CEO Confidential

When a personal life event negatively affects your business you can choose to let it defeat you or bounce back stronger than ever before. Traci Miller, a woman of resilience and empathy, shares a story of loss and how it affected both her personal life and professional career. We discuss new life mantras, the importance of your mental health, and how a sense of community can change your life.

 

Takeaways 

Create a community of people or “tribe” to use as a sounding board, community, and support system.

Entrepreneurs have their own language, they tend to understand each other. Having that support, even if it's the lack of judgment.

Keep track of your victories. Journaling is a great way to remind yourself of your highs as well as your lows.

Questions to live by: “Am I going to regret those words tomorrow?”, “Did I have a positive impact on those around me?”, and “Will they think of me in a way that they were better for having been part of my life?”

Imagine that every conversation could be the last words you would share with someone.

The criteria for a good leader is to have empathy and consideration for the other people there.

“It's about the people. It's about their experience.”

 

Shout Outs

Simon Sinek - https://simonsinek.com

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action Book by Simon Sinek - https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447/ref=asc_df_1591846447/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312106851030&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13388274615813059912&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002277&hvtargid=pla-394932354867&psc=1

 

Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracimiller/

Company Website: https://www.color3.com

 

Ways to Tune In:

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1fba44a7-752b-4ac0-a0a4-11ab25506ed5/ceo-confidential

Apple Podcast - ‎https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ceo-confidential/id1197044116

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2v6qyhzcD7Mk2yqhyobnRy

Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2VvY29uZmlkZW50aWFsLm5ldC9mZWVkLnhtbA

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/ceo-confidential

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8RB2o4CD1w

Growing your network and surrounding yourself with other entrepreneurs can help you get through the highs and the lows of starting your own business. Over time, Chas realized that creating a constructive and prosperous business culture starts from hiring the correct people that can work together effectively. He started using the Culture Index to identify changes that needed to be made in order to help his employees meet their maximum potential. 

 

Takeaways:

Find an experienced mentor who can assist you with the highs and lows of running your own business.

Don’t let other people’s expectations of you affect your future. Only you are in control of where you go and what you do.

The Entrepreneurs Organization has helped many aspiring entrepreneurs grow their business and feel a sense of belonging.

There comes a time when business owners move from using personal intuition to making decisions based on scientific data.

Learning how to communicate effectively with different types of personalities is important to the company culture. Understand how to get the right people in the right roles to increase ROI.

Don’t shy away from taking chances. Even if it flops, find a way to learn something and pick yourself back up. That, in itself, is a key skill.

 

Shout Outs:

EOS Worldwide: https://www.eosworldwide.com/

Culture Index: https://www.cindexinc.com/

 

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chas-moscarino-70298917/

Company Website: https://createmylandscape.com/

 

Ways to Tune In:

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1fba44a7-752b-4ac0-a0a4-11ab25506ed5/ceo-confidential

Apple Podcast - ‎https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ceo-confidential/id1197044116

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2v6qyhzcD7Mk2yqhyobnRy

Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2VvY29uZmlkZW50aWFsLm5ldC9mZWVkLnhtbA

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/ceo-confidential

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIeI0fV7mNc

“One big family!” There are benefits to pulling from a pool of people you know when you’re first starting a new business venture. There’s also a lot of risks! What happens when you hire a sibling or a friend of a friend, and your expectations of their capabilities don’t line up? Mark Schneiders has accomplished the almost unimaginable - owning and managing a company where almost everyone is a first-degree connection or “once removed from the family”. Listen to this episode to hear his tips and tricks on this mastery!

Takeaways 

“There is an entrepreneurial paranoia, you’re often taking risks… and we find ourselves pushing forward, doing what you have to win, to overcome, to adapt.”  

As a business owner & leader, when you take ownership of problems and manage them the business takes off and breeds success.

One of the best tools Mark employed is a culture Index. This helped him understand how his employees need to be motivated, led, talked to, and utilized. 

