In today’s episode I talk with bestselling author and financial coach, Victoria Sexton. We talk about how knowing what we really want can have a powerful impact on all our decisions related to money and our careers.

She shares how viewing ourselves as a “business of one” can make a big difference in every area of our life. This is a perspective I personally found intriguing and helpful.

Victoria also explains why it’s important for us to remember that personal finances are just that, personal and unique to each of us. The rules of thumb that work for some people aren’t the best approach for others.

And, be sure to stick around toward the end to hear how Victoria’s question when she was an ambitious analyst early in her career caused the Chief Financial Officer of a major corporation to “almost lose his mind”.

As you’ll find out, Victoria isn’t shy when it comes to asking hard questions and dealing with the truth.

This conversation is loaded with lots of good discussion about how to properly view money and our careers.

Today’s Guest
Victoria Sexton

Victoria Sexton helps women make their money effortless so they can stop stressing and start the process of creating real wealth.

Victoria is the founder of Align Wealth Coaching, creator of the Effortless Money System and host of the Don’t Play With Trash podcast.

After spending years of working in finance and still not meeting her own financial goals, she discovered her own secret sauce, combing money mindset with a straight forward personal finance system. Now she teaches her clients the same system that allowed her to experienced financial freedom.

You’ll Learn

• The value of viewing yourself as a “Business of One”
• Why spending the company’s money like you would spend your own isn’t always the best approach
• How women can become more confident to invest in the stock market and talk to a financial advisor
• How “woo” is valuable for managing our careers, our money, and our lives
• How connecting with people and helping them will benefit you as well as them

3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today’s Guest

1. Emotional intelligence

Successful employees and business owners need to know how to work with people in a way that is going to motivate them. Doing this in a way that produces psychological safety, not fear, is a skill that will benefit individuals and leaders in every stage of their career.

2. Communicating the truth with tact and discretion

Being able to clearly communicate the truth is critical to career success. And, presenting the facts of a situation with the appropriate level of bluntness is a valuable skill.

3. Connecting people

Connecting people with the right people, resources, and projects to help them do their job well will lead to their success and yours.

Links and Resources from this Episode

Contact Victoria at her website, VictoriaSexton.com

Follow her on Instagram @victoriafinancialcoach

Check out her financial training courses

Listen and subscribe to her podcast, Don’t Play With Trash

Connect with Victoria Sexton on LinkedIn

For More Information

Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com. 

It seems uncommon to me for high school students to say they love their principal. But, I’ve heard more kids than I can remember say this about this week’s guest, Dr. Chris Botts.

In this second of two interviews with Dr. Botts, or Chris as he prefers to be called, I have the honor of listening to him describe some of his strategies for connecting with students. And, making sure every kid knows they are valued and appreciated.

Chris shares the unique and effective techniques he and his staff have used throughout his 22 years of service as a high school administrator.

Dr. Chris Botts is an exceptional role model for leaders with careers in education administration and teaching.

But, if you’re not a principal, you will easily see the parallels between serving students and caring for customers.

The three fundamental career skills from Chris will help you build and boost your career in any industry.

Today’s Guest

Dr. Chris Botts

Dr. Chris Botts is the principal of Maize High School in Maize, Kansas. He started his career at Complete High School Maize and has been in the USD 266 district 22 years.

Loved and respected by his staff and students alike, Dr. Botts was named as Sedgwick County Area Educational Services Interlocal Cooperative No. 618’s Principal of the Year in August 2017. In 2020, he received the Kansas Scholastic Press Association Administrator of the Year award.

You’ll Learn

• Who the customers are for a principal, including the most important customer
• How to improve your organization’s culture with a few pennies
• Creative ways to empathize with and better understand your students or customers
• Why it’s so important to never forget what it’s like to be a kid (or a customer)
• How embarrassing yourself can build connections with your team and prepare you for future career opportunities
• The story of how one student’s Tik Tok skill helped identify disconnected students and create connections to support them

3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today’s Guest

1. Show up

Showing up and doing the job or task you were assigned to do is a huge part of having a successful career.

2. Stand out (by working hard)

Why not be the best at whatever you do?

The little things are going to add up in life. Take pride in what you do.

“Any success I’ve had in life, I attribute it to that lone trait, period. Work hard!” - Dr. Chris Botts

3. Problem solve

The ability to think and solve problems will serve you well at every stage of your career in any industry or field.

Links and Resources from this Episode

Connect with Dr. Botts through email at (cbotts AT usd266.com)

Follow him on Twitter at (@thebotty)

Maize News newsmagazine produced by the Maize High School journalism department articles:

“Mystery of Botts’ missing stapler solved“

“Botts challenges teachers to do one nice thing a day "

For More Information

Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com.

