Episodes

  • Creating Our Own Economy By Shopping Local: A Post 2024 US Election Discussion

    Creating Our Own Economy By Shopping Local: A Post 2024 US Election Discussion
    Nov 8 2024

    In the aftermath of the 2024 US presidential election, the country faces a profound question: how can we rebuild our economy and create a more equitable and sustainable future? One proposed solution is to focus on shopping locally and supporting small businesses. In this podcast, we'll explore the benefits of shopping locally, discuss local businesses' challenges, and hear from experts and entrepreneurs working to create a more resilient and vibrant regional economy. Call to action We encourage you to join us for this critical discussion about the future of our local economy. By shopping locally, we can create a more vibrant and sustainable community for all.

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    2 mins
  • Thriving in Real Estate: Darius Alexander Ross on Market Predictions, Leadership Accountability, and Corporate Entrepreneurship

    Thriving in Real Estate: Darius Alexander Ross on Market Predictions, Leadership Accountability, and Corporate Entrepreneurship
    Nov 5 2024

    Darius Alexander Ross is a speaker, author, Executive and Personal Coach, Life Re-engineering master specialist, seminar and conference producer and promoter, corporate turnabout artist, and platform acquisition sponsor. He is also an American arbitrager, commodities trader, and philanthropist. He is a certified business broker, merger and acquisition intermediary consultant, corporation valuation consultant, and licensed real estate commercial broker and appraiser.

    Website: https://www.dariusaross.com/

    Linkedin: / Darius-ross-0316626

    Facebook: / dariusaross1

    Instagram: / darreexec

    Real Estate Market and Investing Michael and Darius discussed the current state of the real estate market, with Darius predicting a significant downturn in the next few years. He suggested this would be a good time for investors to be cash-rich and patient, as the market would offer numerous growth opportunities. Darius also predicted that the stock market would take a significant dip, but this would be a chance for savvy investors to make substantial gains. The conversation concluded with a discussion of the importance of patience and long-term thinking in investing. Accountability in Leadership and Culture Michael and Darius discussed the importance of accountability in leadership and its impact on organizations and communities. Darius shared his perspective on the current state of corporate culture, highlighting issues such as retention, attrition, and the dissatisfaction of employees due to reduced benefits and rewards. He emphasized the need for leaders to take responsibility for their actions and decisions and to acknowledge and learn from their mistakes. Michael agreed, noting the importance of accountability in decision-making and the need for leaders to consider the broader impact of their actions on their communities. They also touched on wealth distribution and the responsibility of those with wealth to give back to their communities. Addressing Needs and Accountability in Business In the meeting, Michael and Darius discussed the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of others, particularly in a business context. Michael emphasized the value of giving back and providing opportunities for growth and success, even if it means a small financial investment. He also highlighted the importance of accountability and learning from mistakes rather than blaming others. The conversation also discussed gamifying tasks to motivate employees and create a sense of ownership and responsibility. The conversation ended with an emphasis on the need for leaders to instill accountability in their teams. Fostering Corporate Entrepreneurship and Adaptability Darius emphasized the importance of involving employees in decision-making to foster a corporate entrepreneurial environment. He used Microsoft and Amazon as examples to illustrate how ideas can evolve into successful businesses. Michael agreed, noting the rise and fall of companies like Blockbuster and Sears and the importance of adaptability and accountability. They concluded that keeping an open mind and listening to employees, vendors, and suppliers can help prevent being overtaken by competitors.
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    25 mins
  • Unlocking Your Best Self: Ben Lytle on Human Potential, Wisdom, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution

    Unlocking Your Best Self: Ben Lytle on Human Potential, Wisdom, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution
    Nov 4 2024
    “I will do my best to be my best and leave the world and the people I meet a little better than when I found them.” These twenty-five words, said from the heart, represent nature’s highest calling to all living things: to reach their potential and contribute to their species and the whole . . . All it takes is this commitment to do your best to be your best – days, serial entrepreneur Ben Lytle, author of THE PURSUIT OF WISDOM, as that’s how he led and launched seven successful companies to date, creating billions in market value, including New York Stock Exchange-listed Acordia, Inc. and Anthem (now Elevance Health), which have a current market value of more than $120 billion. He also co-founded Silver Sneakers, a fitness program designed for older adults that became one of the world’s largest exercise programs. Sharing his knowledge now as an author of THE POTENTIALIST series, his latest installment, The Pursuit of Wisdom was published Fall of 2024. He shares the importance of wisdom and its practice in everything from business to intimacy in relationships. The series is intended as a guidebook for success during the fast-changing, turbulent, and opportunity-rich times ahead—named The Fourth Industrial Revolution by the World Economic Forum. Ben's devotion to individual and collective human potential through accelerated wisdom guides much of his work and sharing. Among many nuggets, Ben Lytle shares about leadership, human potential, and wisdom from THE POTENTIALIST: The Pursuit of Wisdom Human potential has consistently been underestimated. Humanity, especially its leaders, has yet to grasp this timeless truth. How can I be sure that my intentions are genuine and my actions are consistent? Gratitude is powerful in its presence or absence. If you struggle with judging yourself, you are trapped in the ego’s cognitive distortion of perfection, which does not exist in nature and cannot exist in you. Inside everyone, buried more deeply in some, lies a craving for an ecstatic connection called intimacy that unites us with others and all things in nature. Humanity will achieve an unprecedented elevation in potential and wisdom when intimate relationships are as familiar as social acquaintances are today. Intimacy, unconditional love, and empathy are not subject to the law of consumption but to infinity, from which they are derived. The more we give, the more we have available to offer. Intimacy may be the most potent force we experience in life. Think of intimacy as a healthy contagion spreading outward and altering every person and thing you touch. Intimacy is the North Star of the art of living well, our most basic need, our highest calling, and the surest path to potential and wisdom. Fear owns you, or you own it. Only you can decide who’s in charge. Adversity is a teacher, not a punishing warden. What we spend time with and where we spend our time makes who we are. Decisions made wisely throughout life accelerate potential and wisdom. At family intimacy, unconditional love and belonging are, at their best, protective membranes between you and the rest of the world from birth to death. It is impossible to become wise without gratitude. Many people remain tragically defined by inaccurate memories that limit their potential and quality of life. Questions to ponder: • Will working and living with humanlike automation emphasize or blur my human distinctiveness? • How do I integrate with automation like AI and robotics without losing my humanity? • What security, backup, and controls should I insist on as my life increasingly depends upon more intelligent and competent automation? • How do I prepare for career opportunities as automation assumes the grunt work and frees me for higher-value work that is creative, problem-solving, and involves complex relationships with humans and humanlike automation? If institutions continue faltering, how, when, and on what matters will you fill the void they leave, protect your interests, and participate in reshaping them? Will you lead wisely to heal polarizing issues in your orbit, or stay silent and hope someone else leads? Will you develop and execute an adaptive strategy for a longer life in an aging society, or will you trust that the government or someone else will take care of you and yours? How will my loved ones and I assess the choices and consequences to make the wisest possible decisions in a personalized world of ...
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    29 mins
  • Rugare Gomo on Personal Growth, Inclusivity, and Unity

    Rugare Gomo on Personal Growth, Inclusivity, and Unity
    Nov 1 2024

    Rugare Gomo’s mission is to inspire and empower all people to dream, forge their paths, and be leaders in their own lives. He is a high-performance life and business coach, author, and speaker.

    One of Rugare’s superpowers is making things happen. At 16 years old, he arrived in Australia with about $300, a suitcase, and a backpack.

    He graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Honours). He practiced in a top-tier law firm, joined a start-up, and negotiated cross-border, multi-million-dollar contracts as General Counsel.

