Live Like a Leader with John Bates

From Near-Death, Extreme Sport, and Bullying to Building Character in 10,000 Children a Week with Sebastian Bates

Wed, 1 Apr 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Today I sit down with my dear friend Sebastian Bates. Seb and I first met when he was a client of mine, and from the beginning, I was deeply impressed by him—by his drive, his heart, his courage, and the sheer scale of what he is building in the world. He is one of those rare people who combine intensity with purpose, and ambition with service. I respect him tremendously.

In this conversation, Seb shares the extraordinary story of a wingsuit BASE jumping accident in the Dolomites that nearly killed him and left doctors telling him he would never walk again. He takes us inside the physical agony, the long rehabilitation, the identity shift, and the fierce defiance that helped him come back from one of the lowest points of his life.

From there, we go back into his childhood, including years of bullying and the role martial arts played in helping him develop the confidence, discipline, and character to stand up for himself. That early pain became part of the seed for what would later become Warrior Academy—now the largest martial arts academy in the Middle East, serving more than 10,000 children every week.

We also talk about fatherhood, purpose, and the moment Seb realized he could no longer live only for adrenaline and adventure. After becoming a dad, he redirected that same intensity into business, leadership, and service. Out of that journey came not only Warrior Academy, but also the Bates Foundation, which now serves thousands of vulnerable and at-risk children each week in some of the toughest environments on earth.

One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is Seb’s conviction that everything is downstream from character. If you can help a child build confidence, emotional intelligence, resilience, focus, and self-respect, you can help change the decisions they make—and in many cases, change the course of their lives. That philosophy is now reaching children in slums and deeply impoverished communities, where the Bates Foundation is combining martial arts, mentoring, nourishment, and hope in ways that are deeply moving and profoundly practical.

We also spend time talking about communication and storytelling—how Seb refined his message, what happens when a great story is truly shaped to land with an audience, and why the smallest details in delivery can create a nonlinear leap in impact. That part of the conversation meant a lot to me personally.

Most of all, this episode is about what can happen when pain becomes purpose, when adventure becomes service, and when leadership becomes something much bigger than personal success.

Key Takeaways

A near-fatal accident can become a turning point rather than an ending.
Character development shapes decisions, and decisions shape lives.
Martial arts can become a vehicle for confidence, self-respect, emotional regulation, and leadership in children.
Bullying often cannot be solved for a child; they need support, tools, and character to overcome it themselves.
Fatherhood changed Seb’s relationship to risk and redirected his life toward service.
The Bates Foundation is built around a powerful idea: help children build character, belonging, and hope—and you help change their future.
Great storytelling is not just about having lived through something extraordinary; it is about learning how to bring others into the moment so the story serves them too.
Small refinements in communication can create a dramatic increase in impact.

Addressing Relevant Issue

This conversation touches on several issues that matter deeply right now: childhood bullying, mentorship, ADHD and identity, emotional resilience, absent support systems, fatherhood, vulnerable youth, and the importance of building strong inner character in a world that often fails children who need support most. It also speaks to a bigger leadership question: how do we turn our pain, our setbacks, and our gifts into something that serves others?

Why This Episode Matters

I really, really like Seb, and that comes through here. He has become a dear friend, and I support his mission tremendously. What he is doing through Warrior Academy and the Bates Foundation is not theoretical. It is practical, courageous, compassionate work that is changing real lives. If this episode moves you, I hope you’ll do more than listen. I hope you’ll check out the Foundation and consider contributing to the work.

Next Steps

Learn more about Sebastian Bates, Warrior Academy, and especially The Bates Foundation.

And if you’re in a position to support meaningful work in the world, I encourage you to take a serious look at what Seb and his team are doing.

Connect with Seb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-bates-4b70412b/

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

Warrior Academy: warrioracademy.ae

Visit livelikealeader.show for more episodes and resources.

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John Bates provides 1:1 Executive Communications Coaching, both in-person and online. He also gets 92+ Net Promoter Scores for his large and small group leadership development trainings at organizations like Johnson & Johnson, NASA, Google, Intuit, Boston Scientific, and many more. Find more at https://executivespeakingsuccess.com.

Sign up for his weekly micro-trainings for free at https://johnbates.com/mini-trainings and create a great leadership communications habit that makes you the kind of leader who inspires trust, loyalty, and connection.

Leadership Under Pressure: What Cybersecurity Experts Can Teach Us About Trust, Systems, and AI with Jay Korpi and Jeremy Dodson

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Today I sit down with cybersecurity experts Jay Korpi and Jeremy Dodson, two men I genuinely respect and really enjoy talking with. Jeremy and Jay came through Media Mastery Experts, and I think they are total salt-of-the-earth great guys. They also happen to be unusually deep thinkers with backgrounds in cybersecurity, attack emulation, AI, consulting, and systems design, so this conversation goes far beyond tech. What really stands out to me is that, underneath all the jargon and complexity, this episode is about leadership, trust, judgment, and responsibility.

We begin with the world they know best: risk. Jay and Jeremy explain that although many people think they are simply cybersecurity consultants, the deeper truth is that they are really helping organizations understand business risk. That distinction matters. They are not just asking whether a company can pass a test or satisfy an insurance requirement. They are asking what risk a company is accepting, whether that risk is intentional, and whether leadership has built the right policies, defaults, and guardrails to support people when pressure hits. One of the most powerful ideas in this conversation is Jeremy’s point that under pressure, people do not rise to their intentions. They fall to their defaults. That is a profound leadership insight, and it applies far beyond security.

From there, the conversation opens into one of the biggest issues leaders are wrestling with right now: AI. Jay and Jeremy are not anti-AI, not even close. They are building with it. But they are deeply clear-eyed about the danger of using it lazily. We talk about how AI can create an “easy button” mentality, how it can blur credibility when leaders stop thinking for themselves, and why the real job is not to let AI do your thinking but to let it sharpen the thinking you are already doing. I was especially struck by Jeremy’s framing that AI should amplify rigor, curiosity, and expertise, not overwrite them. In other words, if you are thoughtful, it can make you better. If you are sloppy, it can make you sloppier at scale.

We also talk about the future they see coming: more niche, purpose-built AI tools, and a growing need to make team knowledge more usable across an organization. Jeremy describes a problem many leaders already feel without having language for it: people across a company are building valuable context inside separate AI conversations, but that knowledge often stays fragmented. Their work points toward a future where better systems can help organizations preserve decision-making context, reduce duplicated effort, and bring people into the loop faster and more intelligently. That part of the episode is especially relevant for founders, executives, and anyone trying to help a team move with more speed and less confusion.

Then the conversation gets even more interesting, because Jay and Jeremy bring all of this back to something very human. They share stories from attack work and real-world breaches, including one wild story about trying to access the literal “keys to the kingdom” in a municipality. It is fascinating on the surface, but the deeper lesson is not about movie-style hacking. It is about how ordinary blind spots, unclear access policies, and human behavior create vulnerabilities. Again and again, the issue is not magic. It is systems, habits, assumptions, and culture.

What really lands for me, though, is where we end. Jay makes the case that leadership communication cannot just be top-down. It has to come from the bottom up too. Leaders have to make it safe for people to tell the truth, safe for people to admit mistakes, and safe for people closest to the work to surface the real problems. He talks about being out on the floor, listening to the people with boots on the ground, asking what is getting in their way, and then removing those obstacles so they can do their jobs. That, to me, is real leadership. Not control for its own sake. Not authority for ego’s sake. Service. Clarity. Trust. And the humility to build systems that help people do the right thing when things get hard.

This is a conversation about cybersecurity and AI on the surface. But underneath, it is a conversation about character, leadership under pressure, how culture is built, and why judgment still matters more than tools. That is why I think this one is worth your time.

Key Takeaways

Leadership is not just about setting intentions. It is about creating defaults and guardrails that still hold when people are under pressure.
Cybersecurity is not merely a technical issue. It is a business risk issue that includes systems, people, policies, and culture.
AI should refine and amplify human judgment, not replace it. Used carelessly, it can scale bad thinking just as fast as good thinking.
Leaders can damage their own organizations when they hold on to unnecessary access in the name of control. Ownership does not automatically mean you should have admin rights to everything.
One of the most overlooked risks in organizations is internal movement. People often accumulate access over time and keep permissions they no longer need.
The most resilient cultures are the ones where employees feel safe admitting mistakes quickly, so the team can respond and fix the problem.
Bottom-up communication matters. Leaders need to hear from the people closest to the work, not just the people highest in the org chart.
Small and mid-sized companies cannot afford to treat risk casually. For them, wise risk decisions can become a real competitive differentiator.
The future of AI is likely to reward specific, purpose-built use cases and better knowledge-sharing across teams, not just bigger generic tools.

Addressing Relevant Issues

This episode touches a nerve that a lot of leaders are feeling right now. We are living in a moment where AI is accelerating decision-making, cybersecurity threats are growing more sophisticated, and many organizations are still operating with outdated assumptions about trust, access, and authority. But beyond the technology, this conversation is really about leadership maturity.

We talk about control, ego, communication, organizational culture, and what happens when people are afraid to speak up. We talk about service-minded leadership, the discipline of listening, and the responsibility leaders have to create systems that support good judgment instead of assuming good intentions are enough. That matters right now in business, in culture, and in every organization trying to move fast without breaking trust.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode matters to me because Jay and Jeremy are the kind of guys I want more of in the conversation. They are smart, experienced, technically serious, and at the same time deeply grounded. They are not performing expertise. They have earned it. And what I appreciate is that they do not stop at the technical layer. They keep bringing it back to people, culture, responsibility, and leadership.

I also think this conversation matters because a lot of leaders are being tempted right now by speed, convenience, and the illusion of control. Jay and Jeremy remind us that tools do not remove the need for judgment. In many ways, they make that need even greater. And if their work resonates with you, I’d encourage you to learn more about what they’re building, because they are thinking about some very real problems in a very thoughtful way.

Resources Mentioned

Piqued Solutions — https://piqued.solutions/

Jay Korpi on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaykorpi/

Jeremy Dodson on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydodson332/

Jay and Jeremy’s work around access, onboarding, offboarding, and leadership-aligned system defaults — https://provisionr.io/

Connect & Subscribe

If this conversation gave you something to think about, subscribe to the show, leave a review, and share this episode with a leader, founder, or team member who cares about building trust, making better decisions, and leading well under pressure.

Next Steps

Take a look at Jay and Jeremy’s work at Piqued Solutions and Provisionr.io. Connect with them on LinkedIn, and think honestly about this question inside your own organization: where are we relying on good intentions when we should be building better defaults, better communication, and better trust?

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SHIFT: A Transformational Journey from Playing Small to Unapologetically Thriving with Dr. Nicole Butts

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Today I sit down with Dr. Nicole Butts, best-selling and award-winning author, speaker, and organizational culture strategist and expert, whose new book is SHIFT: A Transformational Journey from Playing Small to Unapologetically Thriving.

This conversation is a masterclass in what happens when high-achieving leaders (especially women) finally stop outsourcing their worth to other people’s approval—and start leading from alignment.

Nicole opens up about something almost every great leader experiences, but few say out loud: that moment right before a big opportunity where the old story shows up—I’m not worthy. I don’t belong here. She literally started drafting me an email to back out… and then caught herself in the act. That “shrinkage story” (her words) became the doorway into the deeper work—and the reason she wrote SHIFT.

We go into:

why powerful women still play small in male-dominated systems (and how it shows up in everyday language),
how “worker bee syndrome” keeps people doing everything… except being seen as a leader,
and Nicole’s core equation for transformation: consciousness + courage = transformation.

If you’ve ever felt like your work should “speak for itself,” this episode will challenge you—in the best way.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

1) The real reason accomplished women still shrink

Nicole breaks it down into three forces:

Cultural conditioning: being taught to be “likable,” defer, and not take up space—showing up as hedging language like “I’m not really sure, but…”
Structural dynamics: being outnumbered (especially for women of color), which changes how safe it feels to be visible.
Internalized stories: “If I just do a really good job and keep my head down, they’ll notice.” Nicole is clear: that’s not reliably true.

2) “Worker bee syndrome” and the promotion you never get

I share a pattern I see constantly: the whole department rides on someone’s back… and then they’re shocked when they’re passed up.

Why? Because leadership isn’t only output—leadership is visibility, positioning, and presence.

I call it “leadership me time”—stepping back from nonstop doing so people can actually see you leading. Nicole agrees and names it “reactive doing”—being busy, carrying everything, but not intentionally showing up as the leader.

And then she drops a line I want you to remember: “By design, the work isn’t the leader. You are the leader.”

3) The SHIFT framework: a roadmap out of “playing small”

Nicole shares the backbone of her book as an acronym:

S — Set your North Star

H — Here

I — Illustrate your path forward

F — Forge ahead

T — Thrive

And she didn’t just write a roadmap—she made it real. After each step, she includes a section called “Follow My Journey” where she shows how she personally moved through that step.

4) The inner equation for leadership: consciousness + courage

Nicole explains why transformation requires two things:

Consciousness (awareness): noticing the old pattern in real time so you can interrupt it.
Courage: taking aligned action even with fear present—like deleting the email draft and saying yes to the opportunity instead.

Her distinction is sharp: Awareness sets the course. Courage fuels the journey.

Try This After You Listen (Practical Actions)

Audit your language for “softeners.” If you regularly start with “I’m not sure, but…” practice leading with the point first.
Schedule “leadership me time." Block time weekly to think, plan, mentor, and communicate—not just execute—so you’re seen leading, not only producing.
Name your shrinkage story. When it shows up, don’t argue with it—notice it. That awareness creates choice.
Choose one aligned action you’ll take while still nervous. That’s courage—aligned action in the presence of fear.

Resources + Links

Dr. Nicole Butts (website + books): NicoleButts.com

Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn

Book: SHIFT: A Transformational Journey from Playing Small to Unapologetically Thriving

About Dr. Nicole Butts

Dr. Nicole Butts is a best-selling and award-winning author, speaker, and organizational culture strategist who helps individuals and institutions unlock transformation.

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating, write a few kind words about the show and our guest, and share it with someone who’s ready to stop shrinking and start leading.

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Potential, Passion, Purpose: Flipping the Switch with Joel Steele

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Today I'm joined by Joel Steele, co-founder of Steele Financial Solutions and author of the powerful new book Life Switch. Joel’s journey from owning a failed healthy fast food restaurant to building a multi-million-dollar financial firm is inspiring, vulnerable, and packed with leadership gold.

We dive into how devastating failures can unlock hidden potential and why Joel refused to declare bankruptcy, even when he was drowning in nearly $500,000 in debt at just 24 years old. He shares the exact mindset shift that reignited his fire—and the three “P”s that form the backbone of his book: Potential, Passion, and Purpose.

This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, wondered if they’re enough, or questioned whether their dreams are still possible. Joel is proof that when you flip the switch inside, everything outside begins to change.

In this conversation, Joel and I explore:

The story behind Thinkers Grill, Joel’s awesome, yet failed business, and what it taught him about grit and growth
How a single decision helped him wipe out massive debt in under two years
The million-dollar mission tied to his book sales, and why he’s aching to write a very big check to charity.
How to balance success and fulfillment in today’s high-pressure world
Why helping others is Joel’s oxygen, and how you can find your own purpose

Whether you’re leading a team, building your brand, or climbing back from a setback, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and real leadership. Find Joel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-steele-9685888/

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Joel Steele is an entrepreneur, financial expert, and co-founder/owner of a successful financial firm. He has over 22 years of experience helping people build wealth, along with peace of mind. He’s passionate about enhancing health and wealth, the business of sports, and building meaningful relationships, starting at home with family.

Steele’s journey — from massive setbacks to personal reinvention and professional success — fuels his mission to inspire others to win in all aspects of life. He is part of the ownership group of two professional sports teams (NBA G-League and USL Championship League), and has inspired thousands nationwide to achieve personal and professional growth.

Joel is a former certified personal trainer and created a small chain of healthy fast-food restaurants in the early 2000s. Find his book Life Switch here: https://bookjoelsteele.com/book/

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How Real Experts Become Recognized (and Paid) Without Selling Their Soul with Freddie Pullen

Thu, 5 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Today I sit down with Freddie Pullen—founder of The Healthy Entrepreneur Podcast and the founder of Recognized (recognized.global)—and we go straight at a problem I care about deeply: There are too many truly capable experts who stay invisible… while louder, less-qualified voices dominate the conversation.

Freddie helps experts become recognized for the value they already have—and then monetize that attention in a way that actually feels aligned. We talk about the practical strategies (podcast guesting, LinkedIn, positioning), but we also go deeper into the psychology: what it really takes to earn credibility, build trust, and show up with authority without playing the “look at me” game.

We also start the conversation by honoring the work of Sebastian Bates and the Bates Foundation—because leadership isn’t theory when you’re feeding kids and building character in the toughest environments on Earth. Freddie has been a trustee since the foundation began, and he shares what it was like to see the impact firsthand.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why Freddie hates the word “expert”… and the standard most people are skipping.
The “puddles → lakes → oceans” model for positioning yourself so the market can actually place you.
Why podcast guesting + LinkedIn is still the highest-leverage authority play for most founders and consultants.
Freddie’s take on platform ROI: why Meta is “cheap,” why YouTube is powerful but expensive to do well, and what ad pricing signals about authority.
Why storytelling is still the #1 leadership tool (and why our brains are built for it).
My favorite practical exercise for influence: the “10-one-thousand pause”—and why silence makes people tell you what they weren’t going to tell you.
A real-world reminder: if you’ve earned expertise and you’re staying quiet, you may be depriving the world of what it needs from you.

Ideas Worth Stealing (and Using This Week)

Fix your positioning before you fix your content. Most people try to post more, podcast more, “be everywhere”… while the market still can’t answer: what exactly do you do, for whom, and why you? Freddie’s puddles→lakes→oceans model is a clean way to build authority without diluting it.
If you want authority, use authority platforms. Freddie’s argument is simple: for most founders/experts, podcast guesting + LinkedIn is still the highest ROI move because trust is already built into the medium.
Silence isn’t awkward—silence is leverage. Try the “10-one-thousand” pause in one conversation this week. Don’t weaponize it—just watch what happens when you stop filling space. People often reveal what matters most when you let the moment breathe.

Resources Mentioned

Freddie Pullen — Recognized: recognized.global
The Healthy Entrepreneur Podcast (Freddie’s show) Listen on Spotify or Watch on YouTube
Connect with Freddie on LinkedIn

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Freddie has worked with 200+ founders to build demand, waiting lists, and revenue directly through LinkedIn.

Along the way, one thing became impossible to ignore... All buyers do this one thing before they buy:

They educate themselves with content.
They want to recognize you first.
They discover you through a LinkedIn post.
Then consume your POV through longer form content.
Then decide whether you’re the person they trust.

That’s how modern B2B buying actually works.

But this didn’t come from theory.

After leaving his role as Head of Product at the world’s largest media company serving 500M monthly users and generating $300k per day, Freddie built two 6-figure businesses in 8 months and helped 200+ founders do the same. The results:

Multi six-figure profit in 8 months
Podcast launched to #1 in 9 countries on day one
$100k+ per year generated from the podcast alone
Built a $3BN+ network starting with under 10k followers
50+ qualified HOT leads every month, predictably

Which is why the goal of content is to be obvious.

Freddie helps clients position themselves as the authority people already trust before they ever speak to them.

Today, AI is accelerating this, but only if it’s trained on the right positioning. Freddie and his team use AI to:

Encode your POV
Multiply what already works
Turn LinkedIn posts into sales assets

You need a new ocean on LinkedIn - where you’re undeniable to your ideal clients.

That’s why Freddie and his team built a positioning first, AI powered approach to LinkedIn.

https://freddiepullen.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddie-pullen/

https://www.instagram.com/freddiepullen

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Building the Long Game — From Pandemic Food Relief to NomadAI + “Universe” (LinkedIn for Gen Z) with Camden Francis

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Today I sit down with Camden Francis—a 21-year-old founder in the Boston area who’s already lived a few lifetimes worth of leadership reps.

We talk about the real story behind the highlight reel: how Camden co-founded a pandemic-era food distribution charity that moved $100,000 worth of food and resources, how that experience became a launchpad into the startup world, and why his newest projects—NomadAI (AI-assisted travel planning) and Universe (a career/network platform “for Gen Z,” currently under wraps)—are rooted in something deeper than ambition: service, meaning, and the long game.

A big thread in this conversation is something I care about a lot: your origin story—not as marketing, but as emotional credibility. Who you are. What shaped you. What you’ve survived. What you’re here to build—and why people should trust you enough to follow.

In this episode, Camden and I cover:

Starting early: Camden’s “self-starter” drive—and the mentors who helped him learn fast (including Kathleen Walsh, President/CEO of the Metro North YMCA).
Beyond the Crisis: how watching families in the Boston area wait in long lines for food during COVID sparked an “Uber Eats-style” nonprofit distribution model—and how they partnered with Catholic Charities of Boston.
Momentum and credibility: how the charity’s visibility led to major exposure and new relationships (including appearances on CBS, Bloomberg, PBS, the Drew Barrymore Show, and even White House conferences).
NomadAI: why Camden believes travel is a perfect industry for AI disruption—and how NomadAI aims to build itineraries and handle planning like a “24/7 assistant in your back pocket.”
Meridian Capital Partners: a founder-focused “hub” that invests very early stage in college founders—especially people who don’t have the usual resume or network.
The hard parts: being misunderstood in a high-pressure prep school environment, dealing with racism, isolation, and having to finish part of high school online.
The turning point: Universe taking three years to get funded, losing an early investor, and Camden’s “dark night of the soul” moment—where he had to stop chasing comparison and decide what he’s actually committed to.
The mission behind Universe: Camden’s focus on helping Gen Z navigate a brutal job/internship market—and building something that serves them in a way he feels LinkedIn doesn’t.

A few lines worth remembering

Camden on mission: “I’m really committed to making a difference and solving problems and connecting people.”
Camden on perseverance: after setbacks and many calls, they found an accredited investor who put six figures in because he saw the MVP—and the dream.
Camden to Gen Z builders: if you’re in a tough season, keep going—try new things—persevere.

Links / Resources Mentioned

NomadAI: NomadAI.io
Universe (waitlist): UniverseApp.com

About Camden Francis (from this episode)

Camden Francis is a Gen Z founder based in the Boston area. He co-founded:

Beyond the Crisis, a COVID-era food distribution charity that moved ~$100,000 in food/resources with partners like Catholic Charities of Boston
NomadAI, an AI-assisted travel planning and itinerary platform
He’s also building Universe, a career/network platform aimed at helping Gen Z navigate internships and jobs.

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Camden Francis, a dynamic 21-year-old currently pursuing a degree in Finance and Business Management, seamlessly blends academic prowess with an entrepreneurial spirit. Beyond the confines of his desk, Camden revels in the exhilaration of sports, cherishes quality moments with family and friends, and takes leisurely strolls with his beloved Goldendoodle, Brooks. His summers are often punctuated with escapes to Cape Cod, where he finds solace and inspiration.

At the core of Camden's ethos is his commitment to making a positive impact. In 2020, he founded Beyond the Crisis, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community. Under his leadership, the organization diligently distributes food and resources to housing communities and homeless shelters. Camden's visionary approach extends to the research team at Beyond the Crisis, which collaborates with major organizations to strategically combat food insecurity and enhance nutritional health at a national level.

Not content with just one venture, Camden is also the visionary force behind "Univerze," a tech company that has birthed a professional networking mobile application. His multifaceted abilities extend beyond the boardroom; Camden is a captivating public speaker, having appeared on renowned platforms such as the Drew Barrymore Show, CBS, PBS, Bloomberg, and NPR. His insights on entrepreneurship have been shared with a broader audience through various podcasts, while his recently published book further underscores his commitment to knowledge dissemination.

Looking ahead, Camden is set to expand his horizons. He envisions penning another influential book, venturing into real estate, and strategically growing his investment portfolio. For interviews or business inquiries, Camden Francis invites you to connect with him at info@camdenfrancis.com. Embrace the opportunity to engage with a young luminary whose charisma, innovation, and commitment to positive change define his journey.

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AI, White Space Strategy, and the Future of Business Growth with Ryan Edwards

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Ryan Edwards, John Bates) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Some conversations arrive exactly when they’re needed.

This is one of them.

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Edwards, my friend and the co-founder of Camino5, for a conversation that’s been years in the making. Ryan and I first met at one of my live events in Los Angeles, and ever since, he’s been one of those people who quietly shifts how I see the business landscape. He has a rare vantage point: deep experience working with startups, global brands, and billion-dollar companies, and the pattern recognition that comes with it.

Ryan’s work centers on white space strategy... finding the overlooked opportunities where real growth lives, and there couldn’t be a more relevant moment for this conversation. The pace of change has accelerated dramatically, especially with the rise of AI, and many leaders are trying to move faster without losing control.

This episode exists because the rules of business strategy have changed faster in the last year than they did in the previous decade. And most leaders haven’t recalibrated yet.

What we explore here isn’t fear-based. It’s grounded, optimistic, and practical.

Three Operating Principles from This Conversation

1. White space is now dynamic, not static

White space used to be analyzed every 18 months. Today, Ryan is seeing strategy cycles compress to quarterly—or even monthly—reviews. Not because leaders love churn, but because technology and culture are moving too fast for set-and-forget thinking.

White space isn’t always a massive blue ocean. More often, it’s a small, highly specific intersection of your value proposition, your customer’s real needs, and what you can actually execute well, right now.

2. AI works best when it supports judgment — not when it replaces it

Ryan offers one of the clearest, most useful frames I’ve heard for AI and small business:

Don’t ask AI for big, sweeping answers.

Ask it a series of small questions you can common-sense check, and let those answers ladder up.

This takes longer. It requires thinking. And it keeps humans in the loop.

That matters because for a small business, one AI mistake isn’t annoying; it’s expensive. One missed email, one misrouted opportunity, one wrong automation can cost real money.

Interestingly, Ryan is also seeing large corporations pull back from “AI everywhere” toward controlled automation and fixed workflows. The lesson? We’re not at the point where we can responsibly turn everything over, and pretending we are is risky.

3. Community is now a strategic advantage

Ryan makes a compelling case that small business owners should be in their local business community at least once every two weeks, not to network performatively, but to gut-check reality, compare notes, and stay human.

Some of the most valuable insights right now are coming from people with just a few years of experience, because they’re in it, learning fast, and willing to share what’s actually working.

You never stop learning. And you don’t need decades of experience to contribute. You just need a clear point of view and an open mind.

The Bigger Picture

Despite uncertainty, Ryan is seeing more optimism in business than he has in years. Not blind optimism, earned optimism.

As he puts it, we have more control than we realized last year. But control only matters if we use it.

This is a conversation about:

Staying human in an increasingly automated world
Using powerful tools wisely instead of stupidly
Showing up—locally, imperfectly, consistently—for the world we want to create

We’re the ones we’ve been waiting for.

Connect with Ryan Edwards

Camino Five: camino5.com
Ryan Edwards on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryanedwards

Connect with John Bates

This episode makes no difference without you. If you enjoyed the show, please leave a five-star rating and share it with someone who’s navigating leadership, strategy, or AI right now. That’s how we learn from — and support — each other on the journey. Thank you!

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Ryan Edwards is the co-founder of Camino5, a strategy consultancy built on a simple belief: insights create strategy and strategy creates growth.

