Come Rain or Shine

"People really want to know that they have value. We can bring that to them in leadership positions, leadership roles."

I had a pretty cool experience a couple months ago and I made a note of it because I knew it would be a great podcast topic. The story really reinforces something we've talked about before. It's the idea that people matter and they need to know they matter. Whether that is in companies, employees, family members or friends, people really want to know that they have value.

During a trip to Atlanta, my wife, Valerie, and I stayed with our friends Rick and Vicky. Rick is semi retired now, but he's a guy he can never stop. He always has to be doing something. It just so happened that the night before we arrived Rick stepped in to volunteer at a local homeless shelter. They have a rotation where they need men to go spend the night at a homeless shelter and manage it. They are there to keep order, make sure everything's okay, people are safe, et cetera.

During his shift, a man approached him with a request to be quizzed for his driver's license exam. Despite not owning a car, the man simply wanted to prove to himself that he could achieve something. This simple but powerful interaction has stuck with me since. It highlighted the human desire for validation and accomplishment. It serves as a great reminder that leaders can cultivate this feeling of value in their team members, regardless of their role or status.

One of the best ways to build relationships is by taking an interest in others' achievements and supporting them, both in personal and professional settings. Genuine empathy, kindness, and understanding in leadership roles goes a long way. By truly listening, being present, and offering guidance, leaders can create a positive and supportive environment that fosters growth and achievement. Take a listen to this episode then apply the lessons Jody and I share in your own life to create a positive impact on others.

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Episode Highlights

00:01:08 - Story of Rick at the Homeless Shelter 00:04:16 - Bringing Value to Others 00:06:17 - Examples of Showing Others They Matter 00:09:46 - Everyone Matters

00:12:24 - The Power of Curiosity and Connection 00:13:17 - The Fear of Vulnerability 00:14:11 - The Importance of Professionalism 00:16:13 - The Impact of Leadership Actions 00:17:54 - Cultivating a Culture of Value

Mac McNeil is an army veteran and banking professional that brings a unique perspective to the significance of accountability and clear expectations in leadership. Mac's extensive background in psychological operations during Desert Storm gives a new perspective to leadership conversations.

Throughout the conversation, Mac emphasizes the need to set clear expectations and grant permission for teams to hold leaders accountable. He shares personal experiences from his executive role in Bank of America. While he was there he implemented a leadership philosophy centered around excellence, doing things the right way, and accountability. Mac also highlights the role of storytelling in leadership. He shares some great examples of this with anecdotes from his book, My Great Aunt Edna: The Golden Girl of Leadership.

In this episode, you will:

• Uncover the leadership lessons gleaned from both military and banking sectors

• Discover how psychological operations mold human behavior in military environments

• Delve into the exceptional leadership principles embodied by Mac McNeil's Great Aunt Edna

• Realize the vital role of accountability and clear expectations in leadership dynamics

• Learn about fostering a culture of excellence, responsibility, and integrity

He emphasizes the value of holding others accountable and addressing performance issues directly, even though it may be uncomfortable for young leaders. This episode is perfect for current and aspiring leaders that want to gain insights on fostering a culture of accountability and improving leadership effectiveness.

Conncect with Mac

Mac's LinkedIn

Get the Book My Great Aunt EDNA

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Episode Highlights 00:00:44 - Mac's Background 00:02:05 - Memorable Moments from Desert Storm 00:04:06 - Psychological Operations in the Army 00:08:22 - My Great Aunt Edna, the Golden Girl of Leadership 00:12:20 - Importance of Accountability and Credibility 00:13:55 - Clear Expectations and Planning Work 00:15:41 - Being Accountable as a Leader 00:16:59 - Creating a Safe Environment for Feedback 00:19:11 - Miles Davis and Leadership 00:24:11 - Herbie Hancock's "Rocket" 00:24:23 - Book Recommendation - "My Great Aunt EDNA: The Golden Girl Leadership",

"Customers don't care about organizational structure, they just want a great experience."

