Come Rain or Shine (Dan Cockerell)

After previously discussing the power of empowerment, I want to talk about ways we can inspire through role modeling.

In life, anyone can be a role model. From a senior executive to a janitor, if quality character is in place, the stage is set for role modeling. The question is: How do we integrate that character into accountability? When we’re doing something right, are we willing to instruct others to do the same? After all, people can’t be what they can’t see. Whether we’re walking the talk or not, chances are people will notice one way or another. Why not work with excellence and embrace the coaching that comes with it?

As I explain in this episode, leaders not only live their values but role model them. When we apply this corporately, no question we’ll see the change we crave.

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 manager of Club 33.

In all of her roles, and through all of her experiences, one thing has become clear. The value of the feedback we receive, and the importance of understanding how to apply it has become a unifying theme for Kerri. Embracing authenticity and knowing who you are will help you to ingest the feedback you receive and be better for it. Our mindset is key and understanding that will allow us to receive, process, and move on from circumstances we encounter.

In today’s volatile terrain, Kerri has responded to adversity by lifting others even as she lifts herself. Whether it is via her Facebook group for furloughed cast members or in her success coaching business, her message is clear. It is not enough to be attached to something temporal – a person, place, or thing. Those things can come and go. Being attached to a feeling, a vision, will carry you through difficulty and present you as a stronger person on the other side.

Connect with Kerri:

Connect with Kerri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerri1435/

Connect with Kerri on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerri.macpherson.56

Resources:

Magical Vacation Planner 407-442-0257

www.jobsforthe28k.com

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

As leaders, we like to think big picture and big change, measuring our worth by accomplishment and how many we inspire.

But in business, often the greatest effect we have doesn’t occur in one motion. Rather it’s the accrual of valuing the small things…those seemingly insignificant opportunities to honor a partner, a colleague, a client, a mentee, etc.  For example, finding a way to integrate a customer’s name and/or situational awareness into an act of service can go a long way in earning respect and future business.

The ripple effect of giving 110% in a moment of service can yield an exponential amount of positive outcomes. If we want to lead well, it starts by not taking individual acts of service for granted.

In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Dave Benson shares about the power of connections and how that has impacted his work as an entrepreneur and software developer. Throughout his professional career, whether it was in a corporate environment at IBM, the sports media industry, or while working at Disneyland Paris, he recognized the impact of meaningful connections. He found that it is possible to deliver a memorable and genuine connection between fans and heroes in just a minute.

Dave went on to use that knowledge to create his business, Super Quick Question, a one-on-one video chat platform with a 60 second time limit. Dave has found success in the sports space, partnering with teams like the Cleveland Browns and Mike Tyson's company.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• the power of connections to build a successful business: Dave Benson's story of how his connections led to the development of his business in France.
• the importance of brevity in business: Dave Benson's insights on how to make the most out of conversations, such as preparing beforehand and staying on topic.
• using technology to create meaningful connections: The value proposition of Super Quick Question, a one on one video chat platform with a 60 second time limit, for fans to connect with athletes and celebrities.

As Dave shares with us, brevity is key. People appreciate the genuine connections they can have in a short amount of time, just like when that young child gets to meet Cinderella. Dave Benson had unlocked the power of efficiency in networking and communication.

Quotes:

"Honesty and delivering on your promise results in a much shorter conversation and can save you time, money, and build genuine connections with your heroes."

“There's always something better to do with the time.”

Resources

https://www.superquickquestion.com/

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:35]

Super Quick Question is a one-on-one video chat platform with a 60 second time limit. The original idea behind it was for business efficiency, to help people connect better and faster in businesses. The company is now getting a lot of traction in the sports space.

[00:11:47]

Tell me what you need to know, and I'll give you an answer. Give me the highlights. Give me the best part. And that's kind of what we're doing. We like to get to the meat and potatoes of things.

[00:12:39]

A little bit of preparation results in a much shorter conversation. Staying on topic and realizing what the purpose of your meeting is allows you to address things promptly. Then you can do the other stuff.

As the job market continues to saturate, more and more companies are focusing on their internal culture. By 'internal culture', I mean a comfortable, charismatic environment aimed at attracting and retaining the best talent. 

While many view this concept as setting and reaching goals, an internal focus goes well beyond the bottom line. For instance, if an organization wants to emphasize a stronger internal focus, not only must it define values, but steward an environment where clients and employees feel valued. As I explain in this episode, once business leaders recognize customers and workers want the same thing, a company can better connect culture to value and value to the individual.

After hearing from Dan Miller in our last episode, Jody and I welcome Nicole Cutrufo, Founder and CEO at Doitwell, to share her story.

A graduate of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Nicole worked various guest service gigs in Orlando and Rome before started her own consulting company in 2018. Having settled a new position, Nicole explains how the power of self-education through small life changes ultimately paved the way for her decision to start Doitwell. 

As a young parent working for herself, troubleshooting is a constant, but the positives of pursuing change, as she explains, continues to fuel her learning.

On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Sherry Winn, Two-Time Olympian, National Basketball Coach of The Year, and Amazon Three-Time Best Selling Author, joins the show to discuss her career evolution and lessons learned from the basketball court.

As a renowned world athlete, Sherry talks about her struggles with sexual identity, alcoholism, and abuse growing up and how those journeys matured her from Olympics to consultant, coach, and author. With a life message centered on conquering challenges through gratitude, Sherry hopes her positivity will inspire a new generation of young athletes and leaders to wrestle through their temptations to quit.

Resources:­

Website: https://www.thewinningleadershipcompany.com/

E-mail: sherry@TheWinningLeadershipCompany.com or call 304-380-4398.

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, guest, Rani Puranik, Co-Owner, Executive Vice President, and Global CFO of Worldwide Oilfield Machine, joins the show to discuss her background, women in leadership, and her new book, 7 Letters to My Daughter. Her experience serves as a great reminder that there is always a way. 

A woman of versatile skill, Rani’s pathway has spanned multiple spectrums. Having taken scenic routes to her current roles, Rani explains how each occupational checkpoint contributed to her present-day business acumen. As an entrepreneur and philanthropist keen on empowering other people’s energies, Rani’s “always a way” mentality is part of her strategy to inspire others towards legacy and success.

With the recent launch of her memoir, 7 Letters to My Daughters: Light Lessons of Love, Leadership and Legacy, Rani hopes the unpacking of these critical phases will encourage her readers to passionately pursue their goals. A voice laden with fresh perspective and antidotes, no question, Rani’s journey will resonate with most who aspire towards new endeavors in 2023.

For more information about Rani’s new book, check out the resources below.

Resources:

Website: https://www.ranipuranik.com/

Book: https://www.ranipuranik.com/seven-letters-to-my-daughters-book/

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Quotes:

“Legacy is the ability to impact someone else’s life. It’s empowering them so they can empower their…next generations.”

Today, Jody and I discuss my first book release called How’s the Culture in Your Kingdom? Lessons from a Disney Leadership Journey.

As I explain, the book dives deep into my experiences at Disney and lessons learned over 26 years of leadership. Some of the chapters cover topics like training, organization vision, how to create a healthy internal culture, and the importance of belonging. Interlaced throughout the book are some of the favorite Disney stories, most of which have aged well over time. It’s my hope people who read this book will be inspired in their occupational journeys by pulling from the insights I offer.

It’s been said there’s nothing new under the sun. If a concept can be created, chances are it’s already been created.

However, as a public speaker, I’m finding if there is something new, it’s how ideas are being reshaped and renamed in their everyday communication.

Take ‘design thinking’, for instance. When I first heard the term, I didn’t know offhand what it was about. But upon further review, I realized I had plenty of knowledge on the process, specifically the three pillars of design thinking: empathy, ideation, and experimentation.

As I discuss in this episode, it’s important for business leaders to drill down and keep up with emerging organizational terms. Not only will the practice help you relate to diverse audiences, but also apply new levels of intellect systematically.

As a kid, one of my favorite reads was the ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ series. Unlike other books, these fascinated me. Not only did I get to play the protagonist, but also determine the plot of the story. Like the ‘butterfly effect’, I could unravel a new angle with each read – a cool concept, especially for the time.

For instance, what if we took the same approach to training and leadership development? What if there was an interactive way to ask employees what they’d do in unusual real-life situations?

As Jody and I discuss in this episode, being creative with our team building can go a long way not only in improving our quality standards but employee morale as well.

On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Matthew Luhn, author, storytelling consultant, and inspirational speaker joins the show to discuss his career as a filmmaker and storyteller.

A former prodigy, Matthew unpacks his unorthodox career trajectory, lessons learned as an animator for Pixar, and keys to a great story. Per his experiences, while a creative storyboard involves a compelling plot, a great artist knows his audience, the limitations of his work, and the payoff of his pitch.

In essence, to be an influential storyteller, one must brand alongside the entertainment and establish a beginning, middle, and end within each project. Only then can imagination and charisma connect to its target base in a powerful way.

Resources:­

Website: https://matthewluhnstory.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MatthewLuhn

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewluhnstory/?hl=en

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Michael Lyons, a freelance writer, and entrepreneur with Disney roots, joins the show to discuss his career and views on the writing process.

Like me, Michael has learned how to navigate a multi-decadal tenure post-Disney. Having conducted interviews with many actors, directors, producers, and artists during their Golden Age, Michael provides guidance on how to merge writing with research, training, and even retail in the context of leadership.

For information about Michael’s endeavors, you can check out his podcast, “Dis-Order: Every Disney Film,” on Apple Podcasts as well as “Drawn to Greatness: Disney’s Animation Renaissance” available on Amazon.

Resources:­

Theme Park Press - http://themeparkpress.com/

Website - www.wordsfromlyons.com

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Drawn-Greatness-Disneys-Animation-Renaissance/dp/168390317X

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Stephanie Olson, CEO of The Set Me Free Project, joins the show to discuss her background and the inspirations before her organization’s mission.

As the face of a nonprofit whose purpose is to teach today’s youth about prevention education and human trafficking, Stephanie explains how this desensitization process ideally works with today’s students. Inspired by her experiences growing up in an abusive household, Stephanie encourages parents to utilize her curriculum to provide their children with a foundation for sexual conversations.

Per her guidance, as long as parents are transparent about trust, consent, and social media, they’ll instill and inspire safety and survivor instincts with their kids.

Resources:­

Website - https://www.setmefreeproject.net/

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

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 growing pains. However, by recalibrating through disappointment and discovery, he learned to make the most of where his journey took him.

As a virtual innovator and relational motivator, Greg not only enjoys building technology companies but helping organizations align early in their formation. Per his experience, the human aspect should never detach from business decisions. While many want to lead by example, only a few know how to inspire people along the way. Accordingly, if leaders are faithful to pursue the people behind their passions, no question they will ignite better performance and morale.

Resources

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/spillane/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/greg_spillane?lang=en

Connect with Dan

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

In this episode, Dan Cockerell and host, Jody Maberry, tackle questions received from Auburn graduates.

Such questions include, “What piece of advice do you wish someone had told you when starting your professional career?”, “What qualities do you look for in choosing an employee?”, “What motivation tactics do you use for employees?”, and “How do you discipline employees without having them resent you?”

