movie Moneyball, in which Pitt analyzes baseball players using biometric measurements at rest and while running and the type of equations and statistics to demonstrate their value and project their potential accomplishments. The data includes slow-motion films, organ scans, DNA markers, etc.
On the podcast, Jeffrey discusses:
How exhilarating the racehorse game can be, and the associated lifestyle and personal associations involved.
Racehorse investments compare to traditional investments (real estate, stocks, precious metals, etc).
How to become a thoroughbred owner without breaking the bank, including owning a fractional share of a championship-winning racehorse, what to know before buying a thoroughbred, and how much it costs.
A description of the research methodologies behind finding and separating the good horses from the great ones.
New racehorse selection technologies and the state of the industry’s agents and consultants: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
To get a sense of Jeffrey, here's an episode he did with The Meb Faber Show, where he talked about whether a racehorse's winning metrics are more important than training.
Equine Biometrics and the Triple Crown Challenge
EQB, Jeffrey's company, specialized in equine biometrics, achieved significant milestones, such as being the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years after spending millions on research over 35 years in thoroughbred horse racing and breeding. Jeffrey shared how he became involved in the unpredictable sport after falling in love with a horse on a blind date. Michael drew parallels between winning a Triple Crown and other sports' challenges. Jeffrey attributed his success to using data and scientists.
Jeffrey's Journey From Harvard to Horse Racing Success
Jeffrey shared his journey from being a Harvard student to falling in love with horse racing. He initially studied law and business, but his passion for horse racing led him to research the sport's history and management. Despite facing challenges, he pursued his dream and eventually became successful in the field. He also mentioned his experience at Citibank, where he quit his job to pursue his passion for horse racing.
Innovative Methods and Opportunities in Horse-Raising Industry
Jeffrey expressed frustration with the lack of acceptance of his innovative methods in the horse-raising industry and the prevalence of misinformation. He suggested that small groups could benefit from his expertise and technology, making the industry a lucrative business for those with the right resources. Jeffrey also highlighted the irrationality of the industry as an opportunity. Michael and Jeffrey discussed their experiences as entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and passion, and using examples like a car salesman's spreadsheet database and a fisherman prioritizing family over wealth. They discussed the potential for horse racing to grow, become more accessible, and drive economic stimulation and fan engagement, likening it to high-profile sports events and highlighting the life-changing impact of owning a racing team.
Exploring Horse Racing Innovations and DNA Applications
Jeffrey shared his experiences of discovering new methods and technologies in the field of horse racing, including inventing the first accurate heart rate meter for racehorses and creating a portable ultrasound machine. He emphasized the importance of curiosity and questioning established knowledge, as he found that many experts in the field were unaware of certain resources and equipment. Jeffrey also discussed his work with DNA, highlighting the potential for early identification of promising horses and the importance of accurate data in AI applications. He criticized the current trend of marketing DNA testing for speed in horses, arguing that it oversimplifies the complex factors involved in horse racing.
EQB, Equine Biometrics, and Racehorse Business
Jeffrey and Michael discussed Jeffrey's company, EQB, which focuses on equine biometrics. Jeffrey shared his company's website, email, and the availability of their research papers. He also emphasized the importance of understanding the racehorse business, which he described as serious and competitive.
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Rachel Gogos is a serial entrepreneur passionate about people, the web, and creating strong personal brands. She started her career at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, where she helped create the look and feel of the organization’s first website. Today, in her current role running brandiD, Rachel channels over 15 years of marketing and communications experience into every website for brandiD’s clients.
As the founder of brandiD and MyPath101, Rachel is a true Internet pioneer who created businesses on the web before Google was established as a commercial entity in 1998, long before the phrase “personal branding” became an industry buzzword.
She’s held positions at The Wall Street Journal and DowJones.com and launched three companies besides brandiD. Her entrepreneurial spirit started young; the child of Greek immigrants and Buffalo-based entrepreneurs, Rachel grew up in the restaurant business. As a budding entrepreneur, she developed a strategy and brand identity to turn a dilapidated eatery into a hip family restaurant, which remains a popular destination today.
