Unleashed (Wendi Swanson)

Dr. Jason Henderson brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and financial mastery to his work. With a Ph.D. from Purdue and years of groundbreaking research, Jason transitioned from academia to focus on empowering others through financial literacy. Inspired by the transformative Infinite Banking Concept, he developed a systematic approach to wealth-building. As the host of the Master Your Millions podcast, Jason is a passionate educator and mentor, sharing actionable insights to help listeners uplevel their financial understanding. Above all, he balances his professional achievements with his most cherished roles as a husband and father of six.

In this episode Wendi and Jason discuss:

• Transition from academia to financial independence education through infinite banking
• Lessons from a frugal mindset and the importance of avoiding debt
• Principles of infinite banking using whole life insurance for financial leverage
• Strategies for implementing infinite banking within families for long-term benefits
• Advantages of whole life insurance for cash accumulation, business growth, and retirement planning

Key Takeaways:

• Financial discipline emerges as a universal cornerstone of wealth-building, emphasizing the prioritization of profits over consumption regardless of income level.
• Whole life insurance policies, when used strategically, can act as financing tools, offering lower-interest loans, tax-advantaged cash value growth, and access to policy loans for financial flexibility.
• A well-designed whole life insurance policy requires curiosity, discipline, and a long-term outlook, proving effective for accumulating wealth over time.
• By self-financing major purchases within the family, the infinite banking concept fosters wealth growth, strengthens retirement accounts, and creates opportunities for tax-free inheritance.
• Embracing a mindset of abundance, coupled with learning sound financial principles and forming the right teams, can transform financial challenges into a life filled with enjoyment and purpose.

“Well, you’ve got to have an abundance mindset versus a scarcity mindset. This truly allows you to open up and start thinking your way through it. The sky’s the limit, it truly is. There’s abundance around us, and if people simply start to believe that and make a mindset or team change, they can partake in it. Having the right person to guide you with solid financial knowledge or other areas is key. The first step is to be curious and lean in.” 

- Jason Henderson

Connect with Jason Henderson:

Jason’s Calendly: www.askjasonh.com 

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

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

Podcast: https://masteryourmillionspodcast.com/ 

Jason’s Book: www.themasteryourmillionsbook.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Jeff Lawrence is a seasoned theologian and apologist with over 30 years of church ministry experience, having served as both a Worship Pastor and Executive Pastor. He has been part of leadership teams for national organizations and served on the board of the National Embryo Donation Center. Currently, Jeff is the Director of Spiritual Development at Foundation Academy, where he is dedicated to training and equipping the next generation to thrive in a postmodern culture. With a solid academic background, Jeff fosters new conversations in Christian schools, universities, and churches, challenging the present and paving a new pathway forward. He believes it's time to reckon with the past and gently call believers back to the foundations of their faith.

In this episode, Wendi and Jeff discuss:

• Transitioning leadership from title to behavior-centered on authentic care
• Foundations of servant leadership: humility, empathy, and prioritizing others' needs
• Building loyalty through empathy and addressing individual hopes and dreams
• Inverting traditional hierarchies: leaders serve rather than being served
• Nurturing leadership in others by finding purpose in God’s unique design

Key Takeaways:

• Servant leadership is built on humility, empathy, and a genuine focus on others, setting aside personal gain to uplift the team and foster a nurturing environment.
• Authentic care for team members, seeing them as people rather than resources, fosters loyalty and belonging, reducing turnover and enhancing commitment.
• True leaders prioritize team achievements, empowering others and cultivating a space for growth, rather than maintaining a hierarchical stance of authority.
• Leadership success lies in self-awareness and embracing one's weaknesses, as humility and gratitude are essential to developing emotional intelligence.
• Purpose-driven leadership finds value in a higher calling, recognizing a greater purpose from God’s unique design over self-reliance, inspiring others to lead with integrity and authenticity.

“ I think some of the best leaders were the best followers. If you can be a great follower, there's an opportunity that in time, you could potentially be a great leader. A leader is not because of a title; it's because of influence, and that influence comes from relationships. Great leaders beget great leaders.” - Jeff Lawrence

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L8XwV_z6_5Y?si=Nsk_GojfGM8yiEg9

Connect with Jeff Lawrence:

Website: https://jeffglawrence.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.lawrence.98/ 

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

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Ramin Jahedi is a visionary entrepreneur, consultant, and talk show host who rose from being an immigrant dishwasher to a successful CEO. As the founder of Black Ops Agency, he embodies people-first leadership, guiding businesses to strengthen connections and empower their teams. Through his podcast, Talk2Rami, he shares stories of resilience and success, inspiring listeners to embrace determination and the right mindset to create their own paths to success.

In this episode, Wendi and Ramin discuss:

• Learning every aspect of a business and taking bold risks to achieve goals
• Prioritizing people over work to create a family-like workplace culture
• Empathy, gratitude, and family support as pillars of leadership and entrepreneurship
• Measuring success through positive impact rather than material possessions
• Encouraging open dialogue, questioning, and creativity to foster ownership and innovation

Key Takeaways:

• The transformative power of self-belief, visualizing goals, and taking bold risks as fundamental steps toward achieving success.
• Prioritizing human connections and relationships over profits, fostering genuine care and intentionality to build trust and loyalty.
• Leadership principles focus on cultivating empathy, gratitude, and selflessness while maintaining accountability through clear boundaries and disciplined practices.
• Success is redefined as the positive impact made on others, shifting away from material possessions or status symbols toward a legacy of meaningful connections.
• The value of creating judgment-free environments, encouraging open dialogue, and embracing creativity to inspire innovation and collaborative growth.

“My existence in this world has a purpose. I am here for some reason—we’re all here for some reason. My reason is to help as many people as possible because legacy is everything. You’re not going to be defined by how much money you made; you’re going to be defined by how many people you helped.” 

- Ramin Jahedi

Connect with Ramin Jahedi:

Website: https://blackopsagency.com/ 

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talk2rami/ 

Twitter: https://x.com/Talk2Rami/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Talk2Rami 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk2rami/id1525226939 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Mahesh Guruswamy is a tech industry powerhouse and current CTO of Kickstarter, with over two decades of experience turning bold ideas into reality. Known for his no-nonsense leadership style and knack for mentoring rising managers, Mahesh doesn’t shy away from tackling the tough stuff—his book, “How to Deliver Bad News and Get Away with It”, says it all. When he’s not shaking up the tech world, he’s running Orange County trails or exploring the eerie depths of cosmic horror fiction.

In this episode, Wendi and Mahesh discuss:

• How crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter empower creators to raise funds and build audiences
• Mentorship and teaching leadership skills to foster creativity and innovation
• The influence of relationship building and aligning aspirations with company goals
• Management style of "guided chaos" developed during a pivotal role at Smartsheet
• Importance of honest communication and lessons from delivering bad news

Key Takeaways:

• Crowdfunding platforms are celebrated as transformative tools that empower creators to maintain control, build engaged communities, and innovate outside traditional funding models.
• The importance of mentorship and leadership is highlighted, with a focus on fostering creativity through embracing human imperfections and leveraging unique strengths.
• A "guided chaos" management style is explored, demonstrating how flexibility and clear boundaries can align team goals with organizational success.
• Lessons from failure emphasize the need for honest and pragmatic communication, particularly in delivering difficult feedback to maintain trust and growth.
• A strong drive for positive impact and relationship-building emerges, showcasing the value of aligning personal aspirations with company objectives to leave lasting team improvements.

