Defying The Odds With Sean Stephenson
If anyone knows what it takes to defy incredible odds, it’s Sean Stephenson. He fought his way through a rare bone disorder to become a renowned therapeutic coach, bestselling author, international speaker, and an inspiration to millions of people all over the world. In today’s episode, Sean shows us how to figure out what we really want in our personal and professional lives. He also opens up about his own personal challenges, takes on industry stigmas, and reveals why asking yourself the right questions is the key to a successful and fulfilling life and career.
Topics include:
- Therapy vs. coaching vs. peer support
- Creating a clear vision (and finding the right help to make it happen)
- Why elbow grease goes further than talent
- Looking for the who instead of the how
- Why you have to get just as excited about marketing and sales as you do your vision
When Sean Stephenson was born, doctors predicted he would not survive past birth because of a rare bone disorder that stunted his growth and caused his bones to be extremely fragile. Despite these challenges, Sean has taken a stand for a quality of life that has reached millions of people around the world, including Sir Richard Branson, President Clinton, and his Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Sean has appeared on everything from The Oprah Show to online videos with hundreds of millions of views. The Biography Channel did an hour feature on his life called, “Three Foot Giant.” His message has been heard at live events in over 16 countries and 48 states over the past 23 years. Sean’s latest book, Get Off Your But has swept the US and been released in almost a dozen languages around the world. As a board certified therapist, Sean uses humor and compassion to develop a fun environment where individuals open their hearts and minds for lasting empowerment to occur.
Learn more about Sean at seanstephenson.com, staypositive.club, LinkedIn and Facebook.
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Focus Is Every Leader’s Secret Weapon With Govindh Jayaraman
Govindh Jayaraman is a serial entrepreneur, leadership expert, and the co-author of the smash hit Paper Napkin Wisdom. In today’s episode, Govindh really brings the energy as he shows us how to sharpen our focus muscles and build an invigorating routine that hones our leadership skills and sets us up for success. He also tells us what a great coaching structure really looks like, breaks down tangible ways to measure success, and reveals why the best way to learn is through the stories and experiences of others.
We discuss…
- Showing up with a “pulse” everyday
- Why focus (and mindset) is your secret weapon
- Finding your key players
- Some of the easiest ways to find peer support groups
- Learning to ask for help through helping others
What would you do if you suddenly found yourself financially down-and-out, with a young family at home, and with a failing business you thought was doing well until just that moment? Would you gather thousands of the top entrepreneurs, leaders, and difference-makers in one place and ask them for their keys to success?
Govindh Jayaraman did that…sort of. He discovered, implemented, and now shares the lessons he learned that leaves you, your team, and your audience with the ability to shift thinking and actually take action. He’s a portfolio entrepreneur, a leader in many global communities and has been described as a modern-day Napoleon Hill.
Learn more about Govindh at papernapkinwisdom.com, imbaonline.com, LinkedIn and Twitter.
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Cracking The Millennial Mind With Javier Montes
In today’s episode, author and entrepreneur Javier Montes breaks down everything we need to know about the Millennial mindset. During our conversation, Javier talks about the two most important forces behind every Millennial decision – priorities and purpose – and reveals how leaders can leverage the power and potential of this undervalued workforce.
Topics include:
- What leaders can do to attract and engage a younger workforce
- Why your purpose should be the company tagline
- Centering your hiring process on core values
- Defining long-term vision (and how to put it into practice)
As a Millennial himself, Javier Montes has spent his entire entrepreneurial journey working almost exclusively with a Millennial workforce. He has built a successful event entertainment company in South Florida and now he is sharing how he experienced such success with a team of Millennials.
Javier is on a mission to bridge the gap between Gen X’ers and Millennials in the world. He writes and speaks regularly on this topic, and recently published his first book Millennial Workforce: Cracking the Code to Generation Y in Your Company. As one of the most dynamic speakers on the planet, Javier’s passion, drive, and excitement is obvious from the moment he takes the stage. His energy is highly contagious and he has an uncanny ability to engage and connect with his audience.
Javier currently lives in sunny Miami with his wife and 2 gorgeous daughters. During his free time, he enjoys almost any activities that involve water. He is a pizza connoisseur and enjoys networking with other like-minded entrepreneurs. Javier is a proud member of the EO South Florida chapter and currently sits on the Board of the Accelerator Program.