True to her roots, she loves to work with entrepreneurs and co-founded the Internet incubator SiliconFish.com in the late 90’s while living in Manhattan. The company was a leader in helping to establish and brand offline businesses on the web.
https://thebrandid.com/meet-the-team/rachel-gogos/
https://thebrandid.com/the-business-of-you-podcast/
Quick recap
Diverse Career Paths and Skill Utilization
Rachel, the founder and owner of a brand agency, discussed her diverse career path, which included stints in government, nonprofit organizations like the United Nations, and journalism at the Wall Street Journal. She expressed her gratitude for being able to use all her skills in her current role. Michael, on the other hand, shared his own career journey, highlighting the importance of the skills he acquired in various roles, including accounting and auditing. He emphasized the value of understanding the nuances of different organizations, which he believes is crucial for effective personal branding and building an online presence.
Exploring Roles, Responsibilities, and Personal Branding
Michael and Rachel discussed the challenges of articulating their roles and responsibilities, with Michael expressing difficulty in explaining what he does. Rachel suggested that people often answer why they do what they do, which is more memorable and gets to the heart of a person. They also discussed personal branding, which Rachel defined as a combination of an existing reputation and the personality, values, and passions of an individual. Rachel emphasized that personal branding is not boasting, but rather sharing one's essence with others. Michael agreed, noting that storytelling is an effective way to connect with others and that he uses a conversational writing style to make his content more engaging.
Enhancing Professional Connections and Online Presence
Michael and Rachel discussed the importance of connecting with others, particularly in a professional context. They emphasized the need to share personal stories and passions to create a memorable and relatable image. Rachel highlighted the significance of online presence, suggesting that people should aim to connect the dots between their past experiences and current work. Michael agreed, noting that people are more likely to engage with someone they feel they know personally. They also touched on the role of video content in enhancing online presence and the desire for people to connect with others. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the impact of the pandemic on human connection and the importance of seeking help for those struggling with feelings of loneliness.
Human Connection, Values, and Authenticity in Business
Michael and Rachel discussed the importance of human connection and personal values in business, emphasizing the need for authenticity and alignment with clients' values. They highlighted the significance of branding and values in building trust and loyalty with customers, and agreed that while differing opinions could lead to the loss of clients, it's essential to focus on commonalities and respect clients' passions. They concluded by expressing their intention to apply these insights to their own work.
Authenticity, Self-Awareness, and Personal Growth
Rachel and Michael discussed the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in personal and professional relationships. They emphasized the need to be genuine and not hide one's true beliefs or feelings, as this can lead to mistrust and doubt. Rachel suggested taking time to reconnect with one's true self and set personal goals, while Michael shared his practice of reflecting on his actions and decisions twice a year. They both stressed the importance of approaching challenges with curiosity and understanding, rather than self-criticism, and finding what truly brings excitement and fulfillment.
Personal Growth, Self-Improvement, and Sharing Methodologies
Michael and Rachel had a discussion about personal growth, self-improvement, and the importance of taking time for oneself. Michael shared his personal experience of taking a break from work and how it helped him recharge. Rachel agreed and mentioned her own journey of self-discovery. They also discussed the potential of sharing their methodologies and frameworks with others. Rachel offered her personal brand guide as a tool for self-discovery and professional positioning. Michael expressed his appreciation for Rachel's work and promised to share the link to her podcast and personal brand guide in the show notes.
Networking, Content Creation, and Global Uncertainties
Michael and Rachel discussed their personal and professional experiences, with a focus on networking, content creation, and the current global situation. Michael shared his journey of self-discovery and his shift in focus from client work to content creation, including his podcast. Rachel agreed with Michael's points and expressed her own experiences. They also discussed the uncertainties surrounding the upcoming election and global events, with Michael likening the current situation to the Cold War era.