“Management and leadership can be messy to navigate, but if you step into it for the right reasons, it’s incredibly fulfilling. You’re shaping people’s careers, transforming company trajectories, and creating lasting impact. As long as you go in with your eyes open, you’ll do great.” - Mahesh Guruswamy

Connect with Mahesh Guruswamy:

Website: https://www.maheshguruswamy.com/ 

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

Mahesh’s BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/How-Deliver-Bad-News-Away/dp/B0D7FHTTNN 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Daniel Mendonca is a results-driven leader focused on enhancing the customer experience journey as Head of Growth at Halight. He specializes in customer education, helping businesses achieve measurable success through retail training programs that improve sell-in, sell-through, and peer-to-peer sales. His work strengthens the connection between consumers and brands, driving growth and long-term relationships.

Guided by core values like collaboration, empowerment, and authenticity, Daniel leads with a practical, people-first mindset. He emphasizes clear communication, teamwork, and sustainable success in all his efforts. Alongside his corporate role, Daniel also coaches’ university soccer, where he applies his leadership principles to help student-athletes grow. His diverse experience informs his approach to leadership, blending practical outcomes with personal development.

In this episode Wendi and Daniel discuss:

• Importance of customer experience in modern retail strategies
• Millennial and Gen Z buyer behavior shaping sales approaches
• The need for training programs that prioritize collaboration, communication, and empowerment
• 'Learn, Sell, Earn' philosophy and its impact on sales growth
• Role of active listening and storytelling in business success

Key Takeaways:

• Continuous learning and active listening have been essential for overcoming imposter syndrome and excelling in leadership roles, underscoring the value of self-awareness and adaptability.
• For brands and retailers, owning the "last mile" is crucial to customer satisfaction and retention, and measuring customer experience beyond transactions remains a challenge.
• Millennials, who dominate B2B buying, value self-discovery, and extensive pre-purchase research, making it essential for brands to provide educational resources to build lasting relationships.
• Blending voluntary and mandatory learning programs, along with using gamification and personalized experiences, significantly boosts sales performance and learner engagement.
• Engaging Gen Z and millennial learners through interactive, multimedia training methods is critical for enhancing retention and productivity while embracing failure and learning from new experiences drives ongoing growth.

“Listen first, talk last. You may not have all the experience or know what you're doing, but you can leverage what you learn from those around you. Move forward with something you're passionate about. I was lucky to relate business to coaching and leadership. Not everyone gets that opportunity. So, try different things, and remember that listening is a huge component.” - Daniel Mendonca

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_iIQRQnL04

Connect with Daniel Mendonca:

Website: https://halight.com/ 

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/halightlms/ 

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmendonca89/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Ryan Vescio, as a state attorney for 15 years, managed criminal matters ranging from high-profile murders to heart-wrenching child abuse and sex trafficking cases. This daily experience of handling a wide variety of complex cases required him to be a quick study and exposed him to a vast network of attorneys, judges, and experts providing technical and detailed testimony. Intensive on-the-job training equipped Ryan with the ability to effectively navigate the complexities of the court system, while boldly representing his litigation clients on the grounds of what is fair, just, right, and good.

Chuck Whittington has over 30 years of experience as a business leader in the food packaging industry, holding roles in sales, marketing, and national-level leadership. He currently serves as the senior executive leading the Business Transformation Office (BTO) and advises the company’s President and CEO on transformation and integration strategies. In addition to his business career, Chuck served for over 32 years in the U.S. Army, most recently as Deputy Director of the Army National Guard, where he led strategy, policy, and budgeting efforts in partnership with state and territory Adjutants General. He also served as Acting Director of the Army National Guard, working closely with the Chief of Staff of the Army and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau.

In this episode, Wendi, Ryan, and Chuck discuss:

• Evolution of leadership skills through self-awareness, humility, and teamwork
• Challenges of volunteer leadership
• Traits of a leader include empathy, accountability, followership, and more
• Balancing humility with authority in leadership to drive change effectively
• Power of vulnerability in leadership to create meaningful human connections

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership development hinges on self-awareness, humility, and teamwork, with continuous learning being a key driver of growth and effectiveness.
• A successful leader empowers their team, recognizing and coaching individual strengths and weaknesses, which fosters a culture of mentorship and support.
• Followership requires active listening, constructive feedback, and accountability, making it essential for organizational success.
• Leaders are encouraged to cultivate sound decision-making, resilience, and perspective, with failure embraced as a powerful opportunity for personal growth.
• Volunteerism and unexpected opportunities provide rich learning experiences, helping develop leadership skills beyond formal roles. 

“What reinforces being human, real, and vulnerable is that when you resonate with someone beneath you, they build a connection. And to me, that connection pushes things forward—it drives people to raise extra money for philanthropy or put in two extra hours off the clock because you’re in the same fight, even though you're in different places.” 

- Ryan Vescio

“Understand that the crucible that you're going to move through to become a young leader will have the highs and lows. If you surround yourself with good, capable people, if you're honest, if you have integrity, if you're a communicator, and if you can prove yourself to be resilient over time, stick to it.”

- Chuck Whittington

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/85fWUIjbA88?si=h6-nHE-IvqNLyJE_

Connect with Ryan Vescio and Chuck Whittington:

Websites: https://shuffieldlowman.com/ / https://pactivevergreen.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-james-vescio-11a30740/ 

                https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-whittington-688b2256/              

Emails: rvescio@shuffieldlowman.com  / cwhittrun1@sbcglobal.net 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it

Mike Maynard is a seasoned B2B PR and marketing expert with a passion for technology and over two decades of leadership at Napier, one of the UK’s leading specialist agencies. Mike’s unique journey from engineering to strategic marketing has shaped his approach to measurable, impactful campaigns and fostering a strong organizational culture. Hear how he transitioned Napier to employee ownership, ensuring its legacy of innovation and commitment endures.

In this episode, Wendi and Mike discuss:

• Career transitions from engineering to sales and marketing roles
• Creativity and problem-solving in engineering beyond process work
• Evolution of marketing from niche forums to digital platforms
• AI's role in data analysis, idea generation, and communication skills
• Employee ownership, leadership challenges, and cultural integration in acquisitions

Key Takeaways:

• Engineering is more than process work; it thrives on creative problem-solving, which lays a foundation for success in other fields like marketing.
• The rapid digital evolution of marketing highlights the need for clear, audience-focused communication, especially for complex products.
• AI is a powerful tool for data analysis and idea generation, but it still falls short in delivering deep, innovative insights on specialized topics.
• Employee ownership models, driven by transparency and shared control, boost motivation and long-term performance while requiring leaders to relinquish control.
• Successful acquisitions depend on cultural integration and setting realistic expectations, while hiring and trusting smarter individuals can accelerate growth.

“One of the reasons I wanted to go to employee ownership was that I believed it was the best way to keep the business growing as an independent business. Is it employee ownership I see, or is it growth? The two are closely linked. But realistically, being too focused on controlling things ultimately stunts a company’s growth — you’ve got to let go.” 