Learn more about Javier at meetjavier.com, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
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Why Leaders Should Stop Making Decisions With Ryan Neal
On his second appearance on Smashing The Plateau, acclaimed advisor and seasoned entrepreneur Ryan Neal reveals why it’s more important for leaders to be facilitators instead of strategic decision makers. Ryan also talks about the true power of real-time feedback, shows us how to scale a talent-driven business, and unveils the secrets to building a booming business and well-rounded team.
We discuss…
- Creating an environment that challenges you to think differently
- Fighting against preconceptions
- Why there is no substitute for hard work
- Staying calm and confident during times of adversity
- Not letting conventions get in your way
Ryan Neal is a seasoned investor, director and advisor with more than ten years of experience in collaborating with the owners and managers of private companies to increase their value. Ryan is the President and co-founder of Blueprint Consulting Services, LLC. He also is an active member of the Seattle chapter of Entrepreneur’s Organization.
Learn more about Ryan at bpcs.com, LinkedIn and Twitter.
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The Real Power of Group Thinking With Jeremy Pound
As the CEO of Juicy Results, author and entrepreneur Jeremy Pound helps companies with everything from online marketing to lead generation to customer relationship management. In his second appearance on Smashing The Plateau, Jeremy reveals what it really takes to reposition a company. He also talks about why immersing yourself in supportive and accountable peer groups is the only way to reach important breakthroughs and take down barriers.
Topics include:
- How to find true focus
- The real power of group thinking and accountability
- Building your vulnerability and humility muscles
- Why the best problem solving comes from the unlikeliest of places
- The most effective mastermind group formats
Jeremy Pound is the CEO of Juicy Results, a South Florida-based CRM Consulting Firm that enables sales teams to reliably turn customers into strangers at scale. He writes and speaks regularly on how rapidly growing companies are using technology and the Internet to dominate their marketplace, and has published two books including Seven Habits of Scalable Sales Teams.
Jeremy is also the host of the New Customer Machine podcast, where he interviews experts and entrepreneurs about how to turn strangers into customers at scale. He’s been nicknamed “the CRM guy” and is probably best known for the slightly comical but always useful videos he releases demonstrating ways to use new sales technology.
Learn more about Jeremy at LinkedIn and Twitter.
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From Astrophysicist to Leadership Coach To Bestselling Author With Josh Spodek
In today’s episode of Smashing The Plateau, Josh Spodek talks about his personal transformation from distinguished astrophysicist to nationally recognized leadership coach and bestselling author. During our conversation, Josh explores what it really means to follow your passions, shows us how to overcome emotional roadblocks, shares his thoughts on vulnerability and community, and much more.
Topics include:
- Why relationships are more important than profits
- What you can learn from acting and storytelling classes
- The true importance of practice and rehearsal
- Leading with motivation
- How to overcome unexpected challenges
Joshua Spodek is an Adjunct Professor at NYU, leadership coach and workshop leader for Columbia Business School, columnist for Inc., founder of Spodek Academy, and the author of Leadership Step by Step.
He has led seminars in leadership, entrepreneurship, creativity, and sales at Harvard, Princeton, MIT, INSEAD (Singapore), the New York Academy of Science, and in private corporations. He holds five Ivy League degrees, including a PhD in Astrophysics and an MBA, and studied under a Nobel Prize winner. He helped build an X-ray observational satellite for NASA, co-founded and led as CEO or COO for several ventures, and holds six patents.
Learn more about Josh at joshuaspodek.com, LinkedIn and Twitter.
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Everything You Need To Know About Freelancing With Matt Inglot
Matt Inglot returns to Smashing The Plateau to talk about all things freelance. During our conversation, Matt shows us how to overcome the biggest hurdles facing today’s freelancers. He also uncovers the best ways to connect with clients, shows us how to develop killer business models and new skillsets, and reveals why the smartest (and most lucrative) thing you can do is invest in yourself.
We discuss…
- The 3-10 Client rule
- Why technical skills can only take you so far
- Cost effective ways to invest in yourself
- Business coaches vs. peer support communities
- How to get the most out of mastermind groups
Matt Inglot is the creator of Freelance Transformation, where he helps fellow consultants and creative services providers to earn more and to build their consulting business around their lifestyle. Matt’s expertise comes from running a web agency for 10 years, which he transformed from a traditional bricks and mortar office and 80 hour work week to significantly less work and far greater profitability. From that experience, Matt has realized that most freelancers and consultants make life far more difficult for themselves than it needs to be.