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 to mature a money mindset, not only must you master your wallet but see finances as part of your well-being. By committing to this perspective, no question your love for money will become a love language for financial freedom.

Resources

Ambus Hunter: https://www.ambushunter.com/

Twitter: AmbusVHunter

Connect with Dan

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

They say a good story only needs a good storyteller. 

If this is true, consider Chris Lindsley, today’s guest. 

A writer of many hats, Chris Lindsley has 35 years of experience serving as editor of a national sports magazine for kids, a consumer health newsletter, and a contributor to the Washington Post.

However, his best work is arguably his first book, Land of Fun: The Story of an Amusement Park for the Ages. As he shares in this episode, the memoir is based on lessons learned during six summers operating rides and games at Funland in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Encouraged by the co-founder, Al Fasnacht, and his family, Lindsley’s testimonial features personal stories and reflections from colleagues who also worked at the amusement park.

And although Funland itself may be a discovery to most readers, Lindsley hopes his recollection will resonate with people, specifically the leadership and relational principles he gathered during his tenure.  

Resources:

Book: https://www.land-of-fun.com/

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

After previously discussing two modes of decision-making, I want to talk about ways we can empower our work cultures.

While making decisions is hard, inviting others into the process can be even harder. As leaders, sometimes, the only responsibility we want to assume is what we can control. We think if a job is to be done well, it must happen on our terms, on our watch, our hands on the plow. Unfortunately, this mindset is what hinders many organizations from realizing the power of empowerment within their spheres of influence.

Perhaps you’ve wondered how you can better empower leaders, or at least establish greater clarity in your business. If so, make sure to tune in to this episode as I’ll unpack some practical steps you can take to mature these skills.

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 apply it within a specific lane but differentiate it by selling your history.  

As Ray states, the storytelling behind your passion can’t be undermined. What makes you interesting is your story and your story can’t be detached from your skill; hence, why being yourself can be the best marketing strategy.

Dare to ask yourself, “How do differentiate yourself? What’s your ‘thing’? What are you known for you?”

Resources

Ray Edwards: https://rayedwards.com

Connect with Dan

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Despite our differences, chances are we can agree that for everything, there is a season – a time to say ‘yes’ and a time to say ‘no’.

In business, this decision often intersects with the bottom line. If either answer takes us one step closer to a desired goal, it’s only natural to choose accordingly. Yet, as my Disney experience taught me, there’s value in saying ‘yes’ in the moment at the cost of temporary inconvenience.

As Jody and I discuss, one of the mistakes young leaders make is waiting until there’s a problem to intervene on behalf of a customer. If we say ‘yes’ only when pushed into a corner, we’re not empowering success on either side; however, if we can build value on how our services can provide value, our businesses will flourish in the long run.

Resources:

• Magical Vacation Planner 407-442-0257

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Garrett Bake joins us to share his story and lessons learned along the way.

Having worked as a police officer for 15 years, Garrett has experienced much in terms of professional success; however, early in his career, his personal life was a mess. Despite playing the hero by day, by night he was just another workaholic struggling with drug abuse, pornography, and depression. With much of his life in shambles, thoughts of suicide started to infiltrate his mind. Thankfully, Garrett was able to course-correct by recommitting his life to the home using strategic planning tactics learned in the force.

“It's not just about the people, but also the systems and processes in place. When art and science come together, magic happens.” -Dan Cockerell

Leadership and culture are the driving forces when it comes to creating exceptional customer experiences. Smart organizations know the value of a well-designed plan for their business. They can't just open shop without a clear vision. It requires a savvy combination of the art and science of customer service.

Two great examples of well-designed customer service experiences are Athleta and Banana Republic. They've trained their employees to go the extra mile, offering options like checking other stores' inventory for your desired size. It's all part of a well thought out process in their customer experience plan.

No matter how great of a plan you come up with, consistency is key. It's not just about hiring good people, but about creating a culture where everyone delivers exceptional customer service. For example, when you walk into Athleta or Banana Republic, you know you'll receive top-notch service, no matter who's working. Everyone is trained so that customers get a predictable experience.

Culture plays a vital role in customer service. It's about how things are done around here. As a leader, you set the tone for your organization. Define the experience you want to create, plan it out, and make sure it's consistently delivered. Ask yourself:

• What is the service experience that you want to create?
• How are you going to communicate it to your employees?
• How are you going to create checklists and processes to make sure It is done over and over and over again?

Whether you're a business owner, a department manager, or even an HR representative, think about the service experience you want to offer. Remember, customer service is both an art and a science. Plan it, communicate it, and create processes to ensure it's executed flawlessly. Your customers will thank you through their loyalty.

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

 Episode Highlights

[00:02:11] Reflecting on leadership tactics for businesses.

[00:04:40] Brands with exceptional service.

[00:07:25] Find your culture, create great service, learn from experiences.

[00:10:42] Employee training for better customer interactions.

[00:15:25] Pay attention to the customer journey and touchpoint map.

We all need feedback to get better. Feedback usually goes from supervisor to employee but sometimes it’s good to have feedback going the other direction too - employee to supervisor. However, that’s certainly not easy for it to go “up the chain” even though it’s beneficial.

There are creative ways to go about this though. For example, I had a voicemail system set up where a cast member could call and leave a voicemail sharing the issue they were having. Sometimes it was anonymous and sometimes I was able to call them back and give them advice on how to solve the problem.

One thing I would do with my direct reports is to have a feedback and action planning meeting. We would get together as a team for a half-day work session discussing what’s working and what’s not. I’d leave the room and they’d come up with a list of things they’d like me to stop doing, start doing, and continue doing as a leader. This is what we called “stop, start, and continue”.

If you can show some vulnerability to getting feedback and let your ego go, you can really improve as a leader. Ignorance is not bliss. You have to be open-minded to feedback from your team.

If you’ve never done this before, it can seem daunting so I’d start with a friend/coworker you trust and let them know you’d like some honest feedback. Start small and work your way up to a larger group as you get more comfortable with it. This will also build trust with your team.

The worst thing you can do though is to ask for feedback and not make any changes so you have to be ready to change some things if you ask for it. If people are going to be honest in talking with you, you have a responsibility to handle that information in the right way for continual improvement.

On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Dr. Deborah Gilboa, media personality and keynote speaker, joins the show to discuss the best ways to cope with stress.

A board-certified family physician fluent in sign language, Dr. Gilboa is recognized as one of the most influential voices not only regarding stress management but embracing resilience. Equipped with a simple message, she has a knack for breaking down complicated emotions by compartmentalizing the processing behind them.

For instance, before one can deal with anxiety or grief, one must accept accompanying senses of loss, distrust, and discomfort. As Dr. Gilboa submits, the irony of conquering stress is embracing it through resilience and navigating it with a mission focus. While you can’t shut off the medulla, you can subdue it by remembering the choices you have in front of you.

For more information about Dr. G’s resources, practices, and past appearances, check out the links below.

Resources:

Website: https://askdoctorg.com/

Assessment: http://stresstoresilience.com/

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Quotes:

“Lagging indicator is someone in bad heath; leading indicator is prevention and someone taking care of themself.”

Whenever I talk about open doors, there are two principles I often emphasize: 1) ask questions and 2) dig past initials assumptions. But there’s a third I suggest we, as leaders, consider – the importance of cultivating curiosity.

As leaders, curiosity is imperative both in heeding and handling with delicacy. In my experience, being in the same place over time can dull the curiosity we need to maintain our edge as leaders. For instance, leading with open-mindedness and learning the people around you and can help differentiate a leader content in outcomes from a leader looking to empower others to reach them.

As I discuss in this episode, with any habit, curiosity must be cultivated by asking probing questions, interacting intentionally with those you come in contact with, and taking advantage of the ease with which, we find answers. After all, established trust creates an environment where curiosity can flourish. Why not be a catalyst?

Mike Simmons, Founder of Catalyst Sale, joins me to discuss takeaways from our recent mastermind conference.

When it comes to serving as an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get bogged down with grunt work. While administration, accounting, and customer service all have their place, it's important to make room for creativity - "to get out of your echo chamber" as Mike describes.  

As for other mastermind insights, Mike and I dive into various topics such as the importance of establishing clarity and focus, diversity of thought, and why good leaders don't fall in love with their ideas. 

Special guest, Jacob Chancelor, joins me to discuss his story as well as a special project he’s working on.

A former Disney cruise ship entertainer, Jacob discusses his transition to London where he’s now pursuing his master’s degree. As part of his final project, Jacob has spent recent months creating and producing a new type of live entertainment. The project involves a show entitled, “The Bar at the Edge of [Blank]” where guests can choose their adventure through a unique blend of script and impromptu.

As Jacob goes on to explain, he hopes to not only provide comic relief to a country in distress but also change the way audiences participate in the live entertainment.

At this time, the show is set to take place July 13-14 at the Crooked Can Brewery in Winter Garden Florida. Participants can also stream the show live for free. For those interested in contributing to Jacob’s cause, you can visit his Kickstarter link below:

Resources:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1781880269/the-bar-at-the-edge-of-blank

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-bar-at-the-edge-of-blank-tickets-108499123800

For many companies, control is exercised through power. From systems of hierarchy to reciprocity, if there is a cultural pathway, chances are it hinges on results over relationships.

But what if I told you we can build a better culture through empowerment, not power? That we can motivate behavior formally to the point it becomes second nature?

As I discuss in this episode, culture is not only built through behaviors but formalized processes. Accordingly, if you want to challenge creativity and give employees a place to speak, start by instituting procedures and adjust them as behavior and culture improve.

On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Andre Young, Founder of You Evolving Now LLC, joins the show to discuss his career journey.

A former athlete and mental health therapist, Andre unpacks his drive as an entrepreneur and desire to motivate organizations through meaningful leadership practices. As he notes, the problem with some leaders is they marry their vision and the path they forge as opposed to their ‘why’; however, this often leads to burnout and disillusion. While many managers try to stir their team to outcomes, Andre argues it’s far better for them to make their name synonymous with what they do, perform beyond good intentions, and inspire the same mentality within their influence.

To connect with Andre or review his resources, check out his website below.

Resources:

Website: https://youevolvingnow.com/

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Quotes:

“As the leader…you don’t have to have the answers. You’re not there to be a ‘know all’ and distribute your knowledge; you’re there to facilitate the knowledge to solve issues together. “

"When things are going bad in the moment, they're usually almost never as bad as you think they are."

Jody Maberry is back to talk about the importance of facing life's uncertainties with courage and positivity. Jody has learned that embracing change and being open-minded are key to personal growth and success. Too much time is spent trying to control every outcome, or constantly seeking reassurance from others. In reality, these actions only perpetuate your anxiety. The more you resist uncertainty, the more it persists. 

It's time to embrace the unknown and shift your focus to what is within your control - your thoughts and actions. Instead of dwelling on the worst-case scenario, train your mind to find the positive in any situation. Challenge yourself to try new things and take calculated risks. It is so important that we overcome preconceived notions and experiencing things for ourselves. Jody gives a great example of this by sharing about his experience in Kuwait. Remember, uncertainty is a natural part of life, and with a positive mindset, you can not only survive but thrive in it.

