Episodes
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Join us for a discussion standing out in a crowded leadership space. Mark Levy is a Differentiation expert and former advisor to Simon Sinek. One of my favorite parts of the interview is how he encourages clients to gather stories and use them at work.
You can get the Magic of Feedback Guide (and other business system guides) to find issues before they become an expensive problem.
Highlights from the interview:
1. Differentiation and positioning
Mark discusses the importance of differentiation and positioning for businesses and leaders. He explains how he helps organizations and individuals stand out through unique ideas, messaging, and strategies. They discuss examples of how leaders can differentiate themselves and their organizations.
2. Gathering and using stories
Mark shares techniques for gathering and leveraging stories within an organization, including having leaders share "proud moments" and systematically collecting stories about reliability, problem-solving, and other vital themes. They discuss how this can empower employees to communicate the company's unique value effectively.
3. The power of free-writing
Mark introduces the free-writing technique he learned from author Peter Elbow. This technique involves 10-minute bursts of uninterrupted writing to access new ideas and insights. He explains how this process can help overcome the limitations of the internal editor and lead to creative breakthroughs.
You can learn more about Mark Levy over at Levy Innovation. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn.
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take one minute to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
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Join us for a discussion about leading people so they feel appreciated and understood. Allen Cooper is the President/CEO of Ancilla Ventures. One of my favorite parts of this interview was when he discussed his approach to his feedback loops so he understands what his employees need and how he can align them with the company’s goals.
You can get the Magic of Feedback Guide (and other business system guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems.
Highlights from the interview:
1. Servant leadership approach
Allen describes his leadership style as a "servant leadership" approach, where he tries to remove barriers for his employees, hold them accountable, and enable them to be their best. He believes in getting the most out of people by being a mentor and sounding board.
2. Prioritizing and balancing work
He discusses how he helps employees prioritize their work and balance "shiny objects" (new, exciting tasks) with necessary routine work. He uses a Scrum-based approach to spread work across all projects and clients, allowing employees to gain breadth of experience.
3. Feedback loops and core values
He explains how he has implemented monthly reviews of the company's core values, including clearly defining what each value means. He also has a "monthly shout-outs" program to recognize employees who embody the core values. This helps reinforce the culture and gives employees a voice.
4. Documenting processes and continuous improvement
He discusses how the company has documented standard operating procedures (SOPs) for various processes, which helps with onboarding and ensures consistency. These SOPs are regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to changing needs.
You can learn more about Allen Cooper over at Ancilla Ventures. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn.
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
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Episodes manquant?
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Join us for a discussion about improving the sales process for you and the people you lead. John Meese is the author of Serve to Sell. One of my favorite parts of the interview is hearing the questions that John uses on a sales call. Such powerful questions that will alter how you approach a sales call.
You can join the 5 Day Proactive Feedback Challenge to build a feedback systems that improves your team and company's systems.
Highlights from the interview:
1. Shifting from a sales mindset to a service mindset
John shares how he struggled with the pressure and failure of traditional sales calls, which led him to reframe them as "serve calls" focused on genuinely helping the client rather than just making a sale. He explains how this shift in mindset was a key starting point for developing his serve to sell framework.
2. The six-step serve to sell framework
John outlines the six steps of his serve to sell framework: 1) Relationship, 2) Results, 3) Roadblocks, 4) Resources, 5) Recap, and 6) Recommendation. He explains how each step is designed to deeply understand the client's needs and position the solution as a natural fit, rather than a hard sell.
3. Emphasizing the importance of listening and empathy
John stresses the importance of truly listening to the client, asking open-ended questions, and providing space for them to share what matters most. He explains how this empathetic approach builds trust and makes the client feel genuinely cared for, rather than just being sold to.
4. Capturing client success stories as social proof
John discusses the value of systematically collecting client success stories and testimonials, as this social proof helps demonstrate the real-world impact of the solutions being offered. He shares an example of how he uses automated emails to gather these stories.
You can learn more about John Meese over at Serve to Sell. You can also check out his book Serve to Sell (Amazon Link).