Learn more about Matt at tiltedpixel.com, LinkedIn and Twitter. Smashing The Plateau listeners can also receive something special at freelancetransformation.com/plateau.
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Bestselling Author Kabir Sehgal On Diversity, Synergy, And Success
Kabir Sehgal is a man who wears many hats. He’s a Grammy Award winning producer, former vice president at J.P. Morgan, and the bestselling author of Coined: The Rich Life of Money and How Its History Has Shaped Us. In today’s episode, Kabir reveals why dipping his toes into different industries and activities has helped him achieve massive success – not to mention a fun and an engaging career. He also shows us how to stop taking no so personally, and talks about the most transformational help he’s ever received.
Topics include:
- The importance of establishing commonalities with people
- What it means to be a lateral and diagonal thinker
- Concentrating on helping other people instead of collecting business cards
- Focusing on forever instead of just now
- How to find a mentor
Kabir Sehgal is a former vice president at J.P. Morgan; New York Times bestselling author of 7 books including Coined: The Rich Life of Money and How Its History Has Shaped Us; 2 time Grammy Award winning producer whose productions have garnered 8 nominations; and US Navy veteran who has received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
Learn more about Kabir at kabir.cc, Facebook and Twitter.
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How To Overcome Self-Sabotage With Kellan Fluckiger
As an international keynote speaker, performance and breakthrough coach, and former energy executive, Kellan Fluckiger has worked with everyone from State Governors and Senators to CEOs and Grammy winners. (He’s even worked with the Queen of England). In today’s episode, things get personal as Kellan opens up about his personal struggles with depression and how he came out happier and wiser on the other side. During our conversation, Kellan also talks about the importance of owning your story, gives us the tools to stop self-sabotage, and breaks down his five-step success formula – the results equation.
We discuss…
- Breaking through self-limitations and pushing your own boundaries
- Why painful experiences drive determination
- The importance of redefining yourself
- Having a willingness to tell the truth
- Why you should always ask yourself, “why not?”
Kellan Fluckiger has a history of helping others accomplish things they believed were impossible. Serving at the highest levels in government and business as an executive and consultant in the United States and Canada, he has had the opportunity to see firsthand what it takes to go against the grain, achieve against long odds and create impossible results.
Hidden from view during all this public acclaim was a 40-year battle with depression, which caused personal catastrophe, a hidden and fearful double life and huge emotional cost. His total focus and mission now is to help others eliminate the lies and barriers, discover, develop and express their gifts and create the powerful life of prosperity, contribution and joy doing exactly what they believe they should be doing.
Learn more about Kellan at LinkedIn, Twitter, breakthecagenow.com, tightropeofdepression.com and YouTube.
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From Wall Street to Booming Entrepreneur With Dave Young
Dave Young is the CFO of Kodak WinningFotos – a global organization and blossoming community of photographers and mentors who want to take their craft to the next level. Today he talks about how (and why) he jumped off the corporate ladder to start his own enterprise. He also discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with honest people with opposing viewpoints, shares how his career took off after partnering with industry giant Kodak, and reveals how to teach everyone on your team to articulate the company vision.
Topics include:
- Using imagery to connect with audiences
- How to connect with experts and industry giants
- Why having multiple skillsets is key in the startup world
- Embracing the ways Millennials tackle problems
- Why he call himself the “Chief Swiss Army Knife”
David Young is the Chief Financial Officer at Kodak WinningFotos, a Seattle-based global company with a robust trajectory that provides a place for photographers to grow and mentor other up-and-coming photographers. However, he introduces himself as “Chief Swiss Army Knife.”
He started out as an analyst on Wall Street before joining the treasury group at a Fortune 500 company with the goal of bringing mobile data to the U.S. David has also developed a number of cloud patents and sold a technology company he co-founded during the tech bubble. He holds a BA from the University of Puget Sound and a Master’s of Science in Finance from Seattle University. He loves spending time with his three daughters.
Learn more about David at LinkedIn and Twitter.
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Highlights From NAWBO NYC’s Small Business Bootcamp
In today’s special episode of Smashing The Plateau, we’re sharing some of the highlights of NAWBO NYC’s Small Business Bootcamp – Powering Your Growth. We talk to an extraordinary group of women, and they reveal some of the event’s biggest takeaways.