    Rugare is also the Founder of the Gomo Foundation, which provides scholarships for girls to go to school in rural Zimbabwe, and he has run his corporate law firm. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rugaregomo

    Website: https://RugareGomo.com

    Rugare's Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth Rugare shared his journey of self-discovery and growth, starting from his early age of moving to Australia with limited resources. He discussed how this experience helped him overcome his initial shyness and self-doubt, leading to increased self-confidence and self-love. Rugare also highlighted his ability to raise capital for his university education and his decision to be his authentic self as a gay man, despite the potential risks. Michael acknowledged Rugare's journey as foundational and praised his ability to take risks and adapt to new environments. Both Rugare and Michael emphasized the importance of embracing challenges and living in the unknown to achieve personal growth. Creating Inclusive Environments Through Acceptance Rugare shared a personal story about having an open conversation with his uncle, who is the head of a village in Zimbabwe, about gay rights. The uncle's acceptance and welcoming attitude towards his partner and other members of the gay community could potentially create a more inclusive environment in the village. Michael agreed with Rugare's perspective, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety and acceptance in communities and organizations. Both Rugare and Michael expressed their hope for a world where people can be themselves without fear of judgment or condemnation. Fostering Unity and Understanding Conversations Michael and Rugare discussed the importance of creating an environment where people feel heard and welcomed, regardless of their differences. They emphasized the need to understand others' perspectives, rather than demonizing them. Rugare shared a personal experience of a friend who supports Trump, and how she plans to have a conversation with him to understand his viewpoint, rather than trying to change his mind. They both agreed that living their lives in a way that promotes unity and understanding can have a more significant impact than trying to convince others. Curiosity and Research in Voting Michael and Rugare discussed the importance of curiosity and research in making decisions, particularly in the context of voting. Michael emphasized the need to understand the reasons behind one's support for a particular party or candidate, rather than simply following family traditions or party affiliations. He suggested doing one's own research on the issues that matter to them and comparing the positions of different candidates or parties. Rugare agreed with Michael's approach, highlighting the need for open conversations and understanding rather than polarizing attitudes. They also touched on the potential of technology to provide access to information and resources, which could lead to the tapping of untapped talent pools. Leadership, Unity, and Personal Growth In the meeting, Rugare and Michael discussed the importance of leadership and unity, emphasizing the need for understanding and empathy in personal and professional relationships. Rugare shared his personal journey of self-discovery and growth, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and learning from past mistakes. They also discussed the need for psychological safety and the importance of not demonizing others, but rather seeking to understand their perspectives. The conversation concluded with Rugare sharing his website and social media handles for further connection.
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    27 mins
  • How To Build A Legacy To Die For: A conversation with Dr. Kimberly Harms