Not every employee will think like you or work like you, and that’s a good thing. 

Biggest challenges about recruiting and working with family members: especially early on it can feel like you never get a break - 24/7 spouse, kids, parents, siblings, house!

Define your process and set your expectations. When you don't, chaos can creep in, and when your employees are your close friends and family, it can lead to friction.

Mark’s advice: “Be honest... it’s more than okay to express yourself. It’s okay to say I don’t have the answer and I need your help.”

Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-schnieders-2739b2121/

Website: https://www.stridemobility.net

Ways to Tune In:

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1fba44a7-752b-4ac0-a0a4-11ab25506ed5/ceo-confidential

Apple Podcast - ‎https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ceo-confidential/id1197044116

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2v6qyhzcD7Mk2yqhyobnRy

Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2VvY29uZmlkZW50aWFsLm5ldC9mZWVkLnhtbA

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/ceo-confidential

YouTube - https://youtu.be/QUGbJg8ckCU

Alex talks to Christian Klein, owner of the digital marketing firm Company 119. As one of the first in their field, they experienced explosive growth and learned some hard lessons in the years that followed. Learn about CAP (communication, anticipation, preparation), the core elements of a successful emergency situation, and how it can help you evaluate the decisions facing your business in light of the question, “Is this a risk I’m willing to take?” 

Takeaways 

Look at decisions in light of “Is this a risk you are willing to take?”

Marketing puts the best face on your organization to the outside world, but every company has problems.

Fix the ego element in your company 

CAP (Communication, Anticipation, Preparation): the core elements of a successful emergency situation

Know these two things and your clients will trust you.

Take ownership of your career and turn it into a craft.

Links

Twitter: https://twitter.com/company119?lang=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianklein/

Website: https://www.company119.com

 

Ways to Tune In:

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1fba44a7-752b-4ac0-a0a4-11ab25506ed5/ceo-confidential

Apple Podcast - ‎https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ceo-confidential/id1197044116

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2v6qyhzcD7Mk2yqhyobnRy

Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2VvY29uZmlkZW50aWFsLm5ldC9mZWVkLnhtbA

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/ceo-confidential

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1-w7Xuv9vo

Bridget Thibeault went from working for an ad agency to going to culinary school full-time; baking and selling goods out of her small kitchen to opening Luna Bakery and Cafe in Cleveland Heights. With her marketing background and passion for baking, there were lines out the doors--but she wanted to become a better leader and create a company that was not only sustainable but could grow. With 10 years of hard work behind her and many lessons learned, Bridget shares how a shift in mindset helped her become profitable and create a company culture that draws and maintains the best employees.

 

Takeaways:

Shift your mindset: Stop working IN your business and start working ON your business

Increase your knowledge about running a business by taking advantage of opportunities like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program

Become a better leader: take a step back and think about what’s the right way to grow

Learn how to stay positive through the ups and downs as a business owner

How to “mind the gap” between where you are now and your ideal self

“I wouldn’t say my story has an ending because it’s an evolving process. I’m always going to be working on being a better leader and finding a better process.”

 

Shoutouts:

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program https://www.goldmansachs.com/citizenship/10000-small-businesses/US/about-the-program/

Entrepreneurs’ Organization https://hub.eonetwork.org

 

Links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LunaBakeryCafe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-cavanaugh-thibeault-7870b46/

Website: http://www.lunabakerycafe.com/

 

Ways to Tune In:

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1fba44a7-752b-4ac0-a0a4-11ab25506ed5/ceo-confidential

Apple Podcast - ‎https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ceo-confidential/id1197044116

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2v6qyhzcD7Mk2yqhyobnRy

Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2VvY29uZmlkZW50aWFsLm5ldC9mZWVkLnhtbA

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/ceo-confidential

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1-w7Xuv9vo

Hiring the right people for your organization is key to a successful company and its culture. This weeks’ special guest, Terry Walkerly, joins us to discuss the importance of establishing a company’s core values, personal values, and how to best implement them.