I'm never had a job as an educator in a school system, but I don't think it's easy to find a principal who is as loved and respected by his staff as Dr. Chris Botts.

In this first of two interviews with Dr. Botts, or Chris as he prefers to be called, I have the honor of listening to him share his approach to leading teachers and other education professionals to serve and care for their students.

Chris outlines the mindset and techniques he has learned and successfully applied in his 22 years of service as a high school administrator.

Dr. Chris Botts is an outstanding example of a kind and confident leader in the field of education. 

But, even if your career is not as a teacher or administrator, you'll benefit from his wisdom. And, the three fundamental career skills Chris shares will help you be a better leader.

Today's Guest

Dr. Chris Botts

Dr. Chris Botts is the principal of Maize High School in Maize, Kansas. He started his career at Complete High School Maize and has been in the USD 266 district 22 years.

Loved and respected by his staff and students alike, Dr. Botts was named as Sedgwick County Area Educational Services Interlocal Cooperative No. 618's Principal of the Year in August 2017. In 2020, he received the Kansas Scholastic Press Association Administrator of the Year award.

You'll Learn

• You can have empathy as a leader and have high expectations at the same time.
• Every kid (and adult) has "stuff" going on even when they appear to have it all together.
• Why substitute teachers are so valuable to the school system even though they don't get the credit they deserve.
• How giving employees the freedom to be gone from work is a good long term investment.
• One skill or character trait that is an absolute requirement to be in education.

3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest

1. Communicate by listening

Ask good questions. Be receptive to critique and feedback. 

2. Empathize 

School administrators should never forget what it's like to be a teacher. Every leader, regardless of their field, needs to remember what it's like to be on the front line.

Teachers and administrators should never forget what it's like to be a student.

3. Be adaptable 

Lead through change by being able to adjust and meet people where they are.

Links and Resources from this Episode

Connect with Dr. Botts through email at (cbotts AT usd266.com)

Follow him on Twitter at (@thebotty)

The Jordan Peterson podcast

Words of nomination for 2020 Kansas Scholastic Press Association Administrator of the Year

2013 #askbotts video from Maize News newsmagazine produced by the Maize High School journalism department

For More Information

Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com.

Being in business for 51 years will teach you more than a few things.

In this episode, Jerry Harrod, who is also my dad, tells the story of how he started Harrod’s Blacksmith and Welding in 1970. He shares how he, my mom, and my brother made it through what could have been a business-ending accident that put him in the hospital just a few months after they went out on their own.

Dad also gives the three fundamental career skills he recommends every small business owner or corporate employee put into practice to be successful.

Today’s Guest

Jerry Harrod

Jerry Harrod is the founder and owner of Harrod’s Blacksmith and Welding in Howard, Kansas. Jerry and his wife, Mary, still operate the business they started in 1970. Along with their son, Gary, they serve customers throughout Kansas and Oklahoma.

And, as I said above, I’m proud to say Jerry Harrod is my dad.

You’ll Learn

• Why “the customer is always right whether he is or not”
• How, when Jerry was only 26, his dad died and caused him to take a big career risk to care for his family
• Why the best leaders don’t ask their employees to do anything they wouldn’t do themselves
• The biggest challenge new small business owners face today
• Tips on diversifying to survive in business when economic conditions change
• The core principles successful business owners share regardless of their companies’ revenue levels
• What to consider to avoid letting rules put you out of business

3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today’s Guest

1. Get input and make a decision

Great leaders get input from their team members, analyze the situation, and make decisions.

2. Treat customers right

Successful business leaders sincerely appreciate their customers. And, they let their customers know they are appreciated.

3. Ask don’t tell

Avoid “command language” and be polite when assigning tasks, even when you’re the boss.

Links and Resources from this Episode

My blog post, “3 Simple Tips for Polite and Effective Email“

Facebook page for Toot’s Drive In. Still going strong since 1955.

My hometown, Howard, Kansas on Wikipedia. Just in case you’re interested.

For More Information

Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com.

If you’re like me, you do not like to waste time. Especially by listening to a podcast that’s just not a good fit.

In today’s episode I want to help you avoid making a bad decision to invest your time listening to Connect Mobilize Deliver. This podcast isn’t for everyone. So, if it’s not for you, I want you to know that as soon as possible.

I’ll cover 9 reasons what I’m trying to accomplish through this podcast may not align with what you’re looking for in a podcast focused on helping you build your career. You may find our leadership goals and styles are not aligned. Or, the format of this podcast doesn’t match your needs or preferences.

