Building Excellence

#50: Horst Schulze is the Co-Founder of the Ritz Carlton & Founder of the Capella Hotel Group. He is also author of the book "Excellence Wins",  a no nonsense guide to becoming the best in a world of compromise. 

He is a legend and leader in the hotel world and his teachings and vision have reshaped the concepts of service and hospitality across industries.

During his tenure at The Ritz Carlton, Mr. Schulze served as President and COO responsible for the $2 billion operations worldwide. It was under his leadership that The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company became the first service-based company to be awarded the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award — twice.

Today he actively speaks and consults across all industries. His leadership content can be purchased and viewed at NeedToLead.com where the content can be licensed for a larger audience. 

In the show we get to hear his story of growing up in German, getting into the hotel industry, hard work, excellence is a result of high intent, success, purpose, vision, service, marriage, faith, and much more!

Enjoy the show!

Ways to engage with Horst Schulze:
Website: HorstSchulze.com
All social media platforms
Book: Excellence Wins
https://www.amazon.com/Excellence-Wins-No-Nonsense-Becoming-Compromise/dp/0310352096
Leadership content: NeedToLead.com

#49: Charlie Saxon is a professional golfer currently on the Korn Ferry Tour. 

Charlie grew up around the game, as well as playing other sports. His parents were tremendous role models that supported and encouraged him every step of the way.

Once Charlie committed himself to playing golf competitively he focused his time on getting better every day.  This enabled him to be recognized as one of the best players in the state and eventually the University of Oklahoma where he earned a golf scholarship. 

During his time at OU he helped change the culture into what it is today. After a successful college career Charlie turned pro and has had great success playing all over the world. 

In the show he discussed work ethic, attitude, routines, approach, faith, and much more!

Enjoy the show!

#48: Dr. Nathan Baxter and his wife Dianne are the founders of Real Coaching Success and authors of the book Real Coaching Success: What it Takes to Be An Excellent Coach and Build Your Business. and they enjoy equipping others in order to help them further develop in their coaching and mentoring skills and knowledge.  Nathan has been coaching professionally for over 15 years and carries a full load of clients along with his team at Lead Self Lead Others (LeadSelfLeadOthers.com).  Dianne has been coaching women in her successful Mary Kay business for over 30 years.

In 2014, they decided to start helping others who were interested in coaching by hosting a 2 day workshop in their home, as a way to pass along their coaching tips, tools, and techniques and inspire other coaches to develop their own unique coaching practice. This has since grown into an annual Coaching Success Workshop held in downtown Tulsa, OK each year.

Dr. Baxter received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Administration from Oklahoma State University, a Masters of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry degree from Dallas Theological Seminary.  He also is a certified Birkman® Consultant by Birkman International in Houston Texas.  Dianne received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Oklahoma State University. They live in Tulsa, OK and have 2 Sons and Daughters-in-law, and 3 grandchildren.

Enjoy the Show!

#47: Lee Cockerell is the former Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World® Resort. “As the Senior Operating Executive for ten years Lee led a team of 40,000 Cast Members and was responsible for the operations of 20 resort hotels, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, a shopping & entertainment village and the ESPN sports and recreation complex in addition to the ancillary operations which supported the number one vacation destination in the world.”

One of Lee’s major and lasting legacies was the creation of Disney Great Leader Strategies which was used to train and develop the 7000 leaders at Walt Disney World. Lee has held various executive positions in the hospitality and entertainment business with Hilton Hotels for 8 years and the Marriott Corporation for 17 years before joining Disney in 1990 to open the Disneyland Paris project.

Lee has served as Chairman of the Board of Heart of Florida United Way, the Board of Trustees for The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the board of the Production and Operations Management Society and the board of Reptilia a Canadian attractions and entertainment company. In 2005 Governor Bush appointed Lee to the Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Public Service for the state of Florida where he served as Chairman of the Board.

He is now dedicating his time to public speaking, authoring a book on leadership, management and service excellence titled, Creating Magic…10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney. which is now available in 13 languages and his latest book, The Customer Rules…The 39 Essential Rules for Delivering Sensational Service. Lee also performs leadership and service excellence workshops and consulting for organizations around the world as well as for the Disney Institute. 

So many great takeaways! Enjoy the show!

#46: Chris Lofton is former Kentucky Mr. Basketball, Tennessee Volunteer, SEC Player of the Year, All American, and professional basketball player. 

It is easy to see all of the accolades, however what you don't always see is the work put in and the adversity that was overcome to help Chris achieve all of that. Even though he worked hard and was named Mr. Basketball in the state of Kentucky Chris was not heavily recruited. Towards the end of his senior season in high school Chris signed with the University of Tennessee. After 3 great seasons at Tennessee Chris unexpected was told he had cancer. During his senior season he kept it a secret so that no one would know what was going on. He continued to play and lead his team to a great season. Chris went undrafted, but did not let his discouragement deter him. He has had a tremendous career playing basketball. In the show he discusses all of the highs and lows and the mentality you need to have to build excellence in your life, leadership, and legacy.  

A few key takeaways:
- Trusting in God's plan
- Being patient
- Being disciplined to do the things you need to do even when you don't feel like it
- Making decisions
- Overcoming cancer
- Developing a routine 
- Putting in the work and giving it all you have
- Being the best at everything you do
- Serving others

Enjoy the show!