Interviews include keynote speaker and New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin, Flexcel Network Founder and NAWBO NYC President Sophie Wade, featured speaker, CEO and Founder of Odyssey Media Linda Spradley Dunn, Joy Passey of JOY Prosperity Coaching, speaker and author Shemeka Brathwaite, partner and attorney Jennifer Zourigui, Dr. Sunanda Chugh of Anand Medical Spa, Samantha Shubert of Remarkable Life Memoirs, the New York Public Library’s Helena Escalante, Connect 2 Coach Founder and NAWBO NYC Board Member and Programming Chair Elizabeth Foster, Viridian’s Rory Hayden, and MasterCard’s Vice President and Senior Business Leader, Global Community Relations, Mercedes Garcia.
Topics include:
- How we can change our habits to become more productive
- The benefits of being part of an ongoing community
- Confronting change
- Fighting through discrimination and focusing on the moment
- Developing better self-awareness
- Fear of success
- Why most companies fail to reach out to Millennials (and how to change it)
- Opening up about your struggles
- Why conferences are the best places to negotiate and resolve problems
- Incredible NYPL resources for small businesses
- Finding direction and perseverance
- Why rebelling against new technology will damage your business
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From Community Organizer To Podcasting Expert With Jessica Rhodes
In today’s episode, Interview Connections Founder Jessica Rhodes reveals how she moved from political activist and community organizer to entrepreneur and podcasting wiz. During our conversation, Jessica explains why nothing is possible without the right guidance, shows us how to use uncomfortable feelings to launch a new enterprise, and reveals the best thing anyone can do to grow an audience and improve client retention.
Topics include:
- Where to find feedback and personal support
- How to get started in a new field
- Starting a business around consumer needs instead of personal ones
- The importance of getting things in writing
- The best ways to approach and manage partnerships
Jessica Rhodes is the founder and CEO of InterviewConnections.com, the premier Guest Booking agency for podcasters and guest experts, and she is the acclaimed author of Interview Connections:#RockThePodcast From Both Sides of the Mic!
Jessica is the host of Interview Connections TV, where each week she helps her viewers rock the podcast from both sides of the mic. She hosts/co-hosts three podcasts: Rhodes to Success, The Podcast Producers and The Parenting Rhodes. The Podcast Producers was selected by Apple as a “How to Podcast” show in iTunes and has also been included in the syllabus for a course about podcasting and audio journalism at Western University in Ontario, Canada. Jessica has been a speaker at Podcast Movement, Podfest.us and Dream Business Academy. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband and two kids.
Learn more about Jessica at jessicarhodes.biz, LinkedIn and Twitter.
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The Real Power of Human Connection With Chris Schembra
Chris Schembra transformed his intimate dinner parties into the 747 Club – a booming community (and impressive business model) that cultivates life-changing connections through the power of collaboration and empathy. Today he reveals how his personal insecurities – and a terrific pasta sauce recipe – inspired him to become a connector. Chris also talks about the importance of creating a safe space for yourself, your team, and your customers, and reveals why (and how) organizations should start their own grassroots movements.
We discuss…
- Keeping yourself open to what’s already around you
- The importance of letting things grow organically
- The secret to a shareable social media campaign
- The bCONc model
- Why it’s important to give your consumers a voice
Chris Schembra is a leading expert on empathy and the art of human connection. He is the Founder + Chief Question Asker of the 747 Club, an organization which awakens empathy within people and corporations. Since it’s inception, the 747 Club has served over 2,000 attendees, sparking over 50,000 relationships.
Aside from the 747 Club, Chris is a partner at OHenry Productions, which invests in and produces commercial theater. The projects Chris has been involved in have been awarded 10 Tony Awards, 7 Emmy’s and a Grammy. As a marketer, he’s led campaigns with over 900,000 participants; and the programs through his family’s Hilton Head Island Performance Group have trained and empowered close to 1,000,000 (million) people how to achieve excellence and gain the competitive edge. He spends a lot of his time mentoring startups at Techstars, and serves as a social influencer for Dell and American Express.
Learn more about Chris at LinkedIn and Twitter.