You’ll Learn

• What I hope to accomplish with the Connect Mobilize Deliver podcast
• My approach to leadership and career success
• The format I’m planning to use for this podcast
• How the theme of Leading with Kindness and Confidence fits in
• Why I am committed to focusing on fundamental career skills
• The reason Wichita, Kansas may be mentioned regularly
• Why all these things may be reasons this podcast isn’t right for you

9 Reasons This Podcast May Not Be Right For You

1. Leading with Kindness and Confidence

Kindness will be a core ingredient of Connect Mobilize Deliver, not something that is occasionally sprinkled in with an apologetic mention.

2. Experts you may or may not have heard of

I will always bring on interesting people who can help you learn and be successful in your career. Regardless of their level of notoriety.

3. No experts at all

I won’t always have a guest join me for a discussion. I’ll do solo shows focusing on specific topics or dive deep into practical steps to apply certain fundamental career skills to build and boost your career.

4. You’ll get me as I really am

I’m going to speak from my experience, my worldview, my perspective. And, you may not agree with me. But, that’s okay.

5. I'll share what I know

On Connect Mobilize Deliver I'll share what I know if I think it will help you in your career. And, I'll bring on guests who will do the same.

6. This podcast won't be perfect
 
I'm forcing myself to release episodes that are not perfect.

But, I know that you listening to an imperfect episode will help you, even if it could be better. But, a decent episode, especially with an amazing guest, that never leaves my computer does you no good at all.

7. We'll stick with fundamental career skills

Connect Mobilize Deliver will focus on fundamental career skills. We'll cover the basics, over and over.

I believe career success in any field or industry comes through consistent, proper execution of fundamental career skills.

8. I want your money

 My intent with this podcast is to generate some amount of revenue. My commitment is to only recommend things that I truly believe will help you.

9. I want your input and feedback

 Way more than I want your money, I want your input and feedback.
 
You're the reason I'm doing this podcast. Your input is critical for the show to be a success.

Links and Resources from this Episode

The book, Gracious Leadership: Lead Like You've Never Led Before, by Janet Smith Meeks.

The book, The Art of Caring Leadership: How Leading with Heart Uplifts Teams and Organizations by Heather R. Younger

For More Information

Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com. 

In my first time as a guest on a podcast, I get to have a conversation with 3 good friends on their Hardheaded podcast. 

In this light hearted but insightful discussion we each share our Top 3 skills to advance your career. We each have a unique perspective based on our diverse roles in large corporations, small businesses, and the military.

Watch This Episode On YouTube

Today's Guest

I'm actually the guest in this episode since I'm sharing the conversation I had as a guest on the Hardheaded podcast. 

Click here to read the full show biographies of Matt, Chet, and Troy.

You'll Learn

• More details of how Chet and I started our first podcast together
• The value of story telling to effectively communicate a message
• Why networking is critical to building a successful career
• How to build your own business while supporting your employees' side hustles
• The power of saying "yes" as a leader and trusting your team members to deliver
• The story of how Chet's dad cared for his Air Force buddies (and a future general) using government gear and a loophole

3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest

Matt Amos

1. Decisiveness

"A bad decision made quickly is better than no decision made at all."

2. Networking

Making connections with good intentions, to help other people not just for personal gain.

3. Integrity

Always being true to your word. When you say you are going to do something, you do it. Stick to your morals no matter what might happen. 

Troy Trussell

1. Web Development

Build the many skills that web development requires: software code writing, design, integrating systems.

2. Camera Operating and Editing

Filming and editing can be learned through practice. And, these skills can be used to run a lucrative side business.

3. Managing Multiple Roles as a Business Owner

Being able to put on and take off the various “hats” is a critical skill to be successful as a business owner. Wearing the “business owner hat” is the most important.

Chet Sears

1. Communication

Communicate clearly through story telling and avoid using slide presentations when possible.

2. Data-backed Boldness

Have the courage to speak up even when others won’t. Especially when you have data to support your position.

3. Modesty / Humility

Relate to every team member in a way that invites input and is not arrogant.

Links and Resources from this Episode

Hardheaded podcast website

Hardheaded on Apple Podcasts

Hardheaded on YouTube

Admiral’s Pennant Beard Oil website

Trussell Media website

The Kansas Leadership Center website

The book, Your Leadership Edge: Lead Anytime, Anywhere

For More Information

Check out the full show notes on the episode page on GregHarrod.com

Visual artist and exceptional leader, Shannon Johnston, tells me the story of how she turned her vision to help the victims of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan into a reality. She explains how The Scarf Project she and many others created went on to connect and provide comfort to those hurting from many other disasters since then.

The actual scarf created through The Scarf Project lives on today and continues to support and inspire people around the globe. 