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
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Join us for a discussion about building team culture as a leader. Bradley Hamner is the founder of Blue Print OS and Above the Business podcast. One of my favorite parts of the interview is how Bradley cultivates feedback loops so he learns from his employees and continues to find way to improve the business.
You can join the 5 Day Proactive Feedback Challenge to build a feedback systems that improves your team and company's systems.
1. Importance of operations and processes
Bradley discusses how entrepreneurs often focus on growth, sales, and marketing, but neglect the importance of operations and processes. He explains that this is because entrepreneurs value flexibility and freedom, which can clash with the structure and routine needed for operational efficiency. However, he emphasizes that putting the right processes in place ultimately enables greater creativity and success.
2. Cultivating feedback loops with team
Bradley shares how he initially resisted implementing structure and processes, but learned that it was necessary to get the best from his team. He discusses the importance of building trust and understanding each team member's personal goals in order to create an environment where they feel comfortable providing honest feedback. This feedback loop allows the business to improve.
3. Designing a "perfect repeatable week"
Bradley outlines his approach to designing a "perfect repeatable week" that balances his personal and professional priorities. This involves blocking off time for deep work, limiting meetings to certain windows, and protecting his energy levels. He emphasizes the need to experiment and adjust this schedule on a quarterly basis to ensure it continues to work effectively.
4. Appreciation for a former manager
Bradley shares a story about a former manager, Sharma, who pushed him hard but ultimately helped him recognize his full potential. He explains how Sharma's high expectations and tough feedback, while difficult in the moment, inspired him to exceed his own expectations and become the best version of himself.
You can learn more about Brady Hamner over at Blue Print OS and Above the Business podcast. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn.
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
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Join us for a discussion about the power of vulnerability with Justin Moore of Creator Wizard. One of my favorite parts of this interview is when he shares his struggles with growing a business when his last one fell apart due to COVID-19.
Listen to his interview on the Systematic Leader website and get the guides that help you build systems to make your life as a leader more productive, happier, and value-driven.
Highlights from the interview:
1. Justin's background and Creator Wizard business
Justin shares the story of how his sponsorship coaching business, Creator Wizard, has grown rapidly over the past couple years, going from a passion project to a full-fledged media and education company. He discusses the challenges of balancing growth with maintaining a healthy work-life balance as an entrepreneur.
2. Developing systems and processes
Justin and Karl discuss the importance of developing systems and processes to manage a growing business, including tracking metrics, getting customer feedback, and delegating work to a team. They explore Justin's efforts to transition from being the sole provider to building a team to scale the business.
3. Embracing vulnerability and transparency
Justin shares how he has tried to be more open and vulnerable about the challenges he faces as an entrepreneur, rather than projecting an image of having everything figured out. They discuss the benefits of this approach in building trust and connection with customers.
4. Feedback loops and customer insights
Justin describes specific tactics he has used to gather customer feedback and insights, such as creating an assessment tool and sharing behind-the-scenes content. They emphasize the value of truly understanding your customers' needs and pain points beyond just your core product or service.
5. Expressing gratitude and celebrating wins
Justin and Karl discuss the importance of expressing gratitude and celebrating wins, both for oneself and one's team. They acknowledge the difficulty of this, especially for driven entrepreneurs, and explore ways to build a culture of appreciation.
You can learn more about Lauren Cockerell over at her website Kwedar & Co. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn.
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
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Join us for a discussion about building a team that cares about each other and supports one another. Lauren Cockerell is the CEO of Kwedar & Co. One of my favorite parts of the interview is when she shares how she leads
Highlights from the interview:
1. Technique for coaching employees
Lauren explains that she uses the Rockefeller Habits and Scaling Up methodology, with a focus on quarterly goals, KPIs, and team alignment.
2. Quarterly goal-setting and review process
Lauren describes Kwedar's quarterly goal-setting process, where the team aligns on annual priorities, breaks them down into quarterly "rocks", and then tracks progress and celebrates successes at the end of each quarter. She emphasizes the importance of having measurable KPIs and involving the whole team.
