Breakfast Leadership Show

Thoughtful Thursdays: Julie Cropp Gareleck’s Journey from Corner Booth to Corner Office | ‘Dare to Become’ Book Insights & Entrepreneurial Success

Julie is a CEO, Author, and entrepreneur. Julie is a respected and trusted leader in business communities that extend from the Northeast (Philadelphia, New York City, and D.C.) to the Southeast (including the Greater Atlanta region and Charleston, South Carolina.), and that includes CEOs and entrepreneurs of small to midsize businesses as well as the Fortune 1000. In her 25-year career, she has consulted with more than 1000 companies to build sustainable, revenue-generating strategies. Her first book, Dare to Become, From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office, hit shelves worldwide on September 3 and details her journey from working for her parent’s restaurant to building a successful agency.For millions, a significant component of the American dream is to start one’s own company and, ultimately, to become one’s boss. The question is, how exactly does one do that? Every successful entrepreneur has a unique story to tell. Julie Cropp Gareleck, CEO, Entrepreneur, and now Author, brings a fresh perspective on confidently navigating the journey from startup to success. Whether you are a new business owner, entrepreneur, or an employee, the insights shared in this book will prove valuable on your journey.
Links:Website: www.juliecroppgareleck.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliecgareleckIG: https://www.instagram.com/juliecgareleck/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@juliecgareleck/featuredLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliecroppgareleck/Amazon: https://amzn.to/4f79dBf
Quick recap
Michael and Julie discussed the importance of self-realization, resilience, and adaptability in the face of challenges, particularly during the Great Recession and the Covid-19 pandemic. They also highlighted the value of early work experiences, problem-solving skills, continuous learning, and journaling in personal and professional development. Lastly, they discussed the promotion and availability of Julie's upcoming book, "Dare to Become," and the importance of networking and social media in book promotion.
Discussing 'Dare to Become' and Potential
Michael and Julie discussed the fast pace of the year and Julie's upcoming book, "Dare to Become," which aims to inspire people to reach their full potential. Michael expressed his excitement about the book's title and its message, emphasizing the importance of individuals realizing their unlimited potential to positively impact society. They agreed to keep the conversation organic and to include a summary of the interview in the show notes for those who might want to learn more about the discussion.
 
 
Launching a Business Amid Economic Challenges
Michael and Julie discussed the challenges and successes of launching a business during the Great Recession and the subsequent years of significant change and transformation. Michael praised Julie's boldness in starting a business during a difficult economic period and highlighted how both personal and working life have been significantly impacted by recent events such as wars, pandemics, and technological advancements. Julie shared his experience of launching a business during the recession and how his company managed to adapt and do well during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite the shift to remote work being a significant challenge for his sales team.
 
 
Overcoming Fear With Zoom and Sharing Journeys
Michael suggested that salespeople, who were initially uncomfortable using Zoom, should familiarize themselves with the platform by using it with their grandchildren. This approach helped them overcome their fear and gain confidence in using the app. Julie then shared his motivation for writing a book about his journey from working at his parents' restaurant to starting his own business. He found inspiration in his past journals and wanted to share the lessons he learned, as well as the ups and downs of his journey.
 
 
HVAC Industry Contributions and Family Businesses
Michael shared his conversation with Gene Slade, who has made significant contributions to the HVAC industry, particularly in lead generation and follow-ups. Michael highlighted the value of starting one's career in the family business, as it provides a unique opportunity to learn about running a business from a young age. He also discussed his own experience working in a family-owned grocery store, emphasizing the importance of understanding family and people dynamics in both professional and personal contexts.
 
 
The Importance of Early Work Experiences
Michael and Julie discussed the value of early work experiences in shaping one's career. Michael emphasized the importance of working with diverse individuals, as it teaches essential skills like communication and conflict resolution. Julie shared his experience working at his parents' restaurant, highlighting how it helped him develop a strong work ethic and provided a foundation for his future roles. Michael agreed, sharing his own experience of working in various industries and how each job taught him valuable lessons. Both agreed that these early work experiences were critical in preparing individuals for their future careers.
 
