The Leadership Contrarian

Michael and Kathryn get vulnerable and share their true struggles as business owners and leaders. Part of avoiding burnout is being able to step back to gain some needed perspective. If you've ever struggled to find margin in your time and business, give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn explore four ways business leaders can evaluate and overcome fatigue. Burnout can easily sneak up on you if you aren't careful, so get tips for preventing and overcoming mental, emotional, and physical fatigue by giving this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn explain the concept of VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) and four ways your company can combat it.  If you want practical tools that will both ease your anxiety and steer your business in the right direction, then give this episode a listen. 

Michael and Kathryn discuss common work and life stressors and steps you can take to identify, evaluate, and recover from them. If you don't feel quite at ease these days in your business or at home, give this episode a listen to help you figure out what exactly is dragging you down and how to overcome it.

Michael and Kathryn discuss the need for business leaders to build resilience in our chaotic world.  If you're facing challenges in your company and leadership and want to discover the best ways to build resiliency for better judgment, lower stress, and increased productivity, then give this episode a listen!

Michael and Kathryn discuss the power of rhythms in business and life and how they help increase efficiency and decrease stress.  Whether your leadership style is more spontaneous and free-flowing, or you've had systems and procedures in place for years, give this episode a listen to gain new insights into how you can better leverage rhythms for improved business outcomes. 

Michael and Kathryn discuss 3 strategies for building a better workplace culture. Whether your business is large or small, you have to be intentional about hiring the right people and developing your team in order to overcome burnout, employee disengagement, and turnover. If you want your business to stand apart in today's world and ultimately improve your bottom line, then give this episode a lis...

Michael and Kathryn interview author and entrepreneur, Ron Coury, about his epic Las Vegas business journey of overcoming adversity and corruption. If you are facing challenges as a business owner and need some real-life practical advice, give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn take a moment to pause and celebrate two momentous occasions: The two-year anniversary of the publication of their book, Fulfilled , and their transition into a brand-new house.  Gratitude is a powerful way for business leaders to build fortitude. Find out how by giving this episode a listen.

Michael Redman interviews author and talent economy expert, Rishon Blumberg, about how to hire and retain top talent in today's world. Discover how long-term relationships with your employees and freelancers makes your company more effective and competitive. If you've ever suffered through a bad hire or have struggled with retention, this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn discuss the signs that indicate your company has a toxic work environment. There are 3 areas you need to pay attention to: People, Operations, and Finance. If you aren't sure if you have an unhealthy work culture, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn discuss how to manage a hybrid team of remote and in-office workers. If you've been forced to shift to a remote or partially remote model with your team and are struggling to make it work, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn talk about the analogy of having a 'sick' or unhealthy business organization. Find out why leaders often ignore signs of an unhealthy company and what you can do to recover, and ultimately, prevent the same problems from occurring in the future.

Michael and Kathryn have an in-depth discussion with Caleb Guilliams, Founder and CEO of Better Wealth, about the real-life struggles of entrepreneurs when it comes to money. Not many business owners know their numbers or know how to reach their long-term goals. If you want expert-level strategies for business finance, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn discuss perseverance, buffalos, and the leadership struggles faced by all businesses. What do buffalos have to do with finding the right path and fulfillment in your life and business? Find out by giving this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn interview returning guest, John Ramstead, about leadership, perseverance, and how personal core values shape your future.  If you're an entrepreneur, leader, or business owner, and are asking yourself, 'What kind of life do I want to live?'...then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn look back on the origins of Half a Bubble Out and their business journey over the last 20 years. As they celebrate their 20 year anniversary of being in business and take a walk down memory lane, you'll discover how they overcame road blocks along the way, learned from great mentors, and are sailing into 2022 with hope and commitment to developing the whole leader for the whole...

Michael and Kathryn interview their friend, Caleb Guilliams, about being a young entrepreneur in the finance space and the key areas business owners should focus on to become more financially successful. Get Caleb's top tips and strategies so you can accurately assess what's standing in the way of your growth.

Michael and Kathryn talk with Mark Ritter, credit union and small business lending expert, about the secret sauce that makes credit unions so appealing for small business owners. Should you take out a loan from your local credit union instead of a bank? Find out by giving this episode a listen!

Michael and Kathryn talk with John Jantsch, author and marketing expert, about the customer success track and how to scale your business through better marketing. If you feel like you are constantly spinning your wheels just trying to generate new customers, take a step back by giving this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn interview business coach and Certified Financial Planner, Josh Patrick, about personal sustainability and how to tell if your business is sellable.  If you find yourself struggling with your business finances or just want to form a solid future exit strategy, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn have an open discussion about new ventures they are trying and the challenges that come with them. In today's uncertain and polarized world, growing a business can often be tough and stressful. If you are experiencing anxiety about the future of your business, get encouragement and time-tested tips in this episode.

Michael and Kathryn chat with Core Poirier, author and speaker, on his past interviews with well known thought leaders and his insights on developing personal mission statements. You'll get many nuggets of business wisdom in this episode--and bonus--you'll get to hear stories from Corey's history of performing stand up comedy!

Michael and Kathryn take you on a ride into a thought experiment where they debate on whether or not they think a business like an In-N-Out Burger could survive and thrive if it started in today's world. Humor and hypotheses abound in this fun and relevant dialogue about niche markets!

Michael and Kathryn interview business consultant and innovation expert, Andrew Pek, on the 3 levels of innovation and the power of mindset when it comes to unlocking your creativity. If you feel like your leadership or business is constantly getting stuck in a rut, then this episode is for you!