The Leadership Contrarian

Michael and Kathryn discuss why it's so hard for business leaders to self-promote. If you've shied away from marketing your product or service because it's too difficult, confusing, or painful- or just don't want to sound too braggy, then this podcast episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn recover from a spilled cup of hot coffee and share thoughts and tips on how to keep a healthy mindset in life and at work. If you feel stuck or like your emotions have been getting the better of you lately, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn dig into an important topic: Community. All business leaders need a like-minded community if they want to grow... a safe space where they can share struggles and acquire new ideas for solutions. If you're starting to feel lonely on your journey as a leader, then this episode is for you.

Michael and Kathryn discuss how easy it is for business leaders to get in their own way. Real transformative change begins with the company leader... So if you think you have some 'limiting beliefs' that are holding you back, try these 3 steps for overcoming them.

Michael and Kathryn discuss the right way to find and hire a good consultant. Finding a consultant who can help your company (and who you actually like) can sometimes seem like an impossible feat... but it doesn't have to be. If this is an area where you've struggled, or you are new to working with consultants, then check out the tips covered in this podcast episode.

Michael and Kathryn share their process for taking something from the idea stage to the implementation stage. If you need some encouragement or tips on what baby steps to take to start tackling a big goal, then this podcast episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn debunk the common myth that 'Hope' is not a legitimate strategy and discuss how you can leverage the power of hope to inspire your customers. If the word 'hope' sounds like a wishy-washy term to you, and you've shied away from using it your business marketing, then this episode is for you!

In this episode, Michael and Kathryn focus on the culture of an organization and the Net Promoter Score System you can use to help your company become a Passion and Provision® company.

Michael and Kathryn discuss the system from Robert F. Mager's book, Analyzing Performance Problems . There are 7 steps that will help you solve any problem you might face in your company. If you need to figure out why people aren't doing what they should be and what you can do about it, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn describe how to take steps toward your big ideas and goals instead of just talking about them. If you think you're the kind of business leader that has a tendency to be a talker instead of a doer, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn cover 4 keys to high performance by Chick-fil-A®'s Mark Miller. If you want 4 simple ways to improve performance and tips for better leadership in your company, then this podcast episode is for you.

In part 2 of this very special interview, Michael and Kathryn chat with Ryan Deiss, founder and CEO of Digital Marketer, about his experience with company culture, leadership development, and business growth. You'll also get to learn some quirky and fun facts about Ryan (like his favorite and least favorite sound).

Michael and Kathryn chat with Ryan Deiss, founder and CEO of Digital Marketer. Discover how Ryan maintains a healthy balance of work, life, family, and entrepreneurship, all while growing a profitable business and maintaining a positive company culture.

In this episode, Michael and Kathryn discuss the difference between Coaching and Mentoring and why these terms are often confused with one another. If you run a company, supervise employees, or lead a team, take a listen to this episode to discover when you should intentionally 'coach', instead of 'mentor'.

Burnout is very real, and no business leader is immune to it. In this episode, Michael and Kathryn cover the 4 stages of burnout, and how to identify each one. Give this episode a listen to find out which stage of burnout you're in, and how to avoid reaching a physical or emotional shutdown.

In this episode, Michael and Kathryn reveal the true importance of Leadership Development for business leaders and discuss what elements you will need to focus on in order to save your sanity, and your company.

Michael and Kathryn outline 3 areas of leadership planning that can make all the difference in the success of your business. Want to create a more nimble and profitable business that will survive the next bubble? Then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn discuss the value of iteration in marketing and in business. We often pour our hearts into a project that may not end up being a success, but that doesn't mean we should abandon it. You have to analyze, make adjustments and try again. If the process of iteration can help Pixar consistently put out hits, what can it do for your business?

Michael and Kathryn define the foundational concepts of Passion & Provision® and discuss why they're the most important elements of a healthy, growing company. If you feel like you are barely treading water when it comes to your business, and want to achieve BOTH profit and joy in your company, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn discuss the steps for building trust in a post-trust era. Whether you are a business owner, a manager, a team leader, an employee, or client- building trust is essential for achieving speed and lowering costs. If you want a deeper understanding of what it will take to build or re-build trust with others in this post-trust world, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn discuss 3 critical partnerships you need in your life in order to grow a successful and profitable company. Discover why partnerships, cheerleaders, and advisers help you reach greater clarity in life and in your business. If you find yourself struggling and need advice on the best types of mentors to seek out, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn continue their conversation with Lead Generation expert, John Butler, and dig deep into the concept of what it actually means to have a Passion & Provision® company. If you are feeling a lack of passion, or are struggling with the day-to-day of running your company, then this episode has some special words of encouragement just for you!

Michael and Kathryn are joined by friend and Lead Generation expert, John Butler, to talk about modern day B2B networking and why Linkedin and Email are great ways to build relationships and credibility. If you run a B2B company, don't miss out on these pro tips and insights!

Michael and Kathryn dive into the dollars and cents of the financial side of your small business. Surprisingly, not all small business owners know basic financial terminology or how to analyze their numbers. If you feel stuck and need some encouragement when it comes to the accounting side of your business, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn discuss temptations that will inevitably distract you from keeping your company on the right track. Whether it's potentially lucrative clients and investors, or an exciting new project or trend, there are several core things every business leader should consider before making a big decision or change. If you find yourself faced with a big business decision and aren't sure which...