With more than 15 years of experience across digital, brand, and customer experience, Ryan’s career began in web design and programming before evolving into creative and CX leadership roles. Over the last decade, his work has focused on understanding how people actually engage with brands across platforms, moments, and decisions, turning that understanding into strategies that move businesses forward.

At Camino5, Ryan leads work through Paired Perspective™, the firm’s approach to connecting customer behavior across a fragmented landscape. The goal isn’t channel optimization in isolation, but strategic clarity that enables speed, alignment, and action.

Ryan has partnered with global brands including Disney, P&G, NBCUniversal, Unilever, Chase, Nike, and Kaiser Permanente, as well as high-growth startups and emerging category leaders. His work has supported multiple unicorns, driven category-defining launches, and contributed to research that led to $20M-per-month business turnarounds.

Ryan works with companies that believe strategy should create momentum and that growth starts with seeing the customer clearly.

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Leadership in the Age of AI with Pete Sacco

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Pete Sacco, John Bates) — Thu, 5 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Today I sit down with Pete Sacco—entrepreneur, technologist, “modern-day mystic,” and a 30-year veteran of designing, building, and operating serious data centers. Pete is also the founder of Gray Wolf Data Centers, and he has a front-row seat to what AI is about to demand from our infrastructure—and from us as leaders.

What I loved about this conversation is the range: we go from the brutally practical realities of leadership (cash flow, culture, motivating people) to the big human questions AI forces into the open: Who are we when our “work” no longer defines our value? And how do we stay grounded, connected, and useful in the middle of a technological hockey stick?

In this episode, we covered:

1) Pete’s 4-part framework for modern leadership

Pete lays out what he sees as “endemic” to great leadership today:

Master cash flow (because nothing survives without it)
Know whether you’re a visionary or an integrator (and don’t pretend you’re both)
Be the master motivator (the era of fear-based leadership is over)
Own the culture (and use story as one of your most powerful tools to shape it)

2) Storytelling as culture-engineering

We dig into why stories are more than “nice to have.” Stories become the myths that create the mythology of a company—how values become behavior at scale. And if you want to influence culture, yesterday was easier than today.

3) The next AI infrastructure shift: from training to inferencing

Pete breaks down the difference between:

Training LLMs (building the model)
Inferencing (asking the model questions in real time—what most people experience as “prompting”)

Then he takes it further: the next wave isn’t human inferencing—it’s machine inferencing. Robots, cars, devices, sensors… constantly asking “what do I do next?” at massive scale.

4) Why “edge” data centers are coming back

Pete predicts we’ll move away from only massive, centralized “mega” campuses toward distributed, high-performance data centers near the edge—“in every town,” similar to telecom “points of presence” in the 1990s. That’s the strategic thesis behind Gray Wolf Data Centers.

5) The modern mystic: mind, body, and the inner game

Pete shares a candid chapter of his own life—anxiety, therapy, CBT, and a pivotal lesson: don’t make the events you can’t control your “problems.” He connects this to resilience through sleep, health practices, and the belief that we can reshape the mind through neuroplasticity—and even how he sees us as “quantum beings,” responsible for how we observe and choose our reality.

6) A hopeful thesis: “good AI” vs “bad AI” + post-scarcity

We touch the fear many people carry (yes, I mention growing up in the Terminator era), but Pete offers a provocative counter: the way we beat bad AI is with good AI—models designed around human flourishing and shared broadly as a public service. He believes we’re headed through disruption toward post-scarcity, and that our descendants will wonder why we didn’t support each other sooner.

7) The closing leadership message: “we are all one”

Pete’s final note is the one that matters most to me: we’re all connected—and we’re here for each other. In my book, that’s not just a spiritual idea; it’s a leadership standard.

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Resources Mentioned:

Pete’s company: Gray Wolf Data Centers

Pete’s book: Living in Bliss: Achieve a Balanced Existence of Body, Mind and Spirit

Pete’s site: PeteSacco.com (signed copies + meditation materials)

Dr. David Burns: The Feel Good Handbook

Dan Sullivan: Who Not How (and other referenced works)

Peter Diamandis: longevity reference

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If you want to apply this immediately:

Ask yourself: Am I the visionary or the integrator here? (And who do I need as my counterbalance?)
Choose one cultural value you care about—and tell a story that proves it.
If AI is making you anxious, zoom out: are you preparing for the training era, or the inferencing era?

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https://petesacco.com

Pete Sacco is a visionary entrepreneur, technologist, and modern-day mystic who blends conscious leadership with breakthrough innovation. As the founder of multiple ventures—including PTS Data Center Solutions, INTUVA, GRID7, InstaGuardIP, and Gray Wolf Data Centers—Pete has led transformative initiatives across AI, energy, blockchain, and digital infrastructure. His journey from electrical engineer to spiritual author and advisor reflects a rare fusion of high performance and inner awakening. Pete is the author of Living in Bliss: Achieve a Balanced Existence of Body, Mind, and Spirit, a guide for high achievers seeking fulfillment beyond success. A finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Pete holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and serves on the advisory board of its School of Computer Sciences and Engineering. Based in New Jersey, he helps purpose-driven professionals unlock clarity, vitality, and purpose—one system, one person, and one moment at a time.

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Executive Branding in the Age of AI: How to Build Trust (Without Selling Your Soul) with Jess Jensen

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Jess Jensen, John Bates) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Today I sit down with Jess Jensen, founder and CEO of Copilot Communications, where she helps executives build trust, credibility, and warmth online so they can open doors to clients, partners, and opportunity.

Jess has lived through the “birth, boom, and backlash” of social — from launching the first Adidas Facebook page in the early days of brand pages, to building global governance at Microsoft when every country team was spinning up pages with no consistency, to leading executive digital comms at Qualcomm after realizing that people connect with people, not brands.

We also go to the deeper place: the moment Jess found herself explaining her work to someone outside tech — and felt that pause, that sadness, that “do I need to apologize?” — because social media had become increasingly divisive and weaponized. From there, we turn toward what’s working now — especially LinkedIn as a platform for professional trust-building and thought leadership.

Key Takeaways from this Episode

Your digital presence is portable. You may not stay at one company for 30 years, but your platform goes with you — and it compounds over time.
Social is a “rented” platform (this is a brilliant point!). Think owned, earned, paid — and rented. Algorithms change, and you don’t control the land you’re building on.
Brands are losing lift; leaders are gaining it. At Qualcomm, Jess saw corporate campaigns decline while executive voices gained traction — because people want a human point of view.
LinkedIn is no longer just a resume. Jess shares why it’s become a writing platform and an editorial home for experts — not just job seekers.
Pick 3–4 narrative themes and repeat them. The strongest executive brands aren’t random — they’re built on an editorial strategy that consistently returns to a few clear territories.
Your voice matters (especially now). Many leaders think they have “nothing to say,” but your experience and point of view are valuable — and the world needs more constructive voices.

Addressing Relevant Issues

Algorithmic amplification and polarization: We discuss how feeds shifted away from chronological and toward “what keeps you engaged,” fueling echo chambers and intensity.
The ethical wake-up call of social media: Jess describes the internal pivot moment — realizing the space had become toxic in corners, and questioning how to use her skills more constructively.
Mental health and unintended consequences: I reference a stark data point Jess brings up — a 65% increase in the suicide rate for high school girls from 2010 to 2019 — and we talk about responsibility and systems.
AI and the rising importance of trust: In an AI-dominated age, credibility, warmth, and real human presence become competitive advantages, not “nice-to-haves.”

Next Steps

Get Jess’s free LinkedIn Audit: Jess offered to review both your profile and your editorial strategy and give actionable next steps. Mention you heard her on Live Like a Leader.
Define your 3–4 “narrative pillars.” Decide what you want to be known for — and build content around those themes consistently.
Publish what you already say internally. Turn your best internal leadership messages into public leadership content — and let it travel.

Learn more about Copilot Communications: https://copilotcommunications.com/

Connect with Jess Jensen on LinkedIn: https://us.linkedin.com/in/jessicakjensen

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Jess Jensen is the founder of Co-pilot Communications, a Portland-based advisory helping bold executives sound like themselves online—clear, confident, and human.

After 20 years inside Fortune 100 companies like Microsoft, Qualcomm, Nestlé, and Adidas, Jess left corporate life to help leaders stop playing small and start showing up online as their full selves—story-rich, imperfect, and unapologetically human.

Through sharp messaging, editorial strategy, and smart use of platforms like LinkedIn and podcasting, she helps clients build a digital presence that earns trust, inspires action, and sounds like them.

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Leadership and the Front Line Workforce: Lessons from the Targets of Change with Gilmore Crosby

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Gilmore Crosby, John Bates) — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Live Like a Leader, I sit down with organizational development expert Gil Crosby (https://www.crosbyod.com/) to explore timeless principles for change, leadership, and frontline empowerment. Learn why most “programs” fail, how to balance authority with freedom, and how leaders can unlock performance by listening to the people closest to the work.

Gil Crosby has been an Organization Development Professional since 1984. He applies the Social Science of Kurt Lewin to help organizations navigate change and improve performance, as the same principles apply in both business and society. He is also a Professor at the Leadership Institute of Seattle, and he has just published his 7th book, Leadership and the Front-Line Workforce, for anyone in an organization.

Here's what we get into:

Kurt Lewin’s social science—and why it still works

Gil explains Lewin’s core insight: when people who live with the problem talk it through together, design solutions that make sense to them, and test them, change actually sticks. Whether it’s improving productivity in a plant or reducing violence in a community, people implement what they help shape.

Why “forcing best practices” often fails

We talk about how organizations take something like Lean or the Toyota Production System and try to copy-paste it—usually by forcing compliance. Gil highlights what gets left out: at Toyota, when a worker stops the line, the supervisor’s first response is “Thank you.” That level of respect and engagement is the point—and when it’s missing, the system becomes just another top-down “program of the month.”

A perfect frontline story: the Channel Locks lesson

Gil tells an incredible example from a manufacturing plant: management tried to reduce theft by making workers check out channel locks (basic tools used constantly), which slowed production every time someone needed one. When we asked the obvious question—what does downtime cost compared to a $15 tool?—The plant manager immediately changed course: “Tomorrow, we’re putting channel locks everywhere.”

And the best part? Once workers saw leadership was actually listening, they didn’t steal them. Trust went up, friction went down, and productivity improved.

Empowerment isn’t “nice”—it’s operational

I share why bad customer service drives me crazy (including what I’ve seen in Slovakia), and the pattern underneath it: people on the front line aren’t empowered to make decisions. If the people closest to the work can’t act, everything bottlenecks—and leadership often doesn’t even know what’s broken.

Battlefield leadership and “commander’s intent.”

We connect this to military lessons: when leaders hoard information and control, people suffer. When teams understand the goal and the intent, they can make smarter decisions in real time. That’s true in combat, and it’s true in business.

Democracy vs. autocracy—at work and in society

Gil shares Lewin’s conclusion that hit me hard: every generation has to learn how to be effective democratic citizens, because democracy isn’t self-sustaining. The same is true inside organizations: if people aren’t taught how to think, participate, and take ownership, you’ll get passivity… or rebellion.

The leadership sweet spot: structure + freedom

One of my favorite parts: Gil breaks leadership down as a balance of structure and freedom.

People need clarity, information, accountability, and guidance.
They also need autonomy and space to think.

Too much control creates compliance-without-commitment. Too little structure turns into leaderless chaos.

Meetings, fear, and why delegation is so hard

We talk about why leaders struggle to delegate well: endless meetings, unclear authority structures, and fear—fear of upsetting someone, fear of saying no, fear of authority (often rooted way earlier than work). I share a line I coach leaders to use when they’re overloaded: “I’d be happy to do that. I’m maxed out—what would you like me to deprioritize so I can take this on?”

Gil’s low moment, and a leadership lesson

Gil opens up about the Great Recession: no safety net, consulting work dried up, and he drove a taxi to survive. His takeaway is powerful: do your best, no matter the role. And don’t get cocky when money is flowing, because it can stop.

MY BIGGEST TAKEAWAY

If you want performance, stop trying to “roll out” solutions to people. Build solutions with them. The front line sees what leadership can’t—and when you treat them like owners instead of obstacles, everything improves: morale, execution, and results.

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Duty, Honor, Country: Building an Authentic American Brand with Army Ranger Dean Wegner

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Dean Wegner, John Bates) — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

🧠 Key Topics we discussed in this episode:

Dean’s path from West Point to entrepreneurship
How Ranger School forged his leadership mindset
What “authentically American” really means—and why it matters
The challenges (and joys) of building a mission-led brand
Innovation in apparel: soft shirts, secret prints & national pride
Why values like integrity, faith, and country still lead the way

🙌 Connect with Dean Wegner:

Website: authenticallyamerican.us

LinkedIn: Dean Wegner on LinkedIn

Instagram: @authentically_american

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Catch more inspiring conversations at LiveLikeALeader.show

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts| Spotify | YouTube Podcasts

Catch more inspiring conversations at LiveLikeALeader.show

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Branding from the Inside Out: Speaking from Your Core Essence with Jenna Flanagan

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Jenna Flanagan, John Bates) — Thu, 8 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

We dive into:

Why your beingness is the brand—and how to access it
The quiet resistance most leaders carry that keeps them from full expression
Her philosophy on “branding from the inside out”
How she helps clients identify and speak from their core essence, not just what they do
The real story of how she and I met—and why she decided I needed a podcast

This conversation goes far beyond brand strategy. It’s about being brave enough to be fully seen and fully yourself. Jenna doesn’t just build brands—she calls people home to who they are.

If you’re ready to stop performing and start resonating, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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Jenna Flanagan is an award-winning broadcast journalist, host, and producer whose work bridges public media, local accountability reporting, and smart, accessible conversations about civic life. She has reported and hosted for WNET’s MetroFocus, bringing audiences across the New York region in-depth coverage of policy, culture, and community voices. She has also been a field reporter responsible for covering how policy presented in the New York State legislature impacts constituents across the state for WMHT’s government and public-affairs program New York NOW.

Jenna began her career at New York’s 1010 WINS, rising from production assistant to assistant editor in a fast-paced newsroom. She then went on to WBGO in Newark as a general-assignment reporter before spending six and a half years at WNYC’s All Things Considered as a writer, reporter, and producer. Her work has also aired nationally on NPR.

Her recent projects include co-creating and co-hosting the podcast Laid Off and Looking, a candid series that examines how news is made, who shapes it, and what’s at stake for democracy as the media industry restructures. She has also hosted the award-winning podcast series, After Broad and Market, revisiting the 2003 murder of Sakia Gunn to explore the power and limits of local journalism.

A Hudson Valley native who grew up in New Paltz, Jenna studied communications and journalism at Seton Hall University. She continues to champion localism and public-interest reporting across platforms, appearing on radio, television, and digital outlets to elevate stories that inform, challenge, and connect communities.

Laid Off and Looking Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@LaidOffandLookingPodcast

In the Margins with Jenna Flanagan Substack: https://jflanagan.substack.com/

Jenna Flanagan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jflannys?lang=en

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Confessions of a Hacker with Jeremiah Baker

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Jeremiah Baker, John Bates) — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we cover:

✅ How Jeremiah went from bootstrapping websites during the dot-com boom to building a global cybersecurity business.
✅ Why most cybercrime isn’t about “hacking systems,” it’s about hacking humans.
✅ The emotional tricks scammers use, and how to spot them before you get duped.
✅ Real-world stories of cybercrime that cost companies hundreds of thousands of dollars in seconds.
✅ The single most important (and shockingly simple) thing you can do to protect yourself today.

Jeremiah also shares powerful insights from his keynote, Confessions of a Hacker, including why it’s often too late once the money is gone, and how you can take smart, preventative action without expensive software or technical know-how.

💡 Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, parent, or just someone who uses email (that’s you), this episode is essential listening.

🔗 Learn more about Jeremiah’s work and connect with him:

➡️ https://confessionsofahacker.com

➡️ Find Jeremiah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiahbaker/

🎧 Listen, learn, and protect yourself—before it’s too late.

If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a five-star rating and share it with someone who needs to hear it. I’ll see you next time on http://livelikealeader.show

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Three Simple Things, and the Never-Quit Mindset with Thom Shea

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Thom Shea, John Bates) — Thu, 4 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode with Thom Shea, we cover:

What makes someone truly “unbreakable”
How to survive the worst day of your life, and what happens if you don’t give up
Why “just doing the basics” is often the most advanced move you can make
His life-saving experience during a firefight in Afghanistan that earned him the Silver Star
The Rule of Three; how simplifying complexity transforms business, health, and leadership

Whether you’re leading a team or leading your own life, Thom shares insights that will challenge and empower you to show up—again and again—no matter what.

👉 Connect with Thom at thomshea.com and find him on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thomshea

📚 Books mentioned: Unbreakable and Three Simple Things

If you’re looking for proof that persistence is even more potent than talent, this is the episode to hear.

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Retired Navy SEAL Thom Shea served with the US Navy for 23 years with distinguished valor before writing his bestselling books, “Unbreakable: A Navy SEAL’s Way of Life” and “Three Simple Things: Leading During Chaos.” Thom has trained thousands of executives around the world to overcome chaos by applying the rule of Three Simple Things to their lives and businesses.

Thom developed his leadership and human performance process during his military career where he trained and led SEAL Teams in three wars. Thom earned a Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, Army Commendation with Valor and Two Combat Action Medals. He was later hand-picked to serve as officer in charge of the famed SEAL Sniper course.

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Next Level Healing: From Trauma to Transformation with Dr. Tara Perry

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Dr. Tara Perry, Tara Perry, John Bates) — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

We get into interesting topics like:

Why communicating with human beings isn’t logical—it’s biological
What Navy SEALs, elite surgeons, and business leaders all get wrong about stress and recovery
The surprising ways trauma shows up in leadership, relationships, and performance
And the decisive importance of celebration in reprogramming the nervous system

Whether you’re a high-performing executive or just someone looking to be free of your invisible walls, Tara’s insight is not to be missed.

👉 Visit ConsultTara.com and let her know you heard her on Speak Like a Leader. She’ll send you her “Unzip” meditation to start rewiring today. I think you'll like it!

This one’s packed. Listen, take notes, and ---> of course---> celebrate when you do something with it.

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Dr. Tara Perry is a Clinical Hypnotherapist & Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.

She specializes in Core Trauma Transformation, helping people get to the root of their biggest block, connect to their authentic selves, and thrive in deep, confident peace. For 25 years, Dr. Perry has successfully treated celebrities, Olympians, first responders, world record holders, doctors, scientists, teachers, parents, and children. Clients suffering from Anxiety, PTSD, Stress, Trauma, Addiction, Pain, Insomnia, and a variety of other challenges have discovered the power of their subconscious mind to heal better and faster than they thought possible.

Dr. Perry has been featured on Lifetime Television, Esquire Magazine, UCLA Bruin, Fox Sports West, Wall Street Journal, CosMed Magazine, Travel Host Magazine, and many more. For 10 years, Dr. Perry taught at the #1 Acupuncture College in California. In 2000, she was chosen to be the first acupuncture teacher at the famous Arthur Ashe Center at UCLA. Dr. Perry hosts her own podcast as well--available on all major platforms called Next Level Healing.

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Captured by Love, Grounded in Honor with Col. Lee Ellis

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 23:00:00 +0000

In our conversation, we explore:

What it was like to fly the legendary F-4 Phantom into combat.
The moment his jet exploded — and the life-altering seconds that followed.
What helped him survive nearly six years as a POW.
The power of faith, friendship, and camaraderie under unthinkable conditions.
One of the lowest moments of his time in captivity, and the lesson we can all learn from it.
Why honor isn’t just a virtue — it's also a strategy for long-term success.
And how we can all bounce back from setbacks with resilience and grace.

We also discuss Lee’s latest and most heart-expanding book, Captured by Love: Inspiring True Romance Stories from Vietnam POWs, a best-seller that reveals powerful stories of real love forged in the fires of war and captivity.

💌 Want to get a taste of this incredible book? Head over to POWromance.com — you can download the first 50 pages for free and it will inspire you.

✈️ And check out all of Lee’s work, including his other books and leadership training programs, at LeadingWithHonor.com

This is one of those rare episodes that will stay with you. Lee’s courage, humility, and wisdom are unforgettable — and I’m honored to share this conversation with you.

⭐ If you found this episode meaningful, please share it with someone who could benefit from hearing it. Leave us a 5-star review and subscribe so we can continue to bring you more interviews like this.

🙏 Thank you for listening — and as always, live like a leader.

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TEDx Truths, Speaking Myths & The Motivation Behind “The Motivated Speaker” with Ruth Milligan

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Ruth Milligan, John Bates) — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 23:00:00 +0000

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why TEDx is hyper-local—and why that matters more than you think.
The one mistake I made in my first TED experience (and what it taught me).
Why feedback must start with self-awareness.
What makes group presentations succeed—or fail—and how to avoid pitch disasters.
Why listening to yourself on video is brutal but necessary (and how to make it less painful).

Ruth is smart, generous, and a total TEDx pro, and this episode is packed with real talk, real tools, and real inspiration for anyone who wants to communicate at a higher level.

🧠 If you’ve got a brilliant idea trapped in a paper bag, this conversation is your box cutter.

👉 Ruth’s book is The Motivated Speaker — and you can grab it here: https://promo.porchlightbooks.com/pages/promotions/motivatedspeakerauthor

🎧 Tune in. Take notes. Then go speak like a leader.

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Ruth Milligan helps people find their voice, tell their story, and have their message be heard. For over three decades, she has served as a communication strategist, coach, and trainer. Founder and curator of one of the longest-running TEDx programs, TEDxColumbus, her career has included roles of speechwriter, national press secretary, and embedded consultant to billion-dollar contract pitches for Fortune 10 companies.

Ruth received her BA in Speech Communication from Miami University. Prior to founding Articulation in 2010, which focuses exclusively on executive communication coaching and training, she ran a PR and marketing firm and worked in political and non-profit communications.

She has a deep connection and commitment to her forever home, Columbus, where she has served on a variety of non-profit boards, and helped to launch the nation’s third women-founded bank in town, Fortuna. She keeps active ties to Miami, having just finished a term on the university’s foundation board.

In her spare time, Ruth plays a healthy amount of Pickleball, enjoys working out, biking, and hiking with her husband, Dave. They have two college-aged children and a dog, Bean.

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From Tragedy to Triumph with Kijuan Amey

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Kijuan Amey, John Bates) — Wed, 1 Oct 2025 23:00:00 +0000

Kijuan doesn’t just talk about resilience—he embodies it. Whether you’re going through a tough season or just need a reminder of how strong you really are, this episode will leave you inspired and empowered.

💥Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

A behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to refuel aircraft mid-flight (including wild SR-71 and F-4 Phantom stories)
The life-altering accident that changed everything—and the month-long coma that followed
The raw truth about faith, fear, and finding purpose after trauma
How Kijuan’s drumming, faith, and mission helped him transform pain into purpose
Practical tools and mindset shifts to build unshakable resilience

🎧 Tune in now—and get ready to view your challenges in a whole new light.

📚 Learn More & Connect with Kijuan:

Book: Don’t Focus on Why Me: From Motorcycle Accident to Miracle – [Available on Amazon, Audible, Kindle & Apple Books]
Website: www.ameymotivation.com
Resilience Coaching & Keynote Speaking Inquiries: Contact via website

⭐ Loved the Podcast?

Please rate & review us on your favorite podcast app. Share it with someone who needs a dose of motivation today. Your support helps us bring more real, raw, and remarkable conversations to leaders like you.

🔥 About Kijuan

Kijuan Amey, the visionary behind Amey Motivation, hails from Durham, NC, where his journey of resilience and success began. After graduating from Southern High School, he dedicated a decade of his life to the US Air Force, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant as an In-flight Refueling Specialist. Medically retired, he transitioned into academia, earning a degree and founding Amey Motivation LLC. Formerly served as the vice president for the Carolina regional group of the Blinded Veterans Association, Kijuan is also a mentor and ambassador for the Air Force Wounded Warriors program. Beyond his remarkable military career, Kijuan is a man of many talents, boasting over 25 years of drumming expertise, onstage acting, and now, an upcoming bestseller, “Don’t Focus on Why Me.” However, life took an unexpected turn on May 5th, 2017, when a motorcycle accident claimed his eyesight. Yet, as Kijuan profoundly states, “I may have lost my sight, but I did not lose my vision.” Now armed with an inspiring story of overcoming adversity, Kijuan has become a motivational force, empowering others to reach their highest potential. Whether addressing a crowd of 1,500 or engaging in one-on-one sessions, Kijuan is well-equipped for any speaking engagement. He’s not just a speaker; he’s a catalyst for transformation, ready for the task ahead! Contact him at (919) 641-8150 | kijuan@ameymotivation.com | AmeyMotivation.com

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Leadership and the Lost Art of Listening with Julian Treasure

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Julian Treasure, John Bates) — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 23:00:00 +0000

From snapping shrimp to blue whales, from silence to soundscapes, we cover:

Why diversity of opinion is vital in leadership
How sound affects everything from productivity to health
Simple daily practices to instantly improve your listening, and be heard more clearly in return
What business gets wrong about audio—and how to fix it
The importance of designing your acoustic environment with intention

Julian also shares a generous offer for my listeners: a free one-week trial of his new online community, The Listening Society. Whether you're a team leader, teacher, or simply someone who wants to deepen their relationships, The Listening Society offers tools, insights, and a community that helps you grow through sound.

🎧 If you care about connection, leadership, sound, or if you just want to create a more peaceful, powerful world, I think you’ll want to soak in every minute of this wonderful conversation.

Join The Listening Society and claim your free trial here:

👉 https://listen.thelisteningsociety.community/1wk

📖 Read Julian's powerful new book: Sound Affects

🔉 Find Custom Soundscapes to Focus, Relax & Sleep: mynoise.net - thanks to Julian for mentioning it. Very cool!

🌐 Check out Julian's main website here: https://www.juliantreasure.com/

👂 Listen to his first appearance on the show here: https://www.livelikealeader.show/episodes/episode-90-julian-treasure

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Julian Treasure is an author and speaker on conscious listening, powerful speaking and the power of sound. His five TED talks, including the sixth most-viewed of all time, have been viewed more than 150 million times; his online courses have taught over 150,000 students; and he is regularly featured in the world's media. He has been honoured with both Toastmasters International’s Golden Gavel Award and the International Listening Associations's Special Recognition award.

For 20 years, Julian helped major brands to design effective sound in spaces. Now, his passion is to generate listening in a world that has forgotten this critical skill.

Julian’s first book ‘Sound Business’ is a seminal work on effective business sound; his second ‘How To Be Heard’ won SOVAS and Audie global awards; and his third ‘Sound Affects,’ about the power and wonder of sound and the importance of listening, is published worldwide in 2025.

Based in Orkney, Scotland, Julian is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Marketors, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a longtime musician.

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Making Your Message Stick in a Noisy World with Jennifer Kaplan

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Jennifer Kaplan, John Bates) — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 23:00:00 +0000

Jennifer Kaplan is the founder and CEO of Evolve Public Relations and Marketing, a premier PR agency she established in 2010 to help businesses and professionals authentically tell their stories. With a communications degree from Arizona State University and an entrepreneurial spirit, Jennifer has dedicated her career to elevating brands, building trust, and fostering meaningful connections.

