Breakfast Leadership Show

Interview with Valvoline CHRO Jon Caldwell

Summary
 
Hiring and Retention Strategies at Valvoline
Michael and Jon discussed the challenges and strategies of hiring and retention in various organizations. Jon shared about the recent transition of their company, Valvoline, from a product business to a retailer, and emphasized the importance of their unique culture in enabling their success. They mentioned that almost all of their management team started as technicians, fostering a growth mindset and that they place a strong emphasis on development and community service. Jon was open to discussing other potential topics.
Brand Transformation and Customer Service
Michael and Jon had a discussion about the transformative power of a brand, specifically focusing on the automotive sector. Michael shared their personal connection to the brand and expressed admiration for their customer service approach. They emphasized the importance of promoting from within and the positive impact it has on employee morale and customer experience. The conversation concluded with them deciding to start recording their discussion and encouraging each other to guide the conversation as needed.
Jon's Professional Journey at Valvoline
Michael and Jon had a conversation about Jon's professional journey. Jon, who is the Chief People Officer at Valvoline, has been with the company for about seven years and has held their current role for four years. They shared their professional experience, which includes a 14-year tenure at Fifth Third Bank where they held various HR roles. Jon highlighted the unique challenges and rewards of their career, emphasizing the variety of their roles and the satisfaction of driving and enabling business performance. Additionally, Michael shared their personal connection with Fifth Third Bank.
Navigating Covid-19: Teamwork and Guiding Principles
Michael and Jon discussed the challenges they faced when Covid-19 hit and how they navigated through it. Jon, who took on a new role in March 2020, emphasized the importance of teamwork and shared that they adhered to certain guiding principles. Their primary focus was to ensure the safety of their employees and guests, and they followed the CDC's guidance. They also adopted a conservative approach, cutting down discretionary spending and increasing communication within the team.
Customer-Centric Services in Pandemic: Success Stories
Jon shared that their organization had a successful year in 2020 and 2021, being deemed essential and able to maintain focus on their guests and team. Michael emphasized the importance of maintaining customer-centric services within the guidelines of the CDC, ensuring the safety of both their team and customers during the pandemic. They noted the appreciation from customers for the sense of normalcy their services provided, especially in the early days of the pandemic when many other services were limited.
Employee Importance and Strategic Alternatives
Michael and Jon discussed the importance of their organization's employees during challenging times, including the pandemic. Jon emphasized the crucial role of their employees, whom they refer to as "family," in maintaining operations and serving customers. Michael highlighted the organization's ability to adapt and provide a sense of normalcy during the pandemic. The conversation concluded with Jon announcing their intent to pursue strategic alternatives and separate their business in September 2021.
Company's Retail and Product Segments Sold
Jon discusses the company's two distinct segments, the retail side of the business, which operates under the brand Valvoline Instant Oil Change, and the product side, which sells base oil, additives, and other products. They have about 1,800 stores across the US and Canada. The company sold its product side to Ramco, a Saudi-owned company that will invest in its growth across the globe. They believe they can grow their retail business to 3,000-5,500 stores over the next five years.
Navigating Change: Selling Product Business to Ramco
Jon discussed the challenges faced during a 18-month period of significant change, highlighting the importance of effective communication to mitigate uncertainty. They shared that they had put in place programs to support employees and reassure them about their future roles financially. Once the decision to sell the product business to Ramco was made, they were able to fortify leadership structures for both organizations. The guiding principle was to set up both organizations for success by equitably dividing leaders and talent. Jon also mentioned that the move created promotional opportunities and new roles, and established two separate HR, finance, and IT teams.
Leadership, Communication, and Culture in Uncertainty
Jon and Michael discussed the importance of strong leadership during periods of uncertainty, such as organizational changes. Jon emphasized the role of clear communication and the reassurance it provides to employees. They also highlighted the significance of maintaining a healthy culture and treating people well, which helps navigate such transitions effectively. Michael pointed out that handling these situations can impact the value of a company, suggesting that a thoughtful approach can prevent potential damage. The conversation concluded with Michael expressing admiration for Jon's leadership style and the successful management of the transition.
Vehicle Maintenance and Networking Discussion
Jon, the representative from invited Michael's listeners to visit one of their 1,800 service centers across the US and Canada. They also encouraged them to connect with them on LinkedIn. Michael, who grew up in Detroit and has family ties to General Motors, emphasized the importance of checking and maintaining vehicle oil. They then thanked Jon for a pleasant conversation and wished them well. At the end of the discussion, Michael pledged to share the interview on their platform once it was live and to circulate it across their network. They also stressed the importance of transparency and communication within organizations to avoid unnecessary anxiety and second-guessing among employees.

Interview with Ed Offterdinger

Ed Offterdinger is a former CEO and Managing Partner who served in senior leadership roles for 25 years and is now a leadership coach, strategic advisor and author. He is passionate about helping CEOs, executives and leadership teams shift their mindsets, perspectives and practices to do what's best for their people, their business and society.Ed is the co-author of a book with Catherine Allen titled, ‘‘Conscious, Capable, and Ready to Contribute: A Fable-How Employee Development can become the Highest Form of Social Contribution." He and Allen are also the Co-Founders of AO People Partners, a leadership development and people strategies firm, where Ed also serves as Chairman. In addition, Ed is the Co-Founder and Chair of the Washington, D.C. chapter of Conscious Capitalism®, which he has helped grow into the movement’s largest U.S. chapter. He is also a Special Advisor to K&A, an executive search firm.Ed successfully built his own career in consulting and public accounting by heavily investing in leadership and professional development for himself and others in the companies he led. He has long focused on helping others develop their professional and personal skills and believes that great companies thrive because they grow leaders at every level.A purpose-driven, trusted confidant and thinking partner with a calm and supportive demeanor, wealth of experience, deep reservoir of practical, boardroom knowledge and strong connections to C-suites, Ed’s work is rooted in data and inspired by stories. He advises organizations and leaders on a wide range of professional development matters and short and long-term strategic business planning. Away from work, Ed is inspired by and involved with several philanthropic causes focused on cancer research, education, and people with disabilities. A successful amateur golfer who captained the golf team while at the University of Virginia, Ed has competed at the local and national level since being introduced to the game by his parents at the age of seven.He credits his mother and grandmother for his love of reading and writing fiction. He also finds inspiration in music. And while his tastes are fairly wide ranging, he is drawn to the music of his youth. When asked to describe his favorite music, he will frequently respond by sharing two important memories: a chance encounter with Jerry Garcia in 1978 and the opportunity to introduce Jackson Browne on stage at the 2010 Leukemia Ball.
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-offterdinger/
Book:  https://amzn.to/3FDiwbP
 

Interview with Jamie Taets

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

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

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

Interview with Dr. Tori Ellis

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

A Profound Dialogue With CX Expert Debbie Levitt

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

Interview with Tracey Hawkins from Lead Dog Recruiting

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

Interview with Eureka Lithium's Jeff Wilson

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