Matt Purdy joins for a conversation on the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and unity among all employees and partners. He shares his experience integrating outsourced operational areas with the internal culture and values as Director of Career Services at Murray State University.

Many of the university's operational areas, including dining services and grounds crews, were outsourced to third parties, resulting in distinct reporting structures. Despite this, Matt was astute enough to recognize that these employees contributed significantly to the university's public image. For Matt, the distinction between who was technically a university employee and who was not, held little importance to the customers. Instead, he believed in the collective responsibility of all workers to create a wholesome customer experience. This posed an interesting question for him: how could he foster a sense of belonging and unity among all employees, yet respect their distinctive operational structures.

Listen to this episode as we break down the walls that divide and unite employees and partners. When there is a shared goal of delivering exceptional experiences then you will have a much easier time integrating diverse stakeholders. This conversation sheds even more light on the value of incorporating all stakeholders into the organizational culture and creating a shared purpose.

Connect with Matt:

Murray State University

LinkedIn Matthew Purdy

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About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/

Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Episode Highlights

00:00:55 - Matt's Background 00:04:14 - Matt's Question 00:07:08 - Epcot Example 00:13:48 - Building Relationships 00:13:45 - Dining Provider Feedback 00:14:36 - Onboarding Experience for Third Parties 00:16:46 - Everyone as a Recruiter 00:18:08 - Matrix Organization at Disney 00:23:09 - Inclusivity for Third-Party Employees 00:26:13 - Planning for the Future 00:26:40 - Importance of Social Experience

"We might not have control in politics, but we have control in our own lives."

Amy Newmark's journey to storytelling started when she was just a child, with an insatiable curiosity for languages. Her fascination with communication took her from studying several languages in high school, to majoring in Portuguese at Harvard, and finally on a life-changing trip to Brazil. Amy's early career saw her leveraging her language skills in the business world, as a telecommunications analyst for a market research firm. She later pivoted to Wall Street, then ran a hedge fund, and found herself working at a telecom startup. Amy's diverse experiences armed her with invaluable insights into the power of storytelling and its role in personal growth.

One day, at a casual barbecue, destiny presented Amy with the opportunity to acquire Chicken Soup for the Soul. Despite the challenging economic climate, Amy and her husband took the leap. They weathered the storm, and their perseverance paid off. Today, Chicken Soup for the Soul is more than just a book series; it's a robust platform that uses storytelling to inspire and transform lives.

Each chapter of Amy's life provided her with unique insights into the transformative power of narratives. Having published over 190 books under the Chicken Soup for the Soul banner, Amy clearly knows how to touch hearts through powerful storytelling. Take a listen to out conversation to hear how an unexpected twist of fate would not only transform her own life but also empower countless individuals seeking personal growth and transformation. Visit the Chicken Soup for the Soul website to explore their collection of books, including the latest releases and bestsellers.

Resources

About Amy Newmark

Order Chicken Soup for the Soul books

Find a Red Box kiosk

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Episode Highlights 00:01:18 - Amy's Background, 00:04:31 - Buying Chicken Soup for the Soul, 00:08:15 - Process of Creating New Books, 00:11:07 - Transitioning the Brand, 00:14:02 - Learning from Chicken Soup for the Soul, 00:15:28 - Taking Control of Your Life, 00:16:41 - Learning from Life's Challenges, 00:17:24 - Tips for Running a Business, 00:21:19 - Tips for Being an Author,

"The more you live in hiddenness and darkness, it doesn't actually protect you or your spouse. It actually puts a wedge between you."

Matt Lesser is an experienced business leader with a passion for fostering engaged and productive workplaces. Matt's journey began in a family-owned oil distribution company, where he quickly learned the importance of effective leadership and intentionality in the workplace. Having rebuilt the business from the ground up, Matt moved into private equity, working with organizations worldwide to identify investment opportunities. His journey hasn't always been smooth sailing though. Matt shares about some of his darker days and the power of therapy on his ability to get up and move forward.