Jennifer comes from a family of entrepreneurs, so forging her own path was a no-brainer! As a young professional, she left her steady sales job to take on her first client, boldly launching herself into the rest of her career. In 2005, she co-founded her first PR start-up, PRIME 3, LLC, but later sold her share to branch out and start Evolve! Now, her team works across industries to provide media coverage, influencer engagement, reputation management, and crisis communications.

Jennifer’s work has garnered widespread acclaim. She’s been honored as one of “The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business” by AZ Business Magazine, a “40 Under 40” by Phoenix Business Journal, a “Woman of Achievement” by InBusiness Magazine, and the inaugural Hugh Downs School of Human Communication Alumni of the Year.

When Jennifer isn’t running her agency, she fills her cup with yoga, cheering on the ASU Sun Devils, and of course, spending time with her family.

Connect with Jennifer Kaplan and Evolve PR & Marketing:

🌐 Website: https://evolveprandmarketing.com/

💼 LinkedIn (Company): Evolve PR and Marketing

👩🏻 LinkedIn (Jennifer Kaplan): Jennifer Kaplan

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Leadership is a Choice: Redefining Power, Vulnerability & Purpose with Becky Schmooke

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Becky Schmooke, John Bates) — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 23:00:00 +0000

What You’ll Learn:

Why real leaders don’t always have the title—or the power
How Becky’s Stoic-inspired Choose the Handle That Holds became a guidebook for life and leadership
The difference between authentic vulnerability and oversharing
A live demo of STOA: a goal-setting tool you’ll want to use immediately
How to model leadership for your team, your family, and yourself

🧠 Leadership Insight:

“You can’t expect people to come to you with their mistakes if you’re not willing to share yours.”

🎁 Get Becky’s Free Resource:

Want the STOA PDF to map your next goal or challenge? Go to beckyschmooke.com (or beckysmoke.com) and message Becky through the website with “STOA” or “podcast” in the subject line.

🔗 Connect with Becky:

Website:https://beckyschmooke.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-schmooke
Book: Choose the Handle That Holds

Like What You Heard? Please subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and share this episode with someone ready to lead with more authenticity and heart.

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From Combat Zones to Bestseller Lists: Leadership Lessons with Atlas Aultman

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Atlas Aultman, John Bates) — Wed, 9 Jul 2025 23:00:00 +0000

What You’ll Learn:

Why the “Rule of Three” is a leadership game changer
The origin and impact of Atlas’ TEDx talk: Start with Who
What pirate leadership teaches us about trust and motivation
Why success leaves clues—and how to collect them
The mindset shift from chasing opportunities to choosing legacy

Leadership Gold:

“Every leader I’ve admired kept it simple: People. Time. Money.” The Rule of 3.

Resources & Links:

Download Atlas’ "Best-Selling Book" Process
Watch his TEDx Talk: Start with Who
Connect with Atlas on his podcast: Targeted
And, follow him on LinkedIn for more great insights.

🎁 BONUS: Atlas is offering you his $500 bestseller publishing process for free, courtesy of my request on your behalf! Head to leaders-kit.com/lll to grab it.

Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps more leaders live and lead with authenticity.

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Positivity Through the Storm with Dr. Paul Jenkins

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Dr. Paul Jenkins, Paul Jenkins, John Bates) — Wed, 4 Jun 2025 23:00:00 +0000

What You’ll Learn:

How adversity can become your most powerful teacher
The surprise that “everything’s still in color” after a bankruptcy
Why “Don’t be nervous, be at their service” is more than just a sticker—it’s a leadership principle
How metacognition gives you the power to shift from victim to agent
What the “Influence Quadrant” is—and how it can transform your communication and leadership

Links & Resources:

🎧 Dr. Paul’s Podcast: Live on Purpose Radio
📘 Get the Influence Quadrant Visual: drpauljenkins.com/johnbates
🧠 Listen to my appearance on Live on Purpose Radio: https://liveonpurposeradio.com/mirror-neurons-and-the-monkey-mind-with-john-bates-episode-646/
📚 Books we mentioned: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz & The 3.3 Rule by John Briggs

Connect with Dr. Paul Jenkins:

Website: drpauljenkins.com
Instagram: @drpauljenkins
LinkedIn: Dr. Paul Jenkins

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From Hell Week to Healing — Diego Ugalde

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Diego Ugalde, John Bates) — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 23:00:00 +0000

💡 “What if Hell Week was a Celebration?”

Diego failed SEAL training the first time—broken bones, broken dreams, and broken expectations. But it wasn’t the end. He came back ten years later, fully transformed, and turned the infamous Hell Week into moment after moment of gratitude.

Lesson: When you reframe suffering as growth, everything changes. “I wasn’t being punished—I was being tested, transformed, and tempered.”

🧩 The Secret to SEAL Team Communication

Corporate leaders always ask: “Why do SEALs communicate so well?” Diego reveals it’s not just tactics—it’s intense trust, emotional regulation, and a shared mission.

But he’s honest: emotional intelligence wasn’t part of the official training. So Diego is now pioneering what he calls “human-first leadership” through The Trident Approach.

🎤 Warrior Side: "The Moth" Meets Navy SEALs

Diego created Warrior Side after realizing that most veterans have world-shaking stories—but no one taught them how to tell those stories in ways that heal both them and their audience.

He also says that with my help, Warrior Side isn’t just storytelling—it’s transformational storytelling. I love that Diego makes sure it’s not “wounded warrior trauma porn.” It’s courage, comedy, and catharsis.

📘 Leading From the Deep

Diego’s book blends SEAL insights, consciousness work, and radical honesty. It’s not “my truth.” It’s about what’s universally human: failure, perseverance, and integration.

“What’s true doesn’t need defending. It just is.” — Diego Ugalde

🎯 Want to hear this inspiring story in full?

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:

📖 Grab Diego’s book, Leading from the Deep on Audible (he reads it!) or Amazon.

🌐 Explore Warrior Side: warriorside.org and meet Diego on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diegougalde/

💥 Host a storytelling event in your city? Let’s talk!

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The Valuepreneur Mindset: Rethinking Startup Success with Steve Waddell

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Steve Waddell, John Bates) — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 21:00:00 +0000

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How Steve Waddell transitioned from shipbuilding to entrepreneurship.
The inspiration behind Valuepreneurs and why it challenges conventional startup wisdom.
The key lesson from Steve’s TEDx Talk: Start with Who, Not Why.
The challenges of launching a product, from patents to tariffs and the impact of COVID-19.
Why networking, strategic grants, and understanding your customers are the keys to startup success.
The groundbreaking technology Steve is developing to improve healthcare and independent living for seniors.

Guest: Steve Waddell

CEO & Founder of Nasoni
Creator of the award-winning Nasoni Fountain Faucet
Author of Valuepreneurs: The New Rules for Building Products, Growing Your Business, and Achieving Your Entrepreneurial Dream
TEDx Speaker: Start with Who, Not Why
Innovator in AI-driven healthcare solutions

Resources & Links:

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stevewaddell
Learn more about Steve’s work: http://www.swaddell.com/
Check out Nasoni: Nasoni.com
Get Valuepreneurs: Amazon link (Available in Kindle, audiobook, paperback, and hardcover)

Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your network, leave a review, and subscribe to Speak Like a Leader for more expert insights on leadership, communication, and success.

Join the Conversation: What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter, and let us know!

Thanks for listening, and remember—your stories and your voice matter!

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Leading with Love: The Power of Insightful Vulnerability™ with David Cunningham

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (David Cunningham, John Bates) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

David Cunningham has spent over 35 years as a transformational leader, coach, and educator, working with hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide. He draws from his personal experiences and lifelong commitment to love and consciousness to inspire others to live with purpose, grace, and love. His teachings have helped countless people awaken to their highest selves and realize the power of love in everyday life.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Leadership isn’t about being right—it’s about being connected.

✅ Love is the most powerful leadership tool we have.

✅ Patience and presence create deeper relationships, even in difficult moments.

✅ A powerful stand is more effective than a righteous argument.

✅ Your ‘love footprint’ matters—what are you leaving behind in every interaction?

Quotable Moments:

🗣️ “We love our lives when we love who we’re being—not what we have.” — David Cunningham

🗣️ “Insightful vulnerability establishes emotional credibility.” — John Bates

🗣️ “Righteousness breeds argument. The more right I am, the more people will resist.” — David Cunningham

🗣️ “What if we infused our capitals, our workplaces, and our communities with love?” — David Cunningham

Resources Mentioned:

📖 Your Love Does Matter by David Cunningham – Coming February 2025!

🎁 Free training & book excerpt: yourlovedoesmatter.com/gift

🌍 Join the Love Matters Collaboration: yourlovedoesmatter.com

🏛️ Support Love Goes to the Capitol: yourlovedoesmatter.com

🔗 Connect with David Cunningham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-w-cunningham/

Connect & Subscribe:

🎧 Love this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs to hear this!

🌟 Follow Live Like a Leader for more inspiring conversations.

💡 Connect with John Bates: executivespeakingsuccess.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbates/

Let’s put it all on love and watch the ripple effect change the world. ❤️

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From Shame to Service: Harnessing the Power of Your Story with Mark Leruste

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Mark Leruste, John Bates) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Key Takeaways:

Proximity Bias: Why your story might feel “boring” to you but is magical to others hearing it for the first time.
From Shame to Service: How sharing your story transforms not just others but also yourself.
Emotional Credibility: Establish trust and connection with audiences by sharing your authentic origin story.
Strategic Storytelling: Your story is about you, but it’s for your audience—tailor it with intention to resonate and inspire action.
Vulnerability in Leadership: Being imperfect in public makes you relatable and influential, fostering genuine connections.

Addressing Polarization in Leadership:

Mark and John discuss how marginalized communities face unique challenges in sharing their stories and the importance of creating safe spaces for authentic expression. They emphasize how leaders who share their humanity can build trust, break barriers, and inspire connection across diverse teams.

Key Insight: "Your story is about you, but it’s not for you—it’s for the people you serve."

Quotable Moments:

“What you resist persists; acknowledgment causes disappearance.” – John Bates
“If you’re afraid of offending people when you share your story, remember: if they wanted you to write kindly about them, they should have behaved better.” – Mark Leruste
“Proximity bias makes us undervalue our stories—but to others, they can be life-changing.” – Mark Leruste

Resources Mentioned:

Mark Leruste’s Website: MarkLeruste.com
Mark’s Book: Glow in the Dark – available on Amazon and other retailers
Take the Story Impact Assessment: Storycast.co
Mark on LinkedIn: Mark Leruste on LinkedIn

Connect & Subscribe:

Love the episode? Don’t forget to:

✔️ Subscribe to Live Like a Leader

⭐ Leave a 5-star review – it helps us reach more leaders like you!

🔗 Share this episode with a colleague or friend who needs to hear it.

Next Steps:

Visit LiveLikeALeader.show for more inspiring episodes.
Explore Mark’s work and resources at MarkLeruste.com.
Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markleruste/
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbates/

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The Authenticity Equation: How to Lead, Connect, and Inspire with Mike Robbins

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Mike Robbins, John Bates) — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 21:00:16 +0000

Key Takeaways:

The Authenticity Equation: Mike’s formula for creating genuine connections through honesty, humility, and vulnerability.
Why vulnerability matters: Discover how emotional exposure fosters trust and empathy, even in high-stakes leadership.
Sweaty palm conversations: How leaning into difficult discussions can unlock stronger relationships and higher performance.
The power of listening: Learn why a “safe space” starts with listening and how leaders can use this to inspire better communication.
Lessons in resilience: From losing a baseball career to becoming a best-selling author and speaker, Mike shares how life’s toughest moments often lead to our biggest transformations.

Addressing Polarization in Leadership and Society:

Mike and John discuss the challenges of navigating today’s polarized world and how leaders can foster authentic dialogue. From national conversations to corporate boardrooms, they emphasize the importance of listening and creating space for diverse perspectives. Mike shares his belief that while disagreements are natural, mutual understanding and connection are possible when we approach each other with curiosity, humility, and vulnerability.

Key Insight: "Most of the things we take personally aren’t personal. If we can approach conversations with the intention to understand rather than to convince, we open the door to authentic and meaningful connections."

Quotable Moments:

“Authenticity isn’t just brutal honesty—it’s honesty minus self-righteousness, plus vulnerability.” – Mike Robbins
“Be easy to impress and hard to offend. It will change your life.” – Mike’s mentor

Resources Mentioned:

Mike Robbins' Website: Mike-Robbins.com
Books by Mike Robbins: We’re All in This Together, Bring Your Whole Self to Work
Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrobbins/

Next Steps:

Visit LiveLikeALeader.show for more inspiring episodes.
Dive into Mike’s world of leadership at Mike-Robbins.com.
Connect with Mike at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrobbins/ and connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbates/

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Mike Robbins is the author of five books, Focus on the Good Stuff, Be Yourself Everyone Else is Already Taken, Nothing Changes Until You Do, Bring Your Whole Self to Work, and We're All in This Together, which have been translated into fifteen different languages.

As an expert in teamwork, leadership, and emotional intelligence, Mike delivers keynotes and seminars (both in-person and virtually) that empower people, leaders, and teams to engage in their work, collaborate, and perform at their best. Through his speeches, seminars, consulting, and writing, Mike teaches important techniques that allow individuals and organizations to be more appreciative, authentic, and effective.

His clients include: Google, Wells Fargo, Microsoft, Walmart, Schwab, LinkedIn, Deloitte, the U.S. Department of Labor, Gap, Harvard University, Coca-Cola, Disney, Chevron, eBay, Kaiser, Airbnb, UC Berkeley, the NBA, Pixar, Genentech, Adobe, the Oakland A's, and many others. Mike is a member of the National Speakers Association and is one of less than 10% of the professional speakers in the world to have earned the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speakers Association.

He has been featured on NPR, ABC News, the Oprah radio network, and in the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, the New York Times, the Economist, the Wall Street Journal, and many others. He was a regular contributor to Forbes and is the creator and host of the popular podcast, We're All In This Together.

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A Father’s Fight for the Future: From Dragons’ Den to Building a Better World

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Dan Sherrard-Smith, John Bates) — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 06:48:26 +0000

Dan Sherrard-Smith is the founder & CEO of MotherTree. MotherTree works with values-led businesses to reduce CO2 emissions, increase client satisfaction, and unlock savings. Launched by the founding team behind Look After My Bills: Best ever deal on Dragons' Den, saved the British public £127m in 3 years.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Following the Money for Impact: Discover why your bank and pension investments have a bigger carbon footprint than your diet or commute—and what you can do about it.
Building a Personal Brand: Learn why authenticity and storytelling are crucial for leaders and impact-driven founders.
Scaling Connections with LinkedIn: Dan’s proven strategy to create high-quality content that generates leads and builds lasting relationships in just two hours a week.
Entrepreneurial Lessons: Behind-the-scenes of Dan’s Dragons’ Den journey, including the challenges of rapid growth and the power of staying adaptable.
Finding Purpose: How becoming a father inspired Dan to leave a cushy job and tackle the climate crisis head-on.

Key Moments:

[04:32] The “aha” moment that led to MyMotherTree.com's creation.
[18:10] The Dragons’ Den story—how Dan secured an unprecedented deal and scaled his business almost overnight.
[30:22] The three levers of impact: money, influence, and voting.
[47:15] Counterintuitive LinkedIn strategies to grow your network and drive revenue.
[1:02:50] The importance of gratitude and moving beyond fossil fuels to embrace innovation.

Actionable Insights:

Start small: Audit your bank and pension to ensure your money aligns with your values.
Build trust on LinkedIn by showing up authentically—connect, don’t sell.
Define your key content pillars to balance reach with resonance.
Focus on scaling relationships, not just transactions, for sustainable business growth.

Connect with Dan Sherrard-Smith:

Website: MyMotherTree.com
Email: Dan [at] MyMotherTree.com
LinkedIn: Dan Sherrard-Smith

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Unlocking Your Leadership Potential: A No-Nonsense Guide to Excellence with Baz Porter®

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Baz Porter, John Bates) — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Baz Porter isn’t just an executive consultant; he’s the catalyst that top-tier CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders rely on to unlock their next level. He is also the best-selling author of 'Cracking the Rich Code,' endorsed by Tony Robbins and featuring a foreword by Brian Tracy. With over 15 years in the trenches, Baz has mastered the art of high-performance coaching, using his trademark R.A.M.S. framework (Results, Attitude, Mastery, Systems) to cut through the noise and help leaders reignite their purpose, overcome the inner battles no one else sees, and reclaim control of their path. Known for his bold, unapologetic approach and the deep, transformative impact he has on his clients, Baz doesn’t just consult—he rewires potential.

If you’re ready to get real about what it takes to lead at the highest level, Baz Porter is here to shake things up.

Find him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bazporterllc/

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Misinformation & Disinformation: Navigating the Digital Age with Mark Albert

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Mark Albert, John Bates) — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:30:00 +0000

Mark Albert is the founder and CEO of Media Advisory Experts, a Washington, DC-based consultancy providing media training, crisis communications, earned media, storytelling and video production services to clients in the U.S. and around the globe. He and his team guide leaders on their path to amplify their stories in the media, coaching top executives from C-suite to founders.

Mark is also a Peabody and EMMY award-winning master storyteller with a 25-year journalism career distinguished by investigative and political reporting, innovative storytelling techniques, and creative communications. He's traveled the world for CBS News and reported from the White House, Capitol Hill and the US Supreme Court; created and led a national investigative unit for Hearst Communications; taught journalists in newsrooms in the US, Vietnam, and Pakistan; launched an online news startup and podcast about travel news and deals; and created a media database to drive countless earned media appearances. Mark has won some of the biggest honors in journalism while landing high-profile, national interviews, including with philanthropist and tech pioneer Bill Gates, government and political leaders at history-making moments, and visionary creators. He’s been invited to bring his energetic, passionate speaking to audiences around the world.

Mark has been to 86 countries so far – with a goal to visit them all

Find Mark at https://www.linkedin.com/in/markalbertreporter/ & https://www.mediamasteryexperts.com/

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Leading with Clarity | Minal Mehta

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Minal Mehta, John Bates) — Sat, 5 Oct 2024 02:19:49 +0000

In this episode of Live Like a Leader, I’m joined by Minal Mehta, a leadership coach with deep experience in the tech world. Minal has worked at top companies like Google, LinkedIn, and Amazon, and now helps ambitious leaders align their careers with their true selves while bringing joy and ease into their lives.

We dive into her journey from high-powered tech exec to leadership coach and how she balances drive with mindfulness. Minal shares personal stories about her wake-up call moments, blending her background in psychology and meditation to help leaders grow, and the lessons she learned from working with top executives like Jeff Bezos and Reid Hoffman.

Join us as we explore:

Clarity in Leadership – Minal discusses how leaders like Bezos and Hoffman shaped her perspective on clear communication and leadership.

Balancing Ambition with Ease – Learn how Minal helps leaders stay ambitious without burning out, using mindfulness and self-alignment.

The Power of Meditation – Minal shares how a simple meditation practice can be the game changer for leaders wanting to reconnect with themselves and boost performance.

Practical Tips for Leaders – Get Minal’s advice on prioritization, decision-making, and how to stop playing by others’ rules to create your own path to success.

This conversation is full of insights for leaders looking to level up both professionally and personally. Enjoy!

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Exploring the Future of Tech with Robert Scoble | AI, Innovation, and Lessons from the Past

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Robert Scoble, John Bates) — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0000

Robert Scoble is the Founder of Unaligned.io and has written seven books on tech worldwide. He worked as a strategist at Microsoft, got the first ride in a Tesla from Elon Musk, was the first to ride in an autonomous Mercedes, was the 79th user of Instagram, and launched Siri in his house. He's been a first mover and early adopter for a very long time.

He also runs Scobleizer https://scobleizer.blog/, which he started as a blog about the technology industry from his perch in Silicon Valley. He was the first to see Tesla, Flipboard, Instagram, Siri, Cloudera, Uber, and many, many other technology companies. Now he's using that expertise to help others as we head into Spatial Computing (virtual and augmented reality along with robots/autonomous vehicles).

You can find him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/scobleizer/ and on twitter at x.com/scobleizer where he closely tracks AI!

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Can I Bring My Faith To Work? | Melissa White

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Melissa D. White, Melissa White, John Bates) — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 18:00:00 +0000

As an emerging global voice, Melissa advocates for a new generation of millennial leaders in the workplace and the community. This especially includes work to bridge the generational communication and leadership gaps in corporate spaces and civic leadership. She is a multi-hyphenate leader who specializes in inclusion, leadership, program development, and cultivating corporate and community relationships to create change.

Watch her TEDxBuckhead talk Can I Bring My Faith To Work?

Find more at Melissadwhite.com and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/melissadwhite.

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The Power of Letting Go | Jim Britt

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Jim Britt, John Bates) — Fri, 9 Aug 2024 00:15:15 +0000

Jim Britt is the author of 15 best-selling books and nine #1 International Best sellers and multiple online programs. Some of his many titles include Rings of Truth, Do This. Get Rich-For Entrepreneurs, Do This. Get Rich! for Network Marketers, Unleashing Your Authentic Power, The Power of Letting Go, and Cracking the Rich Code. He is an internationally recognized business leader who is highly sought after as a keynote speaker for all audiences.

Jim was recently named as one of the world’s top 20 success coaches, the top 50 speakers worldwide and presented with the “Best of the Best” award out of the top 100 contributors of all time to the Direct Selling industry.

As a performance coach and trainer, Jim leverages his skills and experience as one of the leading experts in peak performance, entrepreneurship and personal empowerment to produce stellar results. He is pleased to work with small business entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to remove the blocks that stop their success in any area of their life.

Jim’s formal education stopped before graduating from high school. His career training began at a gas station and then on a factory floor on an assembly line. His first attempt at entrepreneurial success he started at rock bottom with $9 in the bank and a borrowed $4,000. A year later he had lost it all…home, both vehicles, furniture, everything. But after that first year, a lot of tenacity and a timely mentor that shared with him the secrets to success, the tables turned and shortly thereafter he had made his first million.

Over the years he has built a fortune worth millions of dollars with multiple streams of passive income from various business models. He also has studied human behavior and what really motivates us to take action and achieve great things in life and business, as well as what keeps us stuck. Today he puts his efforts into sharing what he’s learned over the years and influencing others to achieve success beyond their wildest dreams.

More from him at JimBritt.com and don't miss out on two FREE sessions of his program, the Power of Letting Go, at poweroflettinggo.com.

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A Mind For All Seasons | Eric Collett

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Eric Collett, John Bates) — Sun, 4 Aug 2024 20:00:00 +0000

Eric Collett is the Principal and CEO of A Mind For All Seasons, LLC, an innovative company specializing in helping clients of all ages optimize their cognitive functioning and improve symptoms of post-concussive disorders, dementia, brain fog, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other brain-related conditions. Eric is a licensed residential care administrator who has been working with seniors living with dementia and their families since 2000. Prior to starting A Mind For All Seasons, Eric spent ten years as an administrator, seven of which were as the Executive Director of a memory care community where he developed innovative approaches to person-centered care that made a significant difference in how persons living with dementia experience the world. He now spends his time working with private clients of all ages, hospitals, assisted living & skilled nursing facilities, home health, and hospice & PCS agencies to improve brain health for as many people as possible. Eric has taught at Boise State University and teaches CNA students at the College of Western Idaho. He has served on the board of the Idaho Healthcare Association and currently serves as the education committee chair. As a public speaker and trainer, Eric has taught thousands of people how to understand and interact with persons living with dementia. He also presents frequently to groups large and small on diverse topics like leadership, brain health, dementia research, organizational behavior, customer experience, activity program development, team building, and music history.

Eric graduated summa cum laude from the University of Utah with a degree in interpersonal communication and a minor in psychology. His training and experience make him uniquely suited to study complex behavior patterns, help others understand those patterns, and develop systems to put that understanding into action to improve lives and health outcomes.

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It's Not About You, It's About Helping the Audience | Sarah Gershman

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Sarah Gershman, John Bates) — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 00:06:46 +0000

Sarah has spent the last 15 years coaching global executives in over 50 industries and is the founder and owner of Green Room Speakers. Whether preparing for a keynote address, briefing senior officials or pitching a product, Sarah helps leaders find their core message – and make that message stick. Sarah works with executives in Fortune 50 companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Sarah is a Professor of Communications at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business and the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, where she lectures regularly to students from around the world.

Find Sarah at https://greenroomspeakers.com/ and at https://www.linkedin.com/in/greenroomspeakers/

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Bot or Not? The New Era of Digital Verification | Liam Hale McCarty

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Liam Hale McCarty, John Bates) — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 04:31:22 +0000

Liam McCarty is the founder and CEO of Verified Inc., a digital identity company that helps companies onboard people faster, offer one-click signup for their services, and helps people verify who's sending them messages—is it a real person or a bot?

You'll enjoy Liam's take on leadership and personal growth, too!

Find Liam at https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamhalemccarty and https://www.verified.inc/

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The Zen of Social Media Marketing | Shama Hyder

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Shama Hyder, John Bates) — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Shama Hyder is a well-respected and early pioneer in the world of social media. She brings a rare “from the trenches” perspective. She’s the Founder and CEO of Zen Media, one of today’s leading B2B marketing and PR companies in the country. Shama is also an active Henry Crown Fellow within the Aspen Global Leadership Network at the Aspen Institute.

Shama is the bestselling author of The Zen of Social Media Marketing, now in its 4th edition, and Momentum: How to Propel Your Marketing and Transform Your Brand in the Digital Age. An acclaimed keynote speaker, Shama has delivered keynotes in over 24 countries and spoken for recognized brands, including NASA, Yale, Movado, Marriott, Chase, Toyota, Mastercard, and Disney.

Shama Hyder helps leaders and companies understand strategically and practically how to connect what’s next to what is now. She has been named the “Zen Master of Marketing” by Entrepreneur Magazine and the “Millennial Master of the Universe” by Fast Company. Shama has also been honored at both the White House and The United Nations as one of the top 100 young entrepreneurs in the country.

As a result of her success, Shama has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious Technology Titan Emerging Company CEO Award. She is one of the only entrepreneurs to be recognized by Business Week, Inc, and Forbes alike for being an Under 30 Mover and a Shaker. LinkedIn named her one of their “Top Voices” in Marketing and Social Media for four years in a row. In 2023, she was named the Top Marketing Leader by Masthead Media.

As a preeminent thinker in the digital age, Shama is a coveted media contributor, frequently featured on platforms such as NPR, Inc., Fox Business, MSNBC, Bloomberg, and CW. Her insights continue to shape the industry, inspiring others to navigate the ever-shifting digital terrain confidently.

Find Shama at zenmedia.com and at linkedin.com/in/shamahayder

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I Survived an Avalanche! | Shelley Anderson

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Shelley Anderson, John Bates) — Wed, 3 Jul 2024 22:41:34 +0000

In 2017, Shelley survived an avalanche while on a heliboarding trip in Colorado’s backcountry. This little wake-up call reminded her to not put off pursuing the things you are passionate about and to appreciate the ones you love most of all. Shelley loves the craft of voice acting as much as Shelley loves gliding down trails and slopes. So, Shelley began an intensive study of voice acting, in addition to the VO that Shelley was already doing as an instructional designer. An avalanche survivor, Shelley just knows how to roll with it, and you will find me to be flexibly directable and a lot of fun to work with. Shelley approaches recording sessions the way Shelley approaches an intimidating jump - by looking ahead, spotting the landing, and with one hundred percent commitment. In commercial work, Shelley offers a uniquely human range from the smart shopper with the knowing wink of your best friend, the tech-savvy trusted coworker, the confident leader at a board meeting, to the nerdy gear-obsessed athlete with real, conversational believability. For animation and video games, Shelley offers strong, powerful, confident female leads and a wide range of interesting non-human characters.