 

Takeaways 

Avoid holding onto toxic employees longer than you should. If there is an issue, address it directly and take action.

Try to also avoid letting stress and fear impact your decision to make role changes.

Be selective with who you place your trust in.

It is critical to have your company culture and values stem from the head(s) of the company.

Establish your personal values and balance them with your company’s values.

See that your employees take pride in their personal lives so that they will take pride in your business and their work.

Hire employees that closely match or reflect your company’s core values. Create an interview guide that includes questions that play into your core values.

Prepare in advance for an employee departure. Don’t let losing a key employee inhibit your business growth.

Connect with your employees for reviews more than once per year. Being transparent and honest will help strengthen the trust and pride in the workplace.

Create a communication guide for both employees and your customers.

It is not only important to articulate your company’s core values to your employees but to also implement them.

Remember that out of every crisis, can come beauty, growth, and evolution.

 

Shoutouts

Roy Getz - EOS Implementor https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/us-implementers/listing/getz-roy

 

Links

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FryerKing 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-walkerly-a080757/ 

Website: gofilta.com/locations/ohio/cleveland-cooking-oil-filtration-service  

 

Ways to Tune In:

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1fba44a7-752b-4ac0-a0a4-11ab25506ed5/ceo-confidential

Apple Podcast - ‎https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ceo-confidential/id1197044116

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2v6qyhzcD7Mk2yqhyobnRy

Google Podcast - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2VvY29uZmlkZW50aWFsLm5ldC9mZWVkLnhtbA

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/ceo-confidential

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCybqU7SiQg45xkqZ1SVfArw

Running a business may seem straightforward to some, but any seasoned veteran understands that the world around us is ever-changing. Changes in our social climate, economic climate, or a new disease can wreak havoc on a new company. In this week’s episode, special guest Dan Charney takes us on his company’s journey of weathering the storm and how moving from one crisis to the next strengthened his company and his leadership style.

 

Takeaways 

The strength of a firm or company is not always seen in the good times but is clearly visible during the bad.

Even CEOs can suffer from Imposter Syndrome.

A more diverse client base is a great way to expand your business and can also help you weather multitudes of economic storms

By “making mistakes faster” you can see what potential threats your business could incur and work around them.

Properly research opportunities, focus on the good ones and don’t throw every dollar at every idea.

There is no “CEO Playbook” that helps us get to where we are or want to be. Competition is a healthy diving force for personal growth.

Be flexible, always keep an eye on the economy, and learn to shuffle resources so that your business can survive a crisis.

 

Shoutouts

Sheldon Myeroff - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheldon-myeroff-7a90076/

Gene Roberts - Certified EOS Implementer®/ CTO - The Traction Lab

 

Links

Twitter: Dan Charney (@DanC_DRI) 

LinkedIn: Dan Charney - Solon, Ohio, United States | Professional Profile

Website: Direct Recruiters Inc.: Executive Search Services From Direct Recruiters, Inc.

 

Ways to Tune In:

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1fba44a7-752b-4ac0-a0a4-11ab25506ed5/ceo-confidential

Apple Podcast - ‎CEO Confidential on Apple Podcasts

Spotify - CEO Confidential | Podcast on Spotify

Google Podcast - CEO Confidential

Stitcher - CEO Confidential on Stitcher

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCybqU7SiQg45xkqZ1SVfArw

Host, Alex Gertsburg, is interviewed by fellow podcaster, Casey Cheshire of Ringmaster Conversational Marketing and shares an important story of ego and how to not let it affect your personal and professional life. Alex dives into his personal growth on handling insecurities, staying vulnerable, and creating a successful work environment.

 

Takeaways:

 

When a professional relationship becomes toxic to your work environment, it is okay to sever ties.

Mindfulness training and meditation have helped many professionals with stress and anxiety levels.

Attitude is a choice. Gratitude is the enemy of anxiety and fear 

If you are going to have partners, who you want to be empowered and considered equals, be transparent and communicate to build trust.

