The Leadership Contrarian

Michael and Kathryn talk about a recent trip to Waco, Texas, and how it inspires them in their pursuit of their BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal). If you're feeling unmotivated when it comes to your entrepreneurial dreams and need some encouragement today, give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn talk about the 2 main characteristics of a good leader: being self-defined and being a non-anxious presence. Business leaders will always impact those around them (negatively or positively), so find out if your current behavior fits the definition of good leadership by giving this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn talk about why it's so difficult for business leaders to handle growing complexity (especially in 2020). Find out what Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity have to do with your business amidst local and global change by giving this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn interview business coach and entrepreneur, Tracy Wilson, about the challenges business owners need to overcome in order to achieve success. Tracy shares the lessons she learned while building her own business and talks about what leaders can do get back on the right track. If you feel like your business is teetering on the edge, get helpful tips and clarity by giving this episo...

Michael and Kathryn interview Debbie King, the author of Loving Your Business , about how to rethink your relationship with your business and make it work for you. Debbie shares how to start loving your business so you can successfully scale. If you've been running your company for a while but have reached a place where it's making you miserable, then you'll definitely want to get the practical ti...

Michael and Kathryn talk about Core Values and why they matter in the world of business. Every company should have 3 to 5 Core Values so foundational that you would rather close your doors than violate one of them. If you need some help codifying your values or articulating your company's vision, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn talk to Jeremy Bedenbaugh, Leadership consultant and entrepreneur, about the art of self-leadership. You can't lead others well if you can't lead yourself well. Find out what questions you should be asking yourself and what practical next steps you can take to become a better leader.

Michael and Kathryn interview E-Commerce Entrepreneur, Quin Amorim, about the ins and outs of selling products in the online world. Learn how Quin got started and built a career in online selling and private label creation. Get tips for how to sell and profit in spaces like Amazon. If you own an e-commerce business or are thinking about starting one, this is the episode for you.

Michael and Kathryn have a conversation with Kyle Gorman, Human Resource expert and Founder of Employer Blueprint, about the best ways to coach your team, set clear expectations, and self-reflect on your own leadership style. Whether you manage 4 people or 400, you will benefit from these tips on keeping your team happy and on the right track.

Michael and Kathryn define and discuss the power of super niches and how business leaders can leverage them for growth. Learn from the success stories of the toenail fungus treatment and pet rabbit food industries! If you want to discover how to spot super niche market opportunities for your own business, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn celebrate the milestone of reaching 1,000 books sold and discuss the reasons why a well formed core purpose and vision should be foundational elements of any business. If you are curious why milestones matter or need some encouragement when it comes to growing your business, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn interview Dr. Rob Harter, Director of Christian Center of Park City, on his years of experience in nonprofit leadership, growth strategies, fundraising, and self-care. If you run a nonprofit, or even a for-profit organization, discover how to overcome common hurdles during these turbulent times by giving this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn talk to John Ramstead, leadership coach and founder of BeyondInfluence.com, about his Christian faith journey and the near fatal accident that changed his life. This very special episode is about hope in the face of adversity and discovering how to live one's best life. Whatever your beliefs, we hope you give this episode a listen and are encouraged on your own entrepreneurial...

Michael and Kathryn interview Jeroen Corthout, co-founder and CEO of the intelligent CRM, Salesflare. Jeroen shares how Salesflare was founded when he and his co-founder Lieven wanted to manage their leads in an easier way. Starting a business isn't always easy as you adapt and grow in your market, so if you need encouragement from someone who's been there, give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn interview business coach and author, Jon Dwoskin, about common mistakes business leaders make, how to hire successfully, and tips on your own leadership development. If you want to know what it takes to get the most out of a business coach, have struggled to hire well, or just need some encouragement and life advice, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn take a moment for a much needed reality check, and share some encouragement for their fellow business leaders. Many businesses are struggling right now, and sometimes the first step to moving forward is to admit (out loud) that the struggle is very real. If you need some encouragement today in light of everything going on in our world, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn talk about the knowledge gaps of business leaders. Perhaps the current crisis has revealed some of your biggest vulnerabilities and has left you wondering if you truly have the resiliency to move forward. If you need some encouragement on how to grow, from business owners who have been there, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn interview Kyle Gorman, Human Resource expert and Founder of Employer Blueprint, on the secrets of small business hiring, leadership, and developing healthy company cultures. If you've ever experienced a bad hire, and need practical advice on finding personalities that align with your company's values, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn interview David Allison, human behavior expert and bestselling author, about value-based market research. Learn the science and sociology behind surveys and why we often ask our audiences the wrong kinds of questions. If you are curious about how to better reach your target audience, then this is the episode for you!

Michael and Kathryn talk to Ken Mosesian, Entrepreneur and author, about how business owners and brands can learn to keep their promises to their customers. So many of us struggle with the concepts of trust and integrity in work and life, but there is hope for growth. For top-notch leadership advice on how to take your company into the future, give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn interview Will Knecht, Chairman of Wendell August Forge, about the true story of his business's journey through hard times, including the Great Recession and a devastating fire. If you need some real-life advice and encouragement when it comes to facing crisis in your business- then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn discuss the current climate in our nation and world, and share how you can reflect on your leadership right now in order to make healthy business and leadership choices that value humans and equality. If you are struggling or feeling conflicted about your role as a leader amidst the current events of 2020, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn answer the age-old question: How do you grow as a leader? There are 4 critical areas that if left ignored will cause a gap in your leadership growth. If you're feeling stuck and find yourself wondering what the next steps in your personal leadership development should be, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn take the time to encourage you and remind you that you are not alone in the midst of this season of COVID-19. As leaders, the best thing you can do in the hard times is to think back to all the moments you thought you were going to fail, but didn't. This will give you hope and perspective that while you may not see it yet, there IS a way forward.  

Writing a book can be an amazing tool in communicating your message and value to the world, but if it doesn't make a lot of money and has a low success rate, what is the value to your business? Michael and Kathryn talk about the power of book writing, the success of their own book launch, how they did it, plus the secret ingredient of it all: teamwork. It's a unique episode you don't want to miss!