Shelley is professionally trained and has ongoing coaching relationships with Nancy Wolfson of BrainTracks Audio, Donna Grillo, Randall Ryan, and Rachel Alena. As an athlete, Shelley understands how training and practicing your craft is a lifelong endeavor. Shelley also actively participates with Bend Comedy Improv troupes.

Find her at shelleyandersonvo.com

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Out as Humans | Gerardo Segat

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Gerardo Segat, John Bates) — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 01:06:36 +0000

Gerardo Segat is an international leadership coach and host of the live show "Out As Humans." His purpose and legacy is to humanize leadership. Following a wealth of experiences as an entrepreneur, chairman, and CEO, Gerardo has used his leadership background to create Preludes: a coaching program created to humanize leaders, organizations, and their stakeholders through creative and powerful original experiences (such as decision-making debates, client interaction models, and emotions-focused team meetings).

Gerardo is also the creator of Vebate, a format of decision-making debate, Leader in the Mirror, a format of interviews, and Leaderness, a post-graduate training program.

For the past decade, he has been a member of YPO Young Presidents’ Organization (the world’s largest community of leaders and CEOs) of which he has been the founder and chair of three chapters in Italy, Switzerland, and globally. Currently, Gerardo is working on Out As Humans, a performing arts show designed to humanize authentic leaders. Out as Humans is an individual and group immersive performance that creates a space for leaders to be open, trusting, empathetic, and feel a sense of belonging.

And, you can find him at gerardosegat.com/show

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Bring Back Intimacy | Jami and Marla Keller

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 10:21:00 +0000

Jami and Marla are on a mission to rescue marriages from the brink of giving up, transforming them into vibrant connections filled with joy and deeper happiness than ever before! Together, they will help you turn your love story into an inspiring tale of connection and joy!

Their vision is a world where every marriage flourishes, transcending defeat and resentment to become a testament to joy, deep happiness, and vibrant connection. They aspire to lead couples on transformative journeys, revitalizing relationships into inspiring tales of closeness and happiness, where every love story is a beacon of hope and fulfillment.

Find them at BringBackIntimacy.com

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A Whole New Outlook on Work and Productivity | John Briggs

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Briggs, John Bates) — Thu, 6 Jun 2024 16:28:45 +0000

John Briggs is known for going against the Big 4 Accounting firms with his “new workday normal” Rockstar business culture and jaw-dropping revenue increases of 492%! But how did he do it? Many people have been dying to know John’s secrets.

Fear not, because he recently composed all his stellar business advice, from epic failures to his greatest successes, into his new book, The 3.3 Rule - A New Workday Normal. Through his 12+ years of Entrepreneurship, he has learned that achieving a highly profitable business can be overwhelming, particularly with all the barriers and unknowns that new business owners are forced to deal with. Entrepreneurs can quickly become stressed and, often, sadly, give up on the mission that they set out for because of burnout.

In much the same way that the body needs blood to survive, our economy needs small businesses, the lifeblood of the economy, to stay healthy and to grow more resilient. John Briggs is a man on a mission! A mission to give entrepreneurs a new workday standard so they avoid burnout and stay in business. The 3.3 Rule book showcases how to make more by working less.

He “walks the walk” by battling against the traditional CPA culture of “overwork, underpaid, pay your dues and suffer while you’re at it” mentality by providing his team with this same new workday normal, even during busy tax season!

Find John at incitetax.com and the 33rulebook.com

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Unmanaged | Jack Skeels

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Jack Skeels, John Bates) — Wed, 29 May 2024 16:22:32 +0000

Jack Skeels is a former RAND senior analyst and agency executive. He is the CEO of AgencyAgile, an operations consulting and coaching firm that has helped over 200 agencies, consultancies, and other project-driven organizations go better, faster, and happier. Jack’s new book, Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations, is available on Amazon.

His career includes leading Sapient’s 105-person Los Angeles office, and founding and executive roles in multiple startups. He is a coach to executives, a thought leader and evangelist to industry, and wakes every day driven to create a revolution in leadership and management practices, optimal organization design, and delivery excellence.

Jack is recognized as an outstanding speaker, writer, and educator. He speaks at over 15 industry and association events per year, including Ad Age, Digiday, SoDA (annual meeting and The SoDA Academy), 4A’s conferences, Advertising Week, Magnet Global, Miss Collective, TAAN, Bureau of Digital, and others. With over 35 published articles, his work frequently appears in leading publications such as: Ad Age, Entrepreneur.com, Ad Week, MediaPost, and Campaign.us.

Jack is a two-time Inc-500 Award winner and entrepreneur, with several successful startups to his credit. In addition to a bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering and an MBA with honors in Entrepreneurship and Finance from the Marshall School of Business, he has held several graduate-level teaching roles, including associate professor at the RAND-Pardee School of Public Policy.

Find Jack on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackaskeels/

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Hire Better People Faster | Ryan Englin

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Ryan Englin, John Bates) — Wed, 22 May 2024 20:10:29 +0000

Ryan Englin is a force. Meaning, he’s a disruptive new wave. When he speaks, you’ll sense a particular energy you haven’t felt before. Because he’s leveling tradition, and he’s completely revamping the way business owners across the country think about their next hire.

Ryan is passionate about supporting small businesses in blue-collar industries. Growing up, he saw his own father working 12-hour shifts (and nearly every weekend) as an owner/operator. His dad continues to clock almost the same hours well past retirement age.

Ryan seeks to empower these types of dedicated, hardworking owners and leaders. He coaches them to think outside the box and address age-old problems by embracing new perspectives. The secret? Hiring the right people.

Ryan says, “It’s the single most effective way to grow a business.”

Find Ryan at https://corematters.com and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanenglin

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Get Your Small Business Unstuck | Barry Moltz

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Barry Moltz, John Bates) — Thu, 16 May 2024 16:03:00 +0000

Barry gets small businesses unstuck.

As a small business expert, Barry Moltz gets owners growing again by unlocking their long-forgotten potential. With decades of entrepreneurial experience in his own business ventures as well as consulting countless other entrepreneurs, Barry has discovered the formula to get stuck business owners unstuck and marching forward. As a small business expert, Barry applies simple, strategic steps to facilitate change.

Barry has founded and run small businesses with a great deal of success and failure for more than 20 years.

After successfully selling his last operating business, Barry has branched out into a number of entrepreneurship-related activities. He founded an angel investor group, an angel fund, and is a former advisory member of the board of the Angel Capital Education Foundation. His first book, “You Need to Be A Little Crazy: The Truth about Starting and Growing Your Business” describes the ups and downs and emotional trials of running a business. It is in its fifth reprint and has been translated into Chinese, Russian, Korean and Thai.

His second book, “Bounce! Failure, Resiliency and the Confidence to Achieve Your Next Great Success”, shows what it takes to come back and develop true business confidence. It has been translated into Korean and German. His third book, “BAM! Delivering Customer Service in a Self-Service World” shows how customer service is the new marketing. People now buy experiences and relationships, not products. His fourth book, Small Town Rules: How Small Business and Big Brands can Profit in a Connected Economy shows how when every customer can talk to every other customer, it’s like living in a small town: Your reputation is everything! His fifth book, “How to Get Unstuck: 25 Ways to Get Your Business Growing Again” focuses on how to get small business owners making more profits in their company. Barry’s sixth book “Small Business Hacks: 100 Shortcuts to Your Success” with Rieva Lesonsky gives small business owners the key resources to be successful.

Barry’s 7th award winning book, “ChangeMasters: How to Actually Make the Changes You Already Know You Need to Make” is available now. He most recently appeared as a business expert in the History Channel’s “The Booze, Bets and Sex that Built America”.

Barry is a nationally recognized speaker on small business who has given hundreds of presentations to audiences ranging in size from 20 to 20,000. As a member of the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame, he has also taught entrepreneurship as an adjunct professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He has appeared on many TV and radio programs such as CNBC’s The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, MSNBC’s Your Business and NPR’s The Tavis Smiley Show. He hosts his own weekly radio program for 12 years, The Small Business Radio Show writes regularly for other periodicals.

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Provocative and Unconventional Views of Leadership | Don Schmincke

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Don Schmincke, John Bates) — Wed, 8 May 2024 17:51:12 +0000

The NY press accuses Don Schmincke of providing “the most provocative view of leadership than any other speaker.” What else would you expect from an MIT and Johns Hopkins researcher who was nearly arrested as a capitalist spy in the Soviet Bloc, got shot off an aircraft carrier, survived in the Kurdish capital as Iran took U.S. Embassy hostages, was the first white invited into an African Tsonga tribe, summitted 20,000 feet on the highest volcano before it blew up, and developed missile guidance systems while his frat brothers took Vegas (as seen in the movie “21”)?

Don Schmincke’s irreverent humor and unconventional methods provide audiences such a refreshing change to other status-quo topics that he’s been called the world’s “rogue MBA professor.” His patent-pending offerings transcend typical programs via refreshing alternatives to trendy theories, unproven methods, and phony "experts." The industry agrees:

• Renown books "The Code of the Executive" and “High Altitude Leadership” (with NBC Emmy-nominated climber Chris Warner)

• Published in over 10 languages, endorsed by leading authorities, and recommended by top business schools.

• Featured by CNN, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, MSNBC.com, and more than 60 industry publications annually.

• Acclaimed as a Top 10 speaker for the world’s largest CEO organization.

• Awarded Senior Member recognition by IEEE, the world's largest organization for the advancement of technology.

The high failure rates of pop-management theories drove Don’s research using anthropology, evolutionary genetics, and biology to dispel the "program-of-the-month" syndrome frustrating CEOs and HR managers for so long. By using Don’s science-driven leadership methods companies experience accelerated results in sales, employee engagement, and cultural alignment. He admits, “our work is politically incorrect but scientifically accurate.”

Today, Don flies 200,000 miles annually speaking at conferences, training CEOs in his workshops, and working with clients from the Department of Defense (where he helped the U.S. Navy evolve its Fleet Readiness strategy) to companies across every industry including healthcare, manufacturing, non-profits, distribution, technology, communications, finance, and insurance. . . . and occasionally he can be found at universities inflicting his unconventional techniques on innocent graduate students.

https://www.sagaleadership.com/

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Connection, Community, and Meaning | Ken Eslick

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Ken Eslick, John Bates) — Wed, 1 May 2024 14:06:49 +0000

Ken Eslick is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Leaders Lab - an Executive Leadership Recruiting Firm, and he's the host of "The Leaders Lab Podcast," a weekly show that delves into the world of leadership and personal development. As a Tony Robbins Trainer and President/Founder of The Leaders Lab, Ken shares actionable advice and lessons from great leaders across all walks of life.

Ken is an expert in leadership and team building, with extensive experience leading teams as large as 1,000 in both public and private companies. As a C-Suite Coach & Talent Acquisition Specialist, Ken has had a successful F500 exit and has placed over 500 executives.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/keneslick/

https://www.theleaderslab.co/

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Leadership Through Radical Self-Inquiry | Jerry Colonna

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Jerry Colonna, John Bates) — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 14:04:37 +0000

“The best way to overcome the inevitable loneliness of life at the top may be to connect and mindfully attend to the process that’s already underway – the unconscious sharing that undergirds every relationship.”

Leadership through radical self-inquiry. This is the driving idea behind the work of Jerry Colonna. For over two decades, he has been dedicated to the proposition that work should be non-violent to the self, non-violent to the community, and non-violent to the planet.

Jerry is a coach, writer, and speaker who focuses on leadership, business, and the practice of radical self-inquiry. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Reboot.io, a company born from the rallying cry that work does not have to destroy us. Work can be the way in which we achieve our fullest self.

Find Jerry at Reboot.io

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Through the Lens of Observation | Robert Houser

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Robert Houser, John Bates) — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 06:17:00 +0000

Robert Houser is New England, born and raised. Though he has lived in California all his adult life, you cannot take the New Englander out of him. It follows him. He's determinedly independent, critically frugal, he doesn't take himself too seriously, and yes, sarcasm slides in as an icebreaker.

Photography entered his life at RISD, an extra course while he was at Brown studying Psychology and Comparative Literature with French. The photography courses at the Rhode Island School of Design reinvigorated his artistic side, which had been hidden for a decade by STEM classes. And though he worked on locked psychiatric wards while in college, it was the time in the darkroom that spoke to him. He became passionate about the medium, but his academic background stayed with him – psychology taught him to connect with people, to notice things they do or say, and to find a way put them at ease. And, Comparative Literature? It’s all about stories – a multi-disciplinary look at a theme. Decades of images later, he tells stories about people.

https://roberthouser.com/

https://www.instagram.com/roberthouser/

https://www.instagram.com/roberthouserstudio

https://www.facebook.com/robert.houser.photography

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Be Bigger, Be Better, Be Here Now | Shawn Antonio

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Shawn Antonio, John Bates) — Tue, 9 Apr 2024 13:24:02 +0000

There is nobody quite like life coach, author, and motivational speaker Shawn Antonio. Shawn specializes in helping people lean into their purpose and inspiring and motivating them to be bigger and better, no matter their personal circumstances in life.

Shawn has died twice, almost four times. But - he keeps coming back.

Shawn knows he has a bigger purpose for being here. Shawn initially pursued a career in medicine - only to give it up to follow his heart and enjoy a successful dance career. He has lived in 3 countries and five cities. His passions ultimately led him to Los Angeles, where he became one of Hollywood's most respected and universally loved nightlife promoters for more than 16 years. Shawn knows most people in LA.

In 2017, Shawn was accused of a crime he did not commit and could not afford to fight.

Despite all the challenges Shawn has faced - he dug deep and understood that there was a purpose in the design. In his darkest hours, he wrote his first two books and started coaching a number of friends - something he had been naturally doing for years as a passion rather than a purpose.

Shawn coaches a number of celebrities and executives but is fiercely passionate about inspiring those stuck in the system - foster kids, inmates, and the homeless.

Shawn is committed to inspiring and improving the lives of 1 billion people in his lifetime - it's his 'North Star' and guiding light.

Find him at https://ShawnAntonio.com and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/shawnantoniolifecoaching

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United by Curiosity | Kelly Stoetzel

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Kelly Stoetzel, John Bates) — Mon, 1 Apr 2024 15:38:10 +0000

Kelly Stoetzel is an energetic executive leader who brings creativity, strategic thinking, and curiosity to her work. Her focus is on spreading knowledge and ideas through content and experiences and on building, growing, and nurturing the communities around them.

She loves working with impact-driven organizations and collaborating with others on diverse and dynamic cross-functional teams. She has extensive experience in leading teams through periods of growth and transition.

Her areas of specialty are leadership, content curation, programming, communication, storytelling, community, experience development, partnerships, operations, strategy, and building from the ground up.

Follow her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellystoetzel/

See more about the Edelman Fossil Park here: https://www.rowan.edu/fossils/

And you can see Dr. Ken's Paleontologist TED Talk here:

https://www.ted.com/talks/kenneth_lacovara_hunting_for_dinosaurs_showed_me_our_place_in_the_universe?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

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All Things Microbiome | Ruairi Robertson

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Ruairi Robertson, John Bates) — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Dr. Ruairi Robertson is a scientist studying the human gut microbiome. He is fascinated by how microbes influence the human body, and his research examines the amazing interactions between microbes and human health and disease from belly to brain.

Since he started his scientific career, he has garnered many awards, including:

B.Sc in Human Nutrition from University College Dublin (2012)
Ph.D. in Microbiology from University College Cork (2016)
Fulbright Scholarship to Harvard Medical School (2015-2016)
Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship to Queen Mary University of London (2017-2022)
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Research Fellowship to the Institut Pasteur (2022-2023)

You can find him at https://ruairirobertson.com/, Watch his fabulous talk at TEDxFulbright here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awtmTJW9ic8&feature=youtu.be

And, his podcast about the cutting edge of microbiome research is here: https://ruairirobertson.podbean.com/

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Master the Future of Work | Jennie Byrne

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Jennie Byrne, John Bates) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Dr. Jennie Byrne lives to connect the dots between people and ideas in new and unexpected ways. She is a clinical translator between segments of our complex health system - clinicians, finance, operations, data, technology, and research. She has strong people skills and enjoys bringing psychological savvy and EQ to complicated problems. Clients have called her a triple threat because:

1) Clinical Experience - nearly two decades of clinical experience as an MD/PhD
2) Entrepreneur - founded and grew a clinical organization through the entire life cycle of inception to exit
3) C-level Leadership - led teams to create and innovate clinical programs as a C-level leader

She is also the author of "Work Smart - Brain/Behavior/Creativity and the Future of Work"

Connect with Dr. Jennie here: drjenniebyrne.com and on Linkedin.com/in/drjenniebyrne/

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Mindful Authenticity and Vulnerability | Ulrike Seminati

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Ulrike Seminati, John Bates) — Wed, 1 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Ulrike Seminati is a leadership and communication coach with over twenty years of experience in shaping award-winning global communication and leadership programs across a variety of industries. Building on her experience as a C-level executive, Ulrike combines her knowledge of excelling in the corporate world with powerful self-development techniques to allow leaders across the globe to lead with charisma and authenticity. Ulrike also believes that female leadership is one of the biggest untapped potentials in the world, which led to her founding Empowering Female Leaders, which helps women leaders and entrepreneurs flourish and confidently carry out their vision of their careers.

Find her at https://ulrikeseminati.com/ and at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ulrikeseminati/

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Being ‘In Power’ Versus Being ‘In Your Power’ | Dr. Sharon Melnick

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Between ever-changing work practices and the elusive act of fulfilling personal and professional demands, leaders must navigate a new world of challenges and strike the right tone of balancing completion with compassion. Dr. Sharon Melnick introduces the idea that power is the underlying issue in many of the trends we see among employees and that leaders who use their power for the good of all can create team members who are loyal, inspired, and accountable. What Dr. Melnick sees from having coached and trained over 40,000 professionals is that leaders already have so much more power than they realize or are using.

As a Marshall Goldsmith Top 100 Coach, Sharon combines proven leadership best practices with behavior change methods she developed through 10 years of psychology research at Harvard Medical School. Sharon has spoken at over 200 retreats and leadership conferences around the world (as well as presenting at the White House, the United Nations, and at West Point). She hosts the popular podcast, The Power Shift. Her awaited third book In Your Power: React Less, Regain Control, Raise Others launched in Nov. 2022.

Sharon can share a wealth of knowledge, ideas, and personal experience with your audience, including:

The difference between being ‘in power’ and being ‘in your power’ and the #1 form of abuse of power to watch out for.
Go beyond your job description to understand the hidden sources of power already in your role, so you can shift from playing your small game to your BIG game
How to get comfortable with the power you have and use it for the good of all
Fix situations that are personally frustrating for you by leading organizational solutions from which everyone benefits
The Leader creates the weather on the team - how to create the weather that keeps your team members and colleagues inspired and engaged.
Grow power in others: How to get your team members to take ownership of solving their problems, and Why growing power in others is the key to increasing their power as well as yours.

With this fresh perspective, she will show you how to respond, not react to roadblocks in the workplace, so you can regain control and unleash the positive energy that comes from being a Change Agent who makes it better for everyone!

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Cultivating Creative Thinking | Oana Velcu-Laitinen

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Oana Velcu-Laitinen, John Bates) — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Something wonderful happened to Oana when she became a mother. This biggest role of her life inspired her to press the refresh button. For instance, she started writing a personal blog.

Also, she embraced a career change after nine years of research and teaching experience at the Hanken School of Economics and Aalto School of Business.

In 2014, she got certified as a coach.

And in March 2017, she got her second certification grounded in social neuroscience, from the NeuroLeadership Institute in Helsinki.

Her appetite for becoming better in her role as a coach and trainer grows with each customer interaction. One of the most valuable rewards she gets is to see the smiles of insight on her clients’ faces and watch their gait transform into a walk on clouds after their sessions with her.

You can find her at: https://www.velcu.fi/ and on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oana-velcu-laitinen-phd-6081084/

If you're inspired to reach out directly, find her at oana@velcu.fi

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Having Difficult Conversations | Marlene Chism

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Marlene Chism, John Bates) — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Marlene Chism is a seasoned speaker, thought partner, advisor, coach, and author. She is the CEO of Marlene Chism Consulting, offering a comprehensive suite of consulting services to businesses and leaders. Widely recognized as the leading US authority on stopping workplace drama, she works with C-Suite leaders to build drama-free cultures that drive growth and reduce costly mistakes. Marlene is known for helping managers address “the elephant in the room” and initiate conversations that get results. Her expertise includes leadership development, conflict management, and strategic communications.

Marlene’s leadership development courses are instrumental in teaching mid-level and senior leaders strategic communication skills to initiate conversations that get results and increase accountability. She’s a recognized expert on the Linked In (formerly Lynda) global learning platform, producing educational videos on Anger Management, Having Difficult Conversations, Working with High Conflict People, and Managing Conflict and Getting Results in a Hybrid Work Environment.

Besides From Conflict to Courage, Marlene has authored three commercially published books: Stop Workplace Drama (Wiley 2011), No-Drama Leadership (Bibliomotion 2015), and Stop Drama in Your Healthcare Practice (Greenbranch 2018). As a seasoned professional speaker, Marlene’s transformational message of personal responsibility, and alignment is making its way around the globe at leadership academy’s corporate retreats, association conferences, and customized webinars.

Marlene has a degree in communications from Drury University, and a master’s degree in human resources development from Webster University. She is an advanced practitioner in Narrative coaching.

Find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlenechism/

At her Website: https://marlenechism.com/

And find her books here:

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Reading Microexpressions | Annie Särnblad

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Annie Särnblad, John Bates) — Thu, 5 Jan 2023 06:20:00 +0000

Annie Särnblad is a preeminent global speaker and expert in reading facial expressions. She is Certified in the Facial Action Coding System “FACS” and can numerically code the 10,000 muscle combinations in human expression. She has developed her own easy-to-absorb teaching techniques based on the knowledge she accumulated living in 9 countries and studying 8 languages through immersion. Annie has a Master’s in Cultural Anthropology, and has lived across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and is currently living in Boston. Annie raised her three children as human lie detectors - by taking them out into Singapore on a daily basis and live narrating human's faces in real-time in Swedish. Over almost ten years, she and her children simplified the identifiers and locations of each emotion on the face down to the briefest flicker of muscle movement.

Microexpressions are the subconscious “leakage” of emotion that makes “unspoken” feelings visible. They are universal to our species and not dependent on culture. In a negotiation, reading microexpressions allows us to gain insight into the other person’s position that is invisible to most people. This ability to identify the subtle changes in the mood of the person we are talking to allows us to observe how a conversation is going - as it is happening - so that we can instantly adjust our behavior and improve the negotiation outcome. Reading and responding well to another person’s needs and wants greatly influences their desire to close a deal on both a conscious and subconscious level.

Connect with her on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-sarnblad/

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Disruption Proof | Brant Cooper

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Brant Cooper) — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Find Brant at Brant @ brantcooper.com and on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brantcooper/

Brant travels the globe speaking with entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs about how to discover and create new value; about empowering individuals to make the change they want to see in the world.

Brant Cooper is the New York Times bestselling author of The Lean Entrepreneur and CEO of Moves the Needle. With over two decades of expertise helping companies bring innovative products to market, he blends agile, design thinking, and lean methodologies to ignite entrepreneurial action within large organizations.

Brant has a unique take on disrupting our current way of thinking in order to be closer to customers, move faster, and act bolder. He has experienced monumental milestones such as IPO, acquisition, rapid growth, and crushing failure.

He serves as a global keynote speaker, mentor to entrepreneurs, and trusted advisor to corporate executives. His mission is to teach leaders how to find personal and economic growth by creating new value for fellow humans.

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Core Skills to Become a Great Manager, Faster | Tania Luna

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Tania Luna, John Bates) — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Tania is the Co-Founder of LifeLabs Learning, Author of The Leader Lab and Surprise, co-host of the podcast Talk Psych to Me, Partner at Columbia University's eLab, and Founder of Scarlet Moon Sanctuary.

LifeLabs Learning has helped over 350,000 people at the world’s most influential companies (including TED, Yelp, Tinder, Slack, Reddit) become more capable and compassionate leaders.

"Talk Psych to Me" blends humor and psychology to help people get better at being people.

eLab is an accelerator for entrepreneurs who increase equity and access to education.

Scarlet Moon is a non-profit that helps people help animals.

Tania is a researcher, educator, and advisor to startups that create alternatives to animal products. She writes for Psychology Today, Harvard Business Review, Faunalytics, and some other delightful places. For some mysterious reason, her TED talk about her experience as a Ukrainian immigrant has over 1.8 million views.

Tania lives with rescued pigs, dogs, goats, a cat, and the love of her life. She does lots of things, but each is an attempt to give people research-backed and play-packed tools for being kinder to ourselves, each other, and all living beings.

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Secrets for Powerful Speaking and Listening | Julian Treasure

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates) — Wed, 7 Dec 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Julian is a sound and communication expert whose mission is to help people and organizations to listen better and create healthier and more effective sound, including speaking. He is the author of the books How to be Heard and Sound Business.

Julian’s five TED talks have been watched more than 100 million times. 'How to speak so that people want to listen' is in the top 10 TED talks of all time. Julian is regularly featured in the world’s media and has guested on dozens of leading global podcasts.

In 2003 Julian founded The Sound Agency – an audio branding company that asks and answers the question “how does your brand sound?”and has recently launched Moodsonic®, a range of biophilic soundscapes to enhance well-being and productivity in workspaces. TSA's award-winning work has made headlines internationally.

Julian’s love of sound stems from his early experience as a musician. He was a drummer for indie bands The Transmitters, Fish Turned Human and Missing Presumed Dead and recorded vinyl and two 1981 John Peel Sessions.

Before The Sound Agency, Julian spent 20 years working in advertising and magazine publishing. He founded, grew, and sold the contract (custom) publishing agency TPD.

Julian lives in beautiful Orkney with his fiancée, multiple world champion martial artist, Jane Majendie, and their daughter.

Julian's vision: "We teach our children how to read and write, but not how to speak and listen. Conscious listening is rare, and never has it been more needed in the world; at the same time, millions miss out on the potential of the amazing instrument we all play – the human voice – and struggle to speak powerfully. My vision is to transform the world by inspiring people to listen consciously and speak powerfully."

[And I say, "Hear, hear, Brother!"]

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The Habit Mechanic | Dr. Jon Finn

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Dr. Jon Finn, Jon Finn, John Bates) — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Dr. Jon Finn founded the award-winning Tougher Minds consultancy and best-selling author of 'The Habit Mechanic'. He has three psychology-related degrees, including a PhD and has worked in performance psychology, resilience, and leadership science for over twenty years.