In this episode, we discuss the:

•  art of thriving amid uncertainty and sustaining a positive mindset
•  influence of attitude and perspective in carving out opportunities
•  life-changing capacity of travel in dismantling stereotypes and prejudices
•  essentiality of experience for cultivating areas of expertise
•  skill of preserving perspective while also giving attention to details in trying times

If you're feeling stuck in uncertainty and overwhelmed by negative thoughts, know that you are not alone. But also remember that being open-minded and having a positive attitude can lead to new opportunities in life.

One great way to experience new places is by partnering with Magical Vacation Planner. They offer stress-free vacation planning so you can focus on enjoying the trip. You can get in touch with them by calling 407-442-0257.

"We create our own luck."

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

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On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Jeffrey Barnes, best-selling author and Disney keynote speaker, joins the show to discuss leadership lessons from the life of Disney.

As Jeffrey charges us, to live like Walt comes down to 4 c’s: Consistency, courage, confidence, and curiosity.

While humble beginnings are often a prerequisite, by focusing on big-ticket dreams and building passion around your schedule, one can discover higher levels of success.

Whatever your business is, whatever your team or story looks like, board your train and don’t look back. Even if your world feels like riding Space Mountain for the first time, you’ll eventually reach your intended destination.

Resources:

Website: https://thewisdomofwalt.com/

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

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Quotes:

“Being an entrepreneur sometimes…you don’t [always] know what’s coming next. The only thing you got is being positive and taking what comes.”

"Don't let failure deter you. That would be my advice, is it doesn't happen overnight. You will fail. If you're going to be good, you're going to fail and you're going to fail a lot and be okay with that." - Jamie Eubanks

Jamie Eubanks is the owner, CEO, and founder of Magical Vacation Planner (MVP), the largest third-party travel agent for Walt Disney World, Universal, and cruise lines. After 14 years as a basketball wife, Jamie left her job at a bank and founded MVP with her husband, JJ.

Jamie had been living a comfortable life as a basketball wife for fourteen years, but after her husband retired they moved back to Indiana. She found it difficult to find work, event with a degree. She was expecting to climb the corporate ladder, but was repeatedly bypassed for positions. With the support of her husband, Jamie decided to take a risk and started her own business - a travel agency that specializes in Disney vacations.

She surrounded herself with smart people, put in a lot of hard work, and eventually was able to build a successful business with over 550 people attending their annual conference. Jamie's journey taught her that failure is part of the process, and success takes patience and hard work.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

1. How Jamie Eubanks transitioned from a "basketball wife" to a successful entrepreneur.
2. The importance of surrounding yourself with smart people and pivoting quickly.
3. Jamie and JJ's journey of building a successful travel agency and the importance of resilience and patience.

Episode Highlights

[00:00:06]

With us is Jamie Eubanks, the owner, CEO, and founder of MVP. MVP is the largest third-party travel agent for Walt Disney World. There may be 2000 503,000 agents.

[00:01:37]

Jamie was a basketball wife for 14 years before starting her own travel agency. She says she was never going to work her way up the corporate ladder in Southern Indiana. Jamie's story shows how things have changed due to social media.

[00:05:45]

Jamie Eubanks left her job as a bank teller to become an entrepreneur. After 14 years as a basketball player's wife, she lost her identity. She says when a door closes, either solve it or go do something else that's more fulfilling.

[00:09:08]

As a leader, the biggest thing to remember is that we cannot control very much. The only thing we can control is how we handle our own behavior.

[00:11:53]

I think I'm just crazy enough that failure doesn't bother me. I don't care to fail.

[00:12:58]

We talked earlier about pivoting. And I think that that's one thing about living overseas. You adapt quickly. Whatever we decide to do, we go in full blown. All in. And if we fail, we're failing together, and we fail fast and try to pivot.

[00:14:25]

Be patient. It takes years to become an entrepreneur. Don't let failure deter you. Entrepreneurship can look very glamorous, but it's very doable.

[00:16:27]

Our work is more than a business, it's more than a partnership. It's a friendship.

Connect with Magical Vacation Planner (MVP) 

https://www.magicalvacationplanner.com/booking-form/

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

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No question, the coronavirus has had a huge impact on our economy. From temporary leaves to distance working, if you're listening to this, chances are you’ve had to adjust in some way.

While there have been some benefits, I've been wondering: How can a business maintain its culture when its employees are distant?

As Jody and I discuss in this episode, for a healthy work culture to exist at home, the parameters for that culture must be defined and designed. Yes, Zoom calls have their place, but to preserve synergy, supervisors, and directors must realize the occasional virtual meeting is not enough. Even though it may seem like a low priority, how you replace happenstance matters. Whether setting a selective open-door policy via messaging or offering more collaborative opportunities, there are many ways to extend culture remotely.

When we discuss intelligence, we tend to think some people have it and others don’t as if the term is a one-sized-fit-all concept.

However, as today’s guest, Mark Oliver, shares in this episode, everyone you meet is smarter than you in some way. With four human intelligences spanning emotional, practical, and spiritual spectrums, to be a genius one must be able to convert knowledge into effort, passion, and common sense.

In business, knowing the primary intelligences can have massive impacts on profit, productivity, performance, and people. These 4 P’s, as Oliver notes, are maximized at the point engagement is tied to purpose. By facilitating a culture where people can discover their gifts, companies can thrive off greater ideas, networking, and team-building.

Resources:­

Website: https://www.marktwoconsulting.com/

The Seven Motivations of Life: Taking Your Leadership to a Higher Level: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Motivations-Life-Taking-Leadership/dp/144778328X

Motivational Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/Motivational-Leadership-Third-Mark-Oliver/dp/0244739668

A Himalayan Trinity: https://www.marktwoconsulting.com/himalayan-trinity

Connect with Dan:

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In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Danay Lea, Advisor to the CEO of the Abu Dhabi Security Exchange, discusses the future of outdoor sports.

As one who helps large companies solve problems, Danay has a keen eye for projection and evaluation. Such skill has also carried over into his passion for outdoor sports. Per Danay, as the working world becomes increasingly remote, the rise in flexibility and innovation are profiting industries like outdoor sports.

Additionally, the sustaining popularity of outdoor sports will continue as people invest in trusted brands and products they respect. Like broader markets, large companies in the outdoor sports stream should continue to drive healthy competition to help smaller markets find their voice.

Despite setbacks in recent years, Danay believes the future of outdoor sports is bright and will continue to emerge as technology and accessibility create opportunities for the next generation of interest.

Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefluidstate/about/

Website: http://fluidstate.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefluidstate/

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

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Quotes:

“…enjoying life being a human. There’s something to that and using technology to connect and where we want to be…I think a blend of those two things is a direction in my mind where we should be going.”  

"We need to give women the confidence that they can do it, and then educate men about what women can bring to the table" - Valerie Cockerell

 Inspired by her mother's regrets and the desire to share her own insights, Valerie Cockerell set out to write a book that would provide practical advice on leadership. She noticed that while many resources discussed leadership theories, there was a lack of actionable steps. Valerie aimed to bridge this gap, offering tangible guidance to help people navigate their own leadership journeys. What was most crucial to Valerie was the realization that she had taken breaks in her career, whether due to relocating or prioritizing her family. These experiences shaped her perspective and added depth to the wisdom she wanted to share with others.

As Valerie reflects on her career and accomplishments, she talks about how she wishes she had known certain things earlier in her professional journey. One of the biggest being the importance of focusing on the basics. This includes  things such as setting expectations, providing proper training, offering feedback, and effective time management. In a complex and challenging world, focusing on these basics can prevent us from feeling overwhelmed. Just like in tennis, where going back to basics helps improve overall performance, the same principle applies to leadership.

During our conversation, Valerie mentions a study that found having more women in a group increases the collective IQ and leads to more effective collaboration. She shares more about reason women make such a notable impact in organizations. Three justifications include that women are often better listeners, more open to constructive criticism, and possess emotional intelligence. By working towards gender parity, we can benefit everyone in the workplace and create a more inclusive and productive environment.

Take a listen to this incredible converation with Valerie. You can also join in the conversation on social media using the hashtag #ManageLikeAMother and share your own stories about the powerful influence of mothers. And of course, make sure to order Valerie's book, "Manage Like a Mother," available on Amazon.

Connect with Valerie:

Order the book - Manage Like a Mother

LinkedIn - Connect with Valerie

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 Episode Highlights

[00:03:48] Focusing on basics improves performance and eases complexity.

[00:08:10] Reflect on your mother's actions to lead better.

[00:10:59] Women have better collaboration and emotional intelligence.

[00:15:15] Men need to educate themselves, be self-aware, and invite and value feedback for improvement in order to be true allies.

[00:20:23] Moms manage crises and provide helpful insights.

[00:24:02] Resilient mom overcomes challenges, learns to drive.

[00:25:09] 72-year-old woman learns to drive, still drives at 91.

Have you ever wondered how to get your ‘in’ in a company? What qualifies one candidate above another in a given job search?

If so, you’re not alone. After all, in a sea of resumes, standing out can seem impossible with many applications desperate for a hook or a lead. But as I’ve been telling college graduates these days, if you want to help your chances, you must be willing to meet people and take a personalized approach to networking. Even if you have to associate outside your comfort zone, to catch your first break, often that’s the place you want to be.

As I discuss this episode, many are those who are qualified but far less are those who differentiate by seeking advice. By seeking to make meaningful connections, you’ll ultimately give yourself the advantage you crave in landing your dream job.

While leadership is an opportunity, it can also be a challenge. As many leaders can attest, how we motivate, how we facilitate, and how we change are all essential responsibilities.

Yet, as a guest, Patty Beach, shares in this episode, how we execute these endeavors is just as important. For instance, we may know how to inspire the right idea; however, if we don’t empower versatile decision-making, corporate alignment to that idea will struggle. Conversely, if diversity and inclusivity are embraced from top to bottom, the strength of teamwork will be more effective.

As Patty explains in her new book, The Art of Alignment: A Practical Guide to Inclusive Leadership, workplace alignment is just as much art and social science as a social construct. No matter what position you’re in, dare to view best practices as collective visions everyone can engage. Additionally, rather than reacting to a crisis, educate your colleagues to value their potential contributions to the big picture.

Resources:

Website: https://www.leadershipsmarts.com/

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

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In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Gav Schneider joins the show to discuss risk management and the psychology of risk.

As the Group CEO of Risk 2 Solution and a renowned subject matter expert on risk management, safety, and security, Dr. Gav understands the connection between leadership, management, critical thinking, and authenticity like few others can. Having conducted many projects in over 17 countries, Dr. Gav’s expertise in bias management centers on a crucial pursuit: Educating leaders to not only gather information but also leverage guidance to make emotionally intelligent and informed decisions.

For more information about Dr. Gav’s resources, including Risk 2 Solution’s Presilience program that aims to help organizations prepare for corporate disruptions, click the links below:

Resources:

Website: https://r2ssecurity.com.au/

Presilience: https://r2ssecurity.com.au/presilience/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gav-schneider/?originalSubdomain=au

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

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Quotes:

“What does ‘different’ mean when it’s different for everybody?”

After previously detailing our last foundational key to corporate success, on this episode, I discuss technology and its impact on work culture.