- Mike Maynard

Connect with Mike Maynard:

Website: https://www.napierb2b.com/ 

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

Email: mike@napierb2b.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Kurt Reinhart is an author, consultant, teacher, and mentor, currently serving as the Vice President of Learning & Development for Russell Cellular, one of Verizon’s largest premier authorized dealers with over 700 stores across 43 states. In addition to this role, he leads Create Training & Consulting, LLC, a company he founded 17 years ago, dedicated to personal and leadership development.

With over 30 years of experience in learning, development, and training across North America and Europe, he worked with organizations of all sizes. His expertise spans workshop facilitation, consultation, speeches, curriculum design, and offering insight as a trusted advisor.

At his core, Kurt is a servant leader who embraces a mindset of continuous learning, believing that growth and change are possible for everyone. His passion for encouraging others drives his work, and he lives by the motto: “Do what you love with a passion for growing others, and your reward will follow.”

In this episode Wendi and Kurt discuss:

• Building an intentional culture during adversity and disruption
• Gauging culture through accountability, learning, and success
• Creating a "pitch culture" and increasing engagement through a pilot initiative
• Embedding core values in hiring, onboarding, and training processes
• Overcoming challenges like securing buy-in and addressing microcultures in maintaining a culture

Key Takeaways:

• Caring for employees and fostering a supportive culture leads to increased productivity and performance, as well as trust in leadership.
• Building an intentional organizational culture is crucial for thriving amidst adversity, disruption, and chaos, helping companies persevere through challenges.
• Consistent follow-through, overcoming resistance, and avoiding the flavor-of-the-month mentality are -key challenges in maintaining organizational culture.
• Organizational culture is shaped by stories, core values, transparency, progress over perfection, grace for learning and failing, and perseverance, forming the foundation for growth.
• Buy-in from employees, addressing micro-cultures, and consistent follow-up are essential for effective collaboration and adoption of desired behaviors and initiatives.

“Culture, to me, is about how you treat the people around you. It's the environment that you create for them to be who they are and who they are becoming. That's something I'm always doing my very best to live out: I want to be who I am, and I want to be conscious of who I am becoming.” 

- Kurt Reinhart

Connect with Kurt Reinhart:

Website: https://russellcellular.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-reinhart-363202a/ 

Email: kurt.reinhart@russellcellular.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Clinton Bui is a sales and service professional with a passion for strategy to achieve individual and business goals. He is currently a store manager for Rogers Communications in Canada. Throughout his career, he has intentionally and strategically built high-performance teams, committed to customer experience and the achievement of KPIs. The key to Clinton's success has been his commitment to ongoing growth through learning and innovation.

In this episode, Wendi and Clinton discuss:

• Transition from individual sales to team leadership and management
• Importance of understanding customer needs and delivering exceptional service
• Creating a fun and authentic work environment to foster team happiness
• Adapting to labor force shifts and customer expectations during COVID-19
• Continuous recruitment and building trust for sustainable success

Key Takeaways:

• The transition from individual sales to team leadership showcases how removing obstacles, equipping team members, and leading by example are pivotal for driving sales and team success.
• Understanding customer needs and providing a trusted consultancy approach fosters loyalty, repeat business, and valuable referrals.
• The value of authenticity in leadership, where creating a fun and genuine work environment allows employees to thrive and feel comfortable being themselves.
• Retention and team happiness are highlighted as crucial metrics, driven by celebrating victories, fostering empathy, and maintaining a culture that values both fun and support.
• A reflection on post-COVID challenges shows that continuous adaptation, innovative problem-solving, and a people-centric approach—both for employees and customers—are essential for overcoming modern business hurdles.

“Be your genuine self. There are going to be times when customers will walk in, and you might want to tell them this or that, but at the end of the day, they need to know who you are as much as you need to know who they are. So, as long as there’s that authentic trust between both parties and both can succeed together, I think that’s what really matters. It doesn’t really matter what you’re selling or if you’re a manager or not. I think whoever your client may be, you need to have that two-way street of, 'Hey, we can trust each other, and I’ll be your person to do this.” 

- Clinton Bui

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEQXGYkwU_A

Connect with Clinton Bui:

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

Email: clinton.bui@hotmail.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Peter Smith has been in the jewelry business for four decades. He is the former president of Hearts on Fire, Memoire, and Vibhor. He is the author of several well-known books on selling and hiring, including “Hiring Squirrels: 12 Essential Questions to Uncover Great Retail Sales Talent”, “Sell Something: Principles and Perspectives for Engaged Retail Salespeople”, and “The Sales Minute: 101 Tips for Retail Salespeople”. Peter is a columnist for National Jeweler and The Jewelry Book, where he writes about retail branding, sales, and hiring.

In this episode, Wendi and Peter discuss:

• The jewelry industry's struggle with retail evolution and product display issues
• Identifying innate traits like drive, optimism, empathy, and resilience in great salespeople
• Importance of personal connection and emotional selling over high product knowledge
• Behavioral interviewing to assess candidates' character, motivation, and cultural fit
• Need for a process-driven approach to align traits, resumes, and company culture for optimal hiring decisions

Key Takeaways:

• Success in sales relies more on inherent traits like drive, optimism, empathy, and resilience, rather than product knowledge alone.
• Revamping traditional hiring practices through behavioral interviews allows companies to uncover the innate traits necessary for top performance, often overlooked in typical processes.
• A process-driven hiring approach, involving multiple interviews, ensures candidates are thoroughly assessed for key qualities like resilience, competitiveness, and a strong sales mindset.
• Cultural alignment is vital; placing the right candidate in a supportive culture fosters success, while a mismatch can lead to underperformance.

“If you're struggling to hire, it's not about finding people being difficult—it's about lacking a process. You need a structured approach that seeks out candidates with drive, optimism, empathy, and resilience, even if they don't have the experience. Sometimes, the best fit for your business isn't looking for you—you have to go find them.” - Peter Smith

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bEv5wzBAeYU?si=eL0mfQwMid7jycPV

Connect with Peter Smith:

Website: https://www.theretailsmiths.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-smith-20a77a33/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Recommended Books:

• Hiring Squirrels, Peter Smith https://www.amazon.com/Hiring-Squirrels-Essential-Interview-Questions/dp/1500269271 
• Good to Great, Jim Collins https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996 
• First, Break All The Rules, Marcus Buckingham https://www.amazon.com/First-Break-All-Rules-Differently/dp/1595621113 
• How To Hire A-Players, Eric Herrenkohl https://www.amazon.com/How-Hire-Players-Recruiting-Department/dp/0470562242 
• Never Hire A Bad Salesperson Again, Christopher Croner and Richard Abrahamhttps://www.amazon.com/Never-Hire-Bad-Salesperson-Again/dp/0578972522 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Eileen Vélez-Vega is a trailblazing civil engineer and leader who has broken barriers throughout her career. She made history as the first woman to lead the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works, bringing her expertise in transportation, resiliency, and emergency response to the forefront. A passionate STEM advocate and two-time cancer survivor, she continues to inspire the next generation—especially Latinas—by proving that perseverance and leadership can drive meaningful change.