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Empowering Others With Positivity With Orly Wahba
On her second appearance on Smashing The Plateau, sought-after speaker and community activist Orly Wahba shows us why kindness is the most powerful tool for empowerment. She also talks about reexamining the way we measure success, how we can recognize our own unique value, and reveals how her new book can show anyone how to evoke positive changes in their lives and careers.
Topics include:
- Turning inspiration into action
- How to use positive energy to propel yourself forward
- Why nothing is a one-person journey
- Remembering what really matters in life
- Taking a positive look back at your own successes
Orly Wahba is an educator, entrepreneur, author, speaker and community activist passionate about motivating people to make the world a kinder place. Orly began her career as a Middle School educator empowering children to see their power to influence the world for good. In 2011, Orly founded Life Vest Inside, a non-profit organization with a mission to empower and unite the world with kindness. Life Vest Inside gained international acclaim when Orly’s award-winning film Kindness Boomerang went viral. Orly has spoken at TED and has been featured on The Today Show.
Orly’s book, Kindness Boomerang: How to Save the World (And Yourself) Through 365 Daily Acts hit the shelves on January 3rd. The book is a guide to incorporating kindness into your daily life.
Learn more about Orly at LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.
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Chasing The Adventure With Sir Tim Smit
If there’s one thing Sir Tim Smit has learned in his illustrious career, it’s that the world favors risk takers. In today’s episode, Tim talks about how he turned a dilapidated estate into The Eden Project – one of the UK’s greatest gardens and environmental tourist attractions. He also discusses why (and how) people from all walks of life can achieve great things, shares why he really left the music industry behind, and reveals why having a grand adventure is the secret to a happy and successful life.
We discuss…
- The four rules for setting your adventure in motion
- How to harness your anxiety
- The power of serendipity
- Losing your fear of being disliked
- Why treating people well is the secret to good luck
Sir Tim Smit is Executive Vice-Chairman, and Co-founder of the award-winning Eden Project near St. Austell in Cornwall. Eden began as a dream in 1995 and opened its doors to the public in 2000. Since then more than 18 million people have come to see what was once a sterile pit turned into a cradle of life containing world-class horticulture and startling architecture symbolic of human endeavor. Eden has contributed over £1.7 billion into the Cornish economy, and is proud of its success in changing people’s perception of the potential for and the application of science, by communicating and interpreting scientific concepts through the use of art, drama and storytelling as well as living up to its mission to take a pivotal role in local regeneration. It demonstrates once and for all that sustainability is not about sandals and nut cutlets; it is about good business practice and the citizenship values of the future.
Learn more about Sir Tim at edenproject.com and Twitter.
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Why Community Is The Key To Success With Rachel Happe
In today’s episode of Smashing The Plateau, The Community Roundtable Co-Founder Rachel Happe reveals why meaningful relationships and supportive communities are the bedrocks of success. She also talks about pushing past anxieties, shows us the right ways to network, and reveals why focusing on what you can to today can change your trajectory tomorrow.
We discuss…
- Using a crisis as a springboard for change
- How to find those who can recognize your potential
- Why the successful individual is a myth
- Creating organizations where individuals can thrive
Rachel Happe has spent the last 20 years helping organizations implement emerging technologies to advance their business strategies. She understands how networked communications environments can transform how people work, their productivity and their personal satisfaction by aligning their passions, skills and relationships.
Rachel Co-Founded The Community Roundtable to support business leaders developing their communities and social business strategies. Clients including Steelcase, Aetna, BASF, H&R Block and CA have benefited from Rachel’s ability to make sense of abstract trends and her ability to see the implications that technical and operational decisions can have on people and processes. During her career, Rachel has served as an analyst, in product management, product marketing and executive roles.
Learn more about Rachel at LinkedIn and Twitter.
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NAWBO NYC’s Gretchen Rubin, Robyn Hatcher & Maurice Bretzfield on Entrepreneurship And Accountability
In today’s special episode of Smashing The Plateau, we’re talking to three illustrious guest speakers from NAWBO NYC’s upcoming Small Business Bootcamp. Bestselling author Gretchen Rubin, communication expert and speaker Robyn Hatcher, and entrepreneurial powerhouse Maurice Bretzfield explore the importance of finding outer accountability, the parallels between business and creativity, the real power of mentorship, and much more.
For tickets to NAWBO NYC’s Small Business Bootcamp Powering Your Growth on February 24th, visit here.