3. Using core values to guide decisions
Lauren shares how Kwedar's core values are central to their operations used to guide decisions and have difficult conversations. She explains how the values create a common language and framework for the team.
4. PR and marketing systems
Karl and Lauren discuss Kwedar's approach to PR and marketing, emphasizing the importance of having an integrated, strategic system that aligns messaging across all channels. Lauren outlines Kwedar's process for planning, pitching, and executing PR campaigns.
5. Challenges of scaling and delegating
Lauren shares one of her current challenges - continuing to remove herself from the center of the business and delegate more to her team as Kwedar scales. She discusses using frameworks like the Accountability Chart to map out roles and responsibilities.
6. Influential leaders and mentors
Lauren reflects on two key leaders who have mentored and influenced her - her first boss, Paige Hendrix, and her recent EO coach, Robert Whitaker. She shares how she has applied lessons learned from them in building her own business.
You can learn more about Lauren Cockerell over at her website Kwedar & Co. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn.
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
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Join us for a discussion about creating processes so your company can run more efficiently. Layla Pomper is the CEO of Process Driven. One of my favorite parts of the interview is how she protects her time and her team’s time so they can do high-impact work.
You can join the 5 Day Proactive Feedback Challenge to build a feedback systems that improves your team and company's systems.
Highlights from the interview:
1. Layla's journey to becoming more process-driven
Layla explains that her tendency towards creativity and chaos is what motivated her to develop more structured processes and systems in her business. She discusses how observing her own workflows and documenting the steps helped her systematize her work and eventually teach others.
2. Encouraging feedback and transparency on the team
Layla shares how she has built a culture on her team that actively encourages critical feedback and the open reporting of mistakes as a way to continuously improve processes and avoid repeating issues.
3. Frameworks for protecting time and focus
Layla outlines three key frameworks her team uses to defend their time and capacity from distractions: 1) a "no Friday tasks" policy, 2) a 20-hour weekly task limit for leadership, and 3) dedicated time for "shiny object" ideas and creativity.
4. Cultivating a playful approach to content creation
Layla discusses her approach to the creative aspects of her business, such as her YouTube channel, where she allows herself to be more playful and experimental without too much structure.
5. Influential mentors and recommended resources
Layla shares the impact of a college professor who helped her develop her communication skills, and recommends the book "Playing Big" by Tara Mohr as a resource for strategic thinking.
You can learn more about Layla Pomper over at Process Driven. You can also watch her YouTube channel, of the same name, Process Driven on YouTube. She is also on LinkedIn if you want to connect with her there.
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
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Join us for a discussion about focusing on the one thing that matters in our lives. Jay Papasan is a best-selling author and CEO. One of my favorite parts of this interview is when he shares the question that Gary Keller asked him to hone in on finding the best executive assistant for him and his company.
Highlights from the interview.
Jay Papasan's background and partnership with Gary Keller
Jay Papasan has been working with Gary Keller, the founder of Keller Williams Realty, for 24 years. They have co-authored 11 books together, including the bestselling "The One Thing". Jay's role involves managing content and creating strategic content for Keller Williams and their publishing company.
The importance of finding the right Executive Assistant (EA)
Jay has had 7 EAs over the years, and it took him some time to find the right fit. He emphasizes the importance of clearly defining the 3 critical skills the EA must have, rather than just listing out all the tasks. The right EA can help liberate the executive from administrative tasks and serve as a true business partner.
Establishing priorities and systems for productivity
Jay uses a "411" system to set annual, monthly, and weekly goals, which he shares with his EA. This helps them stay aligned on priorities and make the right decisions about how to spend time. Jay also cautions against chasing the latest productivity tools or systems, instead focusing on making incremental improvements to the right processes.
Empowering employees and building accountability
Jay believes in building accountability relationships with his team, including his EA. He encourages them to provide honest feedback and push back when needed, rather than just deferring to him. This helps ensure he stays focused on his priorities and makes the right decisions.