In this episode, Wendi and Eileen discuss:

• Overcoming obstacles to become Puerto Rico’s first female transportation secretary
• Gaining engineering experience through internships at Disney and NASA
• Leading infrastructure investments and establishing a maintenance program
• Navigating resilience, self-care, and advocating for women's health awareness
• Mentoring in STEM, fostering employee accessibility, and embracing authenticity in leadership

Key Takeaways:

• A powerful message emerges about embracing challenges and conquering fears, revealing untapped potential that leads to greatness.
• Failure is reframed as a stepping stone to success, emphasizing the importance of self-care, goal-setting, and perseverance in combating imposter syndrome.
• A structured approach to achievement, where focus, preparation, and intentional planning pave the way for progress while maintaining a balance between present joy and future aspirations.
• The necessity of adaptability—expecting change, learning from setbacks, and fostering resilience through shared experiences and empathy.
• Individuals are urged to take initiative, uplift other women, build strong networks, and drive success through tenacity, commitment, and authenticity.

“I believe in self-initiative and drive—you have to have that for yourself. You cannot wait for others to care about your success. You are the one who will care the most about it, and you are the one responsible for it. Do not blame anybody else or rely on someone else to make your dreams come true. They can help you, and I have so many mentors and amazing people in my life, but you are the one who is responsible first. You're the one. And that self-initiative has to be there.” 

- Eileen Vélez-Vega

Connect with Eileen Vélez-Vega:

Website: https://www.kimley-horn.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileenmvelez-vega/ 

TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqEtJBRBc9s 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Wayne Turmel is a pioneer in remote leadership and communication, shaping how we work for nearly 30 years. As the co-founder of The Remote Leadership Institute and the author of 15 books — including The Long-Distance Leader and The Long-Distance Teammate — Wayne helps teams excel in the virtual world. Get ready for an authentic, unfiltered discussion on RTO, hybrid, and work-from-home cultures. We’ll dive into fresh strategies for leading, connecting, and staying productive in today’s hybrid and remote workplaces.

In this episode, Wendi and Wayne discuss:

• Challenges of building trust and connections in virtual teams
• Risks of remote work becoming transactional and trust-deficient
• Effective remote leadership through intentional communication tools
• Leadership’s role in remote work success versus location dependence
• RTO mandates and their conflicts with DEI goals and strategic planning

Key Takeaways:

• The pandemic accelerated remote work, but its success hinges more on leadership quality than the physical location of employees. Effective leadership remains the backbone of trust, productivity, and connection in virtual environments.
• Building trust in virtual teams requires consistent exposure and deliberate communication. Intentional interactions help foster meaningful relationships, preventing remote work from becoming purely transactional.
• Using appropriate communication tools for different messages is key to effective remote leadership. Balancing the richness and scope of communication ensures clarity, engagement, and connection within teams.
• Hybrid work thrives when workflows and outputs guide decisions on where and when tasks are completed. Strategic planning, rather than rigid policies, determines the success of hybrid models.
• Leaders who prioritize engagement and flexibility foster trust and productivity in hybrid and remote settings. Strong leadership, not mandatory office presence, drives team cohesion and effectiveness.

“Good leaders and teammates understand that using the right balance of richness and scope allows us to build relationships to function as a team to do good work.” 

- Wayne Turmel

Connect with Wayne Turmel:

Websites: https://kevineikenberry.com/ , https://longdistanceworklife.com/ 

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

Wayne’s BOOKS: https://longdistanceworklife.com/the-long-distance-worklife-series/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Bruce Herscovici is an accomplished growth marketer, sales leader, and corporate strategist who excels at building, inspiring, and transforming teams to drive change across organizational, customer, and partner channels. He has a career-long record of success in identifying, evaluating, and executing cutting-edge strategies to sustainably grow sales, turn around businesses, win market share, and reduce costs and inefficiencies, ultimately enhancing margin and profitability. A creative and empathetic leader, Bruce is recognized for his approachable, pragmatic, and motivational approach, which engages teams and drives results.

In this episode, Wendi and Bruce discuss:

• Importance of consistency and outperforming competitors by staying true to brand values
• Issues arising from automation overshadowing customer-centric approaches
• Need for effective training and resources to enable employees to deliver on the brand promise
• The role of culture in ensuring a positive customer experience and continuous improvement
• Prioritizing customer experience through leadership that aligns with brand values and employee engagement

Key Takeaways:

• It underscores how consistent leadership that fosters team ownership through collaboration is vital in driving long-term business transformations.
• The increasing disconnect between brand promises and actual customer experiences highlights how companies often fail to deliver on their commitments.
• By focusing on efficiency over customer-centricity, many brands are unintentionally damaging their customer relations, with automation sometimes exacerbating the issue.
• The conversation sheds light on the need for businesses to invest in proper training and resources, ensuring employees are equipped to uphold the brand's values in every customer interaction.
• A misalignment between company culture and customer experience can lead to widespread dissatisfaction, underscoring the importance of continuous improvement and employee engagement.

“It's all about living up to the expectation you set as an organization. To me, it's about bringing to life that brand experience. Whatever your brand promise is, that is the customer experience you're trying to deliver against.” 

- Bruce Herscovici

Connect with Bruce Herscovici:

Website: https://www.mileendretailgroup.com/ 

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

Email: bruce.herscovici@mileendretailgroup.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Resources: 

4 Elements of Execution: https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/16M800vA3v21ZZj0ArDC_s1BsL9L0bViUBy3-YCcNBqc/edit 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Kurt Reinhart is an author, consultant, teacher, and mentor, currently serving as the Vice President of Learning & Development for Russell Cellular, one of Verizon’s largest premier authorized dealers with over 700 stores across 43 states. In addition to this role, he leads Create Training & Consulting, LLC, a company he founded 17 years ago, dedicated to personal and leadership development.

With over 30 years of experience in learning, development, and training across North America and Europe, he has worked with organizations of all sizes. His expertise spans workshop facilitation, consultation, speeches, curriculum design, and offering insight as a trusted advisor.

At his core, Kurt is a servant leader who embraces a mindset of continuous learning, believing that growth and change are possible for everyone. His passion for encouraging others drives his work, and he lives by the motto: “Do what you love with a passion for growing others, and your reward will follow.”

In this episode Wendi and Kurt discuss:

• The deep fulfillment found in personal and leadership development
• Adapting business strategies and development programs in the ever-changing post-COVID labor market
• From ‘Great Resignation’ to ‘Great Realization’: The importance of investing in your people
• Challenges and nuances in measuring the ROI of behavioral-based training
• The cultural shift from “training” to holistic personal and professional growth

Key Takeaways:

• A profound sense of purpose and assisting others in their moment of realization transcends monetary rewards, offering a more substantial, enduring form of personal satisfaction.
• In the face of the great reshuffle, including the 'Great Resignation' and 'Great Regret,' businesses like Russell Cellular are compelled to embrace change and prioritize learning and development as a key retention strategy.
• Return on investment in learning and development presents a complex challenge, particularly when gauging the impact of experiential, people-focused programs. ROI is not always directly tied to revenue or a specific outcome.
• Leadership in adversity is not just about weathering the storm; it's recognizing that your daily routine and response to challenges craft your journey of personal growth and purpose. Often disruption and chaos propel leaders to lead better. Embrace and leverage the opportunities presented through change.
• Wendi and Kurt underscore the transformative power of surrendering control and cultivating gratitude, as life's unpredictable outcomes can lead to unexpected personal development and meaning.
• Know your why. If the why is in place and you believe it in your core, you will not get stuck and will continue to move forward.

