1% Better Improvement Podcast

Welcome back to the 1% Better Improvement Podcast. In this episode, host Craig Thielen chats with Ben Albert - Founder of Real Business Connections and a podcasting savant who turned a COVID-era layoff into a thriving media and marketing business. Ben shares how he went from "Music Ben" to "Business Ben," the power of microinfluence, and why the key to success in podcasting, networking, and market...

🏀 Cinderella Story? Not a chance. 🏀During last year’s March Madness, the world saw Jack Gohlke sink 10 three-pointers and shock No. 3 seed Kentucky - but what they didn’t see was the years of work, setbacks, and relentless 1% improvements that led to that moment. In the latest episode of the 1% Better Podcast, Jack shares: How he built unshakable confidence through daily discipline Why he embrac...

Welcome to the 1% Better Improvement Podcast - Craig Thielen sits down once again with Paul Batz, CEO & Founder of Good Leadership. Craig and Paul kick off season 3 discussing accountability—everyone wants it, but why does it so often feel negative? 🤔 In this episode, Paul Batz , CEO of Good Leadership, shares groundbreaking research on how leaders can foster healthy accountability —one that...

1% Better Improvement Podcast's very first guest returns — this time as the host! Shane Zutz, VP of HR at DigiKey flips the script on Craig Thielen to reflect on a year of inspiring conversations, leadership insights, and the evolving role of AI. Don’t miss this special year-in-review episode! Key Takeaways: Optimism is a Leadership Superpower: True leadership isn't blind positivity but a confiden...

In the latest episode of the 1% Better Podcast, Carissa Rollins, CIO at Illumina, sits down with host Craig Thielen and shares how she navigated career pivots, led major transformations, and champions inclusivity in tech. Her story is one of resilience, bold decisions, and empowering others along the way. Key takeaways include: Embrace Career Evolution and Lifelong Learning Carissa's path to becom...

Check out our latest episode of the 1% Better Podcast featuring former nuclear submarine commander and Wall Street Journal's bestselling author, David Marquet! David shares the incredible journey of turning around one of the Navy’s worst-performing submarines by shifting from traditional command-and-control leadership to empowering his team to make decisions.⚓ He breaks down the importance of...

*Disclaimer: Mr. Badran’s statements are made personally and not on behalf of U.S. Bank. His opinions are his own and should not be construed as financial or investment advice* In this latest episode of 1% Better Improvement Podcast, Craig Thielen talks to Souheil Badran, SEVP and COO at U.S. Bank. From coding on mainframes to leading transformative innovations in the banking industry, Souheil Bod...

In this episode of the 1% Better Podcast, host Craig Thielen sits down with Steve Meirink, CEO of Wolters Kluwer’s Financial and Corporate Compliance Division. Steve shares his journey of aligning personal values with career decisions, including the impactful choice to move closer to family. He discusses overcoming personal challenges, such as his fear of flying, and how these experiences shaped h...

Richard McDonald, an accomplished author, coach, and consultant in human development and leadership, shares his unique journey from growing up in South Africa to becoming a renowned leadership expert. Through vivid storytelling, he illustrates how his experiences with nature's chaos and beauty shaped his leadership philosophy. Emphasizing the importance of presence, authenticity, and empathy,...

Our short highlight reel showcases extraordinary leaders, visionaries, advocates, and motivators from around the globe. Hear their riveting stories of transformation, professional triumphs, and personal breakthroughs. These dynamic speakers share powerful insights and unforgettable experiences that will ignite your passion and drive - the ultimate mission of 1% Better. Thanks for listening! Find U...

Tune in to this inspiring journey of Tim Eggebraaten, retired Chief of Police, motivational speaker, musician, also known as Off-Duty Chief. From his 25 years in law enforcement to becoming a speaker and musician, Tim shares his powerful story of overcoming challenges, finding his rhythm, and spreading positivity. Key Takeaways: Importance of Authenticity and Vulnerability : Tim emphasized the pow...

Discover Sandra's pioneering journey in diversity and inclusion and how she's reshaping corporate cultures with innovative data-driven strategies. 🌟 Learn about the challenges and triumphs of establishing inclusive environments before it became a mainstream topic. Sandra shares invaluable insights from her 20-year career, her approach to solving workplace issues, and how her company, incl...