Tougher Minds uses cutting-edge insights from psychology, behavioral science, neuroscience, and world champions to help organizations develop ‘Habit Mechanics’ and ‘Chief Habit Mechanics’ – Resilient people, outstanding Leaders, and World-Class teams.

Having trained and coached over 10,000 people, Dr. Finn and his colleagues work with global businesses, high-growth start-ups, individuals, elite athletes, coaches and teams, leading educational institutes, government, and think tanks. For podcast episodes and free resources, visit: tougherminds.co.uk and find him on LinkedIn

Don't forget to grab a copy of Dr. Jon Finn's book, The Habit Mechanic

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Question Thinking™ and Mindset Awareness | Marilee Adams

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Marilee Adams, John Bates) — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Dr. Marilee Adams is an award-winning author and pioneer in the fields of inquiry-based coaching, leadership, and organizational culture. She is the founder and CEO of Inquiry Institute, the originator of the Question Thinking™ methodologies, and a consultant, executive coach, and keynote speaker. Marilee is the author of the internationally bestselling book Change Your Questions, Change Your Life as well as The Art of the Question and Teaching that Changes Lives.

Marilee remembers this experience as if it was yesterday. She was leaving the psychologist’s office, after hours of testing for ADD, when the doctor patted her on the shoulder and said in a consoling voice, “Don’t expect too much of yourself.”

What?!

That was years before she published her first book, a cognitive-behavioral psychology textbook entitled The Art of the Question, which one reviewer hailed as the “book of the decade” in the field of psychology.

Marilee is driven by an unrelenting passion for learning and making a difference with what she learns. She credits this passion for learning as having been her saving grace and the basis for all she has developed. Her work is based on insights into the profound power of inquiry and mindsets in shaping our lives, our relationships, our results, and our futures. This work is making a global impact on individuals, executives, organizations, and teams. Marilee is happiest when people say things like: “Your work is so practical and it has changed my life—or my company, or my leadership, or my team, or even my marriage—Thank you!"

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Communicating Your Vulnerability | Giles Paley-Phillips

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Giles Paley-Phillips, John Bates) — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Giles Paley-Phillips writes books & writes and produces films. He is half of @blankpod & @forgotpodcast. He plays guitar in @burnthousemusic and is an Ambassador at @actionaidUK and Love at @cpfc Giles is Happily Mediocre.

Find him at: https://Linktr.ee/GilesPaleyPhillips1

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The Self-Employed Life | Jeffrey Shaw

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Jeffrey Shaw, John Bates) — Wed, 9 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

How many people can say they’ve never had a “real” job? Renowned portrait photographer Jeffrey Shaw is one such person. Successful serial entrepreneur Jeffrey Shaw always created his own income without ever having had the safety net of a 9-5 paycheck. He learned the benefits of genuine connections and thrived by understanding the value of ideal customers.

Today, as a speaker, business consultant, and author, Jeffrey helps small businesses and the self-employed stop wasting time trying to satisfy some customers who will never be satisfied and attract only their ideal customers. Like a photographer sees their subject, Jeffrey shows businesses how to make customers feel seen, heard, and understood to improve customer experience, retain their most profitable customers, and create the business and life of their dreams.

Jeffrey Shaw is a TEDx speaker who was featured on TED.com, the host of The Self-Employed Life podcast with well over a million downloads, and the creator of The Self-Employed Summit. He is also the bestselling author of LINGO: Discover Your Ideal Customer’s Secret Language and Make Your Business Irresistible and recently released The Self-Employed Life: Business and Personal Development Strategies That Create Sustainable Success.

Find Jeffrey here:

https://www.jeffreyshaw.com/

https://www.selfemployedbusinessinstitute.com/

linkedin.com/in/jeffreyshawauthor

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Strategic Storytelling for Health & Life Sciences | Giuseppe Marzio

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Giuseppe Marzio, John Bates) — Wed, 2 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Giuseppe Marzio, PhD, a scientist-turned-strategic-storyteller, has over twenty years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry.

As founder of Chiaro, a communications agency specializing in strategic storytelling for health and life sciences, he has worked with some of the most innovative companies in the sector, from startups and VCs to large corporations.

Giuseppe has been instrumental in raising hundreds of millions in funding, closing high-value deals, and taking organizations to the next level.

Find him at Chiaro.nl - And in case you were wondering, Chiaro, is Italian for “clear and understandable” and “bright and brilliant.”

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How to Get Booked and Paid to Speak | Grant Baldwin

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Grant Baldwin, John Bates) — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Grant Baldwin always enjoyed speaking and helping other people. So much so that he actually went to Bible college and became a youth pastor. He did that for a little while but eventually felt like there was something else he should be doing. While his wife was five months pregnant with their first daughter, he quit his job with no real plan for what he wanted to do with his life.

He felt like he was having a quarter-life crisis.

Grant spent months reading, exploring, and trying to figure out what he was put on this planet to do. He knew some of the things he was good at, and he knew what he enjoyed doing, but he was never sure how it all translated into a career. After several months, Grant decided to start a career as a speaker.

He worked hard and hustled to build his business and get booked to speak.

In the last several years, Grant has been fortunate to speak to audiences all over the country. He has spoken at hundreds of events and has given literally thousands of presentations at conferences, assemblies, conventions, and other events. He has spoken to audiences of just a handful to arenas filled with 13,000 people.

Connect with Grant Baldwin on LinkedIn, and see the great things he's up to at The Speaker Lab

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Coping with Conflict | Liz Kislik

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Liz Kislik, John Bates) — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Liz Kislik specializes in developing high-performing leaders and workforces and for 30 years has helped family-run businesses, national nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies like American Express, Girl Scouts, Staples, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and Highlights for Children solve their thorniest problems.

Liz’s work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal’s Morning Download, the Washington Post’s Work Advice column, Business Insider, and Bloomberg Businessweek. Her articles have been included in Harvard Business Press books Guide to Motivating People, Dealing with Difficult People, and Guide to Power and Impact, as well as in Entrepreneur, the European Financial Review, and the Forward.

She is a member of Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches initiative, which brings together the world’s top coaches and thinkers; has taught at Hofstra University and New York University; and is a frequent podcast guest. She received her BA from Yale University and earned an MBA in Management from NYU.

Find her at lizkislik.com - you can get her free e-book "Coping With Conflict" there, too!

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Mindfully Wise Leadership | Keren Tsuk

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Keren Tsuk, John Bates) — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Dr. Keren Tsuk is an organizational consultant and leadership expert. Her Ph.D. is in leadership at 21st-century organizations. Keren specializes in helping companies and teams reach their full potential using mindfulness techniques. Keren focuses on senior management teams, helping executives find their inner wisdom and maximize their leadership potential. Dr. Tsuk teaches at IDC Herzliya and Lahav Executive Education at Tel Aviv University.

Find her at: www.wisdomtolead.co and connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerentsuk/

Get her book on Amazon: Mindfully Wise Leadership: The Secret of Today's Leader

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Human Capital Innovations | Jonathan Hinton Westover

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Jonathan Hinton Westover, John Bates) — Wed, 5 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Episode Notes:

Jonathan Hinton Westover is a 3X #1 best-selling and award-winning author and is the #1 ranked HR, Innovation, and Future of Work Global Thought Leader & Influencer by Thinkers360. Global Gurus has ranked Jon #22 in "Organizational Culture" and #24 in "Management" globally, and LeadersHum's put him on their Power List of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership to watch for in 2022. Jon is also the host/producer of the Human Capital Innovations (HCI) Podcast and Chief Academic and Learning Officer of the HCI Academy.

As well, he is the Chair and Professor of Organizational Leadership and Change in the Woodbury School of Business (UVU), Academic Director of the Center for Social Impact and the SIMLab, Senior Director of Academic Service-Learning, and Faculty Fellow for Ethics in Public Life (previously the Associate Director) in the Center for the Study of Ethics. He is also an experienced OD/HR/Leadership consultant (Human Capital Innovations, LLC) with experience transforming organizations across the globe.

Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn. Listen to his The Human Capital Innovations Podcast

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Path to the Mainstage | Li Hayes

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Li Hayes, John Bates) — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Li Hayes' Go Leeward connects dynamic, world-class business and motivational speakers with business event planners, marketing leaders, and executive business leaders to make any event exceed expectations and truly ‘WOW’ the audience.

As the Founder and Speaker Manager, Li Hayes directs an efficient and seamless process — providing a hassle-free, cost-effective experience by eliminating agencies and connecting meeting planners directly to powerful speakers. With Go Leeward, meeting planners receive personal, professional service backed by deep strategic planning, team leadership, and talent management expertise.

Find Li Hayes at Goleeward.com, Pathtothemainstage.com, and on LinkedIn

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Am I ready to write a book? | AJ Harper

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (AJ Harper, John Bates) — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

In today's episode, I talk with AJ Harper. She is an editor and publishing strategist who helps authors write transformational books that enable them to build readership, grow their brand, and significantly impact the world.

We discuss Self-publishing, Traditional-publishing, and Hybrid-publishing. AJ talks about the impact Senator Paul Wellstone's quote: "We all do better when all do better." had on her.

We also discuss where she came from and how she got here. She asks entrepreneurs and leaders the question: Is there something that you have to say that if we just understood that one thing, the world would be better; if enough people knew that, it would make a difference? And, she shares the two criteria that must be met for every book Mike Michalowicz writes.

She also gives you a good answer to the question: Am I ready to write a book?

Find her at https://ajharper.com/ and get lots of valuable, free tools and gifts at https://writeamustread.com/tools/

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Leadership in Extreme Circumstances with Tracy Reinhold

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Tracy Reinhold, John Bates) — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Tracy Reinhold is Chief Security Officer at Everbridge. He is responsible for advancing Everbridge’s enterprise-level security strategy and working closely with customers and partners to optimize their organizational approach to managing and responding to critical events.

Reinhold has served in executive leadership roles in security and incident management for some of the world’s largest brands. As Chief Security Officer at Fannie Mae, a leader in mortgage financing with more than $3 trillion in assets, Reinhold was responsible for designing and managing the company’s enterprise resilience strategy. He established a robust enterprise response model that enabled senior leaders to respond to security and business disruptions in an efficient and consistent manner. His leadership was instrumental in ensuring the safety and security of all employees, contractors, and visitors at locations nationwide, and successfully protecting company assets including over 3 million square feet of office space.

Prior to Fannie Mae, Reinhold served as Vice President of Global Investigations at Walmart. He had been recruited by the retail giant to investigate and protect company interests related to compliance and ethics concerns across its global portfolio. In less than three years, he created and led a team of global investigators in the United States, Asia, Africa, South America, and the United Kingdom.

Prior to his commercial roles in security, Reinhold served as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for twenty-two years. During this time, he was a member of the Senior Executive Service, served as Associate Executive Assistant Director for National Security, and led the FBI’s intelligence division. Reinhold is a frequent speaker across the industry on topics including “Improving Organizational Resilience Through Enhanced Security Practices” and “The Changing Role of the CSO in Today’s Corporate Landscape.”

Connect with Tracey on LinkedIn

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The Trajectory of Social Media with Hugh Forrest

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Hugh Forrest) — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

The South by Southwest (SXSW) festival has been held every month of March since 1987 in Austin, Texas, and is considered one of the most important meetings worldwide related to music, film, and digital/interactive media. Hugh Forrest is the Chief Programming Officer at South by Southwest.

In 2012, the Austin Chamber of Commerce named Hugh Forrest “Citizen of the Year” and the rest of his colleagues from the management of the SXSW festival. Ernst&Young named SXSW Entrepreneurs of the Year. In addition to his work for the festival, Forrest forms part of the National Board of Advisers of the Poynter Institute of St. Petersburg, Florida. Forrest graduated in English Literature from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. Before joining the SXSW team he founded a small alternative publishing company called The Austin Challenger and worked as a writer for different newspapers.

We also discussed Eddy Zang and the New Breath Foundation: https://new-breath.org/

Follow Hugh on Twitter @hugh_w_forrest and on LinkedIn

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Path to the Naval Academy | Chris Cassidy

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Chris Cassidy) — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Making his way from Earth to the cosmos, CAPT Cassidy was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in 2004. Assigned his first spaceflight in 2009 as a mission specialist aboard the STS-127, he became the 500th person in history to fly into space, as well as the second-ever SEAL. In subsequent flight experiences, CAPT Cassidy was assigned to Expedition 35 in 2013 as a flight engineer and Expedition 63 as Commander of the International Space Station in 2020. While at NASA, CAPT Cassidy accumulated 378 days in space, 54 hours, and 51 minutes of spacewalk time, placing him in an elite group of four U.S. crewmembers with 10 spacewalks. He was named NASA’s Chief Astronaut in 2015, a role in which he was responsible for flight assignments, mission preparation, and on-orbit support of U.S. crews and organizing astronaut office support for future launch vehicles. He served in this position for two years before returning to normal flight status. In May 2021, three-time space veteran CAPT Cassidy announced his retirement from both NASA and the Navy, transitioning into his current role as CEO and president of the National Medal of Honor Museum.

Among CAPT Cassidy’s awards and honors is the Bronze Star with combat “V,” the Presidential Unit Citation for leading a nine-day operation at the Zharwar Kili cave complex on the Afghanistan/Pakistan border, a second Bronze Star for combat leadership during Operation Enduring Freedom, and the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal. He completed the 2014 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, and spent three weeks cycling through the Amazon rainforest in 2017. CAPT Cassidy earned his Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1993 and his Master of Science in ocean engineering from MIT in 2000. He was awarded an honorary Ph.D. from Husson University in 2015, and a second honorary Ph.D. from the University of Maine at Augusta in 2021.

Exclusively represented by the Leading Authorities speakers bureau, CAPT Cassidy’s talks explore the habits of effective leaders and how they can motivate their teams to overcome the obstacles in front of them, foster a high-performing culture of trust, and thrive in clutch moments when everything is on the line. With a talent for storytelling and well-timed humor, he shares his inspiring journey from the U.S. Naval Academy to becoming NASA’s 15th Chief Astronaut — motivating audiences to develop a never-quit mindset to accomplish their goals and help others along the way.

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How to Lead in a Distributed World | Liam Martin

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Liam Martin, John Bates) — Wed, 8 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Liam is a serial entrepreneur who runs Time Doctor and Staff.com — one of the most popular time tracking and productivity software platforms in use by top brands today. He is also a co-organizer of the world's largest remote work conference — Running Remote.

Liam is an avid proponent of remote work and has been published in Forbes, Inc, Mashable, TechCrunch, Fast Company, Wired, The Wall Street Journal, The Next Web, The Huffington Post, Venturebeat, and many other publications specifically targeting the expansion of remote work. Liam's products and services are defined by the concept of giving workers the flexibility to work wherever they want, whenever they want.

He holds an undergraduate and graduate degree in Sociology from McGill University. He lives in Canada but travels 3-6 months out of the year due to his ability to work wherever and whenever he likes.

While he travels around the world a few times a year, he usually spends time in Austin, Las

Vegas, and Ubud. He encourages others to work remotely while he's on his travels.

Liam has also co-authored a book - Running Remote - focused on remote work methodology. In this revolutionary guide, Liam and his co-founder, Rob Rawson, have unearthed the secrets and lessons discovered by remote work pioneering entrepreneurs and founders who've harnessed the async mindset to operate their businesses remotely in the most seamless, hassle-free, and cost-effective manner possible.

Find Liam here:

Website: https://www.timedoctor.com, https://runningremote.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/runningremote

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liammcivormartin/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/time-doctor/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/running-remote/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vtamethodman, https://twitter.com/manageyourtime, https://twitter.com/RunningRemote

Facebook Biz Page: https://www.facebook.com/TimeDoctorSoftware/, https://www.facebook.com/runningremote/

Running Remote Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/runningremotecommunity/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liamremote/, https://www.instagram.com/runningremote

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Rediscovering one's voice, vision, and purpose with Amy Nubson

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Amy Nubson) — Wed, 1 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I speak with a dear friend of mine, Amy Nubson. Amy has been an award-willing designer and marketer for over 20 years. She's also been an entrepreneur for 15 years and for that entire time she's been working with her husband Avery. And recently, she founded RebrandYou where she coaches people in business and life as a fulfillment coach. Amy shares her story and how getting clear about her story helped get her clear on her life's mission. We talk about the power and responsibility of getting that you matter, the difference between victim and survivor, and the ability to get over fear and say yes. We acknowledge our original connection via PumpkinPlanYourBiz.com and Steve Dale, author of the Profitable Contractor, and more.

***

Amy's passion for rediscovering one's voice, vision, and purpose guide businesses and individuals alike to personal and professional fulfillment with the clarity, courage, and confidence to be successful through her Rebrand You coaching program. As a nationally recognized female entrepreneur, in her role as both a Strategic Coach and Chief Marketing Officer, Amy has been growing businesses and the people behind them for the past 20 years.

Loving the arts and visual design, Amy and her husband, Avery, started their marketing agency in 2007. Nufire Marketing has collaborated with and grown dozens of small businesses both nationally and internationally while building business owners' strategic plans for committed success beyond their contracted partnership.

Today, in her role as a fractional Chief Marketing Officer, Amy looks at the art of communication and advertising as a whole, connecting owners and clients through playful design, masterful messaging, program development, and intricate strategic and financial planning. As a small business owner of multiple ventures, Amy has not only hands-on experience but sincere intentions to give clients on both ends the results they need and deserve!

As a personal and professional Strategic Coach, Amy has broadened her spectrum to guiding others through the process of story coaching, the discovery of purpose, and the empowering actions that clarity, courage, and confidence brings. Being a nomadic entrepreneur, exploration and rich cultural experiences broaden her perspective and scope of work as she continues to make authentic connections around the globe, setting the tone for adventure, newly gained insights, and worldly wisdom. All of which shines through in her coaching, creativity, and life enrichment programs, namely Your Voice and Rebrand You.

Connect and grow with Amy Nubson through the following links:

Websites

https://rebrandyoucoaching.com

https://nufiremarketing.com/

Social Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fulfillment-coach/

https://www.facebook.com/rebrandyoucoaching

https://www.instagram.com/rebrandyoucoaching/

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Revolutionizing Digital Diagnostics with Ben Cahoon

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Ben Cahoon) — Wed, 25 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Techcyte began as an idea to classify white blood cells using computer vision from Dr. Mohamed Salama which was purchased by Ralph Yarro in a technology transfer from the University of Utah in 2013. Since that initial idea, Techcyte has led the cellular digital pathology revolution by combining the knowledge and skills of a lab professional or pathologist with the latest deep learning technologies to provide the healthcare industries with digital diagnostic solutions.

Techcyte believes that individual cells hold clues to diagnosing disease. By analyzing cell morphology, phenotypic characteristics can reveal genotype, conditions, and diseases, getting us closer to providing precision medicine.

Connect with Ben on Linkedin or follow him on Twitter @ben_cahoon.

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Great Leadership & Payroll Connectivity to Change the World with Jordan Wright

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Jordan Wright) — Wed, 18 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Jordan Wright loves building great companies. He’s co-founded and led several startups from inception through to successful exits. Currently, Jordan is Co-Founder and CEO at Atomic and the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Solera National Bank. Atomic is the market-leading provider for payroll connectivity, trusted by 12 of the leading fintech brands, including digital-first neobanks, alternative lenders, and digital brokerages such as Coinbase, Dave, and Propel, among others.

Prior to starting Atomic, Jordan was the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Unbill, a FinTech payment company he sold to online banking software provider Q2 (QTWO). Previously, he helped start a cybersecurity company, NextPage, which was acquired by Proofpoint (PFPT) as well as Mobile Butler, acquired by Amenify.

As both Vice-Chairman of Solera National Bank and Co-Founder and CEO of Atomic, Jordan bridges the gap between traditional banking and technology-enabled financial services. At Atomic, he works with nearly all of the leading fintech companies, including digital-first neobanks, alternative lenders and digital brokerages, and traditional banks, community banks, and credit unions. He has led Atomic to simplify complicated payroll integrations to cover 75% of the U.S. workforce with a combined reach of 125 million workers. Atomic's payroll APIs are the leading way for consumers to securely connect their payroll accounts to a third-party banking app to set up or switch direct deposit payments, and access financial data for income (VOI) and employment (VOE) verifications, and setup or update W-4 tax withholdings. Put simply, Atomic makes banking easier for the customer and the bank. Atomic is a member of the Financial Health Network, the Innovative Payments Association, and the Visa North America Fintech Partner Connect Program, among others.

Jordan earned his B.S. from Brigham Young University in 2012. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing with his family.

Connect with him on LinkedIn & Twitter

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Purposeful Agenda-less Listening with Dr. Mark Goulston

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Dr. Mark Goulston) — Wed, 11 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Dr. Mark Goulston is a member of Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches, he is a Founding Member of the Newsweek Forum, and author or co-author of 9 books, many of them best sellers... His book Just Listen has been translated into 28 languages and has become the top book on listening in the world. He speaks around the world and has a Podcast called My Wakeup Call, on which I've been a guest, and it's in the top 0.5% of all podcasts. Find him on LinkedIn.

Find Mark's Books on Amazon

And, see his TEDx talk, What Made You Smile Today.

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Foolproof Presentations with TJ Walker

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, TJ Walker) — Wed, 4 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000

TJ Walker is the Founder and CEO of Utamize. Ultamize uses state-of-the-art face swap AI technology to personalize the user experience of watching motivational videos. TJ is also a leader in the health and wellness industry and currently has more than 1.3 million students taking more than 200 of his online courses on Udemy.com. Walker is a #1 USA Today Bestselling author and has personally coached Presidents of countries, Prime Ministers, Nobel Peace Prize winners, and Miss Universes. He has also made more than 1,000 media appearances on most major English News networks including CNN, Bloomberg TV, ABC News, MSNBC, Fox News Channel, and Headline News.

Walker was a merit scholar at Duke University where he graduated magna cum laude. He has lectured or conducted training at Yale University, Columbia University, and Princeton University.

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Eradicator of Entrepreneurial Poverty | Mike Michalowicz

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Mike Michalowicz) — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Mike Michalowicz is the entrepreneur behind three multimillion-dollar companies and is the author of Profit First, Clockwork, The Pumpkin Plan, Fix This Next and his newest book, Get Different. Mike is a former small business columnist for The Wall Street Journal and regularly travels the globe as an entrepreneurial advocate.

To learn more about Mike and get access to a treasure trove of entrepreneurial tips, visit www.MikeMichalowicz.com. And, to learn a fundamental and essential truth about marketing visit https://gogetdifferent.com/

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Impact Authority | Stephanie Scheller

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Stephanie Scheller) — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Stephanie Scheller took the business world by storm. After three years in corporate America, she ramped up her sales training and coaching business in only four and a half months to completely replace her corporate income and walked away to run Scheller Enterprises, a company focused on disrupting the way the world goes into and stays in business.

As attention shifted to creating a global impact, Stephanie founded Grow Disrupt, a company passionate about helping business owners thrive personally and professionally. With a passion for business owners and their struggles to keep our economy blossoming, Stephanie is dedicated to helping others experience success in all areas of their life and business. Find her at https://www.thestephaniescheller.com/ and on Facebook.

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The Power of Mentoring with Fiona Murden

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Fiona Murden) — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Fiona Murden is a chartered psychologist and multi-award-winning author. She founded the company Aroka Ltd in 2007 working with leaders from across fields and applying cutting edge research to real lives in the real world. She is also the founder of OKA.life, a premier mentoring platform that matches mentors to mentees using behavioral science.

She hosts a podcast called Dot-to-Dot interviewing amazing people from all walks of life and on alternate episodes discussing all things psychological with co-host sports psychologist Lou Jones.

Her second book Mirror Thinking: Why Role Models Make Us Human was published in 2020. This has led to her partnering with the charity Future First to provide mentoring and support to schoolchildren across the UK.

Both of her books are now available in interactive form as digital courses (and as premium / B2B versions run with fortnightly group coaching).

Find Fiona at https://Fionamurden.com - https://aroka.co.uk/, LinkedIn

Watch her TED talk, How Unexpected Role Models Make Us Human: https://www.ted.com/talks/fiona_murden_how_unexpected_role_models_make_us_human

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The Surgeon's Surgeon | Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler) — Wed, 6 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Brian Boxer Wachler, MD is a highly sought-after eye surgeon and is known as “The Surgeon’s Surgeon” since so many other surgeons come to Dr. Brian for surgery on their own eyes. He is also a producer of the Steven Holcomb Documentary named "Holky: the Steven Holcomb Story," available on IndieFlix.

Find him online at: http://boxerwachler.com, TikTok, Instagram, and at The No Cap Health Show

You can also watch his TEDx talk, Fight for Sight on YouTube!

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Scale Up with Nick Bradley

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Nick Bradley) — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Nick Bradley is a renowned entrepreneur, investor, author, speaker, and business growth expert. He has built, bought, and sold 24 businesses with a combined valuation of over $5bn dollars. He empowers business leaders and investors to create valuable businesses that create global impact.

His “Scale Up Your Business” podcast, which ranked #1 on iTunes’ and Spotify’s business charts have more than 250k downloads in over 130 countries.

Nick is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and building empires as a global force for good. And with 67 marathons and 24 ultramarathons to his credit, he demonstrates excellence and tenacity outside of the business world as well. Here is his podcast, Scale Up with Nick Bradley

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn

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Disrupting the $40 Billion self-storage industry | Joseph Woodbury

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Joseph Woodbury) — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Joseph Woodbury the Founder and CEO of Neighbor.com, a marketplace disrupting the $40 Billion self-storage industry. Joseph has raised more than $65 million in funding with participation from the world’s top investors including Andreessen Horowitz and the creators of Airbnb, Uber, StockX, and DoorDash. Joseph and his team have grown Neighbor’s user base to cover all 50 states.

Prior to Neighbor, he worked for Bain & Company, a global management consulting firm, Sorenson Capital, the largest private equity fund in Utah, and for the Senate Majority Leader in Washington D.C. Beyond Neighbor, Joseph loves spending time with his wife and four children and reading historical fiction and biographies.

Senior year in college...

Find him on Twitter: @WoodburyJoseph1 and on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephwoodbury/

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Visionary Non-Profit Creator, Paul Gigliotti

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Paul Gigliotti) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

"Because You Can” is the mantra of Paul Gigliotti, President, and Founder of AXIS Lending Academy and PJ Operation, who is known for his ability to take action.

His unique approach can be summed up in just one simple equation - creativity + innovation = success.

Paul is happily married to his husband Aaron and father to his two beautiful children. Paul’s inspiration for his ventures in the mortgage industry stems from his own experience of exclusion from the industry during the early days of his career.

With an extensive background working with various different-sized corporations, Paul has meticulously cultivated talent and streamlined company structure, while consistently encouraging team members and growing revenue. His tenacity and innovative approaches continue to create better communication, culture, and clarity in the teams he builds.

As a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the mortgage lending industry, Paul continues to use his resources to bridge the opportunity and education gaps in the mortgage lending industry.

Find Paul on LinkedIn

And at Axis Lending Academy

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Playing Offense with Paul Epstein

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Paul Epstein) — Wed, 9 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Find Paul at: paulepsteinspeaks.com

Get your free gift --> A "Why" Discovery Assessment to help you find your Why, at whyinstitute.com/purpose

Paul Epstein has spent nearly 15 years as a pro sports executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams, a global sports agency, and the NFL league office. He’s transformed numerous NBA teams from the absolute bottom in league revenue to top-two in financial performance. He’s broken every premium revenue metric in Super Bowl history as the NFL’s sales leader. He’s also opened a billion-dollar stadium, helped save the New Orleans NBA franchise, and founded the San Francisco 49ers Talent Academy—where he became known as the “Why Coach”. Paul has since shared his leadership and high-performance playbook with Fortune 500 leaders, Founders and CEOs, MBAs, and professional athletes.