Regardless of what key (safety, courtesy, show, efficiency) we sustain, the common denominator is our intent to improve the quality of business. In a technologically dominated day and age, this has significant ramifications. For instance, it's important to remember when you change or implement new technology, it should culturally change the way an organization works. The iPhone is a great example of this as the concept of a computer-in-pocket not only changed how Apple functioned as a company, but how it communicated with customers and employees. 

That said, we should also remember technology is nothing more than a tool used to automate and complete tasks. Though necessary, it should never define your culture, shape behavioral standards, or alter the focus of a company. Again, the four keys of corporate success are the foundation our business should aspire to. Accordingly, while new technology may change the way we work, it shouldn't change our values and what we believe in. Of course, this takes great communication in an increasingly distracted world; however, as leaders, it's essential we filter technology through the guest and employee experience.

On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Tamzin Lovell-Miller joins the show, as part of our Elevate Series, to discuss her career in digital art.

As a techpreneur, Tamzin explains the origins of Artfundi, a digital transformation art business built on innovation, integration, and inspiration. After starting her software system and developing it into a business in 2018, Tamzin opened her first art gallery in which she discovered a passion for digital art. Since then, she has experienced additional acceleration in helping new companies utilize new digital technologies and become more reliant on internal systems.

A corporate mentor for several organizations, Tamzin encourages the rising generation to stay curious, share stories, and attend art fairs to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and artists.

Resources:­

Website: https://artfundi.tech/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamzin-lovell-miller/

Connect with Dan:

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In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Alex Kopacz, Canadian bobsledder and the reigning Olympic co-champion in the twoman bobsleigh event, joins the show to discuss his legendary athletic career.

As a gold medalist and fierce competitor, Alex brings a level head to this interview brimming with marketplace application. Having matured from university shot putter to an international winter game icon, Alex’s message is simple yet inspiring: Manage what you can control.

While chance and luck have their place, what ultimately drives success comes down to effort, commitment, and attitude. Whether your skills are group oriented or individual in nature, accomplishment often starts with composure and focus. You may be fearless, but this should never be an excuse for pride and over-extending yourself.

Alex also talks about constantly learning, new pursuits as a keynote speaker and mechanical engineer, and life after the Olympics.

Resources:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexanderkopacz/?hl=en

Connect with Dan:

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Quotes:

“Are you playing to win or playing not to lose?”

Jeff Spahn, Founder and President of Leading Leaders Inc joins the show to discuss his new book, We the Leader.

In today’s marketplace, younger leaders see themselves differently. While older generations view leadership as an earned concept, emerging leaders perceive the term more inherently. As such, the friction between turnover and hierarchy is increasing at an accelerated rate.

However, as Jeff explains in his book, the truce in the middle boils down to curious conviction – the idea of leading and following can occur simultaneously. Applied to best teamwork practices, quality leaders, regardless of age, can build curiosity around uniqueness and diversity to improve flow and decision-making. By ensuring all people have a voice, respect can be facilitated, and differences can be made through differences of opinion.

Resources:­

Book: https://www.wetheleader.com

Website: https://www.leadingleadersinc.com

Connect with Dan:

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In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Adam Mastroianni, a postdoctoral research scholar at Columbia Business School, joins the show to discuss the relationship between intelligence and happiness. 

In the past hundred years, there have been many efforts to measure intelligence. More recently, new tests have discerned the multiple types of intelligence including the performance tendencies of subject matter experts. However, as Adam explains, there's also a general intelligible that can capture a person's ability to define and solve problems.

While a one-size, fit-all metric is hard to quantify, what is clear is the correlation difference between problem and dilemma with intelligence and happiness. As Adam notes, problems involve optimal solutions, but dilemmas often lack a clear right or wrong, a principle evident in the contrast of emotional and intellectual responses.

Although the psychological drivers of happiness are highly variable, the empirical data behind general intelligence is more concrete. Therefore, one can never assume a more successful person on paper is automatically happier.

Resources:

Website: https://www.adammastroianni.com/

Connect with Dan:

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Quotes:

“Life ain’t chess. Nobody agrees on the rules. The pieces do whatever they want and the board covers the whole globe as well as the inside of your hear and possibly several metaphysical planes as well..”

At Disney, I was responsible for 12,000 cast members. Jody and I talk about how I prioritized things.

Everyone has the same amount of minutes in a day to get things done. It’s just about how you use that time.

There is no magical formula and it really is a dilemma. You have to make a list, be relentless about what you prioritize, and put the most important stuff at the top and work your way down. There may be really important things you’re not going to get done because something else that’s more important took your time.

Everyone wants to get everything done but the reality is that you can’t do everything so you have to find other tactics. Either let it go, find a different way to do it, decide you’re not going to do it anymore, or delegate it to someone else.

This Eisenhower urgent and important decision matrix is very helpful and helps you decide where to spend your time.

As you go throughout your day, start thinking about this matrix and seeing where your time is spent.

One of the most valuable areas to hone in on are things that are not urgent but important. Find something this week that’s important to you but isn’t urgent (like a long-term project) and start working on it.

Kortni Canada and Beth Smith from Magical Vacation Planners discuss the company’s history and legacy.

Inspired by Walt Disney’s famous words, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them”, Magical Vacation Planners is a business built on memory preservation and quality service. As CEO Jamie Eubanks believes, the ideal travel agency isn’t just a transportation mediator, but a team of planners providing personalized care.

As Courtney and Beth explain, what sets Magical Vacation Planners apart from the competition is their ability to walk the customer from dream to detail to dream again. For any organization centered on client care, dare to consider the customer service approach of Magical Vacation Planners.

In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Brenda Bence joins the show to discuss how to let your brand speak for your reputation.

While most associate branding with marketing, as Brenda explains, the best brands start with you. As with any brand, you must define it and communicate it consistently without afflicting damage. Granted, this is easier said than done; however, by seeking opportunities to fill functional and emotional needs within our service, we can begin to find our personal brands emerge.

As Brenda continues, we must consider the emotional needs of our audience and seek to solve them when putting forth our best effort. After all, great brands bring out strong emotions which can only be built through relationships and genuine inquisition.

Resources:

Website: https://brendabence.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendabence/

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

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Quotes:

“When you solve an emotional need, you have built a brand.”

"I learned that love and kindness, not just education, but loving, kindness, being kind to people can go a long way."

JJ Eubanks did not let a challenging background slow him down. He worked his way to professional basketball before making his next big play into business ownership. It has not been an easy road, but he is now happily the co-owner of Magical Vacation Planner (MVP) alongside his wife Jamie, the CEO and owner. He is an experienced entrepreneur and businessperson, having worked in the corporate world and having developed training departments in the furniture industry.

JJ had a difficult childhood, moving nine times in a year and going to five different high schools in four years. His life changed when he got a Division One scholarship to play basketball. It was during this time, he developed an appreciation for education and the power of kindness.

After college, JJ was able to use his knowledge to succeed in the corporate world, and then later as an entrepreneur. During this transition, he met Jamie, the most beautiful person he had ever seen. The couple has grown together to become successful business partners. Despite the struggles of his past, JJ has used his determination and resilience to create a successful future.

In this episode, you will learn:
1. how JJ Eubanks went from living in nine different homes in a year and struggling financially to having a successful career in Europe
2. how JJ and his wife Jamie meet, and the secret to their successful relationship
3. how JJ applies the lessons he learned in basketball to his current business ventures, and his advice for improving processes

Episode Highlights

[00:01:25]
JJ grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. His parents had a difficult time when he was growing up. He credits several people with putting him on the right path. He went on to play basketball in Europe, which he says is the best thing that ever happened to him

[00:08:04]
When you know you're going to another country to do something that you love, play the game of basketball, and going to get paid for it, you don't have to worry about money. That made the move a lot easier.

[00:13:46]
Jamie is the visionary of the company, and JJ is more behind the scenes helping her execute upon that plan. How can others work with their spouse to execute on idea susccessfully?

[00:17:09]
When I was in the furniture industry, manufacturing, we used to do weekly events to improve flow. The one tip that I would have is listen to the people that's doing the job. Experience the experience to be a customer or a client with your organization.

Connect with Magical Vacation Planner (MVP) 

https://www.magicalvacationplanner.com/booking-form/

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/

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“Just because the information is at our fingertips doesn't mean we're always leveraging it to actually get stuff done and do things."

In today's fast-paced world, information is readily accessible, yet many of us struggle to leverage it effectively. We often find ourselves consuming content for entertainment purposes rather than using it to fuel personal growth and development. It’s easy to forget the power of new perspectives and information. Developing a new point of view could transform the way we approach new ideas and expand our knowledge. You just need to know what to do once you access the information.

It all starts with identifying the areas you want to improve in. Is there a specific topic or skill you've been meaning to work on? AI? Project management? Strategy? Choose your focus and gather knowledge. Hit the books, read articles, listen to podcasts, and watch videos on your chosen topic. Immerse yourself in the wealth of information available to you. But don't just consume passively—take notes and highlight key insights for future reference.

Make sure to expand the sources you gain information from. Don't rely on one book or one expert. Seek a variety of perspectives and opinions. Google the best books, search for credible articles, and tap into online courses. The more sources you explore, the more well-rounded your understanding will be.

As you learn and gain new perspectives it is important to capture everything. Whether you use a digital note-taking app or a physical notebook, create a dedicated space to collect your learnings. Jot down quotes, examples, and references that resonate with you. This way, you'll have a bank of knowledge to draw upon when needed.

Once you develop a new perspective, apply what you've learned. Use your newfound knowledge to shape your point of view and problem-solving approach. Don't just let it gather dust—put it to work. Share your perspective in conversations, presentations, or even in written content like articles or blog posts.

Developing a new point of view is an ongoing process. Stay curious and keep seeking knowledge. As Zig Ziglar once said, "You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." Keep exploring and growing.

Episode Highlights

02:09 Self-education and developing expertise, with a focus on AI.

04:34 Leverage multiple sources of expertise for continued growth.

08:44 Books help expand perspective on information and current events.

10:33 Storytelling in books stays within your subconscious.

15:39 Improve skills by building your own knowledge bank.

16:15 Importance of capturing and referencing information.

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/

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Balance is the holy grail of life and I don’t know if we’ll ever really find it.

A concept I learned a long time ago is the difference between problems and dilemmas. Problems have solutions and dilemmas can only be managed. I think balance is one of those dilemmas where there never is a final answer.

Everyone deals with balance and is trying to figure it out.

Your behaviors define who you are and getting your priorities right is the first step.

Shockingly, my number 1 priority is myself because if I don’t take care of myself, I won’t be much good to anyone else. A good example of this is when you’re in an airplane and they tell you in an emergency to put on your oxygen mask first then to help others.

Some basic personal needs you have are to make sure you get enough sleep, exercise, and hydration.

My second priority is my family and my third is my career.

Sometimes you have to do a trade-off to accomplish things but you can’t do everything.

Balance plays into the leadership and culture of an organization. As a leader, if things aren’t good at home, you don’t feel good about yourself, or you’re worried about other things, your ability to lead well could suffer. You have to be a role model for your team too.

It’s important to take all of your vacation days and to disconnect by delegating to other team members when you’re out otherwise burnout will happen. If you don’t recharge you won’t come back refreshed.

Your home and work life are connected. Taking care of yourself will influence the culture of an organization.

