Decidedly I Decision Tips for Business Owners

By Sanger Smith and Shawn SmithBusiness Entrepreneurship

Decidedly I Decision Tips for Business Owners episodes

February 20, 2025Ep.177 I Deciding to Cut Ties…or Keep the Commitment: What Fuels Hard Decisions with Dr. Art Markman
How do you know if you’re being persistent or simply wasting your time?

Dr. Art Markman joins us to break down how our brains process disappointment, why we misjudge sunk costs, and how different personality types handle setbacks. Whether it’s a business decision, a personal goal, or even a high school football career you should’ve walked away from sooner, this conversation will help you fine-tune your ability to know when to keep going—and when to move on.

KEY TOPICS
Why the “never quit” mindset can backfire—and when it’s smarter to walk away.
How the sunk cost fallacy traps people in bad jobs, relationships, and investments.
Why overcommitting to work can be a sign of misplaced priorities.
How urgency changes decision-making (and what that means for business owners).

CHAPTERS
00:00 – Intro: Defeating Bad Decision-Making in Life & Business
00:49 – The Wildest Celebrity Family Secret?
05:42 – How Self-Awareness Saves You from Bad Choices
08:06 – Are You Setting Yourself Up for Disappointment?
12:54 – Regret vs. Disappointment: What’s the Difference?
15:17 – The Real Reason People Defend Bad Decisions
17:39 – When to Push Through vs. When to Quit
20:44 – The Sunk Cost Trap: Are You Stuck?
24:23 – How Tragedy Changes Our Beliefs Instantly
29:40 – Why Straight-A Students Struggle in the Real World
32:57 – The Key Skill That Determines Career Success
38:25 – The Most Underrated Advantage in Business
44:41 – What Motivates You? You Might Be Wrong
50:55 – The Secret to Making Better Financial Decisions
56:06 – The One Question to Ask Before Any Big Purchase
01:00:19 – Art’s Top Decision-Making Tip for Business Owners
01:01:30 – Where to Connect with Dr. Art Markman
01:02:10 – Key Takeaways
01:03:41 – Message from the Producer

SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US
⁠www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠
Watch this episode on YouTube
Subscribe on ⁠YouTube
Join us on ⁠Instagram⁠: @decidedlypodcast
Join us on ⁠Facebook⁠
Shawn’s ⁠Instagram⁠: @shawn_d_smith
Sanger’s ⁠Instagram⁠: @sangersmith

Thank you to Shelby Peterson of Transcend Media for editingand post-production of the Decidedly podcast.

SANGER’S BOOK:⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠

SHAWN’S BOOK: ⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠

MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?
At ⁠Decidedly Wealth Management⁠, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy.
LEARN MORE: ⁠www.decidedlywealth.com⁠