As a global keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author of “The Power of Playing Offense”, and host of the “Playmakers: ON PURPOSE” podcast, Paul explores how living and working with a focus on leadership, culture, and purpose can transform organizations and individuals anywhere to unleash their full potential. When he’s not on stage, he’s putting his insights to daily practice, serving as Chief Impact Officer for Purpose Point (host of the world’s largest Purpose Summit) and Chief Purpose Advisor for the Why Institute (the world’s fastest way to discover your purpose)—on a mission to inspire leaders and lives to meet the unique challenges of our era.

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World of Voiceovers | Larry Hudson

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Larry Hudson) — Wed, 2 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Larry is a voiceover actor in Los Angeles with a professional recording studio who has been active in the industry since 2009. He provides his voice daily to a wide variety of voiceover projects including Commercial Ads for radio and TV, Narration on Documentaries and Corporate projects, Political Ads, as well as eLearning/tutorials for corporate web presentation. His list of client credits includes Disney/Picture Head, TOYOTA, Lexus, Kubota Tractor Corp, Quaker Oats, Tropicana, Apple, Google, and WarGaming.net, just to name a few.

Larry provides a clear concise baritone sound that embodies strength, power, and sincerity. His signature sound is relaxed and conversational. Listeners are drawn in by Larry’s versatility which enables him to bring light-hearted fun to character pieces or deep sincerity to roles of a more solemn nature. The client’s needs are always the first priority with Larry. His intention is clear… to bring to the project what is necessary for the client to achieve their vision.

Find Larry at larryhudsonvo.com and email him at: lh@larryhudsonvo.com

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Presentation and Communication Coach | Claudio Sennhauser

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Claudio Sennhauser) — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

After 20 years working as a technology evangelist, presenting ideas and innovative products at conferences, trade shows, and in customer meetings, Claudio began teaching others how to become more confident and more effective communicators in 2008. Since then, he has coached hundreds of presenters to reach deep into the hearts of any audience. Claudio's coaching clients include entrepreneurs, executives, marketing, and sales professionals. Corporate clients include Ricoh, Sony, IBM, and Microsoft. He also frequently works with conference organizers and startup accelerators — and recently helped the founders of RomperJack prepare for Shark Tank.

Find him at: https://sennhauser.com/ | Connect with him on LinkedIn

And, get his new book HERE

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"You Can't Push a Pig" and How This Relates to Leadership | Shawna Schuh

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Shawna Schuh) — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

In today's episode of Speak Like a Leader, I chat with Shawna Schuh, a Leadership Coach, Speaker, Columnist, & Author. She's a 3 x attendee of finishing school, she's bold and fun and she teaches us that "you can't push a pig," and then tells us how that relates to leading human beings. We had a very fun, very valuable conversation and I very much hope you enjoy it!

Visit Shawna: www.ShawnaSchuh.com | LinkedIn

Watch her TEDx talks HERE

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Lessons in Leadership and Communication with Utah State Senator Howard Stephenson

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Howard Stephenson) — Wed, 9 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, I talk with Howard Stephenson.

Howard is an Education Reformer, Former Utah State Senator, & Former President & CEO of the Utah Taxpayers Association.

We talk about his long career in politics, his experience with leadership and communication in politics, the breakthrough realization that changed his life & his approach. He talks about passing the Utah Dream Act and we also discuss his current work bringing computer-assisted learning to K-12 schools across the country and enabling every child to enter kindergarten at a 1st grade level in reading and math. His UPSTART project was named one of TED Globa's Eight Audacious Ideas that can change the World.

Find him on LinkedIn

Reach him at howardstephenson@me.com and +1-801-815-6800.

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Supporting Dynamic Business Strategies | Mike Bates

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Mike Bates, John Bates) — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +0000

A career open-source software advocate, Mike founded HotWax Systems in 1997. For over 20 years he has led high-profile web software projects for numerous national and global brands. His passion for sharing knowledge led him to a teaching position at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, where he also had earned a Summa Cum Laude B.A. in International Studies and an MBA in International Management. Mike is a Leadership Utah alumnus and works to support the International Rescue Committee. Mike appreciates the Oxford comma and enjoys sharing global experiences together with his children.

Since he is my brother, Mike also knows my Dad, who was my guest on episode 27 and we discuss some more of his great leadership lessons.

Learn more about HotWax Systems at HotWaxsystems.com. Connect with Mike on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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Harness Your Speaking Anxiety with Nathan Gold

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Nathan Gold, John Bates) — Thu, 6 Jan 2022 07:51:31 +0000

Nathan Gold, also known as The Demo Coach hails from the San Francisco Bay Area where he spends his days coaching people around the world on how to prepare for high-stakes speaking opportunities and how to harness speaking anxiety. He does this through keynotes, workshops, and 1:1 sessions, both in-person and online.

Nathan has personally delivered thousands of presentations along with thousands of hours of professional coaching. He's worked in and with small and large companies, including GetAround.com, Glue Networks, Bill.com, Education.com, Ensafer, Innovation Norway, SanDisk, Kaiser Permanente, and IBM — on designing, scripting and delivering more compelling and memorable presentations and product demos, especially in situations you cannot afford to miss.

Nathan is a two-time winner of the distinguished DEMOgod Award, given to me at DEMOmobile 2000 for being “A one-man walking communications store with the ability to deliver an incredibly well-timed demonstration.” And, at DEMOfall 2005, a second DEMOgod Award at U3. He's also the co-author of Giving Memorable Product Demos, published in June 2009, available on Amazon.com.

Learn more about Nathan at DemoCoach.com. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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Storytelling with Impact | Mark Lovett

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Mark Lovett, John Bates) — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Mark Lovett's passion is impactful storytelling, from the stage to the boardroom and from universities to prisons. This passion led him to the world of TEDx organizing, and in turn, to storytelling and speaker coaching, which has helped people and organizations tell their stories in a way that impacts the lives of others.

Mark is the founder of Storytelling with Impact, an organization that coaches individuals, teams, and corporations to master the art of storytelling in a way that deeply resonates with their audience.

He was also the organizer and chief architect of TEDxSanDiego, an all-volunteer non-profit organization founded in 2010. Each year bringing dynamic speakers and performers to the stage in the style of the TED Conference. Mark and his team leveraged these performances and talks to inspire and activate the audience, as well as foster new connections within the community and around the world.

In September 2015, Mark had the opportunity to design, organize and execute the first cross-border TEDx event called TEDxMonumento258. Themed “Ideas without borders,” it was a collaboration between TEDxSanDiego and TEDxTijuana. The objective was to highlight the vibrant culture, commerce, and communication between San Diego and Tijuana, despite the political and physical barriers. The event also demonstrated how two cities work through difficulties and challenges, and in doing so, have become a model for people in other parts of the world.

Prior to embarking on his passion for powerful storytelling, Mark spent thirty years in various senior executive positions within the high-tech electronics industry, leading teams across operations, information systems, marketing, and corporate management.

Mark is a faculty member at UCSD Extension, where he teaches a course called Storytelling with Impact, and at The Honor Foundation, where he leads storytelling workshops for Navy SEALs and military special forces who are retiring.

Learn more about Mark at StorytellingWithImpact.com and connect with him on LinkedIn.

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Understanding Cancer Genomics, and More, with Jimmy Lin

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Jimmy Lin, John Bates) — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

C. Jimmy Lin, MD, Ph.D., MHS is the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at Freenome, working on the early diagnosis of cancers. Previously, he was the CSO, Oncology at Natera (NASDAQ: NTRA), where he has led the development of new diagnostic technologies for cancer.

Jimmy is also a 2016 Senior TED Fellow and Founder & President of Rare Genomics Institute, the world's first platform to enable any community to leverage cutting-edge biotechnology to advance understanding of any rare disease.

Previously, Jimmy led the ClinOmics program in the Genetics Branch of the National Cancer Institute (NIH/NCI). Prior to this, he led the computational analysis of the first-ever exome sequencing studies of cancer at Johns Hopkins and was a research instructor at Washington University in St. Louis. He has numerous publications in Science, Nature, Cell, Nature Genetics, and Nature Biotechnology, and has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, BBC, TIME, and the Huffington Post.

Learn more about Jimmy at DrJimmyLin.com and RareGenomics.org.

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Delivering Powerful Stories Through Speaking or Songwriting | Dave Carroll

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Dave Carroll, John Bates) — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Dave Carroll is an award-winning singer-songwriter, professional speaker, author, and social media innovator based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. He began his music career with his brother Don in the band Sons of Maxwell and has been enjoying success as a solo artist since 2008. He released his debut solo album Perfect Blue in 2008 and a second solo album in 2012 called Raincoat in Vegas. For over two decades, Dave has charmed fans with his approach to music. His ability to extract the essence of a message and craft it into song is a rare gift that is attracting fans of all ages, while his sense of humor and disarmingly warm stage presence makes each live experience a memorable one for audiences around the world.

Known as a master storyteller, Dave’s incredible talent was introduced to millions when his 2009 anthem ‘United Breaks Guitars’ became a worldwide sensation. The song chronicled his experience in the customer service process with United Airlines. His creative use of social media to share that message as an Independent Musician has reached over 150 million people. As the #1 most-watched YouTube Music Video in the world in July 2009, United Breaks Guitars has been called ‘one of the most important [videos] in Google’s history,’ and became a metaphor for change and innovation. Dave Carroll and United Breaks Guitars are now recognized as ‘household names.’ United Breaks Guitars won the 2009 Music Nova Scotia Video of the Year Award and Dave Carroll was awarded the 2009 Music Nova Scotia Digital Artist of the Year. Dave was also nominated for the 2010 ECMA for Entertainer of the Year.

The United Breaks Guitars trilogy has awakened companies everywhere to the importance of focusing on the customer and on delivering an exceptional customer experience. Dave Carroll is a musician with a message, demonstrating the power one voice can have in today’s socially-driven world. Dave has become internationally famous as one of the world’s top media relations innovators & customer experience authorities. He is also widely sought after as a content creator & songwriter.

Dave has been featured in major news media around the world (including ABC’s ‘The View,’ ABC’s 20/20, CNN, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, Rolling Stone Magazine, Wall Street Journal & BBC to name a few). Several case studies and book references about United Breaks Guitars have been published including one’s by Harvard Business School, University of Toronto, and a Thesis by Allison Soule for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. On February 16th, 2011, Dave Carroll and United Breaks Guitars were featured as part of a question/answer on the hit show Jeopardy.

Dave has testified (and sung) on Capitol Hill in Washington, delivered keynotes at Columbia University’s Brite Conference, TedX Hoboken, NewComm Forum, Mesh Conference, Atlantic Brand Confabulation (with Gene Simmons), SXSW Interactive, The Power of PR CPRS Conference, G-Force Prague, G-Force Melbourne & other significant customer service & corporate events (including for RightNow Technologies & Sandvik Coromant).

In 2010 Dave’s song and video, ‘Everyday Heroes’ was released on 911Song.com. In a world where broken promises are commonplace when it counts most, there are people willing to help strangers because they gave their word that they would. The essence of ‘Everyday Heroes’ is about these individuals keeping their promise to respond, regardless of who is in need or the unknown risks that may await the First Responders. As a volunteer firefighter himself for 5 years, Dave wrote ‘Everyday Heroes’ after being challenged by a friend to honor those who answer the call.

In May 2012 Dave Carroll wrote a book about his customer experience called, “United Breaks Guitars: The Power of One Voice in the Age of Social Media”, published by Hay House Publishing. Whether you are a guitarist, a baggage handler, or a boardroom executive, this book will entertain you and remind you that we are all connected, that each of us matters, and that we all have a voice worth hearing.

Dave’s newest music project, Raincoat in Vegas, is an eclectic mix of carefully crafted songs that demonstrate Dave’s growth as a songwriter and performer. The depth of musical styles offered by “Raincoat in Vegas” ranges from Pop-Folk to Singer-Songwriter to Americana. What weaves through all of the songs, and results in a complete and refreshing album experience, is the vivid and often deeply personal stories that Dave tells with such mastery of the storytelling art.

Said to be ‘one of the nicest guys in the business,’ Dave Carroll is one of Canada’s brightest shining stars.’

Check him out at DaveCarrollMusic.com. Give him a follow on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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Don’t Chase the Wins, Chase the Insights with Vince Warnock

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Vince Warnock, John Bates) — Wed, 8 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Vince Warnock is an award-winning marketer, author, marketing strategist, and sought-after public speaker. A Fearless50 recipient, a program that recognizes the top 50 marketers in the world who are driving bold, fearless marketing and digital transformation.

Vince has a rather eclectic background, training as an Electronics and Computer Engineer before broadening into sound engineering, radio announcing, web development, and film until eventually moving into his true passion, marketing where he now has over 20 years of experience.

He is currently a full-time author, podcast host, marketing strategist and coach, and was previously the Chief Marketing Officer at Cigna Life Insurance and co-founder of high growth tech startup Common Ledger. Vince has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the marketing industry and gives back regularly through his work with the Marketing Association and as a coach, mentor, and tutor.

You can regularly hear Vince on his Chasing the Insights podcast where he interviews some of the biggest names in marketing, sales, and entrepreneurship.

Connect with him on LinkedIn.

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Data is the New Gold with David Lucatch

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (David Lucatch, John Bates) — Wed, 1 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

David Lucatch is the CEO, President & Chair of the Corporation at Liquid Avatar. He has spent over 35 years as a serial entrepreneur in the international marketing arena and over 25 years of that developing technologies and taking them to market.

David has held senior management posts and directorships at both private and public technology and media firms. He is an active supporter of numerous non-profit organizations and has been recognized and awarded internationally for his service and community support activities.

Today, David’s focus is set squarely on Liquid Avatar and its mission to empower individuals, through Self Sovereign Identity, to manage, control, and profit from the use of their identity and related personal data.

Learn more at LiquidAvatar.com. Connect with David on LinkedIn.

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Podcasting Made Simple with Jonathan Rivera

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Jonathan Rivera, John Bates) — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Jonathan Rivera has been podcasting since 2008. He knows how podcasting can work for your business. That's why the top coaches and consultants trust his team at The Podcast Factory® to help them leverage the power of podcasting to reach more people, make a lasting impact, and become more influential leaders in their communities.

This all started as a personal development project. In a world where too many people focus on only ONE aspect of their lives without integrating the rest, Jonathan believes we should all think bigger. Do more. Have more. Be more. Give more.

Jonathan had some cool friends who showed him how to improve his business and his life, from family, faith, fitness, and finances. He wanted to learn more from them, so Jonathan figured he could record their conversations – share them via podcasts – and they would help everyone who listened to them talk. That's when he discovered the first part of his Direct Response Podcast™ Framework.

Jonathan calls it The Content Vault™ and it's a speed influence tool for coaches and consultants that eliminates your market’s objections before they talk to you. Plus, it helps you build rapport with your listeners in minutes instead of years. The effect is a higher close rate and shorter sales cycle because people know they can trust you before they get on a call.

Connect with Jonathan via LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram or email him at jonathan@thepodcastfactory.com.

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The Old Guy in the New Media | Richard Hackenberg

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Richard Hackenberg, John Bates) — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Richard Hackenberg is a retired captain in the US Naval Reserve active duty for 3 years and 21 in the reserves, and WWII converted destroyer escort for 3 years.

Richard is a results-oriented, marketing executive with diverse experience in advertising, public relations, direct marketing, sales promotion, and new media. He has a strong background in goal setting and strategic thinking. He is a bottom-line oriented problem-solver who believes that success is the result of creativity and team-building based on individual competence, mutual respect, and clear communications.

Some of Richard's career highlights:
§ Developed led marketing teams at leading search, retail, and B2B sites.
§ Led marketing department at a Top 5 Internet company.
§ Established the Interactive Advertising Group at a Top 20 Agency.
§ Reorganized and led a 57-person agency services division at a major database marketing company.
§ Ran direct marketing units at three major advertising agencies.
§ Founder and principal of a $12 million advertising agency.

Specialties: Strategic marketing planning and program development, marketing department leadership, advertising, and public relations agency management.

Previously worked at BIGWORDS.com, Geocities, Chiat Day, and a number of agencies in Chicago and LA.

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn.

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State of the Wild with Sharon Guynup

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Sharon Guynup, John Bates) — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Sharon Guynup is an award-winning journalist and editor who covers endangered species, ecosystems, climate change, energy, environmental health issues, pollution, national security, and other issues. She's written for National Geographic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Scientific American, The Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, Mongabay, and other outlets. She speaks on public panels and is a global fellow with the Wilson Center's Environmental Change and Security Program and China Environment Forum.

Sharon's investigation for National Geographic into wildlife trafficking from the Tiger Temple in Thailand prompted officials to shut it down and seize the monastery’s 147 tigers.

Her stories have earned awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, New York City's Deadline Club, and an Arlene Award for “an article that makes a difference” from the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

Sharon produces multimedia pieces and has worked on TV and film projects, most recently, National Geographic Channel's 2020-21 TRAFFICKED series. She has edited special issues and articles for outlets including The Conversation and Scientific American and launched the"State of the Wild" book series for the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Learn more at SharonGuynup.com. Check out Tigers Forever on Amazon.

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Lessons from High Mountains | Satyabrata Dam

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Satyabrata Dam, John Bates) — Wed, 3 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Satyabrata Dam is a globetrotting thrill-seeker and a die-hard adrenalin junkie. At the age of 10 when he stepped on his first Himalayan Glacier and looked up awestruck at the peak, he was about to attempt, Satyabrata knew then that he was born to climb and the mountains of this world would become his home, friends, and family. Since then he has been climbing and exploring all the mountain ranges across the globe and beyond.

Over the past 35 years, some of the things Satyabrata has done include:

Climbed the highest peaks of all the 7 continents, including Mt Everest (seven summits)
Skied to the North and South Poles
Climbed the second highest peaks of 5 continents (I am one of the three people in the world to have done this)
Climbed more than 350 peaks worldwide
Walked the length of Africa from Tunisia to South Africa
Traversed the ancient Silk Route from Mongolia to Istanbul
Skied across the Greenland ice cap
Visited 146 countries and climbed to the highest spot of nearly all

Following his passion, Satyabrata became the only person in the world to have successfully led expeditions to the three poles (Mt Everest, North, and South Poles) and the first submariner in the world to do so as well. For 22 years he was a submariner in the Indian Navy and has now taken voluntary retirement to devote more time to his adventures.

Find Satyabrata at SatyabrataDam.com

Check out his book Life on Top: Lessons from High Mountains on Amazon.

Here are some of Satyabrata's Mom's cookbooks available on Barnes & Noble: Mom's Snacks Kitchen and Mom's Kitchen.

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Better Selling Through Storytelling with John Livesay

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Livesay, John Bates) — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

John Livesay, aka The Pitch Whisperer, is a sales keynote speaker where he shows companies’ sales teams how to turn mundane case studies into compelling case stories so they win more new business. From John’s award-winning career at Conde Nast, he shares the lessons he learned that turns sales teams into revenue rock stars. His TEDx talk: Be The Lifeguard of your own life has over 1,000,000 views.

“John is part artist, philosopher, and sales crushing storyteller. Highly recommend John for any organization looking to change their selling style to be relevant, impactful, and to rise above the noise.” — Keith Griffis, Executive Director of Marketing, Olympus

Clients love working with John because of his ongoing support after his talk which includes implementing the storytelling skills from his best-selling book and online course “Better Selling Through Storytelling.”

John is a guest lecturer on how to leverage the power of storytelling in sales at multiple universities including the University of Texas at Austin, Pepperdine Graziadio Business school, and University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his book is now required reading for the UTLA (the University of Texas in LA) course on Entertainment and Media studies.

He is also the host of “The Successful Pitch” podcast, which is heard in over 60 countries. These interviews make him a sales keynote speaker with fresh and relevant content.

John has been interviewed by Larry King, John Bates and appeared on TV as an expert on “How To Ask For What You Want And Get A Yes.” John currently lives in Austin with Pepe, his King Charles Spaniel, who reminds him every day of the importance of belly rubs.

Learn more about John at JohnLivesay.com.

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The Introvert’s Edge | Matthew Pollard

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Matthew Pollard) — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Matthew Pollard is an internationally recognized consultant, speaker, blogger, author, mentor, coach, and serial entrepreneur with five multi-million dollar business success stories under his belt, all before the age of 30. He is the founder and CEO of Rapid Growth, LLC, dedicated to achieving maximum ROI for businesses of all sizes. Though his client list includes multiple Fortune 500 companies, his real passion is helping small business owners end the overwhelm, eliminate the stress and guesswork, and get on a clear path to Rapid Growth. Called “the real deal” by Forbes, his methods have transformed over 3500 businesses to date.

This commitment to a job well done, combined with his father’s favorite saying, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” set the stage for Matthew’s entire life. Things did not come easily for him, but he made his success possible by charging on, creating inventive solutions to problems, and never giving up.

Matthew believes that there’s something heroic about a person with the talent, passion, and belief in themselves to launch a business. Owning a business can be exciting, liberating, and lucrative. But all too often, it can be overwhelming, stressful, and resource-draining.

Matthew loves the process of helping a business determine its exact right message and niche. He loves sharing the simplicity of a sales process that gets results. Most of all, he loves being a part of a transformation that brings relief, joy, excitement, and empowerment to business owners.

It’s the drive to give back that keeps Matthew energized. His passion for helping small business owners was the motivation behind founding the annual Small Business Festival, named a Top-5 must-attend business conference by INC. Sponsored by Facebook, GoDaddy, Google, Capital One, and the City of Austin, SBF provides free education, training, and workshops by world-class speakers and business leaders, all completely free, to over 8500 attendees, just in its first two years. Matthew is proud to have earned four government proclamations and an endorsement from the SBA as a result of the Festival’s contributions to the small business community.

A lifelong introvert, Matthew often struggled to fit into an extroverted world. Never was his challenge as an introvert greater than that first door-to-door sales job; that’s when Matthew recognized that the business world is largely geared toward extroverts and that he’d have to harness a different skill set in order to succeed.

Since then, Matthew has come to believe that his introverted qualities have directly led to his success, not impede it. He is on a mission to erase the stigma around introversion and to empower introverts to recognize and leverage their innate strengths and abilities.

Learn more about Matthew at MatthewPollard.com and connect with him on LinkedIn.

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Electrifying Aviation with Cory Combs

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Cory Combs, John Bates) — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Cory Combs has a research and development background in advanced aircraft design, electric vehicles and clean energy programs—a unique set of career experiences that inspired him to co-found Ampaire and make electric aircraft practical, efficient and a central part of our transportation system. Prior to Ampaire, as an R&D engineer with a cleantech startup, he managed research programs with international partners studying technologies for pollution reduction and energy efficiency.

At Northrop Grumman’s advanced aircraft programs unit, Cory was an R&D engineer on multiple X-planes intended to test novel concepts. In one case, he was part of a small team that took a revolutionary full-scale aircraft from concept study to flight testing in two years. He also served as principal investigator on a multi-year research project leading a team of engineers and subcontractors.

Cory graduated from Stanford University with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering, both accomplished within a four-year period (and with little sleep, Cory notes). He is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.

In 2019, Cory was named a Dial Fellow by philanthropic organization Emerson Collective, joining an elite group of entrepreneurs, environmentalists, educators and social activists. Dial fellows receive support, networking and other opportunities to spark broader awareness for their work. The Dial Fellows program cited Cory for his pioneering efforts to jump-start the electric aviation market with innovative hybrid electric concepts.

Connect with Cory on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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What’s Your Travel Personality? | Wendy Payne

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Wendy Payne) — Wed, 6 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Wendy Payne is a writer, blogger, vlogger, podcaster, and photographer who loves to share and learn. She helps create a sustainable tourism industry around the world by promoting small hospitality businesses and inspiring travelers to explore responsibly.

Travel resource and itinerary wiz to help you explore the WORLD!! Wendy loves to travel and share her experiences. For more information visit www.TravelWithWendy.net, you'll find travel blogs about real and authentic connections.

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Elevate Your Mood with Larry Senn

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Larry Senn, John Bates) — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Dr Larry Senn is the founder of Senn Delaney, the culture shaping unit of Heidrick & Struggles. He has been referred to in business journals as the Father of Corporate Culture, based on his field research: the first systematic study ever conducted on the concept of corporate culture. His studies were published as his doctoral dissertation in 1970. This led him to an early personal vision of finding a way to enhance the lives of people, the effectiveness of teams, and the spirit and performance of organizations. That vision became Senn Delaney, the first firm dedicated to shaping the culture of organizations.

Senn Delaney has worked with over 100 Fortune 500 CEOs and their teams, university presidents, state governors, and members of U.S. presidential cabinets. He is also co-author of several books, including the best-selling Winning Teams, Winning Cultures and 21st Century Leadership. Larry has a B.S. in Engineering, an M.B.A. from UCLA, and a doctorate degree in Business Administration from USC, where he later served as faculty. He was a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year in Southern California.

Larry’s passion for health and fitness started with his interest in sports during high school and college. He was team captain and the Pac 10 champion in gymnastics at UCLA, and coached UCLA gymnastics after graduation. Today Larry runs, swims, bikes, lifts weights, water skis, rides off-road motorcycles, and stand-up paddles. He competed in his first sprint triathlon at the age of 70, and has completed over 50 triathlons in the more than ten years since, including first place wins in Long Beach, Newport Beach, Redondo Beach, and Hermosa Beach in his age group last year.

Larry is a husband, father, and grandfather. He lives in Sunset Beach, California, with his wife, Bernadette, and their teenage son Logan, who is mentioned often in the book. The Senn family has a deep commitment to family, faith, fitness, and well-being. Larry and his wife, Bernadette, have five children and five grandchildren, all of who share an equal passion for family, well-being, and personal growth. Bernadette retired from Senn Delaney to be a full-time mother. She was SVP HR at Senn Delaney and was co-author with Larry of an earlier book, The Human Operating System – An Owner’s Manual.

Larry’s personal purpose is to help an ever-widening circle of people live life at their best mentally, emotionally, physically, and purposefully. That purpose led him to add the Mood Elevator as a concept to Senn Delaney culture-shaping seminars, which have reached tens of thousands of people and to write this book to reach even more.

To learn more about culture shaping for your organization, go to http://senndelaney.com or contact lsenn@senndelaney.com

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How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World | Dorie Clark

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Dorie Clark) — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Dorie Clark has been named one of the Top 50 business thinkers in the world by Thinkers50 and was recognized as the #1 Communication Coach in the world by the Marshall Goldsmith Leading Global Coaches Awards. Clark, a consultant and keynote speaker, teaches executive education at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and Columbia Business School.

Recognized as a “branding expert” by the Associated Press, Fortune, and Inc. magazine, she is the author of The Long Game, Entrepreneurial You, Reinventing You, and Stand Out, which was named the #1 Leadership Book of the Year by Inc. magazine and one of the Top 10 Business Books of the Year by Forbes. It was also a Washington Post bestseller. Her books have been translated into Russian, Chinese, Arabic, French, Polish, Korean, Spanish, Italian, Vietnamese, and Thai.