You can learn more about Jay Papasan over at his website Jay Papasan About Page. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. Check out his brilliant book, The One Thing (Amazon Link), which he co-authored with Gary Keller.
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
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Join us for a discussion about listening to your customers and how it can help you uncover hidden opportunities. Tim Grahl is the CEO of Story Grid Publishing. One of my favorite parts of this interview is when Tim talks about how he interviewed over 500 customers to get to the heart of his business.
Storytelling framework for business
Tim explains his framework for crafting a resonant story - deeply understanding his target audience through hundreds of customer interviews to uncover their true motivations and pain points, then aligning the company's messaging and offerings to directly address those needs.
Empowering employees with the company vision
Tim discusses how he sets a clear vision for the company and communicates it to his growing team. He emphasizes the importance of giving employees autonomy, making observations and asking questions rather than dictating, and ensuring they understand how their work connects to the overall mission. Tim also shares his approach to addressing problems as opportunities for improvement rather than crises.
Staying connected to customers as the business scales
As Storygrid has grown from 5 to 15 employees, Tim has maintained a regular cadence of customer calls and exit interviews to stay closely connected to his audience. He explains how this helps him anticipate issues, make data-driven improvements, and ensure the company's offerings continue to meet customer needs even as the business scales.
Gratitude for a key business mentor
Tim expresses gratitude for his business coach, Michael Walsh of Walsh Business Growth, who has been instrumental in guiding Tim to build out systems and empower his team as the company has grown, rather than trying to do everything himself.
You can learn more about Tim Grahl over at Story Grid Publishing. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn.
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
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Join us for a discussion about helping people find value in their work. Michelle Scribner is the CEO of the Sum of All Numbers accounting firm. One of my favorite parts of the interview was when she talked about her Monday morning routine and why it helps with employee engagement.
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1. Embracing Systems
Michelle discusses how she initially viewed systems as restrictive but now sees them as freeing when designed properly. She explains how systems can automate tasks and protect a business, even if the owner is no longer able to do them personally.
2. Monday Morning Routine
Michelle describes her company's Monday morning meeting structure, which includes a leadership team meeting, an all-hands meeting to review the mission and provide training, and a middle management meeting. This system helps align the team, solve urgent issues, and provide consistent onboarding for new hires.
3. Understanding Employee Personalities
Michelle emphasizes the importance of understanding her team's personality types and communication styles. She adapted her leadership approach to better suit the needs of her introverted, change-averse employees rather than expecting them to adapt to her extroverted style.
4. Transparent Communication
Michelle discusses her approach to sharing information with her team, balancing transparency with avoiding unnecessary anxiety. She consults her leadership team to determine what details to share and how to frame difficult news in a way that empowers employees.
5. Empowering Employees
Michelle strives to empower her team by setting high expectations, providing feedback and development opportunities, and allowing them to take ownership of their work. She struggles with the balance of supporting them and letting them learn from their own mistakes.
6. Recommended Resource
Michelle recommends the book "Traction" as a valuable resource for leadership principles and implementing effective systems in a business.
You can learn more about Michelle Scribner over at Sum of All Numbers. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn.
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Join us for a live coaching call with an entrepreneur who wants to improve his courses and scale his business. We talk through some of the internal system issues he is facing and how he can improve them. My favorite part of the interview is when he talks about the four powerful “Aha’s” that came out of our session together.
1. The importance of systems and processes
Karl emphasizes the value of having well-defined systems and processes in a business, rather than just chasing revenue and profit. He explains the concept of the "flywheel" and how consistent, iterative improvements to processes can lead to compounding results over time.
2. Therman's business and leadership challenges
Therman discusses his background as a consultant, developer, and trainer, and his desire to focus more on the training aspect of his business, which he sees as more scalable. He shares his concerns about taking on a leadership role and managing employees, as he has not had that experience before.
3. Embracing the "Chief Repeating Officer" mindset
Therman has an "aha" moment when Karl introduces the concept of being a "Chief Repeating Officer" - someone who consistently communicates the vision and importance of tasks to their team. Therman realizes that he already does this effectively with his customers, and can apply the same approach with his family and any future employees.
