Jan Klodner and Bill Wallace, the founder and creator of the networking group Success North Dallas and an influential connector in the Dallas business community, and his business partner, mentor and best friend, Jan Klodner. Bill provides deep insight into what makes entrepreneurs, or more specifically Dallas business leaders.

 

One of the many key takeaways that I gained from from my talk with Bill and Jan is that Dallas business leaders will enjoy a faster, easier, more enjoyable journey on the road to success if they surround themselves with successful professionals with a diversity of experience and perspectives. It’s advisable to have your own personal board of directors that will keep you in check and help guide you when it's time to make those tough, risky, and innovative decisions that every business leader must face. Tune in here for more great insights.

 

Show Notes

[1:55] Herb Kelleher, CEO of Southwest Airlines, and Rodger Meier were Bill's mentors.

[2:40] Bill explains why Success North Dallas is different than most networking groups.

[3:25] When Bill founded his networking group in 1988, he encouraged women to become members. This was unheard of at the time.

[6:40] Bill shares a bit of history about Success North Dallas.

[8:45] Bill talks about how Dallas was an emergency hub during the 9/11 attack. Listen o find out how Success North Dallas members had unique access to confidential information in the aftermath.

[15:45] Who is George Brody? Some refer to him as the father of wireless.

[17:30] It is Bill's vision to put Dallas back on the map for innovation and tech change.

[18:45] What kind of opportunities does Bill see in the Dallas Forth Worth community today?

[21:15] There is no better home for entrepreneurs than in Dallas Forth Worth.

[22:30] Dallas business leaders must recognize they cannot do it all.

[23:40] Nina Vaca, CEO of the Pinnacle Group and Minority Business Hall of Fame award winner, started her own company because she knew the people who would hire her would also fire her!

[24:15] Nina Vaca recommends to every Dallas business leader to find one or two mentors in the community.

[25:20] How can entrepreneurs find a group of supporters and mentors?

[25:45] The three most powerful words are: Please, Thank You, and Help.

[28:25] Your network will take you to the next level.

[30:00] Failure is where we learn our biggest lesson.

[30:15] Walmart founder, Sam Walton, contributes his success to his mistakes.

[33:55] Bill shares his favorite ambition quotes!

[40:50] With the new age of technology, we become so accessible that we're inaccessible.

 

Ambition Quote:

“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!” - Sir Richard Branson.

 

“Speak only of what you earned the right to speak on and you will never give a bad talk.” - Dale Carnegie

 

REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE

 

Think Big, ACT Bigger by Jeffrey Hayzlett

The Power of Who by Bob Beaudine

Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal

Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith and Mark Reiter

 

Watch: 

Sam Walton's success story

Rodger Meier's son talks about a lesson he learned from his father - helping others

James Von Ehr talks about what's new with nanotech

Nina Vaca on female entrepreneurship

 

Follow:

Herb Kelleher

Alan Greenspan

George Brody

Julie England

Jeffrey P. Fegan

Donnie Nelson

 

Connect with Bill:

www.successnorthdallas.com/

 

Bill's Recommended Resources:

www.ffbsccn.wordpress.com/

 

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