“Every day, I strive to live by five principles. First, wake up with gratitude. Second, pray or meditate—find a moment of mindfulness to start the day. Third, always be learning; there's always something new to discover. Fourth, seek community—don't go through life alone, connect with others who offer truth and support. Lastly, surrender control; focus on your response and trust in something greater than yourself.” - Kurt Reinhart

Connect with Kurt Reinhart:

Website: https://russellcellular.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-reinhart-363202a/ 

Email: kurt.reinhart@russellcellular.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Resources:

Kurt Reinhart. (2010)  So you are the manager…Now what?

Marshall Goldsmith. (2007). What got you here won’t get you there. (Mark Reiter)

David Kolb. (1984). Experiential Learning Theory (ELT)

Simon Sinek. Start with why; golden circle.

Chip Heath & Dan Heath. (2007). Made to stick.

The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL). 70-20-10

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Olivier Paiement has extensive experience in market analysis, business strategy, and building long-lasting relationships with clients. After 15 years leading leaders, sales experts, and a learning portfolio, he brings his passion for learning and sales to New Era Learning. With a strong background in sales, consultation, and customer engagement, Olivier has a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in today's competitive landscape.

David Noiseux is a talented and visionary design creative with a desire to create innovative and impactful learning solutions. After 16 years in the Telecommunication and Public sector as a Facilitator and Creative Lead, he made the decision to offer his learning expertise to all organizations.  He uses his creativity and extensive expertise in the learning field to design courses that drive user engagement and compelling experiences for your teams.

In this episode Wendi, Olivier, and David discuss:

• Impact of technology on learning and development
• Shifts in corporate training budgets and their effects
• Challenges in demonstrating training ROI in a tech-driven world
• Advantages of continuous learning and creating a culture of accountability
• The cost of inaction and the need for effective post-training support

Key Takeaways:

• The confluence of technology, pandemic-driven changes, and evolving workplace values necessitates a fresh approach to learning and development, recognizing its broader impact on business success.
• Despite a shrinking workforce and declining employee satisfaction, training budgets are being redistributed, potentially neglecting a vital element of workforce empowerment and engagement, causing employee turnover, which often has unrecognized losses.
• Real success in learning and development doesn't come from the training event itself. It comes from how well the learnings are integrated into daily work and reinforced over time.
• Key statistics highlight the tangible benefits of employee engagement, including lower turnover rates, heightened productivity, and increased customer satisfaction, thereby painting a picture where training investments are not a cost. They are a crucial driver of overall company performance.
• Budgeting for employee development isn't just a good HR practice; it's a strategic move that boosts revenue and profitability by reducing turnover costs and fostering a dedicated workforce.

“What's important for employees these days is feeling recognized, respected, and that their values align with the company's values. They also want to bring their authentic selves to work and be able to be themselves.” 

- David Noiseux

“I think it's important for organizations to survey their employees, find out what they're looking for, and build a strong plan to put that in place.”

-Olivier Paiement

Connect with Olivier Paiement and David Noiseux:

Website: https://www.neweralearning.ca/ 

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/formation-new-era-learning/ 

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-paiement-149100a2/ 

               https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-noiseux-7258b24b/ 

Email: olivier@neweralearning.ca , david@neweralearning.ca

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Lisa Chastain is a personal finance expert, best-selling author, and host of the “Real Money” podcast. After overcoming her own financial struggles, she has learned to live a life free from money stress. Drawing from her experiences, Lisa has dedicated her career to helping women overcome financial shame and take control of their finances. Through her unique Stop Budgeting system and focus on rewiring money mindsets, Lisa empowers individuals to build wealth, embrace financial freedom, and live life on their own terms. Featured in major outlets like CNBC, Fortune, and O, The Oprah Magazine, Lisa combines her expertise and personal insight to guide listeners toward lasting financial success.

In this episode Wendi and Lisa discuss:

• Financial struggles shape money philosophy and highlight societal contrasts
• Mindset rewiring leads to wealth building and financial freedom
• Vulnerable storytelling empowers others to address personal struggles
• Societal expectations and comparisons obstruct financial independence
• Budgets become flexible cash flow plans aligned with individual goals

Key Takeaways:

• Financial freedom requires questioning societal perceptions and comparisons, emphasizing personal desires and authentic financial goals.
• Reframing budgets as empowering tools, such as "cash flow" or "roadmap to adventure," shifts focus from restrictions to joyful financial planning.
• Societal norms highlight a disparity between women’s restrictive budgeting expectations and men’s encouragement to take financial risks.
• Abundance is achieved by investing in oneself, even if it involves taking on debt, as this can lead to successful ventures and meaningful growth.
• Women are encouraged to embrace imperfection, take risks, lead boldly, and fail forward to drive transformative change and achieve financial equity.

“First and foremost, remember: this is your only life—your only time in this body, in this moment. So, what are you waiting for? If not now, when? And if you’re waiting for permission to take control, here it is: permission granted. Your freedom—whatever it means to you—is 1000% worth the journey. But let it be your freedom, your definition of success—not someone else’s.”  - Lisa Chastain

Connect with Lisa Chastain:

Website: https://lisachastain.com/ 

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

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

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

Podcast: https://lisachastain.com/podcast/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcbyns9cEvGtWm6GgOiUW-Q 

Liberate: The Ultimate 90 Day Financial Bootcamp: https://lisachastain.com/the-ultimate-90-day-financial-bootcamp/ 

Stop Budgeting Free Guide: https://lisachastain.com/stop-budgeting/

Lisa’s Books: https://lisachastain.com/book/ , https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stop-budgeting-start-living-lisa-chastain/1146384270 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Bryan Yager has been an effective teacher, leader, meeting facilitator, executive coach, and energizing speaker for more than 40 years. Bryan’s professional passion is helping individuals, teams, and organizations expand their capacity for success. 

Bryan has focused most of his career on leadership and organizational development. He was formerly the Vice President of Management and Organizational Development for one of the largest retailers in the United States. He taught graduate-level courses at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and George Fox University. His courses consistently received top scores from graduating students.

In this episode Wendi and Bryan discuss:

• The impact of emotional intelligence and overcoming confirmation bias through self-awareness
• Leadership challenges, workplace politics, and maintaining core values
• Paradigms and belief systems shaping perspectives, including the toilet paper roll dilemma
• Personality assessment tools and the importance of communication style flexibility
• Recognizing and overcoming confirmation bias to embrace diverse viewpoints

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional intelligence and self-awareness emerge as powerful tools, fostering open-mindedness, better decision-making, and stronger relationships by addressing biases and enhancing communication.
• The ability to embrace diverse viewpoints and navigate idea-based conflicts is highlighted as essential for collaborative problem-solving and creating healthy team dynamics.
• Personality assessments and style flexibility reveal the value of understanding different communication preferences, enabling leaders to improve team cohesion and effectiveness.
• Lifelong learning, mentoring, and curiosity about diverse perspectives are celebrated as pathways to leadership growth and intentional living, fostering wisdom and resilience.
• Leadership is reframed as a journey of continuous growth, where perceived imperfections are opportunities for development and every stage is embraced as part of the process.