 
Embracing Challenges and Leveraging Learning for Growth
Michael and Julie discussed the importance of problem-solving skills, learning, and taking risks in personal and professional development. Michael emphasized the value of paying attention to details and continuously learning, sharing his own experiences of overcoming challenges through problem-solving. Julie agreed, highlighting his own journey of building a successful business despite not coming from a wealthy background or having an Ivy League education. Both underscored the significance of daring oneself to invest in personal growth and learning from others' experiences, particularly through reading and networking.
 
 
Journaling, Deadlines, and Mindset Shifts
Michael and Julie discussed the importance of journaling and using deadlines to manage tasks. Michael shared his experience of how writing has helped him remember his past and learn from his mistakes. Julie agreed, highlighting the value of reflecting on one's journey and using it as a source of inspiration. They also discussed the concept of shifting from a "have to" to a "get to" mindset when approaching tasks, which can increase productivity and job satisfaction. Lastly, they talked about the significance of publishing a book and the impact it can have on others.
 
 
Julie's Upcoming Book Promotion Discussion
Michael and Julie discussed the promotion and availability of Julie's upcoming book. Julie directed attendees to her website and various bookshops for pre-sale information. 
 

Thoughtful Thursdays: Harmonizing Family and Business: Insights from Avadhi Dhruv, Bestselling Author of The Family Business Guru

Avadhi is an International Bestselling Author, YouTuber, and Business Guru. She helps leaders of family legacy businesses run their companies in a way that fosters healthy family relationships.Avadhi is also the Chief Transformation Officer at Prabhat Industries, a three-generational family business involved in rubber product manufacturing and distribution. Founded in 1966, the global brand is a leading supplier of sealing solutions for multiple industries across North America, with revenues in the multi-seven figures.Avadhi's bestselling book, The Family Business Guru: A Secret Guide to Alchemize Conflict into Harmony, Lead with Confidence, and Generate Profits, offers practical strategies to navigate the intricate dance of running a family business while maintaining strong relationships with your loved ones. their first bestseller, Inner Genius Outer Guru: A Heart-Centered Entrepreneur’s Guide to Unlimited Potential for Growth in Income and Freedom in Lifestyle without Burnout, was a massive success amongst entrepreneurs ready to create real income-generating businesses they love.
https://www.avadhi.guru/
 
Family-Owned Businesses: Advantages and Challenges
Michael and Avadhi discussed the complexities and advantages of family-owned businesses. Michael shared their experience working at a family-owned grocery store chain, highlighting how family involvement can bring both success and challenges. Avadhi, who grew up in a family business empire, added that generational differences, personalities, and relationships can significantly impact the business. They both noted that leaving a family-owned business can be more complicated than leaving a regular business due to personal connections and feelings of loyalty. Avadhi emphasized the benefits of such companies, pointing out that family members' shared values and culture can positively impact the business, its employees, and its customers.
Overcoming Fears and Nurturing Relationships in Family-Owned Businesses
Avadhi shared their insights on family-owned businesses' challenges and fears, particularly concerning money and relationships. She detailed their journey of overcoming limiting beliefs and emphasized the importance of becoming aware of and addressing unconscious fears to foster healthy relationships and contribute fully to the business. Michael then contributed a personal story about their family restaurant, highlighting the unique dynamics and connections that can exist within family-owned businesses. He stressed the importance of maintaining human connections, even in challenging situations, and avoiding actions that could damage relationships at the workplace.
Harmony in Relationships for Business Success
Michael and Avadhi discussed the importance of creating harmony in relationships for a business's success. Avadhi emphasized that a harmonious environment boosts confidence and encourages a long-term approach to success rather than a quick profit. Michael agreed, highlighting that constant work and refinement are crucial for a business to meet the growing demands of customers and employees. Both stressed the significance of self-improvement and hard work in achieving harmony, which overflows into the business world, leading to revenue growth and profit.
Avadhi's Work and Upcoming Launch
Avadhi and Michael discussed Avadhi's work and how people could learn more about it. Avadhi encouraged viewers to visit their website, https://www.avadhi.guru/, and subscribe to their YouTube channel for their videos and healing meditations.