4. Focusing on one course and building a system
Therman acknowledges that he has been trying to work on multiple courses simultaneously, which has prevented him from fully optimizing any one of them. He decides to focus his energy on his "Risk Register" course, building a structured process around it, including potentially hiring a co-host to help with accountability and production.
5. Developing a roadmap and setting expectations
Therman and Karl discuss creating a 3-month roadmap, with the first 6 weeks focused on Therman embracing the "Chief Repeating Officer" mindset, particularly with his family. They also emphasize the importance of setting clear expectations and celebrating successes along the way.
If you want to learn more about being a systematic leader join the 5 points newsletter. When you sign-up you get instant access to the Systematic Leader guides. You can learn how to improve your coaching system, develop SOPs to help you scale your business and leadership checklist to help you grow your skills and build better relationships.
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Join us for a discussion about creating investment systems that help you in business and your portfolio. Rob Wolff is the founder of Digital Asset News. One of my favorite parts of this interview is his framework for investing. This segment alone is well worth your time.
Rob first learned about Bitcoin in 2012 when his son told him about a friend who wanted to sell 500 bitcoins for $500. Rob was initially skeptical, but after seeing Bitcoin's price rise to $1,000 in 2013 and then $5,000 in 2017, he decided to start investing. He went through cycles of gains and losses but ultimately decided to keep investing through dollar-cost averaging.
Building Digital Asset News
In 2019, as Rob's friends and family grew tired of him talking about Bitcoin, he decided to start the Digital Asset News YouTube channel to share his insights with a wider audience. The channel has now grown to over 350,000 subscribers, with Rob and his team using a system to research, curate, and present daily crypto news and analysis.
Investment Principles and Strategies
Rob discusses his key investment principles. My favorite was #5. Take profits along the way. He also talks about diversifying across different asset classes like real estate and small businesses.
Building a Productive Routine and Lifestyle
Rob shares how he has structured his life and daily routine to maximize his time and minimize stress. He emphasizes the importance of simplicity and removing unnecessary burdens, rather than constantly adding more possessions or obligations. Rob's morning routine of walking the dogs, drinking coffee, and working out helps him prepare for the day's tasks.
Recommendations
Rob recommends the book "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius and the writings of Ryan Holiday as great resources for developing a stoic, systematic approach to life and leadership. He also invites the listener to check out the Digital Asset News YouTube channel for more of his insights on crypto and investing.
You can learn more about Rob Wolff over at Digital Asset News. You can also connect with him on Twitter/X.
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
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Join us for a discussion about the importance of stepping back to align your work with your goals. Simone Severino is the founder of Strategy Spints. One of my favorite parts of this interview is when Simone shares his framework that helps leaders create a more innovative team culture.
1. Importance of strategy
Simone and Karl discuss why strategizing is often difficult for busy professionals who are focused on solving immediate problems and delivering results. They emphasize the need to periodically "pull your head out of the water" to assess if you're swimming in the right direction at the right pace.
2. The 90-day strategy sprint framework
Simone explains the 90-day strategy sprint program used at Strategy Sprints, which focuses on incrementally improving 3 key metrics over 3 months to effectively double revenue: pricing power, win rate, and sales velocity. The process involves weekly strategy and implementation sprints, with a dashboard to track progress.
3. Embracing failure and learning
Simone and Karl discuss the importance of embracing failure and using it as a learning opportunity. They encourage teams to experiment, try new things, and report on their failures during the weekly review sessions, as this is how true innovation happens.
4. Maintaining momentum and focus
Simone describes two types of "business meditations" used at Strategy Sprints - the weekly 30-minute sprint review, and the 90-day focus card review when teams need to re-align on priorities. This helps maintain momentum while also providing space for reflection and course correction.
You can learn more about Simone Severino over at Strategy Sprints. You can also find him on LinkedIn. You can check out the his book Strategy Sprints on Amazon.