His unique insights have been put together into two books, Unsatisfied: When Less is More and the soon-to-be-released Unengaged: Building Flourishing Organizations. During our conversation Matt shares his knowledge on creating intentional workplace cultures that drive fulfillment and success. He shares the solution to building flourishing organizations through effective leadership and engagement.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover strategies for building thriving organizations through impactful leadership and engagement.

• Uncover the significance of pinpointing your life's purpose and how it can drive success.

• Learn how to foster an engaging company culture by hiring team members who embody your values.

• Explore the crucial elements of clarity, capability, motivation, and alignment in cultivating productive work environments.

• Realize the power of intentionality and the impact of taking incremental steps toward achieving your goals.

Do you want to cultivate a thriving workplace that fosters fulfillment and success? If you would like enhance your leadership skills to create an engaged and productive team then make sure to take a listen to this episode. Learn how to intentionally create workplace cultures that drive satisfaction and achievement, and discover the keys to employee motivation and engagement. There is no better time to unlock the potential of a fulfilled and successful team.

Connect with Matthew

Order the Book: Unsatisfied: When Less is More

Uniquely Normal Website

Surgeon General Report on Loneliness

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Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Episode Highlights

00:02:29 - Matt Lesser's Background, 00:06:32 - Private Equity and Leadership, 00:08:25 - Unengaged and Unsatisfied, 00:11:03 - Loneliness and Disconnection, 00:12:57 - Rock Bottom and the Power of Therapy 00:19:01 - Reflection and Vulnerability 00:20:10 - The Importance of Human Connection 00:22:45 - Living with Intentionality 00:25:01 - Hiring for Culture Fit vs. Skill Set 00:25:33 - Discovering Your Calling 00:27:28 - Taking the First Step 00:28:45 - Matt Lesser's Upcoming Book

"If you want to change culture, you have to change the systems."

John Losey is a sought-after coach and consultant that guides leaders in the entrepreneurial community. He is a thought partner and advisor for senior leadership, often working alongside the C-Suite as their outside support. With two decades of experience in organizations of various sizes - from small businesses to large corporations, John has acquired invaluable insights about the importance of having a clear purpose and mission in strategic planning. He recently authored the book 'The Pottery Panda: The Art of Intentional Progress', which is a unique business fable about this very subject.

During this episode, you will:

• Discover the key elements of successful strategic planning for any organization

• Uncover the crucial role of purpose and mission in guiding your strategic planning process

• Learn the balance between visionary thinking and practical implementation in strategic planning

• Hear about the Pottery Panda tale and how storytelling can enhance your approach to strategic planning

• Realize the importance of community input and feedback in achieving strategic planning success

During this conversation John does a great job of explaining why it is important to ensure your organization has a clear purpose and mission before starting the strategic planning process. If you want to avoid zigzagging down the wrong path make sure to take a listen. Remember that if you want to change culture, you must change the systems in place within your organization.

If you want to change your environment, then reach out to Magical Vacation Planner. They will help you take a vacation that will give you the rest needed to support your professional plan. Give them a call at 407-442-2694 or use the link on my website.

https://intowisdomgroup.com/

The Pottery Panda

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Episode Highlights

00:01:34 - John's background 00:04:07 - Diving into strategic planning 00:06:15 - The Pottery Panda book 00:10:53 - Key concepts from the book 00:13:27 - Shifting Mindset to Focus on Success 00:14:48 - Emotional Intelligence and Critical Thinking 00:15:56 - Wisdom of Looking at the Opening 00:18:29 - Pottery Panda and Strategic Planning

Wendy Steele is a passionate advocate for women's involvement in philanthropy and the mastermind behind Impact 100 Global. With a background in economics and banking, she has a keen understanding of the importance of financial empowerment and independence for women. During our conversation she talks about realizing that outdated ideas about philanthropy were keeping many women from making a difference in their communities, so she set out to change that.

As the founder and CEO of Impact 100 Global, Wendy has helped the organization collectively grant over $123 million during its first 20 years. She works to empower women to pool their resources together and make an impact on the causes they care about. Her forward-thinking approach to giving is truly transformative.