Clark, whom the New York Times described as an “expert at self-reinvention and helping others make changes in their lives,” is a frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review. She consults and speaks for a diverse range of clients, including Google, the World Bank, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, the Ford Foundation, and Yale University.

A former presidential campaign spokeswoman, Clark has also taught for Spain’s IE Business School, HEC-Paris, Babson College, Smith College Executive Education, UNC’s Kenan-Flagler School of Business, and more.

She has guest lectured at universities including Harvard Business School, the Harvard Kennedy School, Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, the University of California-Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Georgetown, NYU, the MIT Sloan School of Management, and the University of Michigan.

Her work has been published in the Harvard Business Review Guide to Getting the Right Job and the Harvard Business Review Guide to Networking, and she is quoted frequently in the worldwide media, including NPR, the BBC, and MSNBC. She has been a regular commentator on Canada’s CTV and was named one of Inc. magazine’s “100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference.”

A former New England Press Association award-winning journalist, Clark directed the environmental documentary film The Work of 1000 and was a producer for a multiple-Grammy-winning jazz album. She is a Broadway investor, as well as a member of BMI’s Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Advanced Workshop, widely considered the premier training ground for musical theater lyricists and composers.

At age 14, Clark entered Mary Baldwin College’s Program for the Exceptionally Gifted. At 18, she graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Smith College, and two years later received a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School.

You can download her Long Game strategic thinking self-assessment at dorieclark.com/thelonggame. Follow Dorie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Happiness and Wellbeing with Suresh Devnani

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Suresh Devnani, John Bates) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Suresh Devnani, commonly known as “the Happy Doctor” is an award-winning global speaker on happiness. Suresh is the #1 international bestselling author of Happiness Reinvented and ranked top 10 most inspirational TED speakers on Happiness and mental wellbeing.

His groundbreaking research on happiness and positive psychology is regularly featured in countless media outlets and he has been invited to share his ideas at TEDx on four separate occasions.

Suresh is an internationally recognized global expert on happiness and well-being at work.

Devnani has trained and served thousands of individuals; entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders, professionals, and over-achievers in over 123 countries through his books, videos, online courses, and keynote speeches.

He is committed to serving organizations build innovative, thriving sustainable organizations.

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Reimagining Corporate Mindset for the 21st Century | Brant Cooper

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Brant Cooper) — Wed, 8 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Brant Cooper travels the globe speaking with entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs about how to discover and create new value; about empowering individuals to make the change they want to see in the world.

Brant is the New York Times bestselling author of The Lean Entrepreneur and CEO of Moves the Needle. With over two decades of expertise helping companies bring innovative products to market, he blends agile, design thinking, and lean methodologies to ignite entrepreneurial action within large organizations.

Brant has a unique take on disrupting our current way of thinking in order to be closer to customers, move faster, and act bolder. He has experienced monumental milestones such as IPO, acquisition, rapid growth, and crushing failure.

He serves as a global keynote speaker, mentor to entrepreneurs, and trusted advisor to corporate executives. His mission is to teach leaders how to find personal and economic growth through creating new value for fellow humans.

Learn more at BrantCooper.com. Follow Brant on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

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Real Influence Real Results with David Zaretsky

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (David Zaretsky, John Bates) — Wed, 1 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

David Zaretsky is the CEO and Chief Scientist Co-founder of Snips - Influencer Network and platform. He's also an Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University and at the Farley Center for Entrepreneurship, and DePaul University College of Computing and Digital Media.

As CEO and Chief Scientist, David developed the Snips' vision, technology, proprietary advertisement targeting platform, and real-time analytics engine. He was also charged with many day-to-day operations, including business development, sales, and strategic partnerships with brands, networks, and media companies.

David is an innovative and visionary entrepreneurial executive, technology adviser, accomplished engineer, data scientist, researcher, lecturer, and published author. He has a passion for growing business, with strong leadership experience, and both professional and academic technological expertise in software and computer engineering. Over 15 years of experience in leadership, strategy, marketing, sales, operations, product development, and consulting.

Connect with David on LinkedIn. Learn more about Snips at Snips.co.

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Building Financial Education Experience | Will Steiner

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Will Steiner) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Will Steiner was fortunate enough to spend nearly 6 years cutting his teeth at Salesforce across strategy, growth, and partnership roles. Now he spends almost all of his time working on his startup, Big Later.

The company provides an email-based learning experience directly to individuals and through employers to improve financial literacy in the Millennial and Gen Z workforce. The upside is young people are more equipped to build generational wealth, make the most use of their company benefits, and avoid financial stress. Plus they get lots of laughs along the way. It's a high-leverage education delivered in a super entertaining format that Will couldn't be more proud of what they're building.

A weird thing to come out of this is that Will now occupies a funny little niche; he's the guy on the internet who knows WAY too much about email-based courses. They're tremendously powerful, easy and fast to create (with a good playbook), and low cost. It's a tasty little cocktail and he enjoys sharing what he's learned in the process of building multiple successful EBCs.

You can find Big Later at BigLater.com, see more at EmailBasedCourse.com and you can follow Will on Twitter @BigWillieStein

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Corporate Survival Hacks with Oliver Stohlmann

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Oliver Stohlmann) — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Oliver Stohlmann, M.A. is a certified communications trainer, facilitator, and personal & business coach. He is also a passionate dad, avid skier, and professional hiking guide. Find him at: www.linkedin.com/in/oliverstohlmann

Previously Oliver led the development and execution of communication strategies to create awareness for Johnson & Johnson’s deep commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and collaborative partnerships to transform patient and consumer lives.

He oversaw communication for the global Johnson & Johnson Innovation Centers, J&J Innovation –

JLABS, J&J Innovation – JJDC, the company’s cross-sector Lung Cancer Initiative, World Without Disease Accelerator, and Health Technology Innovation. In 2016, he helped launch J&J’s “World Without Disease” strategy to transform the trajectory of human health for future generations by eliminating disease through prevention, interception, and cures.

Oliver gathered 20 years of experience in corporate, brand, financial, science and change communications, media relations, digital communications, crisis management, public relations, and public affairs. Having worked in the market, regional and global roles, and teams on two continents, he combines a global perspective with regional and local market experience.

Previously, Oliver led global R&D communication for the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, he led global R&D communication at AstraZeneca out of London, UK, and Pfizer’s regional corporate communications and media relations function for EMEA, Canada, Australia & New Zealand. He started his career in life-science communication heading the local public affairs & communications function for Pharmacia in an EMEA market and gathering diverse experiences in local and regional consultancy roles.

Read more about Corporate Survival Hacks on his blog. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

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Subtle Words That Sell | Paul Ross

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Paul Ross) — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Paul Ross is an author, speaker, trainer, Master Hypnotist, and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming. For the past 30 years, he’s taught tens of thousands of people the power of language to persuade, sell, heal, turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones, and pain into passion. Paul’s speeches and training have motivated audiences around the world to discover their power to design their own results.

Paul also outed his alter-ego Ross Jeffries and we talked about what he learned from his work in the world of seduction. It's outside the box, and it might get your hackles up at first, but I found that what Paul had to share is extremely useful. And, our conversation switched my focus from suspicious and judgemental to compassionate.

Learn more about Paul at speakerpaulross.com.

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Don't Let The Sky Be The Limit with Nancy Vermeulen

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Nancy Vermeulen, John Bates) — Wed, 4 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Nancy Vermeulen is a Commercial Pilot Instructor, Master's in Theoretical Physics and Astronomy, commanded a Mars simulation in Utah, and participated in the 2008 ESA astronaut selections.

Bringing the universe closer to people and vice versa is her personal mission. For that reason, Nancy was the first in Europe to put together a non-governmental training program to prepare potential astronauts for private space flights. The kick-off was in 2011 when Nancy gave training to a future private astronaut from Virgin Galactic.

In 2018 she founded the "Space Training Academy".

Nancy was the commander and chief organizer of the Mars simulation mission "MDRS90". She initiated this project, submitted it to Mars Society - NASA and obtained permission to lead a team on a "Mars Simulation Mission" at the "Mars Desert Research Station" in Utah, U.S.A.

During the mission, she learned how to conduct science experiments during a mission and what to do in an emergency.

As a scientist, Nancy has conducted research at the University of Antwerp (Biomedical Physics) and at the Technical University of Delft (new technologies for greener air traffic). For the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium / Solar-Terrestrial Center of Excellence, Nancy Vermeulen collaborated on a new instrument to measure climate change from space. She also teaches physics and mathematics.

As a child, Nancy already knew what she wanted to be: "Spaceman". In her spare time, she worked at the Public Observatory and the Planetarium of Antwerp. She completed her academic study Physics and Astronomy at the University of Antwerp magna cum laude / with great distinction.

Nancy Vermeulen is a Master of Science in Physics.

Learn more about Nancy Vermeulen at NancyVermeulen.be

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Exploring the Crossover Between Audio and Visual Mediums | Graham Daniels

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Graham Daniels) — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Graham Daniels is a former broadcast television producer, now making shows for ITV and Channel 4 in the UK and produced events and festivals. He's the head of the artist collective Addictive TV.

Graham specializes in audiovisual 'remixed' content and has produced alternative trailers for broadcasters, art events, and Hollywood studios (films inc Iron Man, Fast & Furious, and others). He's one of the guys behind the global music project Orchestra of Samples, recording hundreds of musicians worldwide and sampling them to create new music.

Go to Addictive TV and Orchestra of Samples to learn more about how Graham and his team give us a glimpse into the very essence of music.

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Get Unstuck, See a Bigger, Better Future with Jim McCarthy

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Jim McCarthy) — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 08:31:20 +0000

Jim McCarthy is the CEO of Goldstar, a civic leader, writer, podcaster, and speaker. He’s a friend and advisor to entrepreneurs and a huge fan of theatre, music, and all forms of live entertainment.

Jim co-founded and led Goldstar from a bootstrapped startup in 2002 to one of the most popular ways to find tickets to great shows and things to do. Jim has appeared on dozens of stages, at conferences, including SXSW, TED-U, and all major live entertainment and ticketing conferences.

He podcasts and writes at SellingOut.com.

Jim completed his BA in English cum laude from Harvard and an MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA. He played rugby in college and for Idemitsu Kosan in Japan after college.

Jim holds a black belt in Northern Eagle Claw Kung Fu, a Level 2 Certification with Distinction from the World Spirits Education Trust, and speaks Japanese and Italian.

Learn more about Jim:

JimMccarthy.info

StellarTickets.com

WorkWithStellar.com

AmericanWhiskyJesus.com

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Shifting Consciousness One Breath, One Story At A Time | Michael Kass

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Michael Kass, John Bates) — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Michael Kass is the founder of Story and Spirit. As a facilitator, coach, speaker, and award-winning storyteller, he's passionate about helping people, organizations and communities discover and harness the power of their stories to create change.

Michael has over 18 years of experience working on staff and in the trenches with organizations across sectors including technology, social services, health care, arts and culture, and education. As a facilitator and coach, he focuses on helping clients reconnect with the deep passion underlying their work and address the core tensions and beliefs that may be getting in the way of growth. His work with organizations focuses on facilitating culture shift through storytelling, authentic conversation, and deep listening to foster clear internal and external communication and create thriving communities.

Michael's training on storytelling, speaking, mindfulness and breathwork have been featured at events around the world. Partners and clients include The Walt Disney Company, Arts in Corrections, Unique CAMP, The House of Beautiful Business, Joint Idea, The Nomadic School of Wonder, The Well-Being Project, the Center for Nonprofit Management, NationBuilder, Kaiser Permanente, CreatorUp!, Swipe Out Hunger, the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles and many individual nonprofit and tech organizations. His storytelling has appeared on many podcasts and his solo storytelling show, Ceremony, has toured nationally and garnered recognition including LA Weekly Pick of the Week, Best of Fringe at the San Francisco Fringe Festival, and Outstanding Solo Performance at the San Diego Fringe Festival.

Michael is a graduate of Rice University and Northwestern University. He is an ACC coach certified by the International Coach Federation, a certified breathwork facilitator, and has completed Medicine Wheel training with Rites of Passage Vision Quest. Michael is a mentor with the Creative Visions Foundation and serves on the Board of Directors of the Breath Center. He likes brownies perhaps a little too much.

Learn more about Michael at StoryAndSpirit.org. Connect with him on LinkedIn, and follow him on Instagram.

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Taking A Chance with Cameron Hughes

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Cameron Hughes) — Wed, 7 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Cameron Hughes is the world's most renowned sports and entertainment fan. His relentless optimism, infectious cheering, and unbridled dance moves have delighted and energized thousands of crowds worldwide.

Hughes began his career as a professional sports personality at an Ottawa Senators NHL hockey game on January 8th, 1994. Disappointed by the uninspired crowd, he jumped up on his seat and began dancing with no inhibitions. Fans took notice, and soon the arena was abuzz. Since that fateful night, he's performed at over 1,500 sporting events, in 22 different sports leagues, for over 18 million people live, transforming the in-game experience for fans and players alike. To his high school guidance counselor's amazement, highlights of Cameron's performances have been viewed online over 1 billion times.

Outside of sports stadiums, Cameron inspires others through public speaking engagements at leadership and sales events, conference kickoffs, and student workshops. His passion to see people smile, connect with others, and bring communities together is what drives him to be his best self.

Learn more about Cameron at CameronHughes.tv

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The New Landscape of Leadership | Jeffrey Hull

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Jeffrey Hull, John Bates) — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Jeffrey Hull, PhD, is an author, educator, and consultant with more than twenty years of experience partnering with C-suite executives on issues of high-performance leadership, change management, organizational strategy, structure, and culture.

He is a highly sought-after facilitator, keynote speaker, and executive coach to both nonprofit and for-profit global organizations. The CEO of LeaderShift Inc., a management consultancy based in New York City, he is also a clinical instructor in psychology at Harvard Medical School and an adjunct professor of leadership at New York University.

Learn more about Jeffrey at jeffreyhull.com or instituteofcoaching.org.

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Unshakeable Bold Leadership with Bruce Ross

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Bruce Ross, John Bates) — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Bruce Ross's expertise lies in the realm of the “inner game of leadership”. His approach is research-based and has been honed over 37 years of working directly with the full spectrum of leaders: from emergent through to established.

The resulting framework is designed for leaders who want to use these disrupting times to double down on their own development to build others up. It enables business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs to Lead Better and Live Bigger.

Individually, this shows up as calm, focused thought, performing under pressure, recovering rapidly, unlocking creativity, accelerated learning …. as well as being present to savour the precious moments with family, friends, and themselves.

At work, it's skillfully creating an environment of trust that encourages your people to dial up and showcase their unique gifts.

Bruce has spoken at over 30 annual conferences and has been published internationally – on the topics of leadership, optimal performance mindsets, and accessing peak mental performance.

Learn more about Bruce Ross at Flowpreneur.co or connect with him on LinkedIn.

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Know Your People | John F. Bates, Captain, USMC & Attorney at Law

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John F. Bates, John Bates) — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000

John F. Bates, Esq. is the most influential man in my life. He gave me his name, and along with my Mom, he gave me what I believe is a great foundation for life. A number of people have told me he's the best contract attorney in Utah, where he practices, and he's got a deep commitment to fairness and justice. At 17 years old he enlisted in the Marine Corp. and the rest, as they say, is history.

He was deployed to Vietnam in April 1965 and medevaced to Okinawa in August 1965, where he was appointed the non-lawyer legal officer for FMFPAC (forward) until being released to the US in December 1965.

After being temporarily medically retired from the USMC in 1968, he subsequently received an honorary medical discharge. I personally remember how sad he was because, as he said "I'd rather carry the garbage for the Marine Corp than be the most powerful CEO in the world!" But, even as he dealt with the great physical challenges from his Vietnam experience, he went on to get his law degree. He graduated from the University of Utah in 1971 at age 30, with gratitude to the GI Bill.

He then worked in the oil and gas industry, running the legal department for a large multinational company until he decided to hang out his own shingle and go into business for himself. He got his MBA in 1993 & LLM in 1997.

In this episode, we discuss the many lessons he took from his time in the service and the many ways those lessons shaped his leadership style and philosophy.

I know I'm biased, but this is a very fun ride and I hope you enjoy hearing from the most influential hero in my life.

Here is a link to the poem we discuss in the podcast. Enjoy!

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Leadership, Loyalty, and Action with Dov Baron

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (john Bates, Dov Baron) — Wed, 9 Jun 2021 18:07:50 +0000

Dov Baron has been twice named to both Top 30 Global Leadership Guru's and Inc. Magazine Top 100 Leadership Speakers to hire. He is the host and founder of the #1 podcast for Fortune 500 Execs “Leadership & Loyalty” which Inc Magazine rated as the #1 podcast to make you a better leader.

Dov is an independent contributor to multiple media outlets including Entrepreneur, CEO World, CNN, FOX, Elle Italia, and many other international outlets.

For 30+ years Dov Baron has worked privately with elite-level leaders and their organization. These individuals and organizations are the change-makers that are committed to having a powerful, positive impactful influence on leadership, business, and politics.

He’s a bestselling author of One Red Thread and Fiercely Loyal: How High Performing Companies Develop and Retain Top Talent. Throughout his accomplished international speaking career, Dov is honored to have presented to the United Nations, The World Management Forum in Iran, and The Servant Leadership Institute. He is also the founder of The Authentic Speaker Academy for Leadership where he and his partner teach high-powered leaders how to impact and influence change makers.

Dov creates experiences that give you, your audience, and your organization ways of gaining a strategic and cultural advantage over the competition by eliciting the deep (often hidden) "Meaning" that drives the individual and the organization.

He is a master storyteller with a large social media platform, consisting of a combined 200,000 followers on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and with hundreds of thousands of weekly podcasts listeners. His “Kill The Keynote” campaign to change the speaking industry went viral, reaching over 5 million people.

He has interviewed and worked with the world’s top leaders, details here.

Dov has been featured on CNN, CBS Small Business Pulse, SHRM, Yahoo Finance, The Boston Globe, Business in Vancouver, USA Today, Entrepreneur, CEO World, and INC.

Learn more Dov at DovBaron.com. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

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The Ultimate TED Talk with Sebastian Wernicke

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Sebastian Wernicke) — Wed, 2 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Dr. Sebastian Wernicke serves as Chief Data Scientist at ONE LOGIC, a German software and consulting boutique for massive-scale data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Sebastian originally studied bioinformatics and previously worked across disciplines from strategy consulting to building massive-scale platforms for genetic data analysis. With well over 4 million views, he is also widely known for his TED Talks around data and statistics.

Sebastian also gave a funny analysis of TED talks in his own talk "Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics." Click HERE to watch now!

In his talk, Sebastian uses the tools of statistical analysis to develop metrics for "The Ultimate TED Talk" based on user ratings. According to Sebastian, the most successful TED Talks include:

A topic that listeners can connect with easily and deeply.
A delivery that is strategic about its diction, references, and presentation.
A visual that sets the mood on the stage.

Using these findings, Sebastian has created the tedPAD, which serves as a tool for everyone to create their own ultimate TED talk.

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Space Life Q&A with Karen Nyberg | Retired NASA Astronaut, Engineer

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Karen Nyberg, John Bates) — Wed, 26 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Karen Nyberg was selected as a member of the NASA Astronaut Corps in 2000. She made her first trip to space aboard Space Shuttle Discovery in 2008, during the height of International Space Station (ISS) construction, delivering and installing the Japanese Laboratory. On her second spaceflight in 2013, Karen launched on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft and lived and worked at ISS for 166 days.

Prior to astronaut selection, Karen worked as an Environmental Control Systems Engineer at the Johnson Space Center where she led several designs and analysis initiatives in the areas of space vehicle and space suit thermal and environmental control. Recently retired from NASA, Karen is currently pursuing interests in the areas of conservation and sustainability, fully appreciating the responsibility for innovation and technology to strive to meet those needs.

Karen received her undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota and graduate degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and has been honoured with the highest alumni award from each alma mater.

Karen lives in Houston, Texas with her husband, Astronaut Doug Hurley, their Dinosaur loving son, Jack, and two sweet dogs, Leo and Luke.

Visit Karen's website at KarenNyberg.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

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A Legendary Life | Tommy Breedlove

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Tommy Breedlove, John Bates) — Wed, 19 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Tommy Breedlove is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author and Atlanta-based business, relationship, and mindset coach who is a regularly featured keynote speaker at global events.

Tommy started his 20-year corporate career at one of the largest financial consulting firms in the world, and eventually became a shareholder, the International Practice Leader, and a member of the board of directors for one of the largest public accounting and financial firms in the southeast U.S.

At the top of his career, Tommy experienced a transformational moment inspiring him to walk away from the corporate world to change his life and follow his true calling.

Tommy now serves clients and audiences everywhere by empowering them to build and live Legendary Lives. He guides people to discover a life of significance while building a lasting legacy. The simple tools he shares shows them how to work in their zone of brilliance, obtain financial confidence, and live with meaning and balance. The goal is to help everybody to become the person they’ve always wanted to be.

When Tommy isn’t speaking or serving his clients, he enjoys travelling the world, hiking, and spending quality time with his wife and two dogs.

Learn more about Tommy Breedlove at TommyBreedlove.com, connect with him on LinkedIn, or follow him on Instagram.

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Leadership, Teamwork and Trust with John "GUCCI" Foley

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, John Foley) — Wed, 12 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000

John has spoken to some of the Highest Performing organizations such as Microsoft, Hitachi, Intel, Cisco, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Goodyear, Chevron, Lowe’s, Marriott, Wyndham Hotels, Hilton, Penske Racing, Rawlings, LA Kings, Sprint, Motorola, Merrill Lynch, Mass Mutual, Capital Group, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, GE Capital, American Hospital Association, Merck, Sunovion, Reach Air, Adecco, Gillette, McDonald's, and Million Dollar Round Table.

John’s presentations provide a contagious attitude of thankfulness that he calls Glad To Be Here®. His energizing delivery inspires high performance through a focus on a purpose larger than self. John shares the Blue Angels’ practical model for living out his message that works in organizations outside the elite flight squadron.

John consistently performed in an extreme, high-stakes environment, flying at speeds of more than 500 miles per hour and in formations as close as 18 inches. To survive those circumstances, he relied on a culture of high trust and leadership that turned inherently unforgiving flights into extraordinary experiences. He employs those intense realities as a metaphor to motivate teams to reach for their highest potential and empower organizations to sustain excellence under dynamic change.

John’s post-Naval experiences as an entrepreneur and a Sloan Fellow at the Stanford Graduate School of Business put him in a unique position to reverse-engineer the culture of excellence and teamwork found in the Blue Angels. He has created a framework and a methodology that inspires greatness while propelling others on their own journey to high performance.

John graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was a defensive back for the Midshipmen, playing in two bowl games and helping Navy to one of the best four-year records in football history. As a pilot, John was a “Top Ten Carrier Pilot” six times before becoming a Marine instructor pilot and a Blue Angel. He holds a master’s degrees in business management, from the Stanford Graduate School of Business (as a Sloan Fellow); international policy studies, Stanford University; and strategic studies, from the Naval War College.

In 2011 John founded the Glad To Be Here Foundation. John donates 10% of his net speaking fees to charities through the foundation, working with every client to donate 5% to charities of their choosing. Through the Foundation, more than 100 global charities have received $1M in donations. It’s part of John’s mission to connect a shared “purpose larger than self” with every organization.

Learn more about John on JohnFoleyinc.com and GladToBeHere.com. Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, or YouTube.

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How to Actually Change the World | Sara Price

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Sara Price) — Wed, 5 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Sara Price started her career in the Westminster Parliament. She learnt about the corridors of power; how deals are made in smoke-filled rooms and that the ability to communicate is THE core skill required to truly make a difference and create change.

Since then, Sara has dedicated her entire career to helping people, organisations and brands to communicate better. She has worked for some of the largest brands and organisations in the world from Avon to Kelloggs, from Asda to Variety. She sat on the UK Board of one of the largest PR agencies in the world and co-founded one of London’s most successful independent communications consultancies.

Sara was very successful. But she knew that there was more she wanted to do. She wanted to make a difference. Sara wanted to change the world!

Sara realized, she could use everything she's learnt as a business leader, an entrepreneur, a coach, a mentor and a trainer; She could harness her communications expertise and her understanding of campaigning. And she could help purpose-led entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and their impact.

Sara knows she could change the world by helping them to make their difference. That's how Actually was born.

To stay updated, follow Sara on Twitter.

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Elevate Your Leadership with Robert Pizzini

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Robert Pizzini, John Bates) — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

As a veteran of 26 years in Navy Special Operations and the owner of a multi-million-dollar business, Robert Pizzini shares his experiences, successes, and failures.

Robert's leadership model is time-tested. His team development includes the military model of identifying manpower, training, and material requirements.

He discusses and demonstrates how to develop the blueprint of a team and how to sustain and advance a high-performing team.

Most importantly, Robert will show you how rest, hydration, nutrition, exercise, brain and heart health, and lifelong learning are critical components of lifelong leadership.

If you are directly responsible for anybody other than yourself, you are in a leadership position and should be properly experienced, educated, and trained for the role.

Learn more about Robert at RobertPizzini.com

Connect with him on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram.

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Boosting Businesses and Ideas | Luis Gomez Cobo - Entrepreneur and Investor

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Luis Gomez Cobo, John Bates) — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Luis Gomez Cobo is the Founder and Director of SLC Holdings, a family-owned investment holding company based in Barbados, focused on building and scaling companies with clear sustainable vision, consistent growth, and innovative business models.

Luis brings success through experience, enthusiasm, time, and financial investment. He has more than 20 years of experience in principal investment in Latin America, China, and Europe. He's been a founder, investor, director, and/or operator of several enterprises.

Connect with Luis on LinkedIn.

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Global Leadership Landscape with Kiri-Maree Moore

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Kiri-Maree Moore) — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

As CEO of Million Dollar Coach (marketing for coaches/consultants) and Founder/Global Advisor & Strategist at Decision Velocity® Global an organization made up of three enterprises - #DecisionVelocity #theLEADERSMOVEMENT.com #VOICEadvocay Foundation, Kiri-Maree brings a wealth of experience to the decision table.

She began theLEADERSmovement.com to create this platform. A leadership movement for leaders to change the global landscape of leadership culture. Create smart leaders. Who collaborate. And who brings impact.

As an advocate for peak performance where there is no room for excuses, limitations, or buts! She is the genius behind Decision Velocity Global® a Movement Driven Company. "To increase equal distribution at top decision tables. Make the right decision fast. And be the voice +advocacy for the forefront of humanity."

She is creating momentum with her work with this and the next generation of leaders.

She recognizes the ability required to help make a difference on a global scale. No decision is impossible. Your next decision will impact your next level.

Learn more about Kiri-Maree at TheOnePercentmovement.com

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Leading Women Into A New Global Paradigm | Joanna Martin

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Joanna Martin, John Bates) — Wed, 7 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Dr. Joanna is the Editor-in-Chief of HEALM magazine, a quarterly publication from women leading the change.

As founder of One of many™, she leads a movement of grassroots leadership training and coaching for women managers and entrepreneurs changing their corner of the world, with coaches in over 11 countries.