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Dig to Fly website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
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Join us for a discussion about documenting your leadership standards and why it’s so important. Therman Trotman is the founder of The Sharepoint Helpdesk. One of my favorite parts of the interview is his story about why he didn’t think he could document his leadership approach and how he was going to start doing this to help his team understand his standards.
Highlights from the interview:
1. Therman's leadership journey and challenges
Therman shared that he has struggled with being intentional about his leadership, as he has naturally fallen into leadership roles but finds it challenging to directly manage and hold people accountable. He discussed how he is more comfortable providing advice and guidance when disconnected from the outcome, versus when he has a vested interest in the results as a business owner.
2. Documenting processes, values, and communication norms
Karl suggested that Therman document his leadership approach, including standard operating procedures, core values, and communication norms. This would help new hires understand Therman's expectations and style, rather than relying solely on verbal guidance. They discussed the importance of balancing prescriptive processes with flexibility to allow for creativity and problem-solving.
3. Overcoming distractions and maintaining focus
Therman shared that he struggles with maintaining focus and feeling like he's not doing enough, even when he's accomplished his goals for the day. He discussed strategies like setting stretch goals, celebrating small wins, and using checklists or Pomodoro techniques to stay on track.
4. Gratitude and self-reflection
Karl emphasized the importance of gratitude and regularly reflecting on what's going well, rather than constantly focusing on what could be improved. They discussed how this mindset shift can help leaders avoid burnout and maintain a positive, growth-oriented perspective.
You can learn more about Therman Trotman over at The Share Point Helpdesk. You can also connect with Therman over on LinkedIn.
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the inter
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Join Austin LaRoche and me as we discuss balancing vision and execution as the leader of a company. Austin runs a technology consulting agency called Atak Interactive. One of my favorite parts of this interview is how Austin uses the company's core values to assess people’s performances.
Highlights from the interview:
1. Balancing vision and implementation
Austin shares how his company adopted the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to help balance his visionary tendencies with the need for structured implementation. He explains the importance of repeatedly communicating the company's vision and goals to ensure alignment and buy-in from the team.
2. Managing underperforming employees
Austin discusses the cultural shifts and challenges that came with implementing EOS, including having to part ways with some employees who were not aligned with the new systems and processes. He outlines his approach of providing clear feedback and opportunities for improvement before making difficult personnel decisions.
3. Establishing standards for client relationships
Austin describes his company's "3 P's" framework for evaluating potential clients - people, product, and performance. He explains how this helps them ensure a good fit and set appropriate expectations before engaging in a client relationship.
4. Embracing mistakes and driving continuous improvement
Austin emphasizes the importance of creating a culture where people feel comfortable admitting and taking ownership of mistakes. He shares his "I am the problem, I am the solution" core value, which empowers employees to identify issues and propose solutions.
5. Lessons from mentors and personal growth
Austin reflects on the positive influence of his father's approach to parenting and problem-solving, and how he has applied those lessons to leading his company. He also discusses the importance of self-awareness and managing one's inner critic to maintain a growth mindset.
You can learn more about Austin LaRoche over at ATAK Interactive. You can also connect with him over on LinkedIn.
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
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Join us for a discussion about the importance of core values, building a community and why setting standards for your team is so important. Dave Stachowiak shares how he got into the coaching and leadership space, starting with a 15-year career at the Dale Carnegie training organization. He then pursued a doctorate degree and started the Coaching for Leaders podcast as a side project, which eventually became his main focus.
1. Core Values and Systems
Dave discusses the three core values that have guided his podcast from the beginning: 1) Ensuring the content is useful for leaders, 2) Maintaining consistency by publishing new episodes weekly, and 3) Prioritizing high-quality audio. These values have helped him make tough decisions, like turning down interview requests that don't align with what's most helpful for his audience.
2. Building an Engaged Community
Dave explains his approach to building an engaged community, focusing on a smaller group of Coaching for Leaders Pro members rather than trying to grow a massive following. He values depth of relationships over breadth, and has learned from mistakes like trying to provide too much long-form content that didn't resonate.