    How To Build A Legacy To Die For: A conversation with Dr. Kimberly Harms
    Oct 31 2024
    Dr. Kimberly Harms has been around the block in life. She has served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Public Health Service, a dental school professor, a grief counselor, a death doula, a civil mediator, a clinical dentist with her late husband Jim in Farmington MN, a school board Chair, President of an international women’s organization, the first woman President of the Minnesota Dental Association, a National Spokesperson for the American Dental Association (21 years), an award-winning, best selling author and international speaker on the topics of grief, conflict and legacy planning. She has also suffered many personal losses, including the deaths by suicide of her mother and son and the death by a broken heart of her husband after their son’s death. Her most important role now is mother to her two surviving children and grandmother to 6 precious grandchildren. Book link: https://amzn.to/3XR3JCQ website: drkimberlyharms.com Authors URL: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562687683460 Kimberly's Career and Life Purpose In the meeting, Kimberly and Michael discussed Kimberly's background, including her career as a commissioned officer in the United States Public Health Service, her role as the first woman President of the Minnesota Dental Association, and her work as a national spokesperson for the American Dental Association. Kimberly also shared her transition from practicing dentistry to international speaking and writing books. The conversation then shifted to Kimberly's current focus on her life's purpose and her book, "Are you ready how to build a legacy to die for?" The conversation ended with Michael expressing his appreciation for the conversation and looking forward to further discussions. Planning for the Future Amid Loss Michael and Kimberly shared their personal experiences with loss, emphasizing the importance of planning for the future to ease the burden on loved ones. Michael discussed his mother's well-organized estate and how it provided a sense of peace during a difficult time. He encouraged others to do the same, setting up wills or trusts to ensure a smooth transition. Kimberly shared her own tragic losses, including the suicide of her mother and son, and how these experiences taught her about the impact of grief on others. She highlighted the importance of not letting grief consume one's life and the need to focus on the living. Both speakers underscored the significance of planning and communication in dealing with loss. Overcoming Grief and Resilience in Leadership Kimberly shared her personal experience of overcoming grief and finding happiness again, emphasizing the importance of fighting through difficult times. Michael agreed, highlighting the role of leaders in setting an example for resilience and the potential impact of unresolved grief on both individuals and their followers. They also discussed the potential link between mental health and physical health, with Kimberly sharing her own experience of being treated for depression after her son's death. The conversation concluded with a mutual understanding of the importance of seeking help and support during challenging times. Addressing Unprocessed Grief and Depression Kimberly shared her personal experience of losing her son and her husband, both of whom had struggled with untreated grief. She believes that the lack of support and recognition for grief can lead to serious health issues and even death. Michael agreed, adding that unprocessed grief can negatively impact a leader's performance and clarity. He also shared his own experience of being diagnosed with clinical depression and seeking help, emphasizing the importance of working through one's emotions for personal growth and well-being. Leading Through Grief in Dental Orgs Kimberly emphasized the importance of leading through grief in the workplace, particularly in dental organizations. She suggested having a morning huddle to acknowledge and support team members who are grieving, and proposed the use of a "crying room" for those who need a moment to collect themselves. She stressed the value of a supportive team environment and the need for leaders to help their team members navigate through difficult times. Team Bonding and Personal Support Kimberly and Michael discussed the importance of team bonding and addressing personal issues within a team. Kimberly emphasized the benefits of strong personal relationships in the workplace, leading to a happier environment. Michael shared his experience from working in healthcare, where they had morning huddles to prepare for patients with specific needs. He agreed with Kimberly's approach and suggested that such practices could help team members feel supported and less stressed. They both agreed that this approach could improve team dynamics and retention. Building Trust and Emotional Safety Michael and Kimberly discussed the importance of building relationships and trust within an organization. ...
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    23 mins
  • How Jim Rohn's Influence Shaped Brad Sugars' Success in Entrepreneurship and Leadership

    How Jim Rohn's Influence Shaped Brad Sugars' Success in Entrepreneurship and Leadership
    Oct 30 2024
    Meet Brad Sugars. Professionally, nobody has significantly impacted Brad Sugars‘ life more than Jim Rohn. As a teen, Brad scrimped and saved his allowance to afford tickets to a Rohn seminar, and despite being the youngest person in the audience, what he learned there has informed his business practices and philosophies throughout his life. Now internationally known as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, Brad Sugars is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and the #1 business coach in the world. Throughout his 30-year career as an entrepreneur, Brad has become the CEO of 9+ companies and owns the multi-million dollar franchise ActionCOACH®. As a husband and father of five, Brad is equally passionate about his family as he is about business. That’s why he strongly advocates for building a company that works without you so you can spend more time doing what matters to you. https://bradsugars.com/about/ Teaching and Learning in Fast Pace Michael and Brad discussed the challenges of learning and teaching in today's fast-paced world. Brad, a father of five and chairman of nine companies, shared his experience building great business people through teaching, coaching, and mentoring. He emphasized the importance of breaking learning down into smaller snippets, as seen in their 12-week learning programs. Brad also highlighted the effectiveness of their approach, as evidenced by the growth in conversion rates and productivity among salespeople and managers. He noted the positive impact of their leadership training, which has seen an average increase in passion scores from 3 to 6 among participants. Setting Realistic Goals and Investing Brad and Michael discussed the importance of setting realistic goals and investing in personal growth. They emphasized that learning and understanding the necessary skills take time and should not be rushed. Brad shared his personal experience of setting a goal to retire at age 25 and how he had to learn and grow over time to achieve it. They also discussed the importance of investing in people and providing them with the necessary tools and opportunities to succeed. Michael shared his experience of turning around a healthcare organization by investing in his team and giving them a voice, which led to significant improvements in performance and reduced turnover. Investing in People for Success Michael and Brad discussed the importance of investing in people to achieve success. Michael emphasized the need for organizations to understand what they need to do differently to reach their goals rather than just working harder. He used the analogy of a cook becoming a chef to illustrate the need for learning new skills and techniques. Brad agreed with Michael's points. The conversation also touched on a story about Jim Rohn, who, at 25, was broke and sought advice from his mentor. The mentor asked Jim to list all the reasons for his failure, and upon reviewing the list, the mentor pointed out that Jim's name was missing. Self-Accountability and Management in Growth Michael and Brad discussed the importance of self-accountability and management in personal and professional growth. Brad emphasized that self-accountability is rare, and most people need some form of management to hold them accountable. He suggested that daily goals and plans are crucial for achieving annual goals and should be measured and reported. Brad also highlighted the importance of balancing management and leadership in an organization, with the former focusing on competency and productivity and the latter on passion and focus. He stressed balancing the business's nance, admin operations, and marketing teams, i Balancing Sales, Marketing, and Finance Brad and Michael discussed balancing sales, marketing, and finance for consistent growth. They highlighted the challenges of getting these parties to communicate effectively but emphasized the benefits of understanding each other's roles and expertise. Michael also stressed the value of investing in employees to foster a culture of insight sharing, which can help identify potential issues and drive growth. Effective Leadership and Communication Brad emphasized the importance of communication and leadership in an organization. He suggested that a good leader should be the quietest one in the meeting to draw out ideas from others and be involved in the day-to-day operations to understand the team's needs. He also stressed the significance of documenting the organization's culture, values, and goals and the need for leaders to receive training in core leadership skills. Brad also discussed the shift from head leadership to heart leadership and the importance of investing in future leaders. He concluded by stating that people who take accountability for themselves are the ones who grow into leadership roles. Building Strong Systems and Culture Brad and Michael discussed the importance of creating a solid organizational system and culture, using sports teams ...
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    25 mins
  • How To Excel at on Self-Storage Strategies, Housing Equity, and Community Impact with Matthew Ricciardella