“If we're aspiring to have influence with others and to be a leader in our personal lives or our professional lives, I would suggest to people that a green apple in early May is just as perfect for its stage of development as that red, ripe, gorgeous apple in the fall. They're just in two different spots on the journey, and all of those are valid. So, if you've got self-talk that says you're not as smart as you are, you're not a good leader, you're too fat, you're too stupid, or anything like that, I would just encourage you to think of the journey. You're a green apple that has some development to do, and it's perfect for where you are. ” 

- Bryan Yager

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dxfD6AFt88I?si=WZEsLh7SM9hnojbO

Recommended Book: “Think Again”- Adam Grant : https://www.amazon.com/Think-Again-Power-Knowing-What/dp/B08HJQHNH9/ 

BYG Key Lessons: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-yr3yu6XCEh61vRQBFQYOZoeuWtvQNbnqtnsgtox4Yg/edit?usp=sharing 

MMM Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/monday-morning-minute-6974792906951827456/ 

Connect with Bryan Yager:

Website: https://bryanyager.com/ 

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

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Todd Miller is the President of Isaiah Industries, a global leader in premium metal roofing systems based in Ohio. With over 35 years of experience, Todd has transformed the metal roofing industry through innovation and sustainability, dedicating his career to training thousands of contractors and sales teams. Beyond his industry impact, Todd’s faith and leadership extend into his community, where he serves as a rotational pastor and strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

In this episode Wendi and Todd discuss:

• Building sustainable impact through contractor training and community leadership
• Faith-based business practices reflecting biblical values and connections
• Importance of installation quality and addressing pricing pressures
• Effective sales practices and coaching younger generations
• Visioning growth, navigating challenges, and leaving a leadership legacy

Key Takeaways:

• Sustainable innovation and contractor training are pivotal for maintaining quality and making a meaningful impact, while community service reinforces a commitment to broader societal change.
• Relationships, communication, and trust serve as foundational pillars for professional success, fostering innovation and building a resilient business culture.
• Guided by faith-based values, the company emphasizes accountability, integrity, and servant leadership, shaping both business practices and workplace ethics.
• Prioritizing character and work ethic over skills can enhance sales practices and create a more trustworthy and effective professional environment.
• Adapting to challenges, such as supply chain disruptions during COVID-19, highlights the importance of vision, multigenerational strengths, and maintaining strong relationships to ensure continuous growth and entrepreneurial success.

“I believe in playing to your strengths. Know what your strengths are and play to those. But by the same token, you still realize it comes down to relationships. So, take the time to analyze the relationships in your life. Look for the ones where you're saying, 'That could be stronger, that could be better.' Go out there and make it better. Do what you’ve got to do to make it better. Yeah. You know, share love, share peace, just connect with people, and improve those relationships.” 

- Todd Miller

Connect with Todd Miller:

Website: https://isaiahindustries.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-miller-31b2661/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Discover the inimitable wave of leadership on Unleashed, where we dive deep into the heartbeat of organizations—its people. You'll learn how to champion a human-centered approach to growth, and redefine leadership by focusing on what truly matters: the people driving change. Change leadership is about guiding people through transformation in a way that inspires them to embrace change because they believe in it. Unleashed is for those who are open, honest, and ready to confront what's holding them back in life and business. If you're willing to take actionable steps and embrace genuine transformation, this podcast is your guide to leading with heart and unleashing your potential.

Eric Dyson brings a truly one-of-a-kind leadership perspective. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, a former nuclear-trained submarine officer, an ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) expert witness in numerous class action litigations, and now he offers unmatched insight into fiduciary processes and plan governance. With experience at Fidelity and as an ERISA Plan Advisor, his mission is to equip plan sponsors and advisors with actionable knowledge to strengthen their fiduciary responsibilities and navigate the complexities of the retirement plan landscape.

In this episode, Wendi and Eric discuss:

• ERISA's role in governing retirement plans and the importance of compliance
• Eric's "Swiss army knife" metaphor and unlicensed thought leadership freedom
• Purpose-driven, servant leadership approach grounded in faith
• Characteristics of great leaders and inspiring ethical followership
• Developing a personal leadership philosophy as a guiding compass

Key Takeaways:

• Purpose-driven servant leadership emerges as a cornerstone of effective leadership, emphasizing faith, finding good in people, and making a meaningful impact on others.
• A guiding philosophy of leadership serves as a personal compass, aligning purpose with actions and ensuring ethical and inspired followership.
• Success in leadership hinges on defining clear objectives, recruiting the right talent, providing essential tools, and setting uncompromising standards of excellence.
• Recognizing and valuing contributors through intentional encouragement fosters a culture of appreciation, reinforcing team motivation and cohesion.
• A leadership legacy is shaped by wholehearted dedication, love for faith-driven principles, and the intentional sharing of knowledge with future generations.

“Develop your own leadership philosophy, and there are seven key elements to it. First, define and continuously refine your purpose. Second, find the right people. Third, train them well. Fourth, give them the tools they need to do their job. Fifth, pat them on the back often enough. Sixth, set a standard for excellence. And seventh—while it's a little nebulous, it ties everything together—be an inspiration and an encourager.” 

- Eric Dyson

Connect with Eric Dyson:

Website: https://90northllc.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/ 

Email: edyson@90northllc.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Maria Ross is a dynamic speaker, author, business strategist, and empathy advocate who’s on a mission to prove that compassion and business success go hand in hand. Maria’s latest book, The Empathy Dilemma, and her acclaimed podcast, The Empathy Edge, explore how leaders can balance performance, people, and personal boundaries to achieve radical success. With a career-spanning keynote at TEDx and The New York Times as well as workshops for companies like Salesforce, Maria is here to share how empathy can transform leadership and fuel growth.

In this episode, Wendi and Maria discuss:

• The transformative role of empathy in careers and leadership
• Impact of near-death experience on researching empathy
• Empathetic leadership during layoffs and tough decisions
• Addressing employee issues through active listening and compassion
• Communicating expectations and managing performance with empathy

Key Takeaways:

• Empathy emerges as a transformative leadership tool, enabling tough decisions while maintaining compassion, ultimately fostering trust and connection within teams.
• The pandemic heightened the demand for empathetic, human-centric cultures, demonstrating its role in enhancing employee engagement, innovation, and workplace adaptability.
• By addressing underlying challenges rather than surface-level incidents, leaders can defuse tensions and drive team success through active listening and support.
• Empathy's impact on business extends beyond interpersonal relationships, influencing customer loyalty, retention, and overall brand reputation, especially with Gen Z and millennials.
• Intentional leadership requires balancing empathy with goal-setting and boundaries, ensuring resources and clarity are provided without emotional overreach.

“I think recognizing and acknowledging that empathy is a strength, not a weakness, and making sure that we take care of ourselves so that we can be there for other people. It's not selfish to know your boundaries. Express your boundaries. It's not selfish to take care of yourself. Like we're saying, take a time out because you're going to show up better for people if you do.” 