3. Lessons from a Mentor
Dave shares stories about a former manager named Rhonda Kurtz, who taught him the importance of setting high standards for excellence and leading by example. These lessons around valuing quality and integrity have stuck with Dave and continue to shape his approach to leadership.
4. Continuous Improvement
Dave discusses a current challenge of adjusting the length of his live events based on feedback from his community. He emphasizes the importance of being open to feedback, acknowledging blind spots, and iterating on processes to better serve his audience, even when it means making difficult decisions.
You can learn more about Dave Stachowiak over at the Coaching for Leaders podcast. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn.
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
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Join us as we discuss the challenges of being a work-from-home father and how you can improve your productivity and work-life balance. Thom Gibson is the founder of Work From Home Dads. One of my favorite parts of this interview is the story he shares when he was a teacher and how he got buy-in from his students to help out in the classroom. It’s a perfect Leadership 101 lesson that all leaders can learn from.
Here are the highlights from the interview:
Work-from-home challenges and solutions
We discuss the challenges of working remotely, including the lack of in-person collaboration and the need to balance work and family responsibilities. Thom shares how he has created systems to stay productive and connected, such as delegating tasks to his team and using tools like TextExpander to streamline communication.
Leveraging AI to improve productivity
Thom and Karl explore how AI, specifically tools like ChatGPT, to help leaders and entrepreneurs become more efficient and effective. They discuss strategies for prompting AI to provide tailored solutions, such as asking specific questions one at a time and providing context, rather than just requesting a broad solution.
Thom's background and work-from-home dad initiative
Thom introduces his background as a former teacher and current social media and YouTube strategist at ConvertKit. He also discusses his side project, "Work from Home Dads", which aims to help fathers who work remotely be more productive and present with their families.
Cultivating a lifelong learning mindset
Thom shares how he has developed a passion for continuous learning, drawing inspiration from his mother's example and the teachings of podcasters like Jordan Harbinger. He emphasizes the importance of bringing your passion with you, rather than just chasing your "dream job".
Systematic networking and relationship building
Thom describes a system he has implemented for maintaining relationships and networking, inspired by Jordan Harbinger's "Six Minute Networking" approach. This involves regularly reaching out to contacts, logging interactions, and prioritizing those he hasn't connected with in a while.
You can learn more about Thom Gibson over at Work From Home Dads. You can also connect with him over on LinkedIn and Twitter.
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
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Join us for a discussion about how to use storytelling in your business and career. Sean Platt is Founder of Sterling & Stone and Co-Founder Invisible Ink Media. One of my favorite parts of this interview was the framework he teaches to small business owners so that they can sell their services.
Reflecting on storytelling and narrative
Sean shares his background as a writer, noting how his wife encouraged him to start writing and how he discovered the power of storytelling. He discusses the importance of narratives, how they shape our experiences, and how being intentional about the stories we tell ourselves and others can lead to better outcomes.
Applying storytelling to business and leadership
We explore how effective storytelling can be leveraged in business and leadership contexts. They discuss the importance of crafting compelling narratives that resonate with and empower your audience, rather than making yourself the hero. They also touch on the dangers of performative vulnerability or shallow stories.
Niching down in business to capture attention
When you niche down in your business you are able to capture people’s attention. If you write emails and copy on your site that is geared toward everyone you don’t gather anyone’s attention. In this interview he talks about his story telling framework that helps you create content for your niche audience.
Systematizing storytelling and capturing insights
Sean emphasizes the value of being intentional about collecting and cataloging the stories that arise in one's business and life. He suggests regularly reflecting on the "best stories" from a given week or period as a way to build up a robust narrative toolkit that can be applied to various situations.
You can learn more about Sean Platt over at Sterling and Stone. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn.
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
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Join us for an interview about the importance of addressing the interconnection between personal and professional life, and helping clients dissolve inner blocks and triggers to free up mental space and creativity. Cathy Domoney is a coach who helps leaders release trauma and blocks to get the most out of their life and careers
Highlights from the interview:
1. The shift towards proactive mental wellness
Cathy discusses how high-performing leaders are increasingly recognizing the need to prioritize their own mental and emotional wellbeing, rather than just pushing through challenges. She highlights the importance of tuning into feelings and bodily signals as feedback, and taking radical responsibility for one's growth and development.
