Come Rain or Shine

For most of us, we're all about the numbers and bottom line; perhaps a few analytics but little beyond face value. However, as Data Scientist and Engineer, Ben Burke, explains, to dream big, you must embrace big data. While critical thinking is essential, knowing its place in the current technological evolution is just as significant. For instance, to best manage information, organizations should...

Often when we discuss diversity, we promote inclusion and fairness from a recruiting perspective.  However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, diversity not only applies to human resources but also input and imagination. When new ideas emerge, how are they communicated and exchanged? Are you reacting or responding? Are you putting yourself in the shoes of your clients and competitors or not? A...

For many companies, valuable products and processes are essential to what they do. After all, you have to know your starting point and final destination to hit the bottom line. However, one area I find many organizations fall short on is onboarding. As Jody and I discuss in this episode, onboarding is critical to retention. How well do you train your employees? How well are you instilling purpose...

We all have doubts and fear given we're human and prone to weakness. But what if I told you there were ways to deflect those doubts when you wanted to? As Jody and I discuss in this episode, dealing with self-doubt can be a challenge; however, by maturing in self-awareness, connecting to a healthy inner circle, and not seeking validation, you can avoid vain anxieties and assumptions. After all, th...

For many, performance and drivenness are two separate entities. One involves autonomy; the other desire. However, as guest David Hancock shares in this episode, when these virtues collide, the results can be transformative. The key? Relevancy. To be relevant, we not only have to value our skills but create our opportunities. The effort may require diligence and delegation; it may summon an acquire...

In this era, more information is available than ever before. As such, many leaders often stall important decisions to secure more data to make a more informed decision. However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, sometimes you got to put the pencil down, understand your values, and trust your intellect to make immediate decisions. While you may feel you're rushing to conclusions, if you alread...

When we talk about vocational leadership, we often allude to the importance of situational awareness. After all, to be effective, you must be discerning at the moment.  However, as  Jon Macaskill , Navy SEAL Commander and motivational speaker discusses in this episode, to be discerning requires a blend of mindfulness and meditation. For instance, a manager can know how to plan and delegate; howeve...

In the real world, we all need a real job. From rent to bills, every dollar counts; every cent matters. However, in today's worker market economy, more people are chasing freedom and balance than ever before. Especially in a post-pandemic era, many Americans are reevaluating their passions and priorities to counter greater insecurity and uncertainty. And why not given we're all individual contract...

When it comes to starting a side hustle, maturing passion into action is easier said than done. Not only do you have to work quickly but promote yourself and your mission in ways that reach and inspire people.  However, as Debbie Allen, a seasoned entrepreneur who became a millionaire by 32, shares in this episode, there are many ways to convert a passion into a successful business opportunity. Fo...

While leadership is an opportunity, it can also be a challenge. As many leaders can attest, how we motivate, how we facilitate, and how we change are all essential responsibilities. Yet, as a guest, Patty Beach, shares in this episode, how we execute these endeavors is just as important. For instance, we may know how to inspire the right idea; however, if we don't empower versatile decision-making...

We all have ideas about success. We think luxurious homes, stable incomes, dream jobs, stock options; the list goes on. However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, often our view of success is the byproduct of success rather than success itself. Dare we ask ourselves: How do we define success? What is the pathway to success in a given area? How do we create objectives for ourselves along the w...

Left to our own devices, almost all of us are driven by independence. We work hard trying to make a living and ends meet. Little do we realize the small things that exhaust us to the point of disorientation. However, as today's guest, Ela Staniak, shares, if you want to own your presence, you have to first own your past and disfunction. As hard as you may work, you will never get far if you don't...

They say a good story only needs a good storyteller.  If this is true, consider Chris Lindsley, today's guest.  A writer of many hats, Chris Lindsley has 35 years of experience serving as editor of a national sports magazine for kids, a consumer health newsletter, and a contributor to the  Washington Post . However, his best work is arguably his first book,  Land of Fun: The Story of an Amusement...

When we consider the quality of our services, our expectation level can vary. For instance, when someone says "very good" versus "excellent" job, generally we're satisfied with either outcome; however, what if I told you "very good" and "poor" are the same because, in the end, they are not "excellent"? Consider a 5-point scale. When evaluating quality control, the difference is more substantial th...

No question, words have a lot of power and potential. Especially in a recovering, post-COVID world, how and what we communicate is more imperative than ever. Yet, as a renowned communications expert, Jill Schiefelbein, explains, knowing 'what' is only the beginning; no matter what you're conveying or selling, your audience must understand the 'why' behind your words. For instance, instead of speak...

As we've discussed in prior episodes, asking the right questions can make or break your business.  What processes and products should we adapt? Who should we hire to handle these responsibilities? The list goes on and on.  However, as I explain in this episode when we integrate root cause analysis, an interrogative technique developed by Sakichi Toyoda, into our communication practices, we ultimat...

I know I've said it ad nauseam, but I'll say it again: People who take the initiative create their luck.  Take today's special guest, Dave Alpern, for instance. After starting his career as an unpaid intern selling T-shirts for the Joe Gibbs Racing team, he now serves as president of what has become a multimillion-dollar organization with more than 500 employees. As he explains, the difference bet...

If you're a regular listener, you know I love to talk about legacy. Legacy in business, legacy in our families, legacy in our networks – no question, what we experience is often influenced by how we treat people; however, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, legacy is also inspired by the way our values reflect in our behaviors. Accordingly, if you want to leave a lasting legacy, think about how...

When we talk about benefits, we often discuss security and tenure given most companies attempt to retain talent through personal investment.  However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, while personal care is valuable, the goal of benefits should be to improve culture first and foremost. For instance, don't just provide a 401k match but tie the offering to learning and self-development. While...

As I often say on this podcast, if you want to advance, you can't stay idle. While baby steps are often the key to progress, if you don't commit to knowing those steps, reaching, even knowing your goals, can be difficult. However, as a former chef at The Walt Disney Company, Richard Smich, reminds us when you create your opportunities, you also create your success. In his case, adjusting from expe...

For most of us, our tendency at work is to focus on current or new opportunities. While the final chapter of our career may prompt a thought or two, seldom do we consider how our passions intersect retirement. Yet, as former Vice President of Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Djuan Rivers, explains, when you know, you know. As hard as it can be to transition outside your occupation, fo...

We all know to do a job well, you have to work hard; to achieve success, you not only have to exercise effort , but discipline and commitment. However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, the cost of leadership is next level in all these regards. For instance, to be a leader, one must be willing to build off their work ethic and integrate self-awareness into networking and team management. Whil...

In this special episode, Steven Grant, Director of Architectural Studies in Themed Environments Integration at the University of Florida College of Design, Construction, and Planning, joins the show with students, Emily Page and Nick Karafilis, to discuss the program. A 28-year veteran of Walt Disney Imagineering and the former president of the American Institute of Architects Orlando Chapter, Ste...

As the chaos of COVID-19 winds down, many are slowly adjusting to normality. While some are still quarantined, for most, the relational aspects of work are becoming more relevant. Yet, as this evolution occurs, there's an essence of empathy we must not forsake. As today's guest, Tina Berger, explains, people have to engage the vocational community freshly. Unlike a few years ago, the social awaren...

When we discuss vocational leadership, many assume the term implies respect and honor. And to be fair, this should be the case no matter the endeavor. However, as guest, Chip Huth, explains when leadership and respect are detached, the quality of our service is ultimately compromised. Whatever our job may be, we must be willing to put people above processes and procedures regardless of our bottom...