Wisdom Wednesdays: Develop Multiple Streams of Passive Income: A conversation with Allen Lomax

I inspire professionals to escape the tyranny of exchanging time, energy, expertise, and talent for money by empowering them to develop multiple passive income streams. Time and economic freedom are core liberating forces that allow us to passionately engage in our calling and significantly impact humanity and the planet.My Story: I'm a seventh grader, and an unexpected TV special on homosexuality comes on. This is the first I've heard of homosexuality. Like a ton of rainbow bricks, I'm hit with the reality that I'm gay. This revelation, combined with undiagnosed dyslexia and schoolyard bullying, led to two decades of persistent depressive disorder. Despite feeling directionless, I graduated college, married, and struggled with dead-end job after job.After divorce and therapy, I earned a master's in counseling, became a university counselor, attained a PhD, and excelled in higher education leadership and real estate investment.The 2008 financial crisis cost me everything, forcing deep introspection. I realize I'm still that 7th-grade gay boy consumed with homophobic self-hatred with an intellectual inferiority complex.Two decades after my first therapy, I confront the core issues. Step out of a closet more significant than a Kardashian's, label the intellectual challenge for dyslexia it is and embrace both my dyslexia and fabulous gayness. Worthy of self-acceptance and wealth, I build passive income, lead in education, and help others flourish.Those schoolyard bullies can call me Suzie—As I live abundantly and flourish, I get the last laugh.Topics;Five drivers that propel financial well-being to live abundantly while passionately engaged in the work of our calling.How do multiple income streams remove the tyranny of exchanging time for money?Transformational growth from the inside out.Contact Info and Social Media Links:allen@steedtalker.comwww.steedtalker.comwww.linkedin.com/in/allenlomax/www.facebook.com/allen.lomax/
 
Quick recap
Michael and Allen discussed the importance of diversifying income sources for financial stability, with Allen sharing his journey of overcoming challenges to build a successful career. They also emphasized the significance of authentic leadership, self-discovery, and addressing core issues for personal growth. Lastly, they explored the advantages of investing in multi-family housing units and offered guidance for professionals seeking to create multiple sources of income.
Next steps
• Professionals should explore passive income opportunities like real estate investing, starting an online business, or investing in stocks to create multiple income streams and achieve financial independence.
• Professionals will schedule a complimentary strategic consultation with Allen at steedtalker.com/strategy to clarify their vision, solve challenges, and get a blueprint for moving from exchanging time for money to financial freedom.
• Listeners should consider investing in apartment complexes or commercial real estate due to high demand, stability, and potentially higher returns compared to other asset classes, according to a Federal Reserve Bank study.
 