2. Establishing daily practices and routines
Cathy shares her own morning routine of journaling and mantras as a way to start the day grounded and focused on abundance. She emphasizes the need for leaders to experiment and find the practices that work best for them individually, rather than trying to fit a one-size-fits-all mold.
3. Embracing feedback and blind spots
Cathy discusses the value of having trusted advisors and loved ones who are willing to provide honest, constructive feedback - even if it's uncomfortable. She encourages leaders to actively seek out this input as a way to identify and address their blind spots.
4. Balancing professional and personal priorities
Cathy shares a personal example of prioritizing time with her son over a high-level business meeting, and how this decision was ultimately respected and appreciated by her colleagues. She emphasizes the importance of leaders honoring their whole selves, including their family and personal commitments.
5. Recommended resources and final thoughts
Cathy recommends the book "The Top Five Regrets of the Dying" as a powerful reflection on living a fulfilling life. She also shares her own journey of growth and self-discovery, and encourages leaders to embrace their own unique paths and not be afraid to be vulnerable.
You can learn more about Cathy over at cathydomoney.com. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn.
As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I’ll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!
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I'm sharing an episode of "Creating the Vision," Maria Maldonado Smith sits down with Karl Staib, the systems expert. We delve into the critical importance of creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline business processes, mitigate friction, and drive both corporate and entrepreneurial success.
Maria kicks off the discussion by expressing her excitement to have Karl on the show, highlighting his expertise in developing SOPs that save time and money for small business owners. Karl’s approach involves examining current processes, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and designing simple yet effective SOPs for improved outcomes. This methodology not only benefits small businesses but also has significant applications in corporate settings.
The conversation then pivots to the essence of good habits and structures in both personal and business realms. Karl emphasizes that while the initial perception might be that such systems are rigid, they are essential for consistency and success. He draws an analogy between maintaining healthy habits like exercise and diet and implementing effective business processes. Both require consistency and structure to avoid fluctuations and setbacks.
Maria is curious about the journey that led Karl to create SOP Guy. Karl shares his story of evolving from running a consulting company called Work Happy Now to eventually finding his niche in SOPs. He touches on his diverse background, with his father's German precision and his mother’s Icelandic creativity, which has influenced his approach to systems and processes.
One of the key takeaways from Karl’s methodology is the concept of creating a one-page document for new employees. This document outlines strengths, communication preferences, and support expectations, significantly accelerating the onboarding process and fostering better relationships from the start. This simple yet powerful tool eliminates the awkward initial phase of understanding a new manager’s preferences and expectations, thus reducing friction and enhancing productivity.
Karl also discusses the importance of continuous improvement, a principle inspired by Toyota’s Kaizen philosophy. He stresses that systems and processes should always be in development to prevent plateauing. By setting a standard and continuously seeking ways to raise the bar, businesses can maintain engagement and drive better results.
Maria underscores the alignment between their work philosophies, particularly around the importance of systems in achieving goals. They reference "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, highlighting how systems and processes are foundational to turning goals into reality. Karl expands on this by explaining that creating SOPs helps in setting clear expectations and providing the necessary guardrails for creativity and productivity.
Towards the end of the episode, they discuss the practical application of these principles in mitigating friction within teams. Karl suggests creating a roadmap for improvement, focusing on high-impact, easily implementable changes. By starting with the most pressing issues and gradually addressing them, businesses can see significant improvements without feeling overwhelmed.
Maria concludes by encouraging listeners to apply these concepts not just in their professional lives but also in their personal lives. Creating SOPs for personal routines can lead to better organization, more time for important activities, and overall improved well-being.
Listeners interested in further exploring Karl’s work can visit sopguy.com for more resources, including a friction assessment tool. Karl’s book, "Bring Gratitude," is available on Amazon, offering insights into how gratitude can transform personal and professional lives. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to enhance their business processes and achieve greater efficiency and success.
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