Big Dreams Great Teams® with Paula Maidens

In this episode of The Big Dreams Great Teams Podcast, host Paula Maidens dives into the five critical leadership habits that CEOs of small businesses need to break in order to scale successfully. 

As your business grows, the leadership strategies that worked in the early days often become roadblocks to further success. Paula explores common pitfalls such as expecting employees to work at the same speed as the CEO, hiring for comfort rather than business needs, and promoting based on tenure. 

Packed with practical advice, real-life examples, and insights on how to shift your mindset, this episode is essential listening for small business CEOs looking to elevate their leadership and grow their teams effectively.

Tune in to discover how breaking these leadership habits can help you build a stronger, more scalable business.

Highlights

• Stop thinking, I'll tell them once and then they should just do it.
• Context creates clarity in communication.
• You can't expect everybody to work as fast as you do.
• Your job as a leader is to build a cohesive team.
• Hire for skills and capabilities, not for comfort or familiarity.
• Loyalty should not be the sole reason for promotions.
• Comfort in hiring can limit business growth.
• Leadership requires letting go of old habits.
• Stretching yourself is essential for business growth.
• Your business will only grow to the extent you're willing to be uncomfortable.

Chapters

00:00 Elevating Leadership: Key Traps to Avoid

06:12 Building a Diverse and Effective Team

12:31 The Importance of Challenging Comfort Zones

Explore working with Paula 

Book a Dream Team Discovery Call

Connect with Paula: 

Website: https://paulamaidens.com/

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

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

In this episode, Paula reveals five proven strategies to measure and optimise your team’s productivity. With real-world examples, she demonstrates how increasing team productivity leads directly to higher profitability and greater financial success for your business.

If you’re a small business owner committed to growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you quickly identify areas where your team can improve and drive tangible gains in efficiency and profit.

Highlights

• How to create a clear roadmap to success for your team with self-tracking, defined goals, and KPIs.
• The hidden links between high-quality work, rework costs, and how they impact your profitability.
• The often-overlooked power of team collaboration, and how to measure its direct impact on your bottom line.
• The unnoticed opportunity cost of disengaged employees, and how their lack of initiative could be limiting your profits.

Every successful small business should prioritise productivity—tune in to discover how to transform your team’s performance and boost your financial results!

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Productivity in Small Businesses
06:16 Chapter 2: The Impact of Quality Work on Profitability
09:54 Chapter 3: Timely Delivery: A Key to Increased Revenue
12:08 Chapter 4: Team Collaboration: Eliminating Bottlenecks and Boosting Efficiency
15:07 Chapter 5: The Power of Employee Engagement in Driving Profitability
22:01 Conclusion: The Link Between Productivity and Profitability

Explore Working With Paula:

Book a Dream Team Discovery Call

Connect with Paula: 

Website:https://paulamaidens.com/

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

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

Jane McFadden, an entrepreneur, former psychologist, author, neurodiversity specialist, and neuroscientist, shares her personal experience and academic knowledge on ADHD, entrepreneurship, and business. 

She discusses her journey from traditional psychology to starting her own psychology company (now the largest in Australia), and the challenges she faced in the early years as a neurodivergent individual.

Jane talks about the importance of understanding neurodivergent individuals and breaking the stigma surrounding autism and ADHD. 
 
 She shares her experiences with managing a team and the difficulties she faces in small talk, performance management and prioritizing tasks.

Dive in to hear this open, raw and real conversation where Paula and Jane discuss neurotypical versus neurodivergent traits and the challenges and strengths of being an entrepreneur with ADHD and in particular, the unique perspectives and abilities of neurodivergent entrepreneurs overall. 