Topics include:
- Why there is no one magic answer
- How problem solving is just like mountain climbing
- Surrounding yourself with people who will give you the hard truth
- Creating personas
- Why the past is the key to your future
- Exposing yourself to new ideas
Gretchen Rubin is the author of several books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers, Better Than Before and The Happiness Project. She has an enormous readership, both in print and online, and her books have sold more than two million copies worldwide in more than thirty languages. On her popular, award-winning podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, she discusses good habits and happiness with her sister Elizabeth Craft. Fast Company named Gretchen to its list of Most Creative People in Business. She’s been interviewed by Oprah, eaten dinner with Daniel Kahneman, and walked arm-in-arm with the Dalai Lama. She started her career in law and was clerking for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor when she realized she wanted to be a writer. Learn more about Gretchen at LinkedIn, Twitter and gretchenrubin.com.
Robyn Hatcher is a communication expert, author and professional speaker. Her 15 plus years in the entertainment field as a professional actress and film and TV writer plus her experience as a certified Neural Linguistic Programming practitioner, give her a powerful combination of fun, creative tools and solid scientific research. Robyn has transformed the careers of thousands of business leaders through corporate programs, private coaching, and interactive presentations. Fortune 50-500 companies and brands such as Allstate, Deloitte, Hewlett-Packard, AXA, and UBS are a few notables on Robyn’s rich list of clientele. Her first book, Standing Ovation Presentations contains a unique communication-style system called ActorTypes, and was named on Forbes.com as one of 2015’s Top 100 Coaching Books. Learn more about Robyn at LinkedIn, Twitter and robynhatcher.com
Maurice Bretzfield joined SCORE in October 2014 after a 40+ years business career in apparel design, manufacturing, importing and distribution. Making a career switch in 1995, Maurice now has over twenty years of Internet Marketing experience including Website Architecture, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Social Media Marketing (SMM) and E-Commerce. A serial entrepreneur, Maurice has acquired deep knowledge of Business Management, Financial Planning and Management, Information Architecture and all forms of Internet, Marketing and is a frequent speaker on the topic of Digital Marketing. Learn more about Maurice at LinkedIn, Twitter and newyorkcity.score.org.
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How To Find And Follow Your Personal Truth With Kute Blackson
Kute Blackson is transforming lives with his electrifying energy and profound spiritual insight. Luminaries such as Larry King, Levar Burton and John Gray have hailed him for his bold take on life coaching. In today’s episode, Kute explores why recognizing and following your own truth is the only way to live a productive and fulfilled life. He also shows us how to create a deeper sense of purpose, and reveals how his multicultural background helps him smash through limitations.
Topics include:
- The three questions you need to ask yourself to uncover your truth
- Finding alignment with your own integrity
- Letting go of your current reality to tap into bigger perspectives
- Getting in touch with your pain
A charismatic visionary and transformational teacher, Kute Blackson offers a fresh, bold look at spiritual awareness for a whole new generation. Kute’s unique lineage lays the blueprint for his approach to breaking down barriers and setting the gifts and greatness of others free. Born in Ghana, West Africa, Kute’s multicultural upbringing as the child of a Japanese mother and a Ghanaian father has spanned four different continents.
He has hosted his own weekly radio show on KYPA 1230 AM, in addition to making regular television appearances. Today, the venue for his message may be one-on-one, a vast stadium setting, a corporate seminar or anything in-between. He is highly sought out by major companies, seeking to redefine their paradigm of success, and inspire greatness. Kute’s debut book, YOU.ARE.THE.ONE., was released through Simon and Schuster on June 7, 2016. Colored with experiences from his own incredible journey, YOU.ARE.THE.ONE. shows readers how to unlock their true potential and live a life they love, through love.
Learn more about Kute at kuteblackson.com, boundlessblissbali.com, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
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How To Lead With Cultural Fluency With Jane Hyun
Jane Hyun is a distinguished leadership strategist, bestselling author, and one of the world’s foremost authorities on cross-cultural effectiveness. Today she breaks down the principles for leading with cultural fluency, and reveals how you can use them to empower your team, strengthen your business, and build meaningful relationships across cultures. She also encourages all leaders to question their assumptions, adopt a curious attitude, and reaffirm their organization’s key values.