    How To Excel at on Self-Storage Strategies, Housing Equity, and Community Impact with Matthew Ricciardella
    Oct 29 2024
    https://www.crystalviewcapital.com/our-team https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-ricciardella-a9156796/ Matthew Ricciardella is a self-made entrepreneur, business executive, investor, and philanthropist. Matthew is the proud Founder and Principal Manager of Crystal View Capital. With over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, Mr. Ricciardella is responsible for managing and overseeing all Crystal View Capital Fund aspects, including investment strategy, fundraising, asset management, and operations. He currently manages over $400 Million in real estate assets. Matthew inspires confidence and helps others achieve their full potential with his strong leadership expertise and alignment of interest in all Funds. With a personal investment of $10M+ in Crystal View Capital Funds I, II, and III, Matthew has created a powerful personal bond with his stakeholders. Under Mr. Ricciardella’s leadership, Fund I’s investors have realized an average internal rate of return of 47% since its inception. Matthew has earned a reputation for dealing fairly, honestly, and with integrity with his stakeholders and sellers, which he believes is his most valuable asset. In Mr.Ricciardella's free time, He loves spending time with his two sons and loving wife, Jessica, a company co-founder. Summary Self-Storage Industry Growth and Strategies Michael and Matt discussed their respective roles and their companies' strategies. Matt, the founder and CEO of Crystal View Capital, shared that his company focuses on self-storage and manufactured housing communities, raising equity capital to purchase under-managed assets. They aim to maximize efficiency and net operating income, creating value and selling these assets to distribute profits to investors. Michael highlighted the growth of the self-storage industry and the importance of understanding the reasons behind this growth. The conversation was set to delve deeper into these topics. Affordable Housing Crisis and Storage Demand Michael and Matt discussed the demand for self-storage and mobile home communities due to the affordable housing crisis. Michael highlighted the need for storage among downsizers and businesses, while Matt emphasized the increasing demand for storage facilities as people downsize to save money. Matt also noted the stigma around mobile home communities has diminished, making them a more attractive option for affordable housing. Both agreed that the lack of new mobile home communities being built and the growing demand for affordable housing presents a significant opportunity for growth and increased pricing power. Addressing Affordable Housing and NIMBYs Michael and Matt discussed the issue of affordable housing and its impact on generations. Michael emphasized that the problem has been ignored for decades and has reached a critical point, causing despair among those who fear they will never be able to own a home. He encouraged perseverance and suggested that increasing access to housing could positively impact all levels of housing. Matt agreed with Michael's points. They also touched on the issue of NIMBYs (Not In My Backyard) and their influence on community development, with Michael expressing frustration over the exclusion of affordable housing in specific neighborhoods. Discussing the Importance of Community Michael and Matt discussed the concept of community, drawing parallels between a condominium building and a neighborhood. Michael emphasized the importance of community in fostering relationships and mutual support among neighbors. He shared his experience of living in a community where neighbors knew each other well and looked out for one another. Matt agreed with Michael's perspective, highlighting the value of community in both personal and investment contexts. They concluded that community is not just social and physical but also shared and mutu, al cared for. Pride of Ownership and Home Equity Importance Matt emphasized the importance of pride of ownership in their work, particularly in helping people afford and build equity in homes. He highlighted the potential for these homes to become their most significant asset and a source of financial growth. Matt also differentiated their approach from apartment complexes, noting that homeowners tend to stay longer and build stronger community ties. Michael agreed with Matt's perspective. Discussing Performance, Growth, and Marketing Strategy Michael and Matt discussed the performance of their organization in comparison to their competitors. Matt highlighted their organization's consistent delivery of promises and strong track record of making distributions to partners despite competitors cutting distributions or making capital calls. He emphasized the importance of hard work, execution, and under-promising and over-delivering. Matt also mentioned their organization's growth in occupancies, cost-cutting, and system refinement, leading to increased cash flow at the property level. He ...
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    25 mins
  • How To Transform Your Leadership and Belong: Insights from Cordell Carter, Esq.