I created the 12 Tips for Being Happy and Successful in Life ebook which can be found HERE.

In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, special guests, Clint Hill, and Lisa McCubbin join the show to discuss the history of President John F. Kennedy and Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy from their perspective.

A former U.S. Secret Service agent who served under five presidents from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Gerald Ford, Clint is best known for courageously stepping into the presidential motorcade immediately following President Kennedy’s assassination. Having retired from the U.S. Secret Service in 1975, Clint swore he would never write a book; however, after meeting Lisa decades later during her writing of The Kennedy Detail, he changed his mind. 

Years later, Clint and Lisa have written three memories detailing a career like no other: Mrs. Kennedy and Me became a #1 New York Times bestseller, followed by Five Days in November and Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford. 

Due to her books and connection with Clint, Lisa has interviewed hundreds of former and current agents. As noted in her writings, Lisa carries a deep respect for all who’ve sacrificed to protect the Office of the President. With no signs of stopping, Clint hopes to continue spreading the legacy of whom he served with Lisa helping pen his voice. 

Resources: 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Travels-Mrs-Kennedy-Clint-Hill/dp/1982181117 

Website:

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Quotes:

“No matter what you’ve done in your life, career and what you’ve been involved with, you’re going to have hard times. And moving on is really the only option you have. You get up and keep moving forward.”

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 take you so far. Especially in this era, how you differentiate your skills, relate to your clients, and advise on projected trends are essential to maximizing influence and efficiency.

As a business strategist and entrepreneur, Matt is gifted at assessing market performance and social receptivity ahead of mass attention. Having matured this talent in the music industry at an early age, Matt currently helps digital and technology companies achieve their goals through consultation, marketing, and content creation. At his core is a heart to help businesses understand branding as the essence of what they stand for and a means to establish client connection.

Resources

Website: https://www.mattgottesman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattgottesman

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: https://www.navalmanack.com/

Connect with Dan

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Jamie and J.J. Eubanks, founders and owners of Magical Vacation Planners, join me today to share their journey from a pro basketball player and stay at home mom to successful entrepreneurs.

For Jamie, the journey from full-time housewife to business owner was marked by closed doors. When three degrees failed to open traditional paths to success, she embraced having something to prove and dove deep into her passion. By embodying love, drive, and passion, Jamie successfully built a team that runs on the dream of impacting others.

Jamie and J.J.’s experience has produced valuable insight: Follow your passion from the heart and surround yourself with those that believe you can do the impossible. Reject the fear of being told no, seek to build others up and your dream can become a reality. Build a team and trust them to do their thing.

Lou Mongello, Walt Disney World author, podcaster, speaker, and entrepreneur, talks about the silver linings in this current season.

In times like this, it’s easy to focus on limitations and the uncertainties surrounding them. In trying times, we often wonder why they happen as opposed to what can happen.

However, as Lue explains, fear should never motivate us, but rather the ‘what if’ of what could work. In his mind, when you allow positivity to be contagious, you can replace lamenting the unknown with creating new knowns. A fan of passion projects, Lue charges us to make the most of each day by pursuing secondary endeavors with the extra time we have.

On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Shel Curry, Senior Diversity Equity Manager with the Walt Disney Company, joins the show to discuss the production of her first book.

As the author of The Bedtime Story Race, Shel explains the inspiration and journey behind the book. A proponent of sight word learning, Shel unpacks how her childhood and the 2020 pandemic influenced the narrative and how she utilized networking and family relationships to make the dream come alive.

In closing, Shel encourages future entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities outside their comfort zone. As long as you diversify your experiences with a growth mindset and positive attitude, you’ll not only shatter your expectations but motivate people along the way.

Resources:­

Website: http://www.shelcurry.com/

Book: http://www.shelcurry.com/the-bedtime-story-race/

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Have you ever wondered why we’re often afraid of being excluded? Why we’re wired to feel safe where we’re at?

If so, congratulations. Not only are you human, but aware of your need for a harmonious community. Unfortunately, in business settings, the line between professional and personal often compromises our sense of security. For instance, you may know a supervisor who keeps his subordinates uneasy thinking if his employees are unsure of standing, they will work harder.

However, as influencers, one must wonder if this mindset actually works?

As Dan discusses in this episode, creating safe places where team members feel valued is crucial to organizational success. While practical safety is important, by prioritizing psychological safety, leaders can maximize the mental capacity and health of their team.

On this special episode, Dan Miller, author of “48 Days”, joins Jody and I to discuss his background and leadership philosophies.

According to Miller, one of the biggest challenges vocationals face is managing change. While many work in streams of success, not all operate in their uniqueness. As a result, when risk is confronted, confusion arises due to a lack of self-awareness.

Granted, it makes sense for people to equate vocation to skillset. But as Miller contends, when people are willing to connect purpose to passion, the idea of risk can be better perceived as a progression of focus. By knowing the difference, people can find the confidence to make the right change at the right time.

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 for skill development, she is also keen on creating avenues and resources for marketplace education.

As Sandy shares in this episode, attitude, fit, and collaboration are paramount in today’s workforce. If you value courage, are secure in your role, and promote diversity and representation, your goal of bettering your career will take flight. 

Resources

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyfallon/?originalSubdomain=ca

Connect with Dan

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Even in business, leaders can only go so far as the strengths they foster within a team setting. Accordingly, if you’re a manager wanting to facilitate better processes and procedures, consider the internal composition of who you’re leading. By focusing on your team’s conflict resolution and communications skills, you can inspire emotional intelligence as you give purpose to what you implement.

Resources:­

Website - https://ei4change.com/

Courses - courses.ei4change.info

Contact - robin@ei4change.com

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Dre Baldwin, CEO, and Founder of Work on Your Game, inc., joins the show to discuss ‘Work on Your Game’ and its emerging influence.

After a 9-year professional basketball career, Dre gained a wide following as the first content creator to upload basketball workout videos to YouTube. Now, with over 8,000 videos and 73 million hits to his credit, Dre has transformed his side hustle into entrepreneurship specializing in helping professionals develop a go-getter mindset within their endeavors.

As a coach and a motivational speaker, Dre hopes his professional development quest will inspire leaders to give top-percentile effort and derive confidence from discipline.

For more information about Dre’s books and resources, check out his website below.

Resources:

Website: https://www.dreallday.com/

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Quotes:

“How do you continue to show up? What’s the #1 internal trait you want to have?”

When we talk about vocational leadership, we often allude to the importance of situational awareness. After all, to be effective, you must be discerning at the moment. 

However, as Jon Macaskill, Navy SEAL Commander and motivational speaker discusses in this episode, to be discerning requires a blend of mindfulness and meditation. For instance, a manager can know how to plan and delegate; however, until he knows how to calibrate in pressure situations, he cannot capitalize in pivotal circumstances. 

As education in meditation, Jon provides insight on how to maximize mindfulness in corporate situations. From his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan to his nonprofit for which he serves as Deputy Executive Director, Jon's current mission is to help high-performance entities replace stress and anxiety with renewed focus and productivity.

Resources:

Website: https://macaskillconsulting.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill/

Deliberate Discomfort: https://www.amazon.com/Deliberate-Discomfort-Operations-Comfortable-Uncomfortable/dp/1733428011

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

I am joined by Tim Chandler, Co-Founder of PurposePlay, who is making the world a better place through gamification.

Inspired by a 2018 mission trip to Uganda, Tim and his team created a simulation mobile gaming app called Humango where the objective is to build virtual communities similar to those in third-world countries. Like a nonprofit, the money raised through the app purchases are then used to help real communities in Africa, Haiti, and similar areas throughout the world.

As Tim explains, the objective of PurposePlay is to create mobile gaming apps but the heart of PurposePlay is to provide clean water, healthy food, hygiene, and education to impoverished countries. To find out more about PurposePlay, you can visit his website at: https://www.purposeplay.net/.

Connect with Tim

Twitter: @timmychandler
Instagram: timmychandler
Linkedin: Tim Chandler

PurposePlay
Twitter: @thepurposeplay
Instagram: thepurposeplay
Site: www.purposeplay.net

When we consider the quality of our services, our expectation level can vary.

For instance, when someone says “very good” versus “excellent” job, generally we’re satisfied with either outcome; however, what if I told you “very good” and “poor” are the same because, in the end, they are not “excellent”?

Consider a 5-point scale. When evaluating quality control, the difference is more substantial than you think. As I learned at Disney, people are much more likely to come back or recommend a 5-star "excellent" review over a 4-star "very good" review. The reason being: With a 5-star review, you typically have to do something unexpected for the benefit of the customer; with a 4-star review, you’re just serving up to par with their expectations. 

The moral of the story is: Set the bar high and give yourself room to go the extra mile.

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Remember the movie ‘Office Space’? It’s one of the greatest cult classics about workplace dynamics.

In this episode we're talking not so much about the movie, but how we can facilitate healthy, interactive working environments. Granted, some may question the need to talk about physical settings, but the truth is they are essential to the morale and operations of our work. For instance, is our office space giving off approachable vibes? Or are we content on saying ‘hey’ and nothing more the rest of the day?

We live in an era where most would rather ‘DM’ each other behind closed doors than talk things out in person. However, by committing to a daily interface, we can improve collaboration and the overall quality of our team’s work.

To keep a team operating smoothly, you need to understand the balance of recognizing and rewarding individual performance and team performance. You get what you reward, so you have to find a way to show both individual and team performance are important.

To go along with this, you have to understand the difference between a problem and a dilemma.

A problem has a solution and a dilemma is something you have to work with. With a problem, you can work towards a solution.

If you treat everything like a problem you will become frustrated. Dilemmas have no solution. You can only manage it. You will never be done, you have to address it every day.

Getting teams to work together is a dilemma. You will have to solve problems within the team. But the ongoing process of performance and recognition is a dilemma.

This episode of Come Rain or Shine was recorded with a live audience at Kleinhan's Music Hall in Buffalo, NY.

In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Crystal Barrow, Certified Career Coach and Consultant, joins the show to discuss her career path and her current role as a career coach.

Before founding Shape Your Success Coaching, Crystal’s vocational journey took many twists and turns. Having worked as a former prosecutor for the Department of Homeland Security, Crystal thrived in courtroom settings and legal environments in her 20s and 30s.

However, in recent years, Crystal has pivoted to academic pursuits, specifically in the career development spectrum. Now, as a certified professional coach, Crystal’s goal is simple: To help professionals make tactical, meaningful career decisions, approach career change with confidence, and not be afraid to change things up.

For more information about her services as well as her #1 Amazon best-seller, ‘Get Your Career Back on Track: 8 Steps to Go From Derailed to Empowered’, check out the links below.

Resources:

Website: https://shapeyoursuccesscoaching.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Your-Career-Back-Track-ebook/dp/B07JYCVRN9

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystalmbarrow/

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Quotes:

“Long term, I think all change is good. It helps you learn, it helps you get gritter, and it helps you become more resilient. Even if you made a ‘mistake’ doing something, there’s always positive outcomes of that.”

"If you are creating a culture of trust, it means you listen more than you speak."

April Whitson has developed cutting-edge programs to create a culture employees won't want to quit. During our conversation she does a great job of explaining the value of diverse experiences in your career to prepare for future leadership roles. She is a leader that firmly believes that HR professionals should act as business partners, understanding the financial impacts and the entire operation of the company.  