 
Summary
Diversifying Income Sources and Conversation
Michael and Allen discussed the importance of diversifying income sources, especially in times of economic uncertainty. Michael emphasized how having multiple revenue streams can alleviate stress and provide a cushion, which Allen agreed to. The pair decided to continue an organic, unscripted discussion, with Allen sharing his personaStoryry about a special on homosexuality that exposed him to new concepts. They planned to continue the conversation for around 20 minutes.
Allen's Journey to Self-Acceptance and Success
Allen shared a candid and personal account of his struggles with dyslexia, internalized homophobia, and intellectual inferiority. He described his journey from feeling like a misfit and outcast in his school years to eventually embracing his dyslexia and sexuality and finding self-acceptance and success. Allen shared how he overcame his challenges, including his disorienting college experience and financial loss during the 2008 recession, to build a fulfilling career in higher education and amass wealth through real estate investments. He emphasized the importance of facing and resolving one's core issues to achieve a sense of self-worth and acceptance.
Leadership, Authenticity, and Self-Discovery
Allen and Michael shared their insights on leadership, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, self-acceptance, and addressing one's core demons. Allen pointed out that everyone has unique gifts and skills, and valid leadership comes from authenticity and genuine concern for others. Michael added that mental health issues should not stigmatize individuals seeking therapy and that embracing one's true self is essential for personal growth. Both underscored the importance of self-discovery and self-awareness as foundational to good leadership.
Diversifying Income for Financial Stability
Michael and Allen discussed the importance of generating additional sources of income to achieve financial stability and security. They highlighted that half of the Fortune 500 companies from 2000 have either been acquired or no longer exist, emphasizing the need for diversifying income streams. Allen shared his own experience of the impact of economic downturns on his business, and both agreed on the significance of engaging in one's passion for generating income and the value of having a platform to share ideas. The discussion concluded with inviting others to share their thoughts on generating passive income and achieving financial goals.
Wealth Building Strategies and Challenges
Allen explained the three habits of wealthy individuals: spending less than they earn, investing wisely, and saving. He highlighted real estate investment as a secure and stable avenue for wealth building, citing its potential for generating income, reducing taxes, and appreciating over time. He also mentioned other alternative investment strategies, such as purchasing existing online businesses without personally running them. Michael noted some of the challenges of renovating and selling single-family homes for profit, emphasizing the labor-intensive nature of such ventures.
Multi-Family Housing Trends and Investment Opportunities
Michael and Allen discussed the increasing trend of multi-family housing units over single-family homes due to population growth and urbanization. They noted the rising cost of building single-family homes and the continued demand for housing, making it a secure and less volatile investment. They highlighted the importance of diligence and seeking guidance from experts like Allen. Allen also emphasized the advantages of apartments, including affordability, mobility, and eco-friendliness. They agreed that investing in apartments was an intelligent choice with significant returns.
Discussing Multiple Streams of Income Strategy
Allen shared his approach to helping professionals create multiple income streams to achieve financial independence and pursue their passions. He offered a complimentary consultation, usually priced at $497, to clarify their vision, solve their biggest challenges, and outline a blueprint for transitioning from exchanging time and money to financial freedom.

Tuesday Tips: Bruce Piasecki: Unveiling the Intersection of Climate Change and Conflict, and the Rise of Social Response Capitalism

Summary
Intersection of war and climate change @ 1:51
Bruce Piasecki discusses research showing that the top two global concerns are now war/conflict and climate change. He believes these issues are deeply interconnected, with climate change contributing to resource scarcity and instability that can lead to military conflicts. He emphasizes the need for leaders to recognize and address this relationship.
Bridging business and social interests @ 12:14
Bruce outlines six ways that the interests of business and society are converging in a "sweet spot": cutting costs, growing revenue, improving relationships, attracting talent, strengthening brands, and reducing risk. He believes this alignment creates a virtuous cycle of innovation, wealth creation, and social impact.
Shift towards social response capitalism @ 19:16
Bruce shares his view that capitalism can become a force for positive social change if companies realign their focus on money, people, and rules. He sees a growing trend of "invisible Robins Hoods" in the investment community who are redirecting capital towards more sustainable and socially responsible companies.
Empowering the next generation @ 19:56
Drawing on his observations of his daughter and her medical school peers, Bruce sees the next generation as naturally attuned to the intersection of business and social needs. He believes this osmotic learning will be a key driver of progress in addressing global challenges like climate change.
Recap and next steps @ 33:04
Michael and Bruce wrap up the discussion, with Michael expressing interest in continuing the conversation and receiving some of Bruce's books to further explore the ideas covered. They emphasize the importance of celebrating organizations and individuals who are driving positive change.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_W._Piasecki
 