Highlights

• Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with ADHD and autism, may struggle in traditional work settings and with consistency in tasks
• Understanding and accepting neurodivergent individuals is crucial in breaking the stigma surrounding autism and ADHD.
• Neurodivergent individuals may have unique strengths, such as intense focus and attention to detail, that can contribute to their success in specific areas.
• Self-awareness and self-diagnosis are important for individuals with ADHD, even if they choose not to pursue a formal diagnosis.
• Being aware of how your brain works and understanding the needs of your team and family members is essential for creating an inclusive environment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Jane McFadden

05:29 Starting Body and Mind Online: Challenges and Early Years

12:43 Managing Staff and Overcoming Struggles

18:10 Understanding Autism and ADHD: Language and Awareness

29:09 The Expertise and Challenges of Being an ADHD Entrepreneur

30:05 The Benefits of Entrepreneurship for Neurodivergent Individuals

32:08 Navigating Team Management and Small Talk

36:44 The Highs and Lows of ADHD and Entrepreneurship

39:34 Finding the Right Balance and Prioritizing Tasks

44:47 The Importance of Hiring Thinkers

49:26 The Power of Self-Awareness and Inclusion

Connect with Jane

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

Website www.adhdmums.com.au

Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/adhd-mums/id1686843092

Connect with Paula: 

Website: https://paulamaidens.com/

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

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

In today’s episode, Paula shares her #1 philosophy in business and life and that is… the power of choice.  In this personal share, she opens up about how this applies to various aspects of her life and business and how this belief is empowering and stress relieving!

Paula shares personal examples of how she has applied this philosophy including closing her yoga studio during the pandemic and making numerous changes in her multiple businesses over the years. 

She also explores common situations where entrepreneurs may feel stuck and offers insights on how to approach them with a mindset of choice.

Highlights

• Having a choice does not dismiss the feelings or discomfort we feel when things aren’t going the way we want them to.
• Recognizing our power to choose can be empowering and stress-relieving.
• Feeling stuck often comes from forgetting that we have a choice.
• When faced with a situation that is not ideal, we can choose to accept it, change it, or make a decision later.
• Making choices consciously and strategically will lead to positive outcomes and personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Philosophy of Choice

01:25 The Power of Choice in Various Areas of Life

06:26 Personal Example: Choosing to Close a Business

13:29 Common Situations: Feeling Stuck and Making Choices

20:39 The Relief and Empowerment of Recognizing Your Choices

LINKS:

Explore working with Paula 

Book a Dream Team Discovery Call

CONNECT with Paula: 

Website: https://paulamaidens.com/

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

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

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of Team Events and how to build High Performing Teams with the incredible Mykel Dixon - a jazz musician, award-winning speaker, award-winning author and recognised authority and professional speaker for Fortune 500 and ASX200 listed companies.

He shares his expert insights on engaging participants and creating transformative experiences at team events. Starting with a clear purpose through to prioritising connection over content, Myke’s approach ensures that every event becomes an opportunity for meaningful interactions and lasting memories.

Discover how you can design events that foster vulnerability, authenticity, and genuine connections. Whether you’re planning a team-building retreat or a company celebration, this episode will provide you with valuable takeaways to elevate your events and enhance your team's performance.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on creating impactful events and building high-performing teams!

Highlights

• Start events with a clear purpose and set the right context to engage participants.
• Prioritise connection over content and create opportunities for people to connect with each other.
• Create a safe space for vulnerability and encourage authenticity.
• Events have the power to transform people's lives and create lasting memories.
• The purpose of events is to connect people to themselves and each other.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Myke Dixon

07:03 The Importance of Connection at Events

10:56 Creating a Safe Space for Vulnerability

19:52 Designing Events with Purpose

25:07 Overcoming Challenges in Event Planning

32:25 The Power of Gifted Experiences

CONNECT WITH MYKEL DIXON
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mykeldixon/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mykeldixon
Website: https://www.mykeldixon.com/

CONNECT WITH PAULA
Website:https://paulamaidens.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/paulamaidensconsulting/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulamaidens/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulamaidensbuildingawesometeams

In this episode, Paula dives into the different types of subcontractors that are available, and in particular she compares hiring a Subcontracting Team to a Freelancer. 

She explains that while the terms are often used interchangeably, there are technical differences between the two and like all things, each different type has benefits and considerations to consider, to know what’s right for you.