April is a high-energy speaker who has coached hundreds of leaders throughout her 25+ years as an HR professional. During our conversation she shares how she navigated a career path that wasn't always linear. Her lessons have shaped who she has become now and why she encourages her team to have the courage to speak up. It is important that we all have difficult conversations when needed. It is even better when there are leaders like April that let their employees know that they will always have their back. Through my own experience I know this is necessary to establish an amazing culture that employees don't want to leave.

One way of challenging yourself to look beyond the traditional way of climbing the corporate ladder is through the concept of switching ladders. April uses this approach to career development by getting people to consider changing ladders, not just climbing up the same one. It's a great way to gain different experiences and skills.

During our conversation, you will also hear:

• the indispensable contribution of HR as strong business allies in promoting diversity within the workplace
• the keys to establishing a positive corporate culture for robust employee engagement and loyalty
• how to sharpen your communication skills to strengthen bonds between leaders and team members
• the art of combining assertiveness with humility to maximize your leadership potential
• ways to implement a long-term strategy to sustain employee retention while nurturing their overall well-being

April has a clear drive to touch more lives and provide leaders the tools to create a better work environment. She is now excitedly working on her book to share her insights and experiences. Make sure connect with April on LinkedIn and grab her free resource below. You should also check out ABB, the technology company April works for, to learn more about their products and services.

One way to retain people is to make sure they take time for themselves. Next time you or someone you know is wanting to plan their vacation make sure to connect with Magical Vacation Planner at 407-

Connect with April:

Website - April Whitson

Free Retention Checklist -The Stay Challenge

LinkedIn - April Whitson

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Episode Highlights

00:01:20 - April's Story

00:06:29 - The Role of HR

00:10:37 - Getting Diverse Experiences

00:12:15 - Diverse Experience and Open-mindedness

00:13:48 - Recruiting Challenges

00:18:42 - Open and Constructive Communication

00:22:38 - Overcoming Resistance

00:25:08 - Decision Making as a Leader

00:27:29 - Different Approaches to Decision Making

00:28:30 - Understanding Why Employees Stay

00:30:15 - Taking Control of Employee Retention 

For many, performance and drivenness are two separate entities. One involves autonomy; the other desire.

However, as guest David Hancock shares in this episode, when these virtues collide, the results can be transformative. The key? Relevancy. To be relevant, we not only have to value our skills but create our opportunities. The effort may require diligence and delegation; it may summon an acquired grit.

Yet, if we commit ourselves to create communities alongside our opportunities, we’ll find the determination to overcome everyday obstacles with greater ease and efficiency.

Resources:

Website: www.performancedrivenbook.com=

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

"You can't always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it and how you kind of take it in, and that's all on you."

Episode Highlights

02:26 Courage and discipline are key to growth.

04:51 Change mindset, find motivation, or make change.

07:43 Attitude and choices determine control and confidence.

12:52 Start doing, make it real, change.

13:24 Transition from sedentary to active lifestyle.

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

What is Holding You Back?

Any time someone tells me they wish something was different in their life I ask, “what is holding you back?” Is it fear, self-doubt, or the comfort of familiarity? During this episode, Jody and I talk about taking ownership and being proactive in our lives. We all have worries, concerns, and dreams, and too often often we let fear hold us back from taking action. It is imperative that we break free from the limitations we impose on ourselves.

There are many common roadblocks: job dissatisfaction, wanting to lose weight, fears of public speaking, or concerns about children's safety. We can all relate. The first step in overcoming your unique barriers is acknowledging their existence. Once we recognize what is holding us back, we have the power to make a change. No matter how small of a change you start with, it can have a significant impact in the long run.

As I reflect on my own experiences, I’ve realized the importance of facing challenges head-on. Having courage and discipline to tackle what's holding you back can lead to great things, but it takes sacrifice. My father, Lee, often says, "Get on it!" Don't let problems control you. Take that first step, no matter how small, and soon you'll gain momentum and start moving in the right direction. Even if the situation worsens, you have control and can find a solution.

We often know what's holding us back but choose to walk around with it, avoiding the necessary actions. It's time to break free from that pattern. Take responsibility for your life. Blaming external factors leaves us feeling powerless. Recognizing that we have choices and can influence outcomes is liberating.

Changing habits and routines is challenging, but essential. It may be tough initially, but as you gain control over your choices, your self-confidence will soar. Admit what's holding you back, take responsibility, and start small. Every action counts. Don't deny yourself the joy and growth that comes from overcoming challenges. Listen to this episode for more on ways Jody and I have broken habits so those barriers no longer hold us back.

Jody joins me during this episode to share his secrets to building an effective onboarding process. Onboarding processes are a crucial element of employee retention. If you want to retain good employees then you need to be determined to make sure those hired have a positive experience. Tell them exactly what to expect so they can show up looking their best and feeling their best.  

Any time you hire someone you want to ensure they become productive team members in no time. Creating an organized, detailed plan to welcome new employees is key. One way to do that is to create an agenda for the first week of employment. It also helps to give them a peer mentor to help with the transition. Make sure each employee, new and your veterans, know they are valued and appreciated.

In this episode, we also share:

• the most effective strategies for creating a successful onboarding experience
• how peer-to-peer learning create a strong connection with new employees
• strategies that can be used to capitalize on the excitement of a new employee

From the moment someone accepts the job you want to make sure they feel welcome and prepared for success. Employees are more most likely to leave in the first 90 days. You really have to be really, really focused on your employees. Once someone has accepted a job offer, put processes in place to keep in touch with them. If they're still there after a year, there's a good chance they're going to stay a lot longer.

"You don't get a second chance to make a first impression.“

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Chelsea Brinkley, virtual executive extraordinary, joins the show to discuss the remote nature of entrepreneurship. 

As one who wears many hats, Chelsea is an expert at remote management of systems and processes that grow business. In her experience, building a remote team often comes down to knowing how each role works together from virtual and executive assistants to online business managers.

Chelsea also shares helpful tips on how she maximizes each day from a time management perspective. From utilizing an app like a Trello board to prioritize projects to using cloud software and file naming systems, working a full-time job in part-time hours has never been easier than the modern age.

For more information about Chelsea’s business, check out her website below.

Resources:

 Website: https://www.chelseabrinkley.com/

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Quotes:

“You don’t need a certain system; you just have to commit toa. system.”

Have you ever wondered if you’re where you want to be? In life? At work? With your career path?

If so, you’ve taken the first step towards reclaiming control of your vocational trajectory; if not, consider what special guest and entrepreneur, Emily Ransone, shares in this episode.

As an EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Evangelist, Emily specializes in teaching the tools and components of a sustainable EOS system – a method that teaches young leaders how to run a business in a way that integrates efficiency with consistency and traction with vision.

Per Emily’s experiences, even though personal and corporate growth can be challenging when you examine ways to blend disciple and accountability, you not only take healthy initiatives but unlock ways to merge disciple and accountability within a corporate construct.

Resources:­

E-mail: efransone@gmail.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyransone/

Website: https://www.tractionforgrowth.com

Traction: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-book

Get a Grip: https://www.eosworldwide.com/get-a-grip-book

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

"The speed of trust is dramatically accelerated when you lead as a thought leader with something to teach rather than a company with something to sell."

Rusty Shelton, founder of Zilker Media, joins this episode to share insights on how entrepreneurs can establish personal authority and thought leadership. He shares his journey in the media industry and how he started Zilker Media to help companies build personal authority. One of the key ways he has been successful building trust with clients and employees is by prioritizing personal branding and thought leadership alongside company marketing. There is a lot of significance to creating content that focuses on impact, not ego, in order to establish competitive differentiation.

Rusty explains that in today's digital age, personality-driven communication is critical to attracting customers. It is important that businesses are creating a unique and memorable experience that resonates with the audience and communicates the brand's mission and values. One way to continue to nurture your audience and earn their trust is by building an email list and sharing valuable information regularly.  

In this episode you will learn how to:

• Transform into an influential leader and acknowledged authority in your field
• Cultivate a prominent personal brand with a powerful digital footprint
• Create extraordinary experiences that endear your brand to your customers
• Foster authentic relationships by weaving emotion and truth into marketing tales
• Adopt storytelling methods for a more engaging and effective marketing strategy

Make sure to listen to this episode to hear more about how Rusty overcame the struggle of growing his PR firm by shifting to building thought leadership for businesses. This episode is perfect for anyone that wants to learn how to build an authority advantage and be perceived as a mission-driven thought leader with something to teach, not just a company with something to sell.

Connect with Rusty:

https://rustyshelton.com/

Get the Book: The Authority Advantage

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Episode Highlights

00:04:31 - Building an Authority Advantage

00:09:39 - Marketing for Individuals

00:11:54 - Authenticity and Trust

00:14:13 - Impactful Content Creation

00:12:50 - The Importance of Authenticity in Branding

00:14:06 - Overdelivering is Critical

00:15:28 - Owning Your Name as a Piece of Digital Real Estate

00:17:37 - Building Trust through Authority by Association

00:25:25 - Marketing in the Age of AI

00:28:11 - The Importance of Being Memorable

00:29:25 - Nurturing Your Audience

00:30:09 - The Power of Referrals

00:35:27 - The Authority Advantage

"What can I do today that my future self will thank me for 20 years from now?"— Ray Edwards

In this episode of "Come Rain or Shine," I have an incredible conversation with Ray Edwards, a renowned copywriter and author. Ray opens up about his journey that has been filled with both success and setbacks. His resilience in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. Throughout our conversation, Ray shares about his career successes, lifechanging medical news, his latest book, and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way.

Ray's passion for radio broadcasting began at a young age and ultimately led him to a successful career spanning over 30 years. However, he made a pivotal decision to transition into the world of copywriting online. With the ability to harness the power of words and persuasion, Ray became highly sought after and worked with influential figures like Tony Robbins and Jack Canfield.

In 2011, Ray received a life-altering diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Initially keeping it hidden, he eventually had to face the reality and challenges it presented. As his health declined rapidly during the pandemic, Ray found himself in a dark place, questioning his beliefs and struggling to find solace in the methods that had once motivated him.

It was during this low point that Ray made a profound decision to change his perspective and take ownership of his circumstances. He realized that reality couldn't be altered, but his response to it could. Drawing on his expertise as a copywriter, he wrote a sales letter to himself titled, "Read this or die a failure." This powerful letter became a catalyst for Ray's personal transformation.

Throughout our conversation, Ray emphasized the importance of reevaluating our beliefs and finding better ones when faced with adversity. He challenged the conventional sources of motivation that had failed him and encouraged listeners to seek meaningful change within themselves. Ray notes that true transformation occurs when we change our response to circumstances rather than trying to change the circumstances themselves.

Ray Edward's story is one of resilience, introspection, and personal growth. His ability to turn his darkest moments into opportunities for self-reflection and change is truly remarkable. His latest book, "Read this or Die," encapsulates his journey and serves as an inspiring call-to-action for those facing their own trials. If you're in need of a fresh perspective, this episode with Ray is a must-listen.