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Meg Hays is a healthy living coach, speaker, and best-selling author who loves helping women kick anxiety to the curb and step into a life of wellness and resilience. With years of experience in health coaching and her journey with panic disorder, Meg brings a fun, faith-filled, and holistic approach to health, focusing on the powerful combination of nutrition, mindset, healthy habits, and community support.
As the founder of Meg Hays Healthy Living and the Live Well Community, Meg aims to help women ditch those anxiety-ridden days, sleepless nights, and that dreaded "stuffed sausage" feeling in their clothes. She believes that real change comes from small, simple steps and powerful mindset shifts—all within a supportive community. Through her dynamic coaching programs, engaging talks, and inspiring writing, Meg encourages women to live their healthiest, most vibrant lives by living well every day.
www.meghays.comhttps://www.instagram.com/meghays72/https://www.facebook.com/meg.hayshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-morgan-hays/
Book: Show Your Work: https://amzn.to/4gU7vnV
Summary
Personal Well-Being and Professional Interests Discussion
Michael and Meg discussed their personal well-being and professional interests. Meg, a health coach and bestselling author, shared her mission to help others reduce anxiety and live healthier lives. They also discussed the benefits of online work and the increased access to services it provides. Meg mentioned her online community for women to live healthier lifestyles. The conversation was set to delve deeper into anxiety and share tips on navigating it.
Addressing Global Anxiety and Personal Experiences
Michael and Meg discussed the high levels of anxiety experienced globally, particularly in the fall of 2024. Meg shared her personal experience with anxiety, which began at the age of 8 after a bicycle accident. She described how she felt isolated and misunderstood as she struggled with panic attacks and sought help from a psychiatrist at the age of 27. Meg expressed her advocacy for raising awareness about anxiety and panic disorder, as she believes it is crucial to acknowledge these conditions and provide support for those affected.
Managing Anxiety and Depression With Tools
Meg and Michael discussed their experiences with anxiety and depression and the tools they use to manage these conditions. Meg emphasized the importance of understanding the link between gut health and mental well-being and how healthier food choices can positively impact mental clarity. She also highlighted the value of setting a sleep schedule and being curious about triggers for anxiety. Michael shared his experience with therapy and the importance of grounding oneself in the present moment. Both agreed on the effectiveness of these free tools in managing anxiety and depression.
Discussing Health, Food, and Adequate Sleep
Michael and Meg discussed maintaining good health through food choices and adequate sleep. Michael emphasized that neglecting these aspects can lead to a decline in cognitive ability, increased stress, and a weakened immune system. He shared his personal experience of a health crisis and the impact it had on his life. Meg agreed, highlighting the need for proactive measures to prevent health issues. They both stressed the importance of investing in oneself, comparing it to investing in a good product and encouraged people to make healthier choices.
Improving Daily Routine and Self-Awareness
Michael discussed the importance of understanding how one spends time and making minor changes to improve one's daily routine. He shared his personal experience of wanting to do more in a day and the need to avoid burnout. Michael also touched on the importance of self-awareness, particularly about food choices and their impact on mood and energy levels. Meg agreed, emphasizing the need to consider physical and mental nourishment. Both agreed that making better choices in the present can lead to greater satisfaction and well-being in the future.
Taking Control of Life and Avoiding Victimhood
Meg and Michael discussed the importance of taking control of one's life and making conscious choices to avoid a victimhood mentality. Michael shared his experience of burnout and how he approached it with curiosity, leading to a better understanding of his decisions. Meg emphasized the value of community support and encouraged people to reach out for help when needed. Both agreed that making better choices can lead to a better life and encouraged others to take the first step towards positive change.
Discussing Shared Passions and Personal Backgrounds
Meg and Michael discussed their shared passion for helping others and their mutual admiration for Gen Xers. Meg shared her website, MegHays.com, and encouraged listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
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.
Monday Oct 14, 2024
Monday Oct 14, 2024
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.