During this episode, Wendy helps us:

• Discover the power of impactful giving specifically for women and its potential to change lives
• Uncover the unique approach of Impact 100 and how pooling resources leads to significant grants
• Explore the process of breaking down barriers in philanthropy for women and fostering inclusivity
• Dive into the five key focus areas of Impact 100's grant giving and why they matter
• Delve into exclusive insights from the book "Invitations to Impact" and how it can inspire community transformation

If you or a woman you know has been feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the barriers preventing you from making a difference in the world through philanthropy, then you are not alone. Thankfully, Wendy does a great job of showing that there are ways to break through these barriers and achieve meaningful philanthropy. Take a listen and make sure to share this episode with someone else who is looking to make an impact through philanthropy.

A great way to celebrate your impact is through a vacation. Make sure to connect with Magical Vacation Planner. They will provide the guidance needed so you can focus on enjoying your trip. 407-442-0257.

https://wendyhsteele.com/

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00:01:39 - Wendy's Background

00:05:36 - Impact 100 Model

00:09:19 - Examples of Impact Projects

00:15:26 - The Importance of Ownership in Impact

00:16:50 - Making a Difference No Matter How Small

00:18:02 - Generosity and Impact

00:21:03 - Invitation to Impact Book

00:23:42 - Impact 100 and Getting Involved

"When things are going bad in the moment, they're usually almost never as bad as you think they are."

Jody Maberry is back to talk about the importance of facing life's uncertainties with courage and positivity. Jody has learned that embracing change and being open-minded are key to personal growth and success. Too much time is spent trying to control every outcome, or constantly seeking reassurance from others. In reality, these actions only perpetuate your anxiety. The more you resist uncertainty, the more it persists.

It's time to embrace the unknown and shift your focus to what is within your control - your thoughts and actions. Instead of dwelling on the worst-case scenario, train your mind to find the positive in any situation. Challenge yourself to try new things and take calculated risks. It is so important that we overcome preconceived notions and experiencing things for ourselves. Jody gives a great example of this by sharing about his experience in Kuwait. Remember, uncertainty is a natural part of life, and with a positive mindset, you can not only survive but thrive in it.

In this episode, we discuss the:

• art of thriving amid uncertainty and sustaining a positive mindset
• influence of attitude and perspective in carving out opportunities
• life-changing capacity of travel in dismantling stereotypes and prejudices
• essentiality of experience for cultivating areas of expertise
• skill of preserving perspective while also giving attention to details in trying times

If you're feeling stuck in uncertainty and overwhelmed by negative thoughts, know that you are not alone. But also remember that being open-minded and having a positive attitude can lead to new opportunities in life.

One great way to experience new places is by partnering with Magical Vacation Planner. They offer stress-free vacation planning so you can focus on enjoying the trip. You can get in touch with them by calling 407-442-0257.

"We create our own luck."

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"If you are creating a culture of trust, it means you listen more than you speak."

April Whitson has developed cutting-edge programs to create a culture employees won't want to quit. During our conversation she does a great job of explaining the value of diverse experiences in your career to prepare for future leadership roles. She is a leader that firmly believes that HR professionals should act as business partners, understanding the financial impacts and the entire operation of the company.

April is a high-energy speaker who has coached hundreds of leaders throughout her 25+ years as an HR professional. During our conversation she shares how she navigated a career path that wasn't always linear. Her lessons have shaped who she has become now and why she encourages her team to have the courage to speak up. It is important that we all have difficult conversations when needed. It is even better when there are leaders like April that let their employees know that they will always have their back. Through my own experience I know this is necessary to establish an amazing culture that employees don't want to leave.

One way of challenging yourself to look beyond the traditional way of climbing the corporate ladder is through the concept of switching ladders. April uses this approach to career development by getting people to consider changing ladders, not just climbing up the same one. It's a great way to gain different experiences and skills.

