Come Rain or Shine

Until recently, I would often quote executive presence without being able to define it. Like many, I understood what the term signified but struggled to describe it in conversation. However, after doing some homework, I can now explain executive presence in greater measure. As Jody and I discuss in this episode, executive presence is the sum of credibility and relatability, a fusion of expert lear...

If you've tuned into the show lately, you've likely noticed the theme of successful entrepreneurs creating their luck to be reoccurring. Such premise has proven true for Savannah Turner, a soon-to-be high-school graduate who has already paved trails as a business owner and now venturer in the toy store industry. Having self-learned online and textile industries at an early age, Savannah shares her...

As recent guests have reminded us, our career trajectories don't travel in straight lines. Sometimes, we know what we want to become as kids or young adults; other times, we think we know what we want and mature through humble beginnings. Enter Fred Aebli - a former Marine Corps Veteran who has been fascinated with technology since watching Star Wars as a boy. With interests in electronics and com...

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Our paths to success don't follow straight lines but evolve through unexpected twists and turns.   Take today's guest, Greg Spillane, for instance. A former Division I athlete and MBA graduate from the University of South California, the transformation from football player to serial entrepreneur and CEO of Fancy, a technology-based platform, featured many...

In business, leaders often take risks based on past experiences. From problem solving and performance to resourcing and communal engagement, the art of decision-making can be complex as markets adjust.  However, as today's guest, Matt Gottesman, explains, sometimes you have to embrace the discomfort of being a frontrunner to find success. While hustle can establish a workable rhythm, it can only t...

As much as we love adventure, we also love stability. Especially in this COVID era, people are drawn to safe places like never before. One exception to this norm is today's guest, Sandy Scholes, Chief People Officer at Flipp Corporation. As the overseer of the human resource strategy of the organization, Sandy is passionate about talent, performance, training, even change management. With a heart...

We all have a purpose; we all have potential.  Yet, as Andy Storch explains, to maximize this potential, we must first turn strategy into action. For instance, to better develop our career skills, we should engage our connections and reach out to those who excel in the fields we're pursuing.  In Andy's case, he has many strengths as an entrepreneur with industry exposure to sales, finance, and inn...

When we consider personal branding, we often view it through a self-centered lens. In a world that preaches authenticity - to "be yourself" - applying the phrase can be difficult especially in the real world. Yet, as Ray Edwards shares in this episode, if you're an entrepreneur, either you control what you do or what you do controls you. If you want to build value around a skill, not only must you...

When we consider success, we often view it through the lens of achievement. We think of steps to improvement, promotion, advancement – anything that can lead to more money, power, and influence. Yet, as Glenn Zweig, entrepreneur and podcaster, explains, our definition of success should be tethered to our idea of excellence. While we may perceive excellence differently, our experiences can unify ou...

Be honest: You like money. You like to make it; you like to spend it; you may even like to invest it. But what if I told you: You can have a love language with money without actually loving money? As Ambus and I discuss in this episode, your relationship with money is central to your financial journey. You may want to control what you spend but this doesn't mean you control your money. If you want...

I'll be honest: I'm not a fan of New Year's resolutions. While I understand why they exist, as I've discovered, it's human nature to overcommit to large-scale changes and overlook the smaller ones we can set each day. As Jody and I discuss in this episode, 'tis the season for many people to lose motivation concerning the resolutions they set three weeks ago; however, if we can focus our goals on b...

For most of us, the story of our talent doesn't follow a linear pathway. As my guest, David Fernandez, attests in this episode, our creativity is a product of experiences and journeys, sometimes detours. While we may not understand the tools we find along the way, we should still use them to capture legacy and honor past and future generations. A man of multiple hats from international education t...

When we hear 'success', we tend to think about an increase in something positive, whether money, pleasure, or opportunities. I know when I was younger, my idea of success was often rooted in financial and positional gains. However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, success is more than a title fit with a loaded resume. Conversely, success is how we relate and give to one another. For in this...