Paula compares the pros and cons of working with subcontractors, such as the potential for scaling up and accessing diverse expertise, as well as the cons of limited control and potential team turnover. She discusses flexibility and cost-effectiveness of working with freelancers, but also discusses the limitations of relying on a single individual. 

This episode will help you to work out which is right for you and what factors to keep in mind, including your stage of business, desired level of control, and specific project requirements.

Highlights

• The key difference between Subcontractors and Freelancers including independent entities operating as individuals or companies with a team versus self-employed individuals who offer services to multiple clients without being tied to a particular company.
• The pros and cons of working with subcontractors that include the potential for scaling up and access to diverse expertise, but also limited control and potential team turnover.
• The pros and cons of working with Freelancers who can offer flexibility and cost-effectiveness, but are limited in capacity and individual skills and may be less reliable due to personal circumstances.
• How to know which is right for you - the key factors to consider including the stage of business, desired level of control, and specific project requirements.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:20 Defining Subcontractors and Freelancers

06:26 Pros and Cons of Working with Subcontractors

11:32 The Benefits of Hiring Freelancers

19:27 Choosing the Right Option for Your Business

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING MASTERY™

Learn more about Paula's HIRING MASTERY™ Method here. 

SAVE $ OFF HIRING MASTERY™

• Use coupon code PODCAST24 (at checkout) to get $300 off the upfront price. 
• Use coupon code PODCAST24PP at checkout to get $50 off per month for the payment plan option.

Learn more here: https://paulamaidens.com/hiringmastery/

Connect with Paula: 

Website: https://paulamaidens.com/

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

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

This episode addresses a commonly asked question which is How to Retain Employees.  Paula discusses the elements to both Attract and Retain Loyal Employees and Team Members which to her, is much more than someone who just ‘stays’ and ‘shows up’ every day in your business.

Paula starts by sharing what loyalty means to her and shares examples of how various employees have demonstrated that in her own businesses in the last 14 years, allowing you to reflect on what loyalty means to you.

Paula then shares practical ways as an entrepreneur that you can ATTRACT and RETAIN loyal employees and team members starting with how you are showing up as the leader.

Paula discusses the practical elements required to create a supportive work environment, lead by example, show appreciation, and support your team members to prioritise work-life balance which are all factors that LOYAL team members are looking for when they join a new business. 

Highlights

• Loyalty is more than how long you retain an employee in your business or the fact that they show up every day. It’s a deeper commitment to the team and the business.
• How to create a supportive work environment which is a crucial element for attracting and retaining loyal team members.
• The practical challenge of ‘leading by example’ as an entrepreneur in a small growing business.
• How being consistent in your actions and words helps build trust and loyalty in your team. 
• The practical side of being able to prioritise work-life balance for your team and how being able to do this will contribute to an overall sense of loyalty.
• The importance of transparency, clarity, and realistic expectations when hiring and how this links to a long-term loyal team member.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

09:34 Creating a Supportive Work Environment

13:08 Leading by Example and Consistency

16:28 Showing Appreciation and Acknowledging Effort

21:57 Prioritising Work-Life Balance

27:04 Transparency, Clarity, and Realistic Expectations

29:22 Conclusion

Explore working with Paula 

Book a Dream Team Discovery Call

Connect with Paula: 

Website:https://paulamaidens.com/

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

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

In this episode, Paula Maidens addresses the importance of reference checks in the hiring process for small business owners. She shares unique insights into a candidate's past performance and work ethic, which you can gather from a reference check, including information that cannot be obtained through interviews or resumes. 

When conducted effectively, reference checks can confirm the accuracy of information, and provide a deeper understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. Paula dives into exactly how to extract that information so you can uncover potential red flags well before someone has been offered the job or has been employed to work with you.

This episode also addresses how to handle negative feedback received during reference checks and whether that means you shouldn’t hire the person into your business. 