1% Better Podcast host Craig Thielen sits down with Pam DeGrote, a pioneering client turned long-time employee of Trissential (now retired). Pam shares her invaluable insights on navigating career transitions, mastering project management, and the cultural impact on success. Whether you're planning your career path or nearing retirement, Pam's journey offers lessons for everyone. Tune in t...

In the latest 1% Better Podcast, we are chatting with Randy Fielding, Founder of Fielding International. Join host Craig Thielen as they discuss designing work and learning environments that promote productivity and creativity. They discuss the importance of natural light, movement, and varied spaces that offer both collaboration and privacy. Randy emphasizes the value of connecting to nature and...

Tune into the latest episode of the 1% Better Podcast featuring Amy Gurske, the innovative Founder & CEO of sayhii - Amy sits down with host Craig Thielen to share her journey to pioneering new standards in workplace communication - a necessary shift towards more dynamic and responsive strategies that prioritize employee engagement and satisfaction. This is more than just a career story. It&#3...

🌍 April is Earth Month and there is no one more fitting than our latest guest on 1% Better Podcast to represent it - Polar Explorer, Educator and Environmental Ambassador, Will Steger. ⭐ A name synonymous with daring and endurance, Will shares shares insight from his record-setting expeditions, including the first confirmed dogsled journey to the North Pole without resupply and the monumental tr...

DON'T MISS the latest episode of the 1% Better Podcast featuring visionary Futurist Gerd Leonhard!- Explore the fine line between harnessing technology for a better tomorrow and preserving our humanity. 🌍✨ 🎧 This conversation sheds light the potential and pitfalls of rapid technological progress but also calls for a thoughtful approach to integrating technology into society, ensuring that i...

Dive into the digital future with Del Costy - President, Siemens Digital Industries USA, on the 1% Better Podcast with host Craig Thielen!🎙 From embracing AI to rethinking manufacturing, this episode is a goldmine of insights for anyone interested in where technology is taking us next. Don't miss Del's expert take on leveraging digital advancements for continuous improvement and meaningful...

Discover the fascinating journey of Teddy Bekele, Chief Technology Officer at Land O'Lakes, on the latest episode of the 1% Better Improvement Podcast. From a childhood in Ethiopia to leading technology initiatives at a Fortune 500 company, Teddy shares insights on embracing change and innovation, and emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey rather than solely focusing on the destinat...

Explore the transformative journey of Jaime Taets, Chief Vision Officer and Founder of Keystone Group International. Discover key insights on personal growth, building positive company culture, and the importance of trust and reflection in leadership. Jaime shares her experience climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and how it reshaped her perspective on life and business. Listen or watch now for inspiration...

1% Better Improvement Podcast kicks off season 2 with Rick King, Chairman of the Metropolitan Airports Commission. 🛫 MSP soared to the #2 spot on Wall Street Journal's Best Airports of 2023 - Find out the secrets behind their success. Join host Craig Thielen as they explore the evolving role of technology in airports, the dynamics of effective board leadership, and the future of generative AI...

In this season one recap of the 1% Better Improvement Podcast, Kelcey Carlson (Evening News Anchor at KMSP Fox 9) interviews podcast host Craig Thielen. They cover podcast's origin and inspiration, memorable moments, and reflect on standout guests and impactful stories. Find 1% Better on  Spotify  |  Apple  |  Amazon  |  YouTube  (new) Follow 1% Better on Instagram (new) Follow Kelcey Carlson...

In this powerful episode, Transformational Life Coach, Thayre Faust, opens up about her personal journey from a 25-year corporate career to becoming a mental health advocate and founder of V.A.S.T. Possibilities. Thayre shares a deeply emotional experience during the COVID pandemic, recounting the devastating loss of her son to suicide. Her resilience and commitment to mental health advocacy shine...

Join host Craig Thielen as he sits down with Jeff Munneke, Vice President of Fan Experience for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx. They discuss the recent home opener win, excitement of a new season, and the power of fan engagement. Jeff shares his journey from selling soccer tickets to leading the entire fan experience for two professional sports organizations. Get tickets to the Minn...

John Sweeney, Founder & CEO of Brave New Outpost shares many key learnings when connecting improv with innovation and the corporate world. This episode is sure to bring laughs and insight... and I promise will keep you entertained every second. Learn more about  Brave New Outpost Check out  Jiggly Boy video  and donate to Smile Network Get John’s book,  The Innovative Mindset Follow John Sween...