- Maria Ross

Connect with Maria Ross:

Website: https://www.red-slice.com 

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

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

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@redslicemaria 

Twitter: https://x.com/redslice 

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Redslice-MariaRoss 

TEDx Talk: https://bit.ly/MariaRossTEDx

Podcast: https://www.red-slice.com/podcast/ 

Maria’s Books: https://www.red-slice.com/books/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Dr. Therese Markow is an award-winning geneticist who has held prestigious academic positions at major universities in the U.S. and abroad. As the host of the Critically Speaking podcast, she is passionate about translating complex scientific concepts into everyday language, empowering audiences to make informed decisions about their health, communities, and the planet. She also serves as the president of Sin Fronteras, a nonprofit supporting arts and science, and is a dedicated champion for women, bringing her expertise and commitment to equality to every conversation.

In this episode, Wendi and Therese discuss:

• Transition from mentoring to hosting "Critically Speaking" on societal and health issues
• Challenges of misinformation spreading faster than peer-reviewed publications
• Links between underarm treatments, breast cancer, and autism prediction in fetal brain imaging
• Impact of obesity, endocrine disruptors, and chemical exposure on rising health conditions
• Sin Fronteras nonprofit supporting scientists, collaboration, and artistic innovation

Key Takeaways:

• The podcast "Critically Speaking" emerges as a platform bridging societal and health concerns while addressing the lag in combating misinformation, underscoring the importance of timely, factual communication.
• Scientific insights reveal startling links between chemically-treated underarms and breast cancer, as well as autism prediction through fetal brain imaging, pushing for deeper exploration of health and environmental impacts.
• Amid systemic challenges like mansplaining and gender discrimination, there’s a powerful call to champion female scientists, advocate for their contributions, and inspire the next generation of women in biological sciences.
• Emphasizing informed decision-making, the discussion highlights the risks of chemicals like glyphosate, the value of organic food, and the need for tools like the EWG app to guide safer lifestyle choices.
• Rooted in perseverance and self-belief, the narrative inspires action—urging individuals to embrace opportunities, critically evaluate contrasting evidence, and champion publicly funded science for a better future.

“I guess one of the most important things, I think, is that people look at the data. If they're going to believe something or they think, 'Oh, wow, I better be careful about that,' or, 'Did you hear this?' I think they should try to find a way to access the original information so that they can really make an informed decision and not just base it on what they heard or saw from some sound bite headline on social media. I think that's really important.” 

- Therese Markow

Connect with Therese Markow:

Website: https://criticallyspeaking.net/ 

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@critically_speaking 

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

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

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/critically-speaking/id1463016517 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Wendy Cocke is a best-selling author, workplace strategist, and the founder of Engineering Leadership Solutions LLC. She helps high-achieving professionals and organizations rethink how work gets done. As the author of Making Flex Work and Reimagine Your Work, Wendy provides practical strategies for balancing career growth, workplace flexibility, and business success. With over 20 years of experience leading tech teams in Fortune 500 companies, she brings a results-driven, pragmatic approach to helping individuals and businesses thrive in the modern workplace.

In this episode, Wendi and Wendy discuss:

• The future of work embracing flexibility and career growth
• Strategies for assessing value-added expectations and making incremental changes 
• Balancing flexibility, efficiency, and compensation without sacrificing benefits 
• Effective leadership and team culture in an evolving work environment 
• Challenges and opportunities of hybrid work and fostering collaboration 

Key Takeaways:

• The evolving workplace demands a balance between flexibility and career growth, requiring individuals and organizations to adopt pragmatic strategies that foster long-term success amid constant change.
• A closer look at work-life balance reveals that true efficiency stems from understanding individual needs, optimizing processes, and making incremental, data-driven improvements that enhance both productivity and well-being.
• Intentionality and negotiation emerge as critical skills, empowering employees to set boundaries and shape work arrangements that align with their professional aspirations and the shifting dynamics of the job market.
• Leadership in the modern era is no longer about rigid authority but about adaptability—understanding team members' unique goals, fostering engagement, and cultivating a culture of trust and productivity.
• Hybrid work is cementing its place in the future, not just as a reaction to market forces but as a strategic shift driven by employment laws, commercial real estate trends, and leaders prioritizing retention through flexibility.

“Be open and honest with your team, because people want to work for a great leader. But in the absence of a great leader, they want to work for a leader who wants to be great. So if you don’t think you’re great yet, bring them along on your journey. Let them know you’re investing in yourself because you want to be great—they’ll keep following you.” 

- Wendy Cocke

Connect with Wendy Cocke:

Website: https://www.engineeringleadershipsolutions.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-anderson-cocke/ 

Email: wendy.anderson.cocke@gmail.com 

Wendy’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Flex-Work-Defining-Success/dp/B0B5TDKFYW/ https://www.amazon.com/Reimagine-Your-Work-Managing-Business/dp/B0CMSSWSJ5/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Matthew Gould is an executive coach, leadership facilitator, and mediator who has helped grow a company from 250 to over 750 employees, with 85% of leaders promoted from within. With a deep belief that relationships drive results, Matthew guides teams through healthy conflict, leading to stronger bonds and improved outcomes. After 27 years in the telecommunications industry, where he first experienced leadership challenges, he now shares lessons from his journey, shaped by mentors, coaches, and his own successes. A certified co-active coach (CPCC), co-author of "Lead from Your Heart" (2020), and currently pursuing further certifications, Matthew empowers leaders at all levels to embrace their potential.

In this episode Wendi and Matthew discuss:

• Overcoming ego-driven leadership failures through humility and vulnerability
• Empowering teams through inclusive, collaborative leadership
• Challenges of budget cuts in employee training and development
• Building trust and reducing turnover through coaching
• Fostering employee well-being with humane leadership

Key Takeaways:

• Effective leadership stems from embracing humility, vulnerability, and curiosity, fostering a mindset focused on personal growth and inclusivity rather than positional authority.
• Leadership thrives on a collaborative approach, where open dialogue, shared vision, and diverse perspectives empower team members and promote innovation.
• Humane, relationship-based leadership generates extraordinary results by fostering employee well-being across mental, physical, spiritual, and financial dimensions.
• Skillfully embracing conflict in a truthful way builds trust, improves relationships, and accelerates both personal and organizational success.
• Stepping out of comfort zones, seeking mentorship, and committing to authentic conversations help leaders and teams grow both personally and professionally.

“What’s led me to this is I’m passionate about people thriving mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially. And I believe, and it’s proven, there’s so much proof out there that when you do it in a humane, relational way, you generate extraordinary results. Actually, extraordinary results. Five-star. And when you do it the other way, you still might get profit. But boy, is that a costly way. That’s a really costly way to do it. The fighting way or the loving way.” 