Today's Guest

Shannon Johnston

In addition to being an artist, Shannon Johnston identifies as a daughter, sister, friend, introvert, teacher, student, feminist, collector, maker, consumer, and nail-biter. All of this informs her creative practice.

It is engagement within and reflection upon community, both large and small, that ground Johnston’s practice. Repetition, generosity, and regeneration drive her making. Collection that borders compulsion builds her palette and ritual forms her process. 

Shannon holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Painting from Wichita State University. She currently lives in Wichita, KS with her husband where she is Assistant Professor of Art and Director of Steckline Gallery at Newman University.

You'll Learn

• The story of how Shannon connected and mobilized people from very different walks of life around the globe to turn The Scarf Project from idea to reality
• How to meet people where they are and enable them to give out of what they have to thrive as a part of a team
• How to deliver results with people even when you aren't the same and don't agree on everything
• Art exists in many different forms all around us. Whether we recognize it or not.

3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today's Guest

1. Practice repetitive acts 

Do something over and over again to build confidence, create focus, and keep yourself centered.

Once you can do a small thing repetitively through practice, you're equipped to do another new thing.

You prove that you can learn to learn.

2. Create buy-in

Creating buy-in is all about knowing your audience. Then knowing how to message your self, your product, or your passion for your audience is how you can create buy-in.

3. Know when to let go

Recognize when the project, or whatever you're working on, needs you to take a step back.

Get buy-in and put your team in positions where they can thrive. Then, relax knowing the project will work out fine.

Links and Resources from this Episode

Shannon Johnston's website (with more photos from The Scarf Project).

Shannon is @Shannie2345 on Instagram.

Shannon Johnston on LinkedIn.

For More Information

Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com.

I have the privilege of having a conversation with my good friend, Chet Sears, for this episode. Chet talks about the experiences we’ve had together as coworkers and how he introduced me to podcast hosting so we could apply and share the training we received at The Kansas Leadership Center.

Chet also shares his experience serving on the board of Habitat for Humanity to support the Wichita community and the lessons he’s learned in that role.

Today’s Guest
Chet Sears

Chet Sears is my long time friend and former coworker. He has a passion for building relationships and serving others. Chet has applied that passion in leading others in the workplace and serving the communities in which he’s lived.

He currently serves on the board of the Wichita, Kansas chapter of Habitat for Humanity and is the co-host of the Hardheaded podcast.

You’ll Learn

• The story of how Chet and I started our first podcast together and how he put his career success in my hands
• The value of leaders who trust and empower their team members to pursue experiments to make progress
• How Chet and I align on our core values, but are very different in how we do things
• How to deliver results with people even when you aren’t the same and don’t agree on everything
• The number of houses Habitat for Humanity gives away each year
• Which of Chet’s three fundamental career skills I struggle with regularly
• The story of Chet speaking up when no one else would and the impact it had on the organization

3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today’s Guest

1. Humility

Be humble in what you do. Know you don’t know it all. Be willing to learn.

2. Boldness

Know when to speak up and not pass up opportunities to say something. Avoid being a coward.

3. Communication

Communicate well through email and in the spoken word, in one-on-one conversations and in meetings.
Be brief and concise. Get to the point very quickly.

Links and Resources from this Episode

The Kansas Leadership Center website.

The book, Your Leadership Edge: Lead Anytime, Anywhere.

Habitat for Humanity – International website.

Habitat for Humanity – Wichita, Kansas website.

5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace website.

Chet Sears on LinkedIn.

Hardheaded podcast website.

For More Information

Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com.

Great leaders don’t go it alone. They connect people, mobilize them for action, and deliver results. And, the very best leaders aren’t afraid to admit that they care deeply for their teammates. They lead with kindness and confidence.

In this weekly podcast, host Greg Harrod and his guests share their experience, stories, and tips for successfully leading teams without compromising your values. 

Greg keeps it simple and practical by focusing on mastering the fundamental career skills you need to achieve success for yourself and your teams. He’ll cover topics like communication, leading effective meetings, empathy, role clarity, listening, asking powerful questions, project management, servant leadership, strategic thinking, mindset, diversity, inclusion, and much more.

With over 30 years of experience leading in business, community, and family settings Greg embraces curiosity because he’s got enough experience to know he still has much to learn. Listen in and grow with him as fascinating guests with diverse backgrounds and perspectives share their best leadership wisdom.

If you want to grow as a leader, you’ll find a consistent source of inspiration and encouragement you can apply immediately. Whether you’re a small business owner or have a corporate job with a side hustle too, there’s something here for you each week.

It’s a mix of interviews and solo shows you’re not going to want to miss. Hit subscribe and get ready to boost your confidence as a leader and energize your career. 

Learn more at GregHarrod.com/ConnectMobilizeDeliver.