A successful entrepreneur, she has started and grown three successful small businesses, and is a highly sought after consultant to growing coaching and consulting businesses.

She is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning speaker. Thousands of graduates from her speaker training acknowledge it as the most transformational training on effective presentations on the planet.

She has certified over 1750 coaches, master coaches and trainers in behavioural change tools.

She is a committed financial investor in the work of The Hunger Project and has supported them by training over 70 fundraisers and facilitators globally.

She’s also a diplomatic wife, a sometimes-too-tired mother, a protective sister, and a caring friend. She has a very cool head, but a very big heart.

Learn more about Dr. Joanna by visiting her website: JoannaMartin.com

Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

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Building Character and Decision Making Skills Through Chess with Orrin "Checkmate" Hudson

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Orrin Hudson) — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson is a former Alabama state trooper, Air Force veteran, and world-renowned chess champion. He is the author of the #1 Amazon bestseller, One Move at a Time, How to Win at Chess and Life. He is a captivating speaker/facilitator and is the founder of Be Someone, a Georgia-based nonprofit which provides a youth-focused leadership skills development program on how to win in life using the game of chess. His formula – using the chessboard – teaches that for every move that is made, whether it is playing the game or living as a contributing citizen, there is a corresponding positive or negative consequence.

Hudson has traveled across America successfully providing his unique, exciting, and engaging curriculum to over 55,000 young people. Support for the organization has included Jane Fonda, Tyler Perry, Steve Harvey as well as other celebrities. He has also appeared on Good Morning America, the CBS Early Morning Show, CNN, FOX & Friends, and has been on the cover of the world’s largest chess magazine, Chess Life and People. Hudson and his Be Someone organization have also been featured on The Tom Joyner Morning Show, in USA Today, Essence Magazine, Sports Illustrated for Teens, Jet, Black Enterprise, and Time Magazine for Kids.

Hudson’s ultimate vision is to serve one million at-risk students using his motivating mantra: “Get Your Heads-Up!!, Pants-Up! and Grades-Up!, and most of all, to “Never Give Up! – No Matter What!”

Connect with Orrin on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Check out his website BeSomeone.org

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Collaborating With Nature Gives You a Natural Advantage | Darren Virassammy

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Darren Virassammy, John Bates) — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

As the co-founder of 34 Strong Darren Virassammy has been building great places to work for nearly a decade. Through this experience, he's learned that greatness has its own set of operating principles. Darren has seen people step into their greatness in numerous ways. This caused him to examine how purveyors of greatness have collaborated with nature as a regular practice to not only get into their greatness zone but actually keep them there.

Darren simply wants to share those ideas and practices to find nature collaborations that work to cultivate greatness. Collaborating with nature just may be the simplest and most timely reminder for us right now.

Visit Darren's websites below to learn more:

https://34strong.com/author/darren-virassammy/
https://natureadvantageshow.com
https://www.darrenvirassammy.com/

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Leadership, Awesome Craft Beer and at Least One Painful Lesson with Greg Koch

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Greg Koch) — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Greg Koch is executive chairman & co-founder of Stone Brewing, the 8th largest craft brewing company in the United States. An avid craft beer enthusiast and world traveler, he can often be found among imbibers across the planet, enjoying and extolling the virtues of great beer.

Since Greg started the company with President and co-founder Steve Wagner in 1996, Stone has become one of the fastest-growing and highest-rated breweries in the world, thanks to dedicated fans and a determination to brew nothing but truly remarkable beer. He passionately believes that environmental and social sustainability go hand in hand with brewing amazing beer, and has instilled those principles into the company’s business practices. His vision and enthusiasm for the art of brewing and dedication to supporting local, organic small farms have shaped the company’s two award-winning Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens restaurant experiences in San Diego County. This vision has spread nationally and internationally when the company opened its production brewery and destination restaurants in Berlin, Germany, and production brewery in Richmond, Virginia, (the first making Stone Brewing the first American craft brewer to independently build, own and operate a brewery in Europe).

Greg is dedicated to supporting communities, and through Stone’s philanthropic efforts, has donated more than $3 million to charitable and nonprofit organizations throughout the world since co-founding the company.

Greg was knighted by the Belgian Brewers Federation in 2010, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the San Diego region in 2011, was named the 2012 Most Admired CEO by San Diego Business Journal, and is currently on the Business of Craft Beer Advisory Board at San Diego State University. When time allows, he enjoys speaking at TEDx Talks, conferences, professional organization meetings, universities, and events on topics such as beer, business philosophy, food philosophy, sustainability, ethics, and unconventional marketing. Co-author of two books—The Craft of Stone Brewing Co.: Liquid Lore, Epic Recipes, and Unabashed Arrogance and The Brewer’s Apprentice: An Insider’s Guide to the Art and Craft of Beer Brewing, Taught by the Masters—Greg is recognized as one of the world’s leading advocates and experts on craft beer and the brewing industry.

Greg speaks poor Japanese, worse French, and passable English. He is working on learning German, albeit slowly. He has visited 53 countries…all on a budget, yes, but all without selling out to the man thank you very much.

Follow Greg Koch on Instagram

Visit his blog

Check out The Beer Jesus

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Great Leadership and Your Fundamental Assumptions with Sir Steven Wilkinson

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Sir Steven Wilkinson) — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Sir Steven Wilkinson has been involved in business finance and investment for the best part of 30 years having started working for Merrill Lynch Investment Bank in Munich, Germany in 1987 at the tender age of 24. He now runs an investment company and a knowledge platform teaching finance to entrepreneurs which goes by the name of Good & Prosper. His focus has always been on Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) primarily in Germany and Europe and mostly in some sort of distress or need of restructuring. He works at the seam between strategy, finance, and leadership and brings three decades of experience as a finance and investment professional to the world of SME operations. Good & Prosper also offers courses to entrepreneurs and SME business owners to enable them to further their expertise in finance, capital allocation, leadership, culture, and strategy, as well as individual leadership coaching and mentoring.

Steven's perspective on business, politics, and society is shaped primarily by his alignment with the Austrian School of Economics. He was irredeemably inspired by his early reading of the Intelligent Investor at the age of 24 and was at a loss to understand why anyone would want to think differently about investing and capital allocation other than from a value perspective. He is a Christian Libertarian by conviction.

Steven is an Englishman, born in Lancashire in 1963 who moved to Germany at the age of 24 after completing his education at Rugby and Durham University. Starting in 1987, he spent almost all of his investment career in Munich, Germany, before moving to Ireland with his family in early 2015. He's been married to Britta since 2000 and his family consists of four children, three dogs, and a horse, all of whom live in Delgany, Co. Wicklow. He's an avid long-distance trail walker, cross country skier, and sailor, reads voraciously, listens to an unhealthy amount of podcasts, writes enthusiastically, and drinks large quantities of green tea every day.

Steven is also a founding member of the Small Giants Community, a wonderful, US-based organization, that caters to companies that choose to be great instead of big and provides resources and a community to value-based leaders.

In addition, Steven is an active supporter and mentor within the Ashoka Social Entrepreneurship network, both here in Ireland and in Germany and Britta and he's been actively involved with Ashoka in one way or another since 2002.

In 2015, Steven was invited to join an interfaith delegation to the Caribbean Island State of Grenada, whose purpose was to coordinate a number of reconstruction and redevelopment projects for infrastructure seriously damaged by hurricanes a decade earlier. As part of that delegation representing the Anglican community, he was awarded an honor bestowed by the Governor-General into the Order of the Nation of Grenada with the rank of Knight Commander.

Since 2017 Steven served as one of a number of business professionals working as mentors to high-growth entrepreneurs with the Ryan Business Academy's Mentoring for Growth' Program.

In 2018 Steven was elected to serve on the founding steering committee (supervisory board) of the MyData Global Organisation, a Helsinki-based foundation set up to 'empower individuals with their personal data, thus helping them and their communities develop knowledge, make informed decisions, and interact more consciously and efficiently with each other as well as with organizations.'

Steven believes that business can and should be a force for good in society and that the more people take entrepreneurial responsibility for their lives, the better the society will be. He also believes in Benjamin Franklin’s dictum of “doing well by doing good.”

Connect with Steven via LinkedIn or visit his website GoodAndProsper.com

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Performance, Life and Getting Out of Mental Prison | Imari Anderson

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Imari Anderson) — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Viral filmmaker-turned-life coach, Imari Anderson has always had an ability for shifting perspectives and provoking thought. With the philosophies of an ancient guru and the playfulness of a rambunctious child, Imari’s charisma, passion, and sense of humor has left ripples in the universe and in the lives of the hundreds of people he’s worked with

Imari has lots of ideas. Lots. He used to turn these ideas into videos that touched hundreds of millions of lives but then shifted gears and now uses them to transform individual lives across the globe. As a life coach and keynote speaker, he takes abstract ideas and transformational concepts and delivers them in a tangible way that allows the people he works with to rewire their minds, literally changing their reality from the inside out. His passion for perspective-shifting and electric charisma has turned this former filmmaking powerhouse into a transformational force that has left ripples in the lives of hundreds of his clients.

As a former artist-leader-innovator, Imari has taken the learnings of what it is to be in that position and combined it with the expansive world of personal transformation to create a generation of change-makers.

Connect with Imari via LinkedIn or visit his website HowToHuman.io

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Work Supports Life | Dr. Sabrina Starling

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Dr. Sabrina Starling, John Bates) — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Dr. Sabrina Starling is the author of the How to Hire the Best series and co-host of the Profit by Design Podcast. Dr. Starling has coached thousands of entrepreneurs to overcome the day-to-day struggles of business growth by getting out of their own way and developing a success mindset that propels them to higher and higher levels of success (and profitability). With a passion for bringing entrepreneurs together to share best practices and trigger powerful “A-Ha!” moments to move one another forward, her company Tap the Potential is a breath of fresh air for top-level entrepreneurs seeking to connect with other life long learners undergoing life-changing business transformations. Dr. Starling has rolled up her sleeves and gotten in the trenches with her clients to apply her psychological expertise in helping them successfully deal with the greatest PEOPLE challenges small business owners face— attracting, hiring, and retaining top-performing team members. Dr. Starling holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. Throughout her career, Dr. Starling has studied workplace morale, employee motivation, and advocated for Psychologically Healthy Workplaces. A licensed Provendus Strategist, Certified Profit First Professional, Peoplemap™ Facilitator, Board-Certified Coach and Professional Certified Coach, Dr. Starling goes to great lengths to bring the best training and programs to her clients. Dr. Starling works closely with other industry leaders to bring Tap the Potential clients cutting-edge business practices that work. She “keeps it real” by regularly interviewing successful entrepreneurs to stay on the pulse of what’s working, while bringing innovative strategies to her clients.

Visit Dr. Starling on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Lessons From Our Warriors | Dr. Shauna Springer, Leading Expert on PTSD

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Dr. Shauna Springer, John Bates) — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Dr. Shauna Springer is a graduate of Harvard University and is one of the world's leading experts on PTSD, Trauma, and Moral Injury among veterans. She co-hosts a weekly podcast on these topics in collaboration with MilitaryTimes. Her work has been featured on CNN, VICE, Dr. Oz, NPR, NBC, CBS Radio, Forbes, The Philadelphia Tribune, Washington Post, and Military Times. She is a regular contributor to Psychology Today.

Connect with Shauna on LinkedIn and visit her website.

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The Circular Economy and Leadership in the 2020s with Peter Lacy

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Peter Lacy, John Bates) — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Peter Lacy is senior managing director for Europe as well as for UK and Ireland within Accenture Strategy. Additionally, he is a member of Accenture’s Global Leadership Council and leads Accenture’s relationship with the World Economic Forum, and it's Digital Transformation of Industries program.

Peter advises senior leaders of Fortune 500 companies and public organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the UK government on issues related to strategy development, digital transformation, innovation, and acquisitions. Peter is a respected authority on sustainability and growth, and innovation amid technological disruption.

Before joining Accenture, Peter worked for McKinsey & Company and served as founding executive director of the Academy of Business in Society. He is an alumnus of full-time and executive programs at INSEAD, Harvard, Yale, Cambridge, and Nottingham and is a Business Fellow at Oxford University. Peter is based in London, United Kingdom.

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Love-Based Leadership's 10th Anniversary!

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Maria Church, John Bates) — Wed, 2 Dec 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Dr. Maria Church knows what it is like to lead a team. With over 25 years working for Fortune 500 companies, local governments, non-profits, and academia, she is intimately familiar with all the ups and downs of holding a senior leadership position in both the public and corporate worlds.

Today, as CEO of Dr. Maria Church International, including Government and Corporate Leadership divisions as well as Leadership Development University, Maria brings that depth of knowledge and her unique qualifications – specializing in organizational culture, change agility, and leadership development – to the aid of companies, teams and individuals.

Dr. Church, author of the best seller Love-Based Leadership: The Model for Leading with Strength, Grace, and Authenticity, as well as the upcoming book, A Course in Leadership: 21 Spiritual Lessons on Power, Love, and Influence has started a long-needed movement to revolutionize the workplace by transforming leadership at all levels through a seismic shift from fear to love.

Her organizational culture work has realized her clients over 300% ROI, intentionally reshaping their cultures to pursue clear strategic objectives and become differentiators in their marketplace. She holds a Doctor of Management degree in Organizational Leadership and has been teaching for several universities for the past 20 years winning numerous faculty awards.

Maria is part of the elite 17% worldwide that has earned a CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designation from the National Speakers Association. And, as probably the recognized expert in organizational culture and leading with love, she has been sought out to speak on many in-person and virtual stages across North America for associations, corporations, local governments, and non-profits.

Her message is simple, compelling, and transformative. Because of that, she has been featured on radio shows, television interviews, and in both magazine and newspaper features. Maria writes numerous articles on leadership for a variety of periodicals and hosts an online leadership series, Dr. Maria TV. Splitting her time between Scottsdale and the restorative canyons of Southern Arizona, Maria continues to work with high-performing local governments while working on her next book about exemplary corporate and local government cultures.

She is a classic rock and classic Motown junkie who one day hopes to learn drums from Keith Moon and Benny Benjamin in Rock-n-Roll Heaven.

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Leadership and the Environment and You with Joshua Spodek

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Joshua Spodek, John Bates) — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Joshua Spodek Ph.D. MBA is a three-time TEDx speaker, #1 bestselling author of Initiative and Leadership Step by Step, host of the award-winning Leadership and the Environment podcast, and professor and coach of entrepreneurship and leadership at NYU and Columbia Business School.

He speaks on leadership, entrepreneurship, and environmental leadership at institutions such as Boston Consulting Group, Google, IBM, PwC, S&P, Children’s Aid Society, The New York Academy of Science, NY Public Library, Harvard, Princeton, West Point, MIT, Stanford, Rice, USC, Berkeley, INSEAD, the NY Academy of Science, and more.

He holds a Ph.D. in astrophysics and an MBA from Columbia, where he studied under a Nobel Laureate, having emerged from childhood including years in some of Philadelphia’s most crime-ridden neighborhoods. He helped build an X-ray observational satellite with the European Space Agency and NASA.

He left academia to found a venture to market his invention—a technology to show motion pictures to moving subways—installing displays on four continents. He holds six patents. He also founded two education ventures.

He has been called “best and brightest” (Esquire’s Genius issue), “astrophysicist turned new media whiz” (NBC), and “rocket scientist” (Forbes).

His clients include start-up founders, executives of publicly traded companies, and employees of McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Deloitte, JP Morgan Chase, Google, IBM, Exxon, and the US Navy and Army, as well as graduates of Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and others. He has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, Forbes, Esquire, Entrepreneur, Nikkei Shimbun, the South China Morning Post, ABC, CBS, NBC, NPR, Fox, and CNN.

He credits his stellar reviews to his experiential, active, project-based technique with minimal lecture or reading or writing papers.

As an artist, he has installed public works in Bryant Park (NYC), Union Square (NYC), and Amsterdam’s Dam Square. He has had solo shows in New York and group shows nationwide, including Art Basel Miami Beach. He studied Meisner Technique at the William Esper Studio. He has taught art at Parsons and NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program. He devoted years to learning and practicing the social and emotional skills of attraction and dating, becoming the #1 coach in the #1 market for the #1 guru. Since those years were in his late 30s and early 40s, he tended to coach people in long-term relationships or just exiting them.

He ran six marathons (3:51 best), rowed one, competed at the world and national level of Ultimate (#5 at nationals, and #11 at worlds), including the first ultimate tournament in North Korea. He swam across the Hudson River twice, did over 155,000 burpees, wrote over 3,700 blog posts, took over 500 cold showers, and jumped out of two airplanes.

He hasn’t flown (by choice) since March 2016, has picked up at least one piece of street trash per day since April 2017, and takes over a year to produce a load of garbage.

He has lived in Paris, Ahmedabad (India), and Shanghai. He lives in New York and blogs daily at joshuaspodek.com.

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The Power of Vulnerability with Mike Hulvey

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Mike Hulvey) — Wed, 4 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Mike Hulvey is the Chief Operating Officer for Neuhoff Communications, Inc which owns and operates 20 radio stations in Illinois and Indiana along with 18 revenue-generating websites.

Mike serves nationally on the Executive Committee of the RAB and is Vice President of the International Broadcasters Idea Bank Board of Directors. He is active in many local, state, and national organizations.

Mike is also the founder of a nationally recognized summer mentoring program for aspiring broadcasters.

Mike has been named a past finalist as America’s Best Broadcaster by Radio Ink Magazine. He has also served as Steering Committee Chairman of the National Radio Show in both 2015 and 2016. He was inducted into his high school “Wall of Fame” joining previous honorees such as Dick Van Dyke, Gene Hackman, and Irving Azoff.

Mike and his wife Julie have 4 adult children and one grandchild.

Connect with Mike Hulvey via LinkedIn

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Initial Success or Total Failure with Commodore Oscar Rojas

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Oscar Rojas, John Bates) — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Capt. Oscar Rojas is the Commodore of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 (EODGRU1). Capt. Rojas was raised in Dumas, Texas, and enlisted as a Hospital Corpsman in June 1990. After graduating from Wayland Baptist University in 1996, with a Bachelor’s of Science, he attended Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida, and commissioned as an Ensign in November 1997.

After completing Surface Warfare Officers School (SWOS) in Newport, Rhode Island. Rojas served three SWO tours with USS Peleliu (LHA 5), Special Boat Squadron Two, and USS Whirlwind PC-11. He lateral transferred to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community and in January 2002, he attended Basic Diving Officer, Mixed Gas Diving, and Salvage Officer courses in Panama City, Florida, and Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal at Eglin AFB, Florida.

Rojas first served with EOD Mobile Unit Eight in Sigonella and led highly specialized EOD teams throughout the USEUCOM and USCENTCOM AORs.

In May 2006, Rojas transferred to EOD Mobile Unit FIVE, Apra Harbor, Guam, and served as the Operations Officer. Additionally, he also served as the JSOTF-Philippines EOD Task Unit Commander in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines.

In Jan 2008, Rojas transferred to Mobile Diving Salvage Unit ONE (MDSU 1), Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and served as the Executive Officer. During this assignment, Rojas also served as MDSU 1 Liaison Officer to Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific during the de-beaching and salvage operation of Uss Port Royal (CG 73).

In November 2010, Rojas reported to Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, NC, and served as the EOD Branch Chief.

From August 2013 to April 2015, Rojas served as the Commanding Officer, EOD Mobile Unit FIVE, Apra Harbor, Guam. Due to EODMU 5’s extraordinary accomplishments during this period, Rojas was selected as a finalist for the 2015 Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award.

Rojas served as a Deputy Branch Chief for Expeditionary Warfare (OPNAV N95) on the CNO Navy Staff from July 2015 to December 2016.

From December 2016 to Jan 2019, Rojas served as the Director, Joint Special Operations Command Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordination Cell.

Rojas is designated as an EOD Warfare Officer. He has also earned the designation of Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, Deep Sea Dive Officer, Naval Freefall Parachutist, and Surface Warfare Officer. He earned a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in October 2010.

Rojas is proud to wear two Joint Meritorious Unit Awards, four Navy Unit Commendation Awards, the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation with Operational Distinguishing Device, and the Battle Efficiency Award for service while assigned to joint, EOD, and MDSU commands.

To learn more about EODGRU1, visit their Facebook page Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1

Connect with Commodore Rojas via LinkedIn

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Communication In Podcasts, Sales, and In General with Jordan Paris

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Jordan Paris) — Wed, 7 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000

Jordan Paris is an author, podcast host, and entrepreneur featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Men’s Health, Yahoo! Finance, and Market Watch.

Jordan’s podcast, Growth Mindset University, was ranked #6 in Apple’s Self-Improvement category, #3 in the Training category, #5 in the How-To category. In Education, one of Apple’s most competitive categories, the show was ranked #15. The show has also ranked highly in 40+ countries worldwide. On the show, Jordan interviews the most successful people on planet earth like James Altucher, Grant Cardone, Robert Greene, Mark Manson, Seth Godin, Ryan Serhant, Dean Graziosi, and Naveen Jain.

Jordan is the founder of Trend Up Media, a one-stop podcast agency that produces podcasts to help businesses grow in both profit and influence.

His approach to life and business is simple yet powerful: Don’t make a living, design a life. With this creator’s mentality, Jordan has been able to produce outstanding results for himself and challenge others to rise above circumstances, break the mold of society, and take control of their lives.

Visit Jordan at JordanParis.com and TrendUp.Media.

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Welcome to the Speak Like a Leader Podcast

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates) — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 11:00:04 +0000

Welcome to the Speak Like a Leader Podcast.

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Melinda Richter - One of the Best Leadership Role Models I Know

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (John Bates, Melinda Richter) — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 10:00:19 +0000

As Global Head of Johnson & Johnson Innovation, JLABS (JLABS), Melinda Richter fosters the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies external R&D engine and supports the innovation community by creating capital-efficient commercialization models that give early stage companies a big company advantage.

Follow Melinda on Twitter.

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Episode #1: Mike Michalowicz

john@executivespeakingsuccess.com (Mike Michalowicz, John Bates) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 10:00:16 +0000

Mike Michalowicz is the entrepreneur behind three multimillion dollar companies and is the author of Profit First, Clockwork, The Pumpkin Plan, and his newest book, Fix This Next. Mike is a former small business columnist for The Wall Street Journal and regularly travels the globe as as an entrepreneurial advocate.

To learn more about Mike and get access to a treasure trove of entrepreneurial tips, visit www.MikeMichalowicz.com. And, to go directly to the Business Priority Pyramid simply click here.

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Live Like a Leader with John Bates

From Near-Death, Extreme Sport, and Bullying to Building Character in 10,000 Children a Week with Sebastian Bates

Key Takeaways

Addressing Relevant Issue

Why This Episode Matters

Next Steps

Leadership Under Pressure: What Cybersecurity Experts Can Teach Us About Trust, Systems, and AI with Jay ​K​orpi and Jeremy Dodson

Key Takeaways

Addressing Relevant Issues

Why This Episode Matters

Resources Mentioned

Connect & Subscribe

Next Steps

SHIFT: A Transformational Journey from Playing Small to Unapologetically Thriving with Dr. Nicole Butts

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

1) The real reason accomplished women still shrink

2) “Worker bee syndrome” and the promotion you never get

3) The SHIFT framework: a roadmap out of “playing small”

4) The inner equation for leadership: consciousness + courage

Try This After You Listen (Practical Actions)

Resources + Links

About Dr. Nicole Butts

Potential, Passion, Purpose: Flipping the Switch with Joel Steele

How Real Experts Become Recognized (and Paid) Without Selling Their Soul with Freddie Pullen

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Ideas Worth Stealing (and Using This Week)

Resources Mentioned

Building the Long Game — From Pandemic Food Relief to NomadAI + “Universe” (LinkedIn for Gen Z) with Camden Francis

In this episode, Camden and I cover:

A few lines worth remembering

Links / Resources Mentioned

About Camden Francis (from this episode)

AI, White Space Strategy, and the Future of Business Growth with Ryan Edwards

Leadership in the Age of AI with Pete Sacco

Executive Branding in the Age of AI: How to Build Trust (Without Selling Your Soul) with Jess Jensen

Leadership and the Front Line Workforce: Lessons from the Targets of Change with Gilmore Crosby

Duty, Honor, Country: Building an Authentic American Brand with Army Ranger Dean Wegner

Branding from the Inside Out: Speaking from Your Core Essence with Jenna Flanagan

Confessions of a Hacker with Jeremiah Baker

Three Simple Things, and the Never-Quit Mindset with Thom Shea

Next Level Healing: From Trauma to Transformation with Dr. Tara Perry

Captured by Love, Grounded in Honor with Col. Lee Ellis

TEDx Truths, Speaking Myths & The Motivation Behind “The Motivated Speaker” with Ruth Milligan

From Tragedy to Triumph with Kijuan Amey

Leadership and the Lost Art of Listening with Julian Treasure

Making Your Message Stick in a Noisy World with Jennifer Kaplan

Leadership is a Choice: Redefining Power, Vulnerability & Purpose with Becky Schmooke

From Combat Zones to Bestseller Lists: Leadership Lessons with Atlas Aultman

Positivity Through the Storm with Dr. Paul Jenkins

From Hell Week to Healing — Diego Ugalde

The Valuepreneur Mindset: Rethinking Startup Success with Steve Waddell

Leading with Love: The Power of Insightful Vulnerability™ with David Cunningham

From Shame to Service: Harnessing the Power of Your Story with Mark Leruste

The Authenticity Equation: How to Lead, Connect, and Inspire with Mike Robbins

A Father’s Fight for the Future: From Dragons’ Den to Building a Better World

Unlocking Your Leadership Potential: A No-Nonsense Guide to Excellence with Baz Porter®

Misinformation & Disinformation: Navigating the Digital Age with Mark Albert

Leading with Clarity | Minal Mehta

Exploring the Future of Tech with Robert Scoble | AI, Innovation, and Lessons from the Past

Can I Bring My Faith To Work? | Melissa White

The Power of Letting Go | Jim Britt

A Mind For All Seasons | Eric Collett

It's Not About You, It's About Helping the Audience | Sarah Gershman

Bot or Not? The New Era of Digital Verification | Liam Hale McCarty

The Zen of Social Media Marketing | Shama Hyder

I Survived an Avalanche! | Shelley Anderson

Out as Humans | Gerardo Segat

Bring Back Intimacy | Jami and Marla Keller

A Whole New Outlook on Work and Productivity | John Briggs

Unmanaged | Jack Skeels

Hire Better People Faster | Ryan Englin

Get Your Small Business Unstuck | Barry Moltz

Barry gets small businesses unstuck.

Barry has founded and run small businesses with a great deal of success and failure for more than 20 years.

Barry’s 7th award winning book, “ChangeMasters: How to Actually Make the Changes You Already Know You Need to Make” is available now. He most recently appeared as a business expert in the History Channel’s “The Booze, Bets and Sex that Built America”.

Provocative and Unconventional Views of Leadership | Don Schmincke

Connection, Community, and Meaning | Ken Eslick

Leadership Through Radical Self-Inquiry | Jerry Colonna

Through the Lens of Observation | Robert Houser

Be Bigger, Be Better, Be Here Now | Shawn Antonio

Leadership Under Pressure: What Cybersecurity Experts Can Teach Us About Trust, Systems, and AI with Jay Korpi and Jeremy Dodson