Connect with Ray Edwards

Order the Book Read This or Die

Ray Edwards Website

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Episode Highlights

[00:02:09] Radio career, Parkinson's diagnosis, mental struggle, transformation

[00:10:58] Humans tend to get caught up in the current of life. Remember to take action

[00:12:43] Doing things now that future you appreciates.

[00:17:54] Using empathy to help with the pain, pressure, and comments.

[00:19:33] Open-mindedness and listening bring peace to disagreements

[00:23:30] useful beliefs and appreciate life.

Before speaking to the executive team, I like to spend time with frontline employees.

If you want to find out what's going on in a company and what people are thinking, you have to talk with the people who are on the frontline interacting with your customers.

In this episode, I share how we have roundtable discussions with the frontline employees. We start with an icebreaker and explain why we’re there. We give them a list of questions to answer individually on post-it notes. They have 10-15 minutes to answer 5 questions and we do 3 rounds of this. Afterward, we read the responses, ask additional questions, and have a discussion to learn more. It sometimes takes time for people to start speaking up but it’s always great feedback.

If you do a roundtable discussion, you have to be ready to act. The worst thing you can do is have one of these sessions where people open up but you do nothing about it. This is worse than never asking at all.

We ask questions in these areas: culture, processes, and leadership

Something to remember is that if you don’t fix the employee experience first, you’re never going to get to the customer experience.

In the long run, it’s best for companies to facilitate their own roundtable discussions and get to a point where it’s normal among their culture. However, if you don’t know how to facilitate these it can be beneficial to bring someone from the outside for the first few to get you started.

The solution to almost every business problem you have can be found by talking with your employees and customers.

As a former Disney executive, I learned a great deal during my tenure. From the four ‘magic’ keys to checklists and shortlists, the array of knowledge acquired through thirty years of experience is wide as it is deep. Having recently reached the one-year mark of leaving Disney, I’ve begun to focus these lessons into bite-sized points and it’s my hope in this two-part episode, you find inspiration on matters of persistence, consistency, service, and relationship.

We all know creation is a broad term.

The art spans thousands of occupations and captures the mindset behind new ideas.

But in the context of innovation, the advancement of creation can be hard to quantify. As Cris Beswick, Strategic Advisor and Co-Founder for OUTCOME, shares in this episode, there are ways to measure innovation maturity to generate high-value opportunities. The problem is knowing when and where to start.

For instance, in some cases, the best way to assess client care within an innovative construct is through role modeling and storytelling; in others, timely observation is the best for analysis. Regardless of the method, as Cris suggests, parameters within a “middle-out” approach must be defined. Even if progress is incremental, as long as leaders empower their employees to co-unearth solutions with their customers, improving systems and structures will have a foundation.

Resources:­

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crisbeswick/?originalSubdomain=uk

Website: https://crisbeswick.com/

Website: https://weareoutcome.co/

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www.dancockerell.com

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In this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Jody Mayberry returns to discuss the importance of accountability through clear expectations.

In a metrics-driven world, we often have expectations but sometimes lack the communication skills to convey them. Yet, as Dan explains, holding people accountable doesn't have to be complicated. Rather than direct from a distance, why not determine metrics and connection points to discuss those metrics? Why not ask yourself how you're setting goals with your team and if you're helping them know how to elevate performance?

While scorecards and reviews can help depending on your areas, the bottom lines are simple: To build a team who continuously improves, you must help each member know their goals, check-ins, and deadlines. You must establish accountability through clear expectations. One way or another, have an accessible document that is more than available but engaged at strategic checkpoints throughout the year.

Resources:

About Dan: https://dancockerell.com/about/

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Quotes:

“Pick metrics that count.”

"Talent times Relationships plus expectations plus reward and recognition equals the productivity of a team."

Episode Highlights

[00:03:02] Gallup's 4 measurements of team productivity.

[00:06:22] Giving gratitude and recognition reinforces positive behavior and improves productivity.

[00:08:42] Clarify expectations and communicate with your team for improved productivity.

[00:12:45] Assess team morale, identify need for friendship

[00:15:39] Discuss expectations, recognize team, gather feedback, clarify actions, follow-up.

[00:16:40] Use feedback to improve leadership for better results

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

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The Four Elements of Team Productivity

There are four key elements that contribute to successful team productivity. During this conversation, Jody and I talk about the importance of setting clear expectations, building strong relationships, implementing effective reward and recognition systems, and ensuring the right talent is in the right roles within a team. There are also four powerful questions I share that you can ask your team to assess your leadership and drive better results.

Four Elements

1. Clear Expectations: Ensure your team knows what is expected of them, when to reach out for guidance, and the level of autonomy they have in decision-making.
2. Strong Relationships: Take the time to get to know your team members personally, understand their communication preferences, career aspirations, and passions.
3. Reward and Recognition: Find ways to reward and recognize the achievements of your team members to inspire continued dedication and excellence.
4. Talent Alignment: Understanding your team members' natural talents and passions, and aligning them with their responsibilities, will unleash their potential.

This is a must-listen episode for anyone looking to take their team's productivity to the next level. By leveraging these four elements—talent, relationships, expectations, and reward and recognition—you can unlock a team's full potential and achieve exceptional results. Take it a step further by asking questions and gathering feedback. That’s how you can identify areas for improvement and make the necessary adjustments to enhance team productivity.

As the chaos of COVID-19 winds down, many are slowly adjusting to normality. While some are still quarantined, for most, the relational aspects of work are becoming more relevant.

Yet, as this evolution occurs, there’s an essence of empathy we must not forsake. As today’s guest, Tina Berger, explains, people have to engage the vocational community freshly. Unlike a few years ago, the social awareness of 2020 has made premiums out of corporate goals such as active listening and receptivity. Accordingly, integrating these practices into our bottom lines can be the difference between being a good company versus a great one.

Having written “Coming Around: Surprises and Surrender on the Path to Inspiration”, Tina hopes her experiences as an innovator and consultant will inspire readers to embrace human expression in the heart of technological and social change. By creating transparent cultures, an organization can achieve higher levels of success through emotional unification. 

Resources:

“The People, Yes” - https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/51748/the-people-yes

“Coming Around: Surprises and Surrender on the Path to Inspiration” - https://tinaberger.com/coming-around

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This is part two to our previous episode “Four Keys to Implementing Change” but in this episode, we’re talking about what needs to happen to make these changes actually happen.

The fact is as we all pursue our individual endeavors, we're all bonded by the inevitable challenges waiting for us. The question is when troubleshooting situations arise, how do we manage them? How do we cope when we're forced to go with the flow?

As I discuss in this episode, whether we talk internal communications, customer engagement, or backup solutions, there are many ways a business can suffer systemically; however, for each potential problem, there is a key to implement the proper correction.  One exercise is to imagine the worst-case scenario and come up with all the ways you can prevent it from happening and brainstorm ideas of how to fix those scenarios

We talk about needing your designers to understand what the user experience needs to be like, thinking about redundancies and backups when the system isn’t working, and the importance of having a mode when everything goes away you can still offer your customers a great experience.

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 learning, listening, and communicating. To carry this leadership torch, one doesn’t have to work in an executive role. Contrarily, as long as one is consistent in researching, networking, and capturing challenging concepts in laymen’s terms, anyone can exercise executive presence. As long as you know what you’re talking about and can convey the knowledge coherently, you can influence people’s thinking. That's what carrying executive presence is all about.

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“Many organizations today are focused on whether or not people are following the process. They ask ‘Did you send the report?’ versus ‘what results are you getting?’."

It is hard to deny the power of leadership and culture on organizational success. During this conversation with Jody Mayberry we discuss the release of a the major movies, Barbie and Oppenheimer, and share our perspectives on their impact.  That leads to a much bigger discussion around the movie "Air” and its reference to a Nike manifesto.

The movie “Air” tells the story of Phil Knight, the CEO of Nike in the 80s, and the groundbreaking decision to create Air Jordans. What caught my attention the most was Phil Knight's Nike manifesto. This is a set of principles guiding the company's success. There were a number of key points I pulled from the manifesto. The most notable thing is the authenticity and practicality in which they were created and implemented

In addition to the manifesto, this movie does a fantastic job reiterating the importance of memorable points for team decision-making. Some of the manifesto points include being on the offense all the time and prioritizing perfect results over perfect processes.

Make sure to listen to this episode as we talk about how a powerful manifesto can shape a company's culture and drive its success. Whether you're a business leader or an aspiring entrepreneur, the lessons we pull  from Phil Knight's Nike manifesto are sure to inspire you.

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Episode Highlights

[00:02:50] Nike's groundbreaking success with Air Jordans.

[00:03:48] Phil Knight's manifesto guided company decisions.

[00:07:35] Focus on results, not process; challenge norms.

[00:12:41] Park ranger questions bureaucratic process, tests system.

[00:15:16] "Disney Magic Bands: Battery-powered sensors at auto plaza."

[00:17:01] Follow rules, live off land, find path

[00:19:49] Deal with mistakes, don't wait or fear.

After previously discussing the first key of safety, in this episode, I rejoin the podcast to discuss our second key, courtesy.

While safety comes first, having guidelines and setting behavioral expectations for courtesy is important. Like safety, courtesy should never be compromised despite the fact courtesy can have different meanings to different people. Accordingly, how corporate guidelines are established is critical since granting employees the freedom to make exceptions can be an empowering experience.   

I also explain why guidelines are better than rules, how courtesy fits into situations when safety is and isn’t at risk, and how smart hires involve people with not only the right personality, but value set as well. When in doubt, if the hire values courtesy, they will employ it in difficult situations when it’s not an automatic response.

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 computers, Fred spent much of his post-service time building internet software as well as his consulting practice. Now, after two decades as an entrepreneur, Fred is building up the next generation of innovators as a teacher, mentor, and advisor.

As he explains, not everyone will grow up to be an astronaut, but this doesn’t mean they can’t inspire one as they discover new pathways for themselves. If our aim is the next best step, there will be the potential to motivate the next best thing in those around us.

Resources

Website: http://www.fredaebli.com/

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Often when we discuss diversity, we promote inclusion and fairness from a recruiting perspective. 

However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, diversity not only applies to human resources but also input and imagination. When new ideas emerge, how are they communicated and exchanged? Are you reacting or responding? Are you putting yourself in the shoes of your clients and competitors or not? Are you considering new ways to train new talent in the way they go?

If not, consider red teaming, an exercise in testing policies and processes against external criteria. The end goal? To encourage fresh insights in a non-reactive way that maintains the virtue and dignity of your core values. As you’ll find, while the practice may be novel at first, the result will more than justify the acclimation. 

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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 divide. From home office modifications to networking applications, the possibilities in making the most of working from home are many. Whatever you do, make sure you have a gameplan that enhances your presence and availability. Even if you have to converse from a distance, you can still maximize your voice and decision-making through the proper medians.

Resources:

Perch Community

Website: www.dancockerell.com/perch

Magic Vacation Planner

Website: https://magicalvacationplanner.com/

Tips for Working From Home

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On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Tim Schurrer, Host of the “Build a Winning Team” podcast and former COO of StoryBrand, joins the show to discuss his story and definition of success.

A man of many hats, Tim details his career trajectory and the journey of writing his new book, 'The Secret Society of Success.' Blessed with a host of backstage skills, Tim explains the concept of vocational humility and corporate reliance to accomplish goals. He also unpacks the 'spotlight mindset' and the subconscious behavior patterns indicative of the perspective.

