In this episode of Beyond Titles, Kendra interviews Brendan Grove, CTO of Prizeout, discussing the intersection of technical skills and business success. Brendan shares insights on the evolution of Prizeout, the importance of maintaining high standards, and fostering a transparent team culture.

He emphasizes the significance of shared values in partnerships, the role of data in decision-making, and the necessity of simplicity in product design. Brendan also highlights essential soft skills for technical leaders, including empathy and the ability to care about the team's and customers' needs.

Brendan Grove, Prizeout, technical language, business success, credit unions, product development, team culture, leadership, data-driven decisions, soft skills

In this conversation, Joe Gasque shares his extensive journey in leadership, emphasizing the importance of personal development, team culture, and the role of respect in effective leadership. He discusses his experiences at GE Healthcare and Medshift, highlighting the significance of continuous learning and collaboration within teams. Joe also addresses the challenges of balancing work and personal life, offering insights on how to motivate teams during difficult times and the importance of hiring individuals with a hunger for learning. The discussion culminates in key takeaways for aspiring leaders, including the value of respect and the need for intentionality in both professional and personal realms.

In this conversation, Chris Humphries shares his inspiring journey from a high school dropout working at McDonald's to becoming a successful entrepreneur and founder of the Mark Group. He discusses the challenges he faced, the lessons learned in sales, and the importance of building a positive company culture.

Chris emphasizes the significance of motivation, recognition, and teamwork in driving success, while also highlighting the freedom that comes with entrepreneurship. He concludes by reflecting on the impact of his business on the lives of others and the importance of giving back

In this episode of the Beyond Titles podcast, Kendra Johnson interviews Samantha Martin, co-owner of House of XM, an experiential marketing agency. Samantha shares her unique journey from a professional dancer to a leader in the marketing industry, discussing the pivotal moments that shaped her career.

She emphasizes the importance of intrapreneurship, the challenges of leadership, and the dynamics of teamwork in high-pressure environments. Samantha also reflects on the realities of growth in business and the significance of listening as a key leadership skill.

experiential marketing, intrapreneurship, leadership, team dynamics, growth challenges, listening skills, career transitions, event production, agency ownership, marketing strategies

Check out Marketwake here.

In this engaging conversation, Bin Cochran shares his journey from a background in sales to becoming the VP of Marketing at Marketwake. He discusses the importance of creativity in marketing, the challenges of leadership, and the significance of effective communication styles.

Bin emphasizes the value of self-awareness, the role of humor in leadership, and the need to embrace imperfection in marketing strategies. The conversation highlights the evolution of communication in the workplace and the importance of adapting to individual team members' needs.

In this engaging conversation, Bin Cochran and Kendra Johnson explore the intricacies of leadership, focusing on the importance of clear communication, the challenges of difficult conversations, and the significance of body language. They discuss how to build genuine connections with team members, the necessity of continuous learning, and the role of feedback in fostering a productive work environment. The dialogue emphasizes the human aspect of leadership, advocating for empathy and understanding in managerial roles.

In this conversation, Keith shares the inspiring story behind HandyPro, a company dedicated to protecting seniors from dishonest contractors. He discusses the importance of leadership, company culture, and the lessons learned throughout his journey.

Keith emphasizes the significance of finding the right people, maintaining transparency, and evolving as a leader. He also highlights the importance of communication and training within the franchise model, as well as the need for intentional growth and brand consistency. The discussion concludes with Keith's insights on the most important soft skill for leaders: listening.

HandyPro, leadership, business growth, franchise, company culture, transparency, communication, soft skills, quality assurance, intentional growth

In this conversation, Robert Burko, CEO of Elite Digital, shares his journey from starting a digital agency in his parents' basement to leading one of Canada's largest digital-first agencies. He discusses the importance of passion in entrepreneurship, the evolution of his vision over 22 years, and the significance of building a strong company culture.

Burko emphasizes the value of teamwork, collaboration, and finding the right people who align with the company's values. He also highlights the need for continuous improvement and embracing diversity within the team. In this conversation, Robert Burko shares insights on creating a welcoming company culture, the importance of mentorship, and the value of a family-first approach in the workplace.

He emphasizes the significance of open communication, celebrating life events, and fostering a growth mindset among employees. Burko discusses how failures can be reframed as learning opportunities and highlights the role of family support in personal and professional growth. The conversation also touches on innovative solutions for work-life challenges and the importance of building loyalty through understanding and support.

leadership, digital agency, entrepreneurship, company culture, teamwork, hiring, marketing, growth, community, innovation, leadership, company culture, mentorship, work-life balance, growth mindset, family support, entrepreneurial journey, open door policy, employee loyalty, innovative solutions

In this conversation, Kendra Johnson and Fahad discuss the intricacies of leadership through the lens of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Fahad shares his extensive experience in marketing and how it intersects with strategic transitions, emphasizing the importance of trust, communication, and collaboration.

They explore the challenges leaders face during these transitions, the necessity of handling difficult conversations, and the proactive steps leaders can take to foster a supportive culture. The discussion highlights the significance of understanding both macro and micro cultures within organizations and the need for transparency and empathy in leadership.

leadership, M&A, marketing strategies, trust, communication, strategic transitions, difficult conversations, collaboration

In this conversation, Kendra Johnson and Allana Schmidt discuss Allana's journey from psychology and social work to business, emphasizing the importance of organizational readiness and agile processes in transformation. They explore leadership strategies that foster inclusion and high performance, as well as the significance of integrity and expectation management in team dynamics.

Allana shares her insights on treating people as individuals and the necessity of communication during times of change, highlighting the impact of these practices on employee well-being and corporate culture. In this conversation, Kendra Johnson and Allana Schmidt explore the importance of nurturing employee well-being, creating psychological safety within teams, and addressing difficult conversations in the workplace.

They emphasize the significance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness as critical leadership skills, providing practical strategies for leaders to support their teams effectively. The discussion highlights the need for open communication, healthy boundaries, and the proactive approach required to foster a positive workplace culture.

business transformation, organizational readiness, agile processes, leadership strategies, inclusion, high performance, integrity, expectation management, employee well-being, corporate culture, employee well-being, psychological safety, difficult conversations, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, leadership skills, team dynamics, communication strategies, workplace culture, mental health

In this conversation, Kendra Johnson and Paul Lewis explore the complexities of middle management, particularly in the technology sector. Paul shares his journey from being a mediocre programmer to a successful leader, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with stakeholders and the balance between empowerment and micromanagement.

They discuss the impact of organizational size on leadership styles, the necessity of safeguarding team capacity, and the importance of clear expectations in leadership training. Paul also highlights his personal passions and how they influence his professional life, concluding with insights on the need for better training for middle managers in technology.

middle management, leadership, technology, empowerment, stakeholder communication, trust, transparency, organizational size, team capacity, leadership training