#45: Andrew Denton is a successful business owner, long time elder at Hillsong Church, and founder of Kingdom Builders, who has circled the globe sharing a simple message: inspiring pastors and their congregations to live life on a different level and finance the Kingdom. He's also raised three wonderful, God-fearing children alongside his beautiful bride, Susan. As a kid he wanted to be a professional surfer and travel the world; God answered one of those prayers. When Andrew's not cycling, texting Denton's Daily Verse out to leaders around the planet, or drinking a long-black, you can find him enjoying time with his grandkids at home in Sydney, Australia. Relational, honest and straight-forward, Andrew's approach to ministry and life is nothing short of inspirational. His talks have impacted thousands of believers world-wide.

A few key points:
- A faith step can sometimes be spelled out in RISK
- Tithing vs. giving
- Work hard, work smart, and most importantly trust God
- Take calculated risk & due diligence: move forward with 75%
- Take the first step
- Fearful or faithful? Can't be both
- Whats in your hand?
- Be obedient 
- Pray with your spouse
- Do the best you can do

Enjoy the show!

#44: TJ Saint is the Associate Head Coach of the Birmingham Squadron, the affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans. 

TJ grew up in Indiana. From an early age he knew he wanted to play basketball and eventually become a basketball coach. In college he went on to play at Mercer University and eventually Belmont University in Nashville, TN. At Belmont he was able to learn from one of the best coaches in the country, Rick Byrd. He then went to Butler University, where they had just completed two back to back national title appearances under Brad Stevens. After his time at Butler, TJ made the jump to the NBA with the Detroit Pistons. In Detroit he was able to work alongside Stan Van Gundy. He then spent one year at the University of Georgia with Tom Crean and then to his current position in Birmingham. 

As you can tell TJ has gotten a chance to learn from some of the all time great coaches. With that he has been able to learn about leadership, coaching, culture, and the pursuit of excellence.  He has established himself as one of the best young coaches in the country. 

In the show he shares his journey and all he has learned along the way. Enjoy the show!

#43: National Champion coach and current Baylor men's golf coach, Mike McGraw, shares insight from his experiences, leadership, lessons in excellence, and much more. 

Mike grew up in Ponca City where he became an avid student of the game. His parents instilled in him at an early age to always do the right thing and work hard at whatever you do. With a strong work ethic and determination to succeed he was able to receive a college golf scholarship.  At the end of his playing career he decided to get into coaching. Mike started off coaching high school and then jumped into college as an assistant at Oklahoma State University. He then took over as head coach, where in his first year as head coach won a National Championship.  He talks about the excitement and pressures that go with being a head coach at one of the best golf programs in the country. After his time at OSU came to an end he accepted a position at Alabama. In his only year at Alabama he helped the crimson tide win a national championship against his former OSU team. Since then he accepted the head coaching position at Baylor and has helped guide the Bears to numerous successful seasons. 

Key takeaways:
- Always do the right thing and work hard
- Be intentional, work hard and work smart
- Accountability is key
- Be willing to confront issues and deal with them head on
- Never stop learning
- Keep an enthusiasm for what you do 
- What it takes to build a team and culture
- Be grateful 
- Learn to forgive
- The importance of routine and developing good habits
- Qualities of great players
- Be authentic
- Leave things better than you found them

Enjoy the show!

#42: Co-host of the Dream Big Podcast with Bob Goff and friends and CEO of the You School, Scott Schimmel is focused on helping others build a life of meaning and purpose. He is a speaker, writer, curriculum designer, and consultant, and has spent 20 years studying human flushing in young adults. 

Scott grew up in Southern California and went on to attend the University of San Diego. He was on the fast track to "success", but with the unfortunate separation of his parents and introduction to faith in Jesus, he re-evaluated what success really meant and the trajectory he was on. After finding some influential mentors and growing more in his faith he decided to get into ministry and the non profit world. Since then he has started new ventures trusting his gut and trusting God. One way he has been able to make a tremendous impact in the lives of many people is the simple concept of asking the right questions. In the show you will see the power of deep reflection and asking the right questions to get the right answers. He is a frequent speaker at schools, faith communities, retreats, and conferences. 

 A few key points touches on are:

- Even bad things can be a gift if you are willing to look for it and learn from it
- Faith in Jesus
- Mentors are very important for your growth as a person
- Leadership
- Take risk and overcome limiting beliefs
- Trust your gut and trust God
- Good questions bring out the best answers
- Learn to ask the right questions
- Why not now and why not me? 
- Don't wait for permission
- Being a good husband and father
- Help others live a meaningful life

Enjoy the show!

#41: As a NFL player with the Buffalo Bills Jerry started 102 games, but there is much more to the successful stats and accolades he achieved during his football career. It is the story of toughness, commitment, and perseverance. All qualities he learned at a young age from his parents. It is the positive impact he has made on the many players he has coached and also the relationship of being a great father and husband. In the show Jerry shares his story, but also he shares many practical ways that you can implement those principles in your own life. He shares some of his favorite advice about exhausting every option towards pursuing your dream and taking advantage of when your opportunity comes.

Enjoy the show!