Click below for photo, global podcasts, and books
https://www.creativeprocess.info/interviews-15/bruce-piasecki?rq=bruce%20piasecki
 
For new generation cartoon on Piasecki’s competitive principles, visit, and smile with Dr. Piasecki, a Ben Franklin all over again….
www.thedoingmorewithlessguy.com

Tuesday Tips: The Fit CEO Mindset: Boundaries, Balance and Peak Performance with Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann

Quick recap
Summary
CEO Fit Book and Boundaries Discussion
Michael and Rebecca discussed the importance of the CEO Fit book, with a particular focus on the concept of boundaries. Rebecca shared her extensive career experience in financial services and her recent shift to advising startup CEOs. She also highlighted her passion for small businesses. Michael emphasized the significance of self-care and rest, noting that many people struggle with these aspects due to their busy and often stressful lives. Both expressed their enthusiasm for the ongoing journey of learning and growing in their respective fields.
Flexibility, Adaptability, and Productivity in Workplaces
Michael and Rebecca discussed the importance of flexibility and adaptability in developing and utilizing skills across different workplaces. They both highlighted the value of experience, with Rebecca sharing her insights from managing large and small companies. They emphasized the similarity in the fundamental challenges of motivating and retaining teams, regardless of company size. Michael pointed out that productivity often increases when focusing on the essential tasks, noting that remote work during the pandemic had eliminated many distractions and allowed for more straightforward work processes. Rebecca agreed, noting the importance of focus in maintaining productivity.
Multitasking and Psychological Safety in the Workplace
Rebecca argued that multitasking, such as responding to emails or texting while in a meeting, is not efficient as it distracts the brain's ability to focus on one task at a time. She suggested that this lack of distraction was a contributing factor to improved productivity. Michael emphasized the importance of creating a psychologically safe work environment where employees feel comfortable being open and transparent about personal issues. He argued that such an environment not only benefits employee well-being but also enhances retention and overall job satisfaction.
Psychological Safety, Transparency, and Communication
Michael and Rebecca discussed the importance of creating a psychologically safe and transparent work environment. Rebecca emphasized that clear communication about the company's vision and goals, and how employees' work contributes to these, is crucial for employee motivation and retention. Michael agreed, noting that clarity attracts while confusion repels. They then moved to discuss Rebecca's book, which was inspired by questions she received after speaking engagements. She shared how these questions led her to reflect on her own life and work experiences, and eventually led her to write the book.
Collaborative Book Writing and Boundary Setting
Rebecca shared the story of how she and her personal trainer, Lillian, collaborated to write a book about fitness and wellness. The book, which was completed in 10 months, was designed to be a quick reference guide, with short chapters and Lillian's input interspersed throughout. Michael then discussed the importance of setting and respecting boundaries, emphasizing that it's not selfish but necessary to maintain one's own well-being. He highlighted the common problem of overcommitment, especially among executives and startup founders. Both Rebecca and Michael underscored the importance of establishing boundaries and the need to approach it as a partnership.
Work-Life Boundaries and Self-Care Strategies
Michael and Rebecca discussed the importance of work-life boundaries and self-care in the workplace. Michael emphasized the need to keep track of delegated tasks to avoid overworking employees. Rebecca suggested renaming the term "selfish" to "self-care" and introduced the concept of "pay yourself first," likening it to building wealth. They also discussed the "parking lot" strategy, where non-urgent tasks are listed and prioritized later. This strategy was praised by Michael, who shared his own experience of using a similar method to reprioritize his workload with his manager's help. They agreed that these strategies not only increase efficiency but also make employees feel more valued andCollaborate more effectively.
Effective Communication and Four Pillar Culture
Michael shared an observation about the importance of understanding and utilizing the rules in games like Monopoly to gain a strategic advantage. Rebecca then discussed the significance of effective communication in driving productivity, engagement, and motivation among team members. She introduced the concept of the "four pillar culture," which emphasizes the importance of focusing on customers, employees, excellent execution, and shareholder value. Rebecca also stressed the role of communication in all aspects of the business, from vision and strategy to execution plans and annual and quarterly plans. She suggested that this approach fosters clarity in work and contributes to overall success.
Parking Lot Exercises and Work-Life Balance
Michael and Rebecca discussed the benefits of using 'parking lot' exercises in their organization to allow for flexibility and adaptation. They also talked about the importance of work-life balance and how it can positively impact productivity. Rebecca shared about her book 'Fit CEO: 52 Weeks of Wellness, Wealth, and Wonder' which promotes this philosophy. Michael appreciated the book's insights and looked forward to sharing it with his audience.
Links:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-m-k/
Website:  http://rmkgroupllc.com/
Book: https://amzn.to/3RGcihy
Book site:  http://fitceobook.com/
 
