Dr. Colleen Saringer, an expert on workplace toxicity, joins us for an episode rich with insights and personal stories. Growing up in a blue-collar family in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Colleen's background shapes her unique perspective on the challenges many face in toxic work environments. A passionate runner and mental health advocate, she shares her journey from marathon starting lines to advocating for healthier work cultures, all while revealing her love for Halloween. Our conversation navigates through her personal experiences and the broader implications of workplace health, reflecting on the powerful impact of fostering supportive environments.

The severe consequences of toxic workplaces are laid bare as we explore the intense pressures that can lead to mental and physical health issues, including the heart-wrenching reality of workplace-related suicides. With Dr. Colleen's guidance, we examine the vital role of HR departments and the need for dedicated leaders in transforming workplace culture. Together, we emphasize the importance of manageable working hours and collective action, encouraging employees to seek better conditions through unity and courage. This discussion sheds light on the essential qualities needed to drive cultural change and safeguard employee well-being.

Public speaking emerges as a transformative tool for both Dr. Colleen and myself, underscoring the power of storytelling and vulnerability in making a meaningful impact. We share our journeys of leaving comfort zones, embracing improv, and pursuing passion-aligned paths. Through this, we discover the true art of communication and the bravery required to pitch oneself as a leader. As we conclude, Dr. Colleen's unwavering commitment to reducing workplace suicides to zero serves as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved. Join us for an episode that promises to inspire change and foster a healthier future for workplaces everywhere.

Connect with Dr Colleen:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-saringer-phd/
Website: https://www.colleensaringer.com/

Visit the website and let me know what you would miss if the Podcast were to go away:
https://www.depthbuilder.com/

Get on the path to Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

Ever wondered how the relentless drive for success can shape and even challenge personal relationships and life pursuits? Join us for an engrossing conversation with Steve Mellor, an executive coach and former world-class swimmer, as he unpacks the paradox of hyper-competitiveness. With tales from his transformation from a fiercely competitive athlete to a more aligned individual, Steve illustrates how this drive can be both a superpower and a vulnerability. His insights pave the way for understanding the delicate balance of maintaining meaningful connections while striving for excellence.

Experience the power of resilience and ownership through Steve's personal anecdotes, as he shares pivotal moments that led him to shift from sports to coaching, focusing on the non-linear paths of growth and success. From working with executives to helping athletes like Brooks Curry achieve gold at the Olympics, Steve's stories emphasize the significance of belief and perseverance. Learn about the importance of defining your journey, recognizing when to persist, and when it's time to change direction to align with your aspirations.

In a reflective discussion, we explore the integral roles of introspection and curiosity in uncovering potential and fostering genuine understanding. Steve reveals the power of intuition in coaching and how curiosity can prevent assumptions and foster clarity in communication. Our conversation also touches on his rebranding journey to Growth Ready, highlighting a commitment to personal development and creating impactful experiences. Listen in to discover how aligning with your optimal self can lead to a ripple effect of positivity and fulfillment, both personally and within your community.

Connect with Steve at:
Instagram @coachstevemellor
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/
https://growthready.com/

Visit the website and let me know what you would miss if the Podcast were to go away:
https://www.depthbuilder.com/

Get on the path to Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

As a safety professional, I found myself standing at a crossroads, faced with two divergent paths: one leading towards genuine care for workers, and the other veering into the rigid territory of compliance and regulation. Our latest episode unpacks this contrast, inviting you to journey with us through my personal experiences at a pivotal training session. There, amidst a sea of compliance-driven peers, I uncovered the empowering essence of people-centered safety practices. Join us as we unravel how servant leadership and human-centered approaches can transform workplace culture, challenging the status quo of box-ticking and rule enforcement.

In high-risk environments, the difference between proactive safety advocates and those entrenched in compliance can be monumental. We explore how the rare 20% of people-focused professionals make a significant yet often uncelebrated impact on worker safety, while understanding the pressures that push many towards a compliance-centric mindset. This episode is a call to appreciate the unsung heroes of workplace safety, those who put people before paperwork. We gently remind listeners of the importance of empathy—for ourselves, for colleagues who might feel trapped in their roles, and for the workers who rely on these safety champions.