Highlights

• Reference checks ARE an important step in the hiring process for small business owners and this episode explains why that is the case and how to make them an incredibly helpful step for you.
• How to conduct a Reference Check so that potential red flags are uncovered so you know in advance if the candidate is the right fit for your role.
• Tips for effective reference checks given the limited time you may have with the person.
• What to do if you get a negative reference check. Should you still hire? Does that make them a no? What to consider and further examine to know what to do.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Reference Checks

01:28 Insights from Reference Checks

04:32 Confirming Accuracy and Understanding Strengths and Weaknesses

07:34 Tips for Effective Reference Checks

12:35 Handling Negative Feedback in Reference Checks

16:21 Conclusion and Invitation to Learn More

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING MASTERY™

You can learn Paula’s HIRING MASTERY™ METHOD here. 

You can now get started at any time and join up to 3 months of group implementation calls for tailored guidance and support.

SAVE $ OFF HIRING MASTERY™

• Use coupon code PODCAST24 (at checkout) to get $300 off the upfront price. 
• Use coupon code PODCAST24PP at checkout to get $50 off each month for the payment plan option.

*Coupon codes expire 31st Aug 2024.

Learn more here: https://paulamaidens.com/hiringmastery/

Connect with Paula: 

Website: https://paulamaidens.com/

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

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

Welcome to our Client Lessons Series.

These are short sharp episodes where Paula Maidens draws on her client coaching calls each week to share a key lesson, learning or tip in a way that is quick and easy for you to digest.

Client Lesson Summary 

In this episode, Paula shares a personal lesson from the universe about the importance of delegation and recognising when to ask for help. 

Despite having the ability to update her own website, Paula found that doing so was not always the best use of her time. She recounts her experiences with two major website mishaps and the valuable lessons learned about efficiency, delegation, and the importance of pausing before diving into tasks.

Key Takeaways:

• The Importance of Delegation: Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. Recognising when to delegate can save time and improve outcomes.
• Learning from Mistakes: Paula shares two stories where her attempts to update her website led to more problems, highlighting the complexities of seemingly simple tasks.
• The Value of Pausing: Taking a moment to assess whether you should do something yourself or delegate it can prevent mistakes and inefficiencies.
• Balancing Excitement and Patience: Paula discusses how adrenaline and excitement can lead to impulsive decisions and the importance of channelling that energy into effective delegation.

Explore working with Paula 

Book a Dream Team Discovery Call

Connect with Paula: 

Website: https://paulamaidens.com/

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

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

In this episode, Paula Maidens discusses the difference between hiring a subcontractor and an employee. She addresses common assumptions and myths about each option and provides insights into the pros and cons of both. 

Paula covers the importance of considering three key factors: time, commitment, and control and offers insightful questions to help you assess what you need in relation to each of these areas to land on the right answer for you and your business.

Highlights

• The key assumptions and myths that are made when it comes to subcontractors versus employees.
• Whether one model is more ‘flexible’ than the other and if one is better when you are starting out. 
• Whether one arrangement is ‘easier’ than the other if it’s ‘not working out’.
• Why you should consider 3 key factors including Time, Commitment, and Control, and how to think about each of these to decide which is right for you.
• Things to consider with subcontractors include flexibility, training, other clients, their business goals and how this may affect your business in the long term.
• Things to consider with employees include the benefits of commitment, control and oversight, and why having a dedicated person in your business creating and following your processes can help you in the longer term.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Subcontractor vs. Employee

03:10 Ending Relationships and Honoring Commitments

09:07 Control: A Key Factor in Hiring

10:53 Finding Clarity for the Right Hiring Model

12:13 Hiring Mastery Method: A Program for Successful Hiring

13:26 Conclusion and Call to Action

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING MASTERY™

You can learn Paula’s HIRING MASTERY™ METHOD here. 

You can now get started at any time and join up to 3 months of group implementation calls for tailored guidance and support.

SAVE $ OFF HIRING MASTERY™

• Use coupon code PODCAST24 (at checkout) to get $300 off the upfront price. 
• Use coupon code PODCAST24PP at checkout to get $50 off each month for the payment plan option.

*Coupon codes expire 31st Aug 2024.

Learn more here: https://paulamaidens.com/hiringmastery/

Connect with Paula: 

Website: https://paulamaidens.com/

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

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