When we hear 'success', we tend to think about an increase in something positive, whether money, pleasure, or opportunities. I know when I was younger, my idea of success was often rooted in financial and positional gains. However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, success is more than a title fit with a loaded resume. Conversely, success is how we relate and give to one another. For in this...

As we step into 2021, anticipating change is only natural. Especially after a difficult 2020, most are hopeful for fresh opportunities and better things to come. While resolutions are many this time of year, one I endorse is the power of differentiation. Rather than go with the flow and stay stuck in a routine, consider the ways you can connect with people without agenda. It could be as simple as...

On this episode of 'Come Rain or Shine', guest, Katharine Manning, joins the show to discuss her background as a former attorney-advisor, the value of laser focus, and handling trauma in the marketplace. As an expert in psychological safety and victim rights, Katharine brings unique experience to her current consulting projects and role of Blackbird DC president. Having advised the Justice Departm...

On this episode of 'Come Rain or Shine', guest, Bretton Putter, joins the show to discuss his background and the importance of responsible recruiting. As an expert on healthy corporate culture, Bretton has consulted many organizations concerning the impact of hiring on strong company culture and subsequent growth. With experience in recruiting, Bretton has helped businesses not only make appropria...

For most of us, working from home has been a notable perk of 2020. Despite COVID-19's impact on processes and procedures, I'm sure many would agree the adaptions have been worth the effort. However, while the increase in remote work has produced personal benefits, the same can't be said about group communications. As Jody and I discuss in this episode, there are many practical ways to bridge this...

No question the current hiring landscape is a real challenge. From differentiating your portfolio to selling your attitude, if you're a job seeker, you know how hard proving your intangibles can be. As Jody and I discuss in this episode, if you're a potential prospect, you must learn to change the rules of the game. Not only must you be creative in promoting your skills but also willing to find ne...

Dr. Steve Yacovelli, the Gay Leadership Dude ™ joins me to discuss the all-important topic of diversity, inclusion, and belonging. A Ph. D. in Instructional Technology and Distance Education, Dr. Yacovelli has a proven track record, including companies like Disney and IBM, and a stint as a professor at the University of Florida. In 2008, he embarked full-time on his current venture, Top Dog Learni...

Today, on Come Rain or Shine, Jeff Steinberg, recording artist and motivational speaker, joins the show to discuss his testimony. Born with no feet or hands, Jeff's life message is two-fold: 1) Quit focusing on the handicap and start appreciating the gift. 2) We're all a masterpiece in progress. Applied to business leadership, Jeff notes working on purpose is not about striving but embracing chall...

In an increasingly distant working world, standing out can be difficult. With much activity happening behind screens and closed doors, many people are struggling to engage interactively and think creatively. As I discuss in this episode, there are still ways to differentiate yourself despite the pandemic's effect on availability. For instance, while many can network in physical space, promotable l...

Kerri MacPherson, a former 20 year Disney cast member, joins me today to share her story. Originally from Melrose, MA, Kerri entered the wonderful world of Disney through the Disney University Program. Over the years, she found herself in many roles, from the Fellowship Ambassador program in Epcot to Disney cruise line reservation agent to the 2008 Walt Disney World Ambassador and membership manag...

2020 has been an unprecedented year. Even those working for the most magical place on earth were not spared. In light of the 28,000 cast members that were recently let go, Jody and I want to address life after getting laid off. As with most challenges, your attitude and the way you approach difficult times can make or break your situation. While this is a hard time for Disney, their loss has the p...

Today, on the episode of 'Come Rain or Shine', Reggie Williams, ex-NFL linebacker, former Disney executive, and social reformer joins the show to discuss his new book, 'Resilient by Nature'. After accepting a position as Director of Sports Development for Walt Disney World Resort in 1993, Reggie has been reshaping the sports leadership landscape ever since. An athletic education advocate for today...