While Tim worries about young people wanting to be instant influencers, his message is clear: Stop chasing the spotlight and pursue your dreams without forsaking what matters.

Resources:­

Website: https://www.secretsocietybook.com

Connect with Dan:

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"Learning by failure tends to leave scars, where learning by epiphany is about stars."

Skip Bowman is working to debunk the myths and share his model for great leadership through growth mindset and psychological safety. Understanding what drives growth and what prevents growth are both essential in developing great teams and organizations.

A growth mindset encourages individual members to continuously expand their potential while embracing challenges and learning from mistakes. Psychological safety, on the other hand, serves as a supportive platform that enables individuals to openly share ideas and take risks without fearing negative consequences. When applied together, these concepts can significantly improve team collaboration and overall performance.

During our conversation, Skip emphasizes that growth mindset and psychological safety complement each other in creating effective and successful teams. He points out that these concepts should be an integral part of an organization's culture, allowing team members to fully explore their potential and achieve greater heights collaboratively.

In this episode, we also talk about why it is important to:

Embrace the power of growth mindset and psychological safety for remarkable teamwork dynamics

Hone your emotional intelligence to improve cross-cultural interactions in diverse workspaces

Unlock your self-awareness and obtain tailored strategies for impressive leadership performance

Capitalize on human-centric approaches to excel amid societal and tech-driven transformations

Don't spend any more time feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the lack of progress being made towards improved team collaboration. Take a listen to this conversation with Skip to hear more on his Safe2Great model based on psychological safety and growth mindset.

“If we don't create that safety and create that connection, we can't create anything great."

Episode Highlights:

00:02:21- Skip learned the importance of creating safety in unusual circumstances while working as a diving instructor. He explains how this experience led him to study organizational psychology and focus on topics such as psychological safety and growth mindset.

00:08:16 - Psychological safety and growth mindset are linked and necessary for team success. Psychological safety creates the foundation for teamwork and collaboration, while growth mindset enables teams to reach their full potential.

00:09:44 – Don’t underestimate the importance of relational potential in creating a great team. Teams should focus on creating connections and relationships between team members, rather than just individual potential.

00:11:50 – There is both the bright and dark sides of leadership. Many organizations default to unsafe and ordinary practices.

00:15:02 - Emotional involvement is essential in high-performing teams and innovation. Without emotional involvement, communication can become very simplistic and lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications.

00:19:19 – There are challenges of communicating across cultures, particularly when it comes to language barriers and accents. Using technology, such as auto-captioning systems, and being aware of different cultural patterns and norms can help.

00:24:16 - Be aware of language and cultural differences, open to learning from each other, and the value of using technology to help bridge communication gaps.

00:25:20 - Find out who you really are as a leader, rather than who you think you are. Most leaders lack self-awareness, which makes it hard for them to receive and implement advice.

00:28:11 – There are three types of leaders: hippos, snails, and clams. The key is to figure out where you are as a leader, and then adopt the right behaviors to become a better version of yourself.

00:30:29 - Assessments can help leaders gain a better understanding of themselves, such as Myers-Briggs, Gallup, and DISC. The assessments aren’t perfect, but they can be a helpful starting point for self-improvement.

00:33:40 – Skip’s new book, Safe2Great, and the diagnostics help map mindset across organizations, teams, and individual leaders.

00:36:52 - It is important to choose how to respond to change, rather than being a victim of it. There is discomfort that comes along with change, so take a step back and think about how to adjust to new circumstances.

Connect with Skip

https://www.skip-bowman.com/

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On this special episode of Come Rain or Shine, Jody and I return to reminisce about hitting the 200-episode mark.

With an average of one podcast a week for almost four years, there’s much to celebrate as we reach this historic milestone. From humble beginnings with ‘Lemons to Lemonade’ to an established audience and guest base, we hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane as Jody and I travel back in time.

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No question, words have a lot of power and potential. Especially in a recovering, post-COVID world, how and what we communicate is more imperative than ever.

Yet, as a renowned communications expert, Jill Schiefelbein, explains, knowing ‘what’ is only the beginning; no matter what you’re conveying or selling, your audience must understand the ‘why’ behind your words.

For instance, instead of speaking to drive results, speak to drive action with a message people can resonate with. Although calls to action have a place, they must also have importance. Accordingly, if you’re going to communicate a need, own it first before expressing urgency through your influence. 

However, you decide to communicate, remember to target outside your demographic and methodology. If possible, cater to those moved by logic, ethics, and people. Additionally, recognize your ego, set frameworks for context, and plant seeds in others before you try to persuade them.

In this way, you can inspire an audience to make the world a better place.

Resources:

Website: https://www.thedynamiccommunicator.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dynamicjill/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dynamicjill?lang=en

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After discussing lessons learned at Disney in my last episode, today I want to talk about what I’ve learned since Disney.

For starters, I have a better understanding of what I know from past experiences, but also how little I know concerning innovation and creativity. The technological world changed dramatically during my time at Disney and I’ve found there’s much in the entrepreneur world I still need to learn.

That said, as clarity of knowledge has enhanced in hindsight, so has the ability to see value in diversified experience and continuous learning. Sometimes, you only have to know the basics to have enough to get your hands dirty. As long as you’re committed to bridging relationships while acquiring new skills, you have a solid foundation to build upon.

On this episode of Come Rain or Shine, Melinda Santiago, CEO of the Santiago Firm, joins the show to discuss the power of influential women in business.

A pure entrepreneur at heart, Melinda unpacks the attributes of what makes a successful woman in the marketplace and the challenges they face. For instance, while some male leaders thrive as overseers, Melinda contends female leaders with similar moxy are still overlooked in today's work world. Based on her experiences, since women generally serve with more relational savvy and diligence with the simple things, they should be considered for higher-level positions.

As a charge to her followers, Melinda encourages women to know their value and resist the tolerance of gender bias. For more information about Melinda's book, check out the link below.

Resources:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Til-Death-Do-Us-Part-ebook/dp/B092SQBV1Q

Connect with Dan:

www.dancockerell.com

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Quotes:

“People don’t know how close they are to success if they would just reach out and get the ball rolling. Just create a little momentum.”

"When you're appealing to everybody, you're appealing to nobody. You really have to know who you are and differentiate yourself. Home in on that thing that people are going to remember."

Episode Highlights

00:00 Returned to business world after offering advice.

05:06 Importance of mentoring and paying it forward.

09:57 Focus on client needs, not credentials.

10:32 Enthusiasm attracts people. Focus on them and provide value.

15:46 Value in encouragement and diverse experiences.

17:44 Grateful for learning to ask questions, listen, and engage with others.

23:33 Appreciation for sponsorship and ongoing friendship.

26:13 Connect with Dan at dancockerell.com

Connect with Dan:

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The Final Episode

"When you're appealing to everybody, you're appealing to nobody. You really have to know who you are and differentiate yourself. Home in on that thing that people are going to remember."

After 5.5 years and 285 episodes, it's time to say goodbye to the Come Rain or Shine podcast. It's been an incredible ride, filled with valuable lessons and heartfelt connections. I want to express my deep gratitude for everyone who tuned in, engaged with the content, and contributed to the show's success. Thank you for being a part of this journey.

Hosting this podcast has been an adventure that brought on many unanticipated lessons and new friendships. It would take too long to capture them all, so here are three big lessons can be applied to your own journey:

• Momentum and Differentiation: Starting something new, whether it's a business venture or a creative project, can be daunting. Building momentum and finding ways to differentiate yourself from others in your industry are essential steps for success.
• The Power of Enthusiasm and Providing Value: Enthusiasm is a powerful differentiator, and providing value before expecting something in return can help you build lasting relationships and drive business growth.
• Interviewing and Curiosity: Hosting the podcast taught me the importance of asking thoughtful questions, actively listening, and showing genuine curiosity in others' stories. These skills have translated into valuable personal and professional relationships.

As I bid farewell to the podcast, I'm excited to announce that I will continue sharing insights and valuable content through a monthly article. You can sign up for this on my website. I'd love to stay connected with all of you.

Thank you to Jamie and JJ Eubanks and the entire Magical Vacation Planner team for their incredible support. It's been an honor to work with them and showcase their exceptional service.

It's been a privilege to share this leadership journey with all of you. The lessons and stories will stay with me as I transition to my new role at Torrens University in Australia. This chapter of life may have me heading in a new direction, but the impact and memories created with the Come Rain or Shine podcast will remain cherished and appreciated.

www.dancockerell.com

About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/

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As leaders, sometimes the hardest challenges we face involve employees resistant to guidelines and/or change. We understand most people are honest, but to avoid complex disciplinary situations, we create value structures based on those who abuse the system rather than those who follow it. In these scenarios, it can be easy to convey expectations in broad terms; however, if our approach to negative trends is to value virtue over people, then we won’t be able to motivate their integrity.

For others, the most difficult aspect of leadership can vary from inspiring hospitality to maximizing technology to assumed collaboration. Regardless of the exceptional scenario in our enterprise, the common denominator is taking the four foundational keys (i.e. safety, courtesy, show, efficiency) and making them personal in a way that gives direction and improves instruction. By utilizing this approach, not only do we manage our exceptions in supportive fashion, but also voice expectations through the lens of what’s working.

Today I want to talk about two modes of decision-making.

The first mode is situational decision-making. Here it’s important to employ quality standards, whether they are the four keys (i.e. safety to efficiency as previously discussed) or something similar. Furthermore, you want to make sure you’re not relying on intuition alone. The tighter your checklists on the front end, the better your on the spot decision-making will be.

The second mode is long-term decision-making. Here you want to define objectives and purpose in a way that’s clear to everyone. Ask yourself is this plan something I can easily communicate back when it’s questioned? If not, chances are the moment-by-moment decision-making along the way will be compromised. Since this type of decision-making often involves complex variables, using a matrix to gauge various impacts, resource consumption, and exit strategies can prove beneficial.

Connect with John

https://intowisdomgroup.com/

The Pottery Panda

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Episode Highlights

00:01:34 - John's background

00:04:07 - Diving into strategic planning

00:06:15 - The Pottery Panda book

00:10:53 - Key concepts from the book

00:13:27 - Shifting Mindset to Focus on Success

00:14:48 - Emotional Intelligence and Critical Thinking

00:15:56 - Wisdom of Looking at the Opening

00:18:29 - Pottery Panda and Strategic Planning

Have you ever been called into an office by a boss not knowing what the meeting was about? Perhaps you’ve worked in a position for years only to find yourself directionless wondering what it would take to reach the next level. If you can relate, I want to encourage you to see the connection between standing and shortlist.

In corporate culture, our status plays a significant part in our performance; however, for many of us, it’s also important to know where those efforts are going. One of the ways we can help navigate is the shortlist, a pool of candidates highlighting those most qualified for an applied position.

While a shortlist is often communicated through the lens of promotion, it’s essential we view it as a way to give and receive feedback. In my experience, whenever I made intentions known to superiors, I almost always came away with a better understanding of what I needed to elevate my production. As I discuss in this episode, by making it easy for your leaders to give you feedback, you ultimately position yourself to reach the shortlist you’re aiming for.