    How To Transform Your Leadership and Belong: Insights from Cordell Carter, Esq.
    Oct 28 2024

    Cordell Carter, Esq. Convenor | Leaders, Ideas, and Experiences Cordell Carter, Esq. is a dynamic leader, speaker, and advisor known for his relentless pursuit of a world where everyone belongs and has opportunities to thrive. As the long-term executive director of the Aspen Institute Socrates Program (2017-2024) and founding director of the Project on Belonging, Cordell curates transformative, off-the-record leadership seminars in capital cities across the globe, shaping the perspectives of over 1,500 leaders annually.

    Cordell’s passion for creating inclusive spaces led him to establish the Festival of the Diaspora in Medellín, Colombia—a powerful summit (deemed the secular tent revival) uniting diasporic communities across the Americas. As the founder of Expectant Advisory, LLC, he helps leaders and boards navigate their inclusion and belonging journeys with thoughtful strategy and foresight. His leadership journey spans prestigious roles at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, IBM, Seattle Public Schools, and the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. He is a sought-after speaker and facilitator on belonging, inclusion, post-secondary success, and the democratic ideals that hold our society together.

    Cordell is also the author of the groundbreaking keynote series, "Becoming an Inclusive Republic," a forthcoming book of the same name, and the producer of the documentary “The Road Trip to Belonging." In recognition of his expertise and leadership, Cordell was appointed by President Biden to the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships and has received numerous accolades, including being named a 2023 Minority Executive Making Moves, a 2021 Champion of Change for Computer Science Education, and a distinguished Eisenhower Fellow to China. Cordell also serves as a Board Director for Concordia, Orbit Capital, Oasis Fresh Markets, Redemption Holdings, and the International Advisory Committee of Danubius University (Galatz, Romania). Finally, he is a limited partner with the Fvlcrum Fund and Mendoza Ventures.

    His influence stretches far and wide. He has spoken in 15 countries and 20 U.S. states on topics such as liberal democracy, belonging, and civic faith. Cordell’s leadership extends to corporate boardrooms, advising companies like SkillStorm in their mission to upskill underserved communities. He holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Washington, and his thought leadership continues to shape the national and global conversation around equity, inclusion, and the future of democracy.

    https://CordellCarter.com
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    22 mins