 

Motivation Mondays: Dance with Your Dragons: A chat with Brad Axelrad

My name is Brad Axelrad, and for over a decade now, I’ve worked with coaches, consultants, and business owners to transform struggle into strength. By helping them face their fears and dance with their dragons, I help leaders like you step into their power and create a thriving coaching business in the process.
I’ve produced over 200 live events, spoken from nearly 300 stages (live and virtual), and interviewed top thought & business leaders and bestselling authors including industry GIANTS such as John Assaraf, Bob Proctor, Don Miguel Ruiz, Gay Hendricks, Ali Brown, Michael Gerber, and many more…
Since 2010, I’ve been a proud Founding Member of ATL SoCal (Association of Transformational Leaders) and Co-Founder of ATL Costa Rica, founded in 2017.
I’ve done all of this as a part of my ongoing mission to show tomorrow’s leaders how to embody success without sacrifice today—one that has seen thousands of lives transformed, just like yours CAN and WILL.

Founder Fridays: Streamlining Consulting Operations: Bizinta's Integrated System with Real-Time Reporting and Staffing Tools with Matt Lentzner

Matt is a 20-year expert in Business Management of Professional Services Companies. He has the rare ability to understand both the technical and business sides, mapping one to the other. He took that expertise and built Bizinta (www.bizinta.com) so the system and the business became one.https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-lentzner/
Bizinta's Integrated Back-End System for Consultants
Matt, the co-founder and CEO of Bizinta, presented a highly integrated back-end system designed for consulting companies. The system was initially created to manage the operations of his former finance and accounting consulting company in Silicon Valley, and it was later spun off as an independent company in 2017. The tool helps companies track their employees' skills, schedules, and billing and generates reports quickly and efficiently. Michael praised the system's ability to streamline operations and reduce silos, giving companies a competitive advantage by allowing them to focus on creative work.
Leadership Roles and Software Development Advantages
Michael and Matt discussed the advantages of having a background in software development for leadership roles. Matt's experience building systems from the ground up gave him a unique perspective, allowing him to understand and communicate effectively with his team about new features and tools. He also mentioned the advantage of quickly adapting to and implementing new features, giving his company a competitive edge. Furthermore, they discussed the importance of connecting to the development process and profoundly understanding the company's framework and capacity.
Consulting Industry Challenges and Opportunities
Matt and Michael discussed the challenges and opportunities in the consulting industry. Matt explained the unique difficulties of scaling a consulting business, contrasting it with the relative ease of scaling a product company. They identified a critical point for consulting companies: the founder can no longer personally oversee every aspect of the business due to its size and must expand the team. Michael highlighted a concerning statistic that 52% of Fortune 500 companies from 2000 have either gone bankrupt or been acquired, emphasizing the importance of growth and adaptation for businesses. They agreed on the need for a system to help manage and expand the knowledge of a consulting company to continue providing quality service to larger clients.
Bizinta System for Efficient Reporting
Michael and Matt discussed the impact of organizations on their communities and the importance of efficient reporting processes. Matt highlighted the advantages of their system, Bizinta, which was built with integration in mind, making it more efficient and effective than other systems. He demonstrated how the system can compare planned schedules with recorded time, enabling organizations to evaluate their performance and make necessary adjustments. Michael agreed and noted the potential for this system to auto staff adequately
roving Staffing for Customer-Driven Organizations
Michael and Matt discussed the challenges and inefficiencies in customer-driven organizations, such as restaurants and grocery stores, which experience fluctuating demand. Michael suggested designing the staffing to meet the demand, emphasizing the importance of proper resource allocation to ensure a good customer experience. He also highlighted the potential of this approach to improve efficiency and identify opportunities for the organization. Matt agreed with Michael's assessment and approach.
Introducing MoAR for Customizable Reporting
Matt introduced the MoAR, a robust reporting tool that allows users to tailor reports according to their specific needs, which can be saved and reused for their companies. Michael appreciated the flexibility of this tool, contrasting it with the inflexible and often problematic Crystal Reports. Matt emphasized the tool's potential in allowing management teams to quickly decide on the most important KPIs to track and share these among the team. The discussion indicated that this tool could be valuable for companies managing consultants, particularly those without an IT department.
Bizinta's Real-Time Capabilities and Enhancements
Matt and Michael discussed their system's real-time capabilities, emphasizing its potential for immediate data reflection and decision-making. Matt explained that their company, Bizinta, continuously adds features to its platform, including a recent partnership with a payment processor for automatic invoice generation and processing. They also revealed plans to introduce a tasking system similar to Monday.com by year-end to enhance efficiency and customer service. Michael highlighted the importance of real-time information for businesses to make informed decisions and succeed.
Integrating Software Systems and Company Culture
Michael and Matt discussed the importance and challenges of integrating different software systems and the role of company culture in this process. Michael shared a humorous anecdote about changing error messages to bike bell sounds in a software company, highlighting the significance of a positive work environment. 