Topics include:
- Defining what cultural fluency means to you
- Common mistakes leaders make with cultural differences
- The three questions everyone should ask themselves before speaking with people from different cultures
- How to really connect with people
Jane Hyun is the Founder and President of Hyun & Associates and a leadership strategist to Fortune 500 companies. A trusted coach to organizations, her expertise in cross-cultural effectiveness comes from 24 years of experience in high stakes business environments. She helps organizations leverage diverse teams to drive competitive value and collaboration. She has held management posts at JPMorgan, Deloitte, and Resources Global.
A graduate of Cornell University with a degree in Economics, Jane is an advisor to the Center for Talent Innovation, American Heart Association Diversity Council, and Operation Exodus. She appears on media such as CNN, CNBC, Wall Street Journal, HBS Working Knowledge, Forbes, and NPR to discuss culture and leadership. She is the author of the bestseller Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling, and co-author of Flex: The New Playbook for Managing Across Differences.
Learn more about Jane at hyunassociates.com, LinkedIn and Twitter.
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Finding Your Inner Focus With Paul Kirch
Today on Smashing The Plateau, BOSS Academy Radio host Paul Kirch talks about his heartfelt journey into self-discovery and entrepreneurship. During the course of our conversation, Paul reveals the importance of finding inner focus, shows us how to find the right emotional support, and reveals how leaders can learn to embrace and take advantage of their slumps.
We discuss…
- The importance of short term goals (and how to meet them)
- How to manage your negative emotions
- Centering your work culture on communication and empowerment
- Giving back to the professional community
Paul Kirch is the host of BOSS Academy Radio, a show catering to business owners and entrepreneurs, where he shares his experiences and expertise while bringing in guests who provide high-value messaging to give support to listeners. BOSS stands for Business Ownership Success Strategies, which is the focus of every episode. Paul also currently serves as the President and CEO of WebsitesandLeads.com, a premier digital marketing agency, known for creating powerful and actionable online assets, including websites, apps, APIs, and powerful inbound lead generation strategies.
Paul is a regular contributor to the business learning application called Audvisor, alongside experts such as Seth Godin and Guy Kawasaki. He provides insights on sales, business management and entrepreneurship.
Learn more about Paul at LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
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Saying Goodbye To Traditional Referrals With Steve Gordon
Steve Gordon is a referral marketing expert, bestselling author and CEO of The Unstoppable CEO. Today we explore his concept of a referral kit and how to build one. Steve also reveals why his innovative referral system is the ticket to breaking down barriers and building valuable relationships.
Topics include:
- Why the referral process is a key ingredient to success
- Why you shouldn’t look for do-it-yourself clients
- Marketing tools vs. paid products and services
- How to up your game as a provider of high-ticket services
Steve Gordon is the author of the book Unstoppable Referrals and publisher of The Unstoppable CEO—The Leadership Journal for Growing Firms. He is the editor of three business newsletters and has published hundreds of articles on marketing and selling high-ticket products and services in high-trust transactions.
At age 28, Steve Gordon became the CEO of an engineering/consulting firm. Twelve years later, after growing that firm’s revenue by 10-times, he started his second business, consulting 1-on-1 with businesses across 30 industries including manufacturing, professional services, construction, and consulting to design sales, marketing and referral systems for high-ticket/ high-trust products and services.
Learn more about Steve at LinkedIn and Twitter, and download his referral mindset scorecard at unstoppableceo.net/smashing.
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Empathy And The Customer Experience Featuring Jana Sedivy
In today’s episode of Smashing The Plateau, technology maven and Authentic Insight Founder Jana Sedivy reveals how business leaders – especially techies – can harness the power of empathy and connection to create more valuable and meaningful customer experiences. She also talks about taking a more strategic approach to personal development and reveals incomparable insight into effective customer engagement.
We discuss…
- Why leaders are afraid to reach out to customers (and how not to be)
- How to end the disconnect between designer and user
- Not being distracted by magical formulas
- How to curate advice
- Lessons on the power of personal story from President Obama
Jana Sedivy helps B2B tech companies understand their customers better so that they can improve their customer experience. Basically, when tech companies get tired of making product decisions based on the loudest engineer in the room, they give Jana a call. Happy customers lead to better customer retention, more referrals, and faster sales cycles.