During our conversation, you will also hear:

• the indispensable contribution of HR as strong business allies in promoting diversity within the workplace
• the keys to establishing a positive corporate culture for robust employee engagement and loyalty
• how to sharpen your communication skills to strengthen bonds between leaders and team members
• the art of combining assertiveness with humility to maximize your leadership potential
• ways to implement a long-term strategy to sustain employee retention while nurturing their overall well-being

April has a clear drive to touch more lives and provide leaders the tools to create a better work environment. She is now excitedly working on her book to share her insights and experiences. Make sure connect with April on LinkedIn and grab her free resource below. You should also check out ABB, the technology company April works for, to learn more about their products and services.

One way to retain people is to make sure they take time for themselves. Next time you or someone you know is wanting to plan their vacation make sure to connect with Magical Vacation Planner at 407-

Connect with April:

Website - April Whitson

Free Retention Checklist -The Stay Challenge

LinkedIn - April Whitson

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Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/

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Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Episode Highlights

00:01:20 - April's Story 00:06:29 - The Role of HR 00:10:37 - Getting Diverse Experiences 00:12:15 - Diverse Experience and Open-mindedness 00:13:48 - Recruiting Challenges 00:18:42 - Open and Constructive Communication 00:22:38 - Overcoming Resistance 00:25:08 - Decision Making as a Leader 00:27:29 - Different Approaches to Decision Making 00:28:30 - Understanding Why Employees Stay 00:30:15 - Taking Control of Employee Retention

"Hospitality is friendship with a purpose."

Hospitality industry veteran, Andy McNeill, knows the importance of emotional connection and creating relationships with clients for business success. When organizations focus on hiring the right people who value good service and coach them on the little extra steps it makes a big difference. For as long as he can remember, Andy McNeill has had a heart for hospitality. After 30 years of working in the industry specialized in serving others, he has helped thousands of organizations build stronger relationships through shared human experiences.

Andy is a successful entrepreneur and founder of AMI, a global Hospitality and Marketing Firm that elevates the corporate meetings experience to the next level. During our conversation he explains how hospitality can be applied to any business, regardless of the industry, and offers great tips on how to do so. One of the biggest factors is recognizing the importance of emotional connections. A study even shows that 70% of purchasing decisions are emotional, which is why emotional deposits can help build long-lasting relationships with clients.

During our conversation, you will also discover how to:

• Develop a culture of hospitality through strategic hiring and cultivated responsibility
• Strengthen emotional bonds with clients, fostering business growth and success
• Recognize subtle elements that have a profound impact on overall client satisfaction
• Integrate hospitality-driven behaviors into daily routines, showing genuine appreciation for clients
• Embrace a client-focused mindset, directing business decisions to cater to their needs

Andy has helped thousands of businesses and Fortune 500 Companies travel to unique, once-in-a-lifetime destinations. AMI operates in 100+ countries and works on a global scale with some of the world's top brands including Salesforce, Mars Candy Bar, PepsiCo, Pfizer, and CVS Health. Andy is the host of the Destination Everywhere Podcast where he and his co-host, Todd Bludworth, give unique travel tips and destination insights from around the world.

By putting the client's needs first and executing on those little details that matter most, businesses can differentiate themselves and create memorable client experiences.

One business I know of that excels at hospitality is Magical Vacation Planner. Make sure to connect with the agents of Magical Vacation Planner for your next trip. You can reach them at 407-442-0257 or using the link on my website.

Connect with Andy:

LinkedIn - Andy Mcneill

LinkedIn - AMI Global Meetings

Instagram - American Meetings Inc

www.destinationeverywhere.com

Podcast - Destinations Everywhere Podcast

Facebook - Destination Everywhere Podcast

Instagram - Destination Everywhere Podcast

Book - The Everywhere Book

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Episode Highlights 00:01:01 - Applying Hospitality to Any Business 00:05:15 - The Importance of Emotional Deposits 00:08:32 - Building a Culture of Accountability 00:11:48 - Ultimate Moment of Truth 00:12:30 - Building a culture of hospitality 00:14:03 - The difference between being friendly and being hospitable

00:15:18 - Tips for living a hospitality mindset every day 00:17:26 - About AMI