- Matthew Gould

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rJUKynEUbw

Connect with Matthew Gould:

Website: https://www.moreco.ca/ 

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

Email: matt@moreco.ca 

Phone: 604.328.8500

More Co Resources: https://www.moreco.ca/resources 

Matthew’s BOOK: https://www.amazon.ca/Lead-Your-Heart-Relationship-based-Leadership/dp/1777103606/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1687893058&sr=1-1 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Mark Ryski is the Founder and CEO of HeadCount, a pioneering company in store traffic and conversion analytics since 1994. He is the author of two influential books on the subject: When Retail Customers Count, the first written on the topic, and CONVERSION: The Last Great Retail Metric, which has become the industry’s definitive guide. As the leading expert in the field, Mark’s insights have been featured in Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Retail Dive, Chain Store Age, Retail Insider, CBC, and The Globe & Mail. He is also a featured BrainTrust contributor on RetailWire – retailing’s premier online discussion forum. Today, HeadCount operates in 24 countries, helping retailers improve their in-store conversion rates and extract valuable business insights from traffic data. His vision is to enhance retail performance for shareholders, employees, and shoppers, establishing him as one of the most recognized experts in retail traffic.

In this episode, Wendi and Mark discuss:

• Improving retail performance through traffic and conversion data
• Aligning staffing with traffic patterns for operational efficiency
• Revolutionizing retail with AI-driven SKU-level conversion analysis
• Importance of staff engagement in boosting conversion rates
• The pandemic's impact on store traffic and potential for conversion improvements

Key Takeaways:

• A major focus is placed on aligning staffing schedules with traffic patterns, emphasizing that retailers often overlook crucial insights from traffic counters.
• Prioritizing insights over raw data reveals the importance of empowering frontline staff with actionable information, driving culture change beyond mere technology upgrades.
• AI's role in revolutionizing retail shines through its ability to provide SKU-level conversion analysis, optimizing localized assortments and operational decisions.
• Despite pandemic challenges, store traffic has rebounded, highlighting the potential to improve profitability by just a 1% increase in conversion rates.
• The conversation shifts to emphasize optimizing conversion from existing visitors as a more effective strategy than simply driving more traffic.

“We want to create a wonderful, personalized shopping experience and remove all barriers and friction points within the store. What many fail to appreciate is that conversion rates can show you, right down to the hour—literally the hour of the day—when these things are occurring. If you know what time of day and exactly where they're happening, you're in a position to do something about it: improve those friction points, minimize them, and boost conversion rates.” 

- Mark Ryski

Connect with Mark Ryski:

Website: https://headcount.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-ryski-8826601/ 

Email: mark.ryski@headcount.com 

Mark’s BOOKS: https://www.amazon.com/When-Retail-Customers-Count-Ryski/dp/1420824759 

https://www.amazon.com/Conversion-Last-Great-Retail-Metric/dp/1463414226 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Jeff Lawrence is a seasoned theologian and apologist with over 30 years of church ministry experience, having served as both a Worship Pastor and Executive Pastor. He has been part of leadership teams for national organizations and served on the board of the National Embryo Donation Center. Currently, Jeff is the Director of Spiritual Development at Foundation Academy, where he is dedicated to training and equipping the next generation to thrive in a postmodern culture. With a solid academic background, Jeff fosters new conversations in Christian schools, universities, and churches, challenging the present and paving a new pathway forward. He believes it's time to reckon with the past and gently call believers back to the foundations of their faith.

In this episode, Wendi and Jeff discuss:

• Belief vs. reality: physical and moral laws governing existence
• Leadership’s role in DEI&A and the evolution of DEI concepts
• Examining DEI theory roots, merit vs. diversity quotas, and organizational impact
• Achieving unity through a Creator-centered worldview and genuine empathy
• Cultivating authentic belonging through servant leadership and intentional care

Key Takeaways:

• Belief alone cannot alter reality; physical and moral laws shape existence beyond individual convictions, presenting a foundation for grounded decision-making.
• DEI theories grounded in Marxist principles attempt to address power disparities with representation quotas, yet they often lack consistency and realistic application across diverse settings.
• Hiring based on quotas rather than merit risks fostering resentment, diminishing talent, and harming organizational performance, underlining the need for merit-based advancement.
• True inclusion is achieved through authentic empathy and care, seeing individuals as complete human beings beyond mere professional roles, which naturally builds belonging.
• Leaders can foster a unified and compassionate culture by valuing contributions at all levels, demonstrating humility, and using resources to support meaningful, community-focused initiatives.

“The thing about truth is, it doesn't require your belief in order to be true. Truth sits by itself. You can believe whatever you want, but you will still be governed by truth. So, we will still be governed by God's laws.”  - Jeff Lawrence

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P0a3YMx5QiY?si=wqLAIwNFMfXwb9yd

Connect with Jeff Lawrence:

Website: https://jeffglawrence.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.lawrence.98/ 

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

Email: jeff@jeffglawrence.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Peter Smith has been in the jewelry business for four decades. He is the former president of Hearts on Fire, Memoire, and Vibhor. He is the author of several well-known books on selling and hiring, including “Hiring Squirrels: 12 Essential Questions to Uncover Great Retail Sales Talent”, “Sell Something: Principles and Perspectives for Engaged Retail Salespeople”, and “The Sales Minute: 101 Tips for Retail Salespeople”. Peter is a columnist for National Jeweler and The Jewelry Book, where he writes about retail branding, sales, and hiring.

In this episode, Wendi and Peter discuss:

• Peter's unexpected entry into sales and passion for continuous improvement
• Differentiating skills of top retail sales professionals and evolving retail landscape
• Role of consumer psychology and sensory experiences in enhancing customer engagement
• Impact of choice limitation on simplifying decision-making for customers
• Importance of human interaction, empathy, and continuous learning in retail sales success

Key Takeaways:

• Retail sales require a deep understanding of nuanced skills to distinguish top performers and create successful careers in the industry.
• The retail landscape is evolving with the rise of online retailers opening physical stores, making it crucial to adapt to new consumer behavior.
• Sensory experiences such as lighting, scent, and music play a vital role in emotionally engaging customers and enhancing their interaction with the store.
• Simplifying decision-making by limiting choices helps customers feel less overwhelmed, allowing them to make more confident purchases.
• Empathy and human connection are key elements in modern retail sales, with the in-store focus shifting toward engaging, relationship-based interactions rather than pure product knowledge.

“More product knowledge won't move people, but more people knowledge will move more product.” - Peter Smith

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5U3LImH2QU

Connect with Peter Smith:

Website: https://www.theretailsmiths.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-smith-20a77a33/ 

Peter’s BOOK: 

Hiring Squirrels: https://www.amazon.com/Hiring-Squirrels-Essential-Interview-Questions/dp/1500269271 

Sell Something: https://www.amazon.com/Sell-Something-Principles-Perspectives-Salespeople/dp/1537628569 

The Sales Minute https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Minute-Tips-Retail-Salespeople/dp/1647195756 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

References:

• Mindfulness - Ellen Langer https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-25th-anniversary-Merloyd-Lawrence/dp/0738217999 
• The Art of Choosing - Iyengar https://www.amazon.com/The-Art-of-Choosing-audiobook/dp/B003D7S8W4 
• Influence - Cialdini https://www.amazon.com/Influence-New-Expanded-Psychology-Persuasion/dp/B08RLT11Q3 
• You Have More Influence Than You Think - Bohns https://www.amazon.com/Have-More-Influence-Than-Think/dp/B097J348F6 
• Using Behavioral Science in Marketing - Harhut https://www.amazon.com/Using-Behavioral-Science-Marketing-Instinctive/dp/1398606480 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.