Jana has been at the intersection of people and technology for the last 20 years and holds 21 patents for innovative user experience technology. She specializes in the kind of software that you don’t typically see, but keeps our society running smoothly, including inventory management systems, document automation, or print server management. She is deeply uncool in many other ways as well.
Learn more about Jana at authenticinsight.com, LinkedIn and Twitter, and find an exclusive download for Smashing The Plateau listeners at authenticinsight.com/plateau.
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The Right Way To Solve Problems With Joe Kashurba
Joe Kashurba turned his high school web design business into a global digital agency. Today he reveals why (and how) leaders need to take a diagnostic approach to problem solving instead of an emotional one to push themselves forward. He also shares why effective marketing, a solid sales game, and a steady customer base are the secret ingredients to getting a successful business off the ground.
We discuss…
- Building the confidence to charge more for your services
- Why identifying your fears is the first step to overcoming them
- Finding insight from your best clients
- Why it’s easy to lose focus in the web space (and how to get it back)
Joe Kashurba is a successful entrepreneur, online marketing consultant and nationally award-winning website designer. He transformed the freelance web design business he started in high school into a digital agency with a virtual team and clients around the world. He went from building $300 websites to building $30,000 websites and managing 6-figure digital advertising budgets for some of the largest manufacturing and construction companies.
Joe has worked with clients around the United States and internationally. He now advises and mentors other freelance web designers and digital agency owners on how to develop and scale their businesses. Joe graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Information Science and a minor in Computer Science.
Learn more about Joe at kashurbawebdesign.com, LinkedIn and joekashurba.com.
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How To Master Your Time Management With Nicholas Spike
As the Vice President of Development for Thuzio Executive Club, Nicholas Spike harnesses the power of influence to empower brands, launch businesses and foster connections. Today he shares how his eclectic background in sports, art, sales, networking and business has helped him become an exceptional leader and even better team player. Nick also discusses why (and how) Thuzio’s star-studded events are so successful, and reveals why using your time in the most creative and effective way possible is the key to achieving your personal and professional goals.
Topics include:
- The best ways to improve time management (for you and your team)
- Why delegating tasks to your team is the secret to growing a business
- The importance of in-person collaboration
- How to build relationships in the digital age
Nicholas Spike is the current Senior Vice President for Thuzio Executive Club and manages East Coast sales, service and operations teams. Thuzio Executive Club provides over 300 member accounts and their guests with the most memorable business events of the year. Prior to joining Thuzio, Nick worked in the Inside Sales program at the New York Jets, Premium Sales with the New Jersey Devils and Suite & Partnership Sales with the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Nick is a graduate from Penn State University. He is the co-author of Anuskiewicz: Paintings and Sculptures 1945-2001, a Catalogue Raisonné and collaborated with his father, art historian John T. Spike, on the catalogue raisonné of the paintings of Gregorio Preti.
Learn more about Nick at LinkedIn and Twitter.
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Dorie Clark Talks Niche, Authority And Content Creation
Dorie Clark returns to Smashing The Plateau to explore her interesting twist on niche, and how to use it to strengthen your business and pave the way for future opportunities. During our conversation, Dorie also talks about doubling down during your personal and professional growth phases, unveils the three key components to becoming an authority in your field, shows us how to create killer content, and much more.
Topics include:
- How to improve service-based industries with a time-limited niche
- The force of decentralization (and what it means for the future of business)
- Letting go of old ideas to create game-changing ones
- Why we’re all in a race to the bottom (and how to fight against it)
- The relationship between social media and politics
- Why working on small and exponential improvements simultaneously is the key to overcoming obstacles
Dorie Clark is the author of Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future (Harvard Business Review Press, 2013) and the forthcoming Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It (Portfolio/Penguin, 2015). A former presidential campaign spokeswoman, she is a frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Entrepreneur. Recognized as a “branding expert” by the Associated Press and Fortune, Clark is a marketing strategy consultant and speaker for clients including Google, Microsoft, Yale University, Fidelity, and the World Bank.
She is an Adjunct Professor of Business Administration at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and a Visiting Professor for IE Business School in Madrid. She has guest lectured at Harvard Business School, the Harvard Kennedy School, Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, the Wharton School, the MIT Sloan School of Management, and more. She is a frequent guest on MSNBC and appears in worldwide media including NPR, the Wall Street Journal, and the BBC.
Learn more about Dorie (and download her free workbook) at dorieclark.com, LinkedIn and Twitter.
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