Be flexible and listen to your peers. Try to remove yourself from thinking “what should have been?”

“The best way to be a leader, partner, and advocate is by being totally vulnerable, open, and transparent.” - Alex

Failure is healthy and a learning opportunity.

Fun Fact: Alex was born in the country of Moldova

 

Shout-Outs:

“The Laws of Lifetime Growth” - Dan Sullivan

“Man’s Search for Meaning” - Viktor E. Frankl

Podcast — The Tim Ferriss Show

“The Success Principles” - Jack Canfield

Breathwrk - App

“Getting to Yes” - Roger Fisher and William Ury

 

Links:

 

Website: www.gertsburglicata.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alexgertsburg

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alex.gertsburg

 

Ways to Tune In:

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1fba44a7-752b-4ac0-a0a4-11ab25506ed5/ceo-confidential

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ceo-confidential/id1197044116

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2v6qyhzcD7Mk2yqhyobnRy

Google Podcast -https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2VvY29uZmlkZW50aWFsLm5ldC9mZWVkLnhtbA

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/show/ceo-confidential

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCybqU7SiQg45xkqZ1SVfArw

Trust in your partners is essential to promote a healthy and productive work environment. Michael Cantor, Managing Director of Allegro Real Estate Brokers & Advisors, shares how the cultural fit for his company was failing due to conflicting core values between his partners. In this episode, Michael discusses the transition into a team-oriented business that values putting clients first. 

Takeaways:

 

Ensure that your core values and purpose match with your partners’. This avoids conflicts of interest and allows goals to be achieved efficiently. 

Corporate culture is key in professional services environments. It is important for employees to be excited to serve customers, and steer away from being money-oriented. 

You need to have employees that are growing with you and developing to help clients.

If your cultural values do not align with your partners, adjust your business to what is best for your company. Michael and his team used their power to remove two untrustworthy partners who were primarily focused on money and activity.

Put clients first, do it right, be dependable, and always improve. These are the core values that Michael’s company shares that brought the business to success. 

Evaluate employees based on the core values of the company. This ensures that everyone in the company is heading in the same direction.

Links:

 

Website: https://www.allegrorealty.com/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcantor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaellcantor

Ways to Tune In

 

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ceo-confidential/id1197044116

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2v6qyhzcD7Mk2yqhyobnRy

Pod Chaser - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/ceo-confidential-429926

Listen Notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/ceo-confidential-nelly-g-5Ia1-WzKHnF/

YouTube - https://youtu.be/ph5v8D19juM

As a business owner, it takes practice to put your ego aside and trust your employees to accomplish the tasks you delegate. Randy Carver, CEO of Carver Financial Services, discusses how he transitioned from a CEO focused business to a team business in three phases. Learn how to hire the best employees and develop them as leaders for the success of your business.

Takeaways:

 

When it comes to financial service businesses, it is important to be service-based providers. When someone hires you, they are not hiring you for financial planning or investments, they are hiring you to pay for retirement, college, a trip, etc.

The most important transformation a business can make is the transition from a CEO-based business to a team business. 

If you make yourself as a leader less important, your business will grow

You need to delegate some of the things you’re doing. Look at your strengths as a business owner, and delegate the rest. 

Hiring is not all about technical skills, it is about fitting in culturally with the rest of the team. Figure out if they have the same vision and mission as the company. 

It is important to hire people who don’t agree with everything you say or do because it makes you better as a company. At the same time, you are still the CEO and there has to be a line drawn in order to maintain control over your company. 

Links:

 

Website: carverfinancialservices.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-carver/ 

Ways to Tune In

 

iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ceo-confidential/id1197044116

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2v6qyhzcD7Mk2yqhyobnRy

Pod Chaser - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/ceo-confidential-429926

Listen Notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/ceo-confidential-nelly-g-5Ia1-WzKHnF/

YouTube - https://youtu.be/raG1rjBnNKA