Get on the path to Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

Imagine channeling the fierce determination of an aspiring actress into the plumbing industry. That's the awe-inspiring journey of Allie Perez, the spirited CMO of George Plumbing, who joins us to share her incredible story. Allie's transition from drama at NYU to becoming a powerhouse in trades is not just about career change—it's about reshaping perceptions and proving that women can excel in non-traditional careers. Her experiences, fueled by a mix of resilience and a bit of defiance, offer fresh insights into embracing life's unexpected twists and the profound impact of mentorship and family values.

Allie's story is a testament to the power of a growth mindset and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals who encourage potential. Her reflections on early career struggles highlight the pivotal influence of family and mentors in recognizing untapped skills, and the rewarding journey of building Texas Women in Trades. The mission? To significantly increase female representation in trades, inspiring confidence and offering new paths to high school seniors and those considering alternative career options. Allie's approach is nothing short of transformative, leveraging outreach and skill-building sessions to empower women and girls.

As we explore the evolving landscape of marketing and workforce development, Allie shares her strategies for connecting marketing with trades professionals, including the rise of digital marketing and AI. Her commitment to nurturing talent through internship programs and events like the Texas Construction Careers Initiative highlights her passion for creating opportunities for young people. By sharing engaging stories and practical advice, Allie encourages a collaborative effort to reshape the narrative around trades, fostering a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Join us for an episode that's both inspiring and empowering, as we celebrate the potential for growth and change in the trades industry.

Connect with Allie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-perez-3ba25720/
https://www.facebook.com/TexasWomenInTrades
https://texaswomenintrades.org/

Visit the website and let me know what you would miss if the Podcast were to go away:
https://www.depthbuilder.com/

Get on the path to Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

How does one transform from a budding entrepreneur to a celebrated leader who stands on stage at the Cowboys stadium? Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of Ms. Elizabeth Ponce, the inspiring president of Picasso Contractors and a dedicated community leader. Elizabeth's story is one of resilience, community engagement, and the pursuit of excellence, culminating in her recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year. Her commitment to giving back is evident as she plans to use her award's prize to further the mission of the National Regional Hispanic Contractors Foundation.

In our conversation, I share my personal experiences of overcoming adversity and building a business from the ground up. From navigating the complexities of managing a company with family members to facing the humbling task of rebuilding after significant setbacks, I explore the importance of authenticity and empathy in leadership. The challenges I encountered taught me invaluable lessons in understanding and respecting my team, which ultimately strengthened my relationships with both staff and clients. This episode delves into the art of effective hiring, mentorship, and the critical role of resilience, particularly for single mothers striving to succeed.

Discover the powerful impact of mentorship and leadership in the construction industry, where creating opportunities and supporting aspiring professionals can lead to transformative growth. We explore initiatives like the Luna Awards and the importance of community engagement in nurturing the next generation of industry leaders. Our conversation is a testament to the belief that with determination and the right mindset, anyone can rise from challenges and make a difference in the world. Don't miss the chance to connect with Elizabeth and gain valuable insights from her journey—mark your calendars for the Luna Awards and join us in celebrating remarkable achievements in the industry.

Connect with Elizabeth at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ep2004/
https://picassollc.com/
https://regionalhca.org/calenda/luna-awards-nomination/

Visit the website and let me know what you would miss if the Podcast were to go away:
https://www.depthbuilder.com/

Get on the path to Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

Step into the world of entrepreneurship with Jim Penman, an Australian trailblazer who transformed his life from the brink of debt to pioneering the largest franchising empire in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover the unexpected power of traditional service roles as Jim walks us through his journey from a simple lawn mowing venture to a diversified business empire that includes cleaning and dog washing services. This episode challenges the common narrative that success lies solely in high-tech industries, showcasing the immense economic value and personal fulfillment found in service-oriented businesses.