Thoughtful Thursdays: Leadership Lessons from Fiction: Melanie Bell's Journey in Fostering Growth and Empathy

Melanie is the Founder of Leaders Who Fiction, an online book club and community that offers a unique way for people to acquire and develop leadership qualities through reading and discussing novels.On this fast-growing platform, leaders meet on the last Wednesday of each month for intellectual, business-oriented conversations centered around a selected novel.Melanie is also the Co-Founder of Strategic Piece, where she works with C-suite executives at growth-stage companies to deliver exceptional revenue growth by bringing together their marketing, sales, and service teams around an information-driven customer experience built on the HubSpot platform.She has been an entrepreneur for almost a decade and witnessed what works and doesn't work in leadership and how reading fiction equips leaders with the skills they need to achieve their professional goals.
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieabell/
https://LeadersWhoFiction.com
 
Summary
Introductions and reading habits @ 0:00
Michael and Melanie discussed their love of reading novels which faded during busy periods but was rediscovered, finding fiction teaches valuable life lessons better than textbooks.
Fiction novels teach leadership lessons @ 3:38
Michael argued novels show complex human interactions better than business books, citing how Star Trek addressed 1960s racial issues through diverse crews solving problems together.
Reading reduces stress and improves focus @ 8:14
Studies found just six minutes of reading significantly reduces stress versus other activities, with focus allowing clarity to solve problems. Leaders Who Fiction aims to prioritize this stress relief.
The value of getting 'lost' in a story @ 8:38
Getting fully immersed in a story transports the mind creatively, helping forget stresses as pages turn eagerly to discover outcomes, paralleling life's journey over destinations.
COVID increased humanity in remote work @ 10:57
Pandemic blurring of work and home made video calls more "human" as families joined, normalizing interruptions rather than masking imperfections.
Leaders Who Fiction book club @ 14:13
Melanie founded the free monthly Zoom book club to motivate busy leaders to read fiction through accountability and discussion of novels offering career value beyond "black-and-white" business stories.