Listeners will be inspired by Jim's transition from a history PhD graduate to a successful entrepreneur, with a start rooted in his passion for gardening. Despite initial struggles with people skills and competition, Jim’s adaptability and resourcefulness paved the way for the creation of a thriving service franchise. We uncover how his early skills and experiences laid the foundation for financial stability and supported his unique research interests, illustrating the profound impact of perseverance and strategic growth.

This conversation dives into the heart of customer service excellence, ethical business practices, and the philosophy of servant leadership. Jim shares his dedication to treating customers and franchisees with respect, ensuring their success while upholding core values. He sheds light on the importance of generosity in business and the complex motivations behind both fictional villains and real-life challenges. Through his story, we find a deeper understanding of success that is intertwined with service and meaning in life, offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to build a sustainable and ethically grounded enterprise.

Connect with Jim at:
https://jimpenman.com.au
https://www.youtube.com/@thejimpenman

Visit the website and let me know what you would miss if the Podcast were to go away:
https://www.depthbuilder.com/

Get on the path to Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

Ever wondered how the most successful entrepreneurs pivot from corporate roles to founding groundbreaking startups? Join us for an exclusive conversation with Stephanie Del Valle and Isabel Rodriguez, the powerhouse duo behind BuilderFi. Discover how these two inspiring women leveraged their Colombian roots and professional backgrounds to address a critical issue in the construction industry—slow payments. You'll hear firsthand how their shared vision and complementary skills have driven their mission to empower construction SMBs with innovative financial solutions.

Stephanie and Isabel open up about their unique entrepreneurial journey, recounting the highs and lows that shaped BuilderFi. Isabel shares how her experiences as a small business owner and her time at Salesforce rekindled her entrepreneurial spirit and led her back to startup life. Stephanie highlights her first-time entrepreneurial adventure, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decisions and trusting the right partner. Their stories underscore the value of embracing the journey, intentional networking, and the lessons learned from both successes and setbacks.

In addition to their professional insights, Stephanie and Isabel touch on the practicality of co-living for startup founders and the powerful role of mentorship and community support. They discuss how programs like Y Combinator and Techstars have been pivotal in their growth and their commitment to giving back to the entrepreneurial community. Tune in to learn how BuilderFi aims to revolutionize cash flow management for construction SMBs and why a supportive ecosystem is crucial for any startup's success. This episode is packed with valuable advice, personal anecdotes, and a genuine passion for making a difference.

Connect with Isabel at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/isarc/

Connect with Stephanie at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniedelvalleh/

Check out BuildrFi at:
https://www.buildrfi.com/

Visit the website and let me know what you would miss if the Podcast were to go away:
https://www.depthbuilder.com/

Get on the path to Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

Have you ever wondered how a single moment can redefine your entire life's purpose? In today’s episode, we hear from Simone, the unstoppable force behind Demo Diva, as she shares how Hurricane Katrina transformed her path from aspiring missionary to the founder of a thriving demolition business. Simone's journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes our greatest challenges can lead to our most meaningful contributions. Through her narrative, we uncover how she turned devastation into a beacon of hope and renewal for the New Orleans community, redefining what it means to rebuild.

As we explore further, we witness the profound impact of community bonds and technical education during times of crisis. Listen to heartwarming stories of neighbors who forged deep connections during COVID and the resilient spirit of New Orleans residents rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. Highlighting the critical role of community colleges, we discuss the inspirational tale of two Brazilian brothers who demonstrated that success is within reach through hard work and practical skills. This episode is a testament to the power of friendship, compassion, and the pursuit of the American dream through education and community support.

We wrap up with Simone’s insights on harnessing inherent strengths, particularly in male-dominated industries. She reflects on how perceived weaknesses, like not having traditional family support, became her greatest advantages. Her story, from learning the nuances of the demolition trade to creating a bold brand with hot pink dumpsters, is filled with wisdom on resilience, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Join us for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the transformative power of community, the importance of practical skills, and the beauty of turning adversity into opportunity.

Connect with Simone at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-bruni-6322b453/

Check out her super cool websites:
https://demodiva.com/

Visit the website and let me know what you would miss if the Podcast were to go away:
https://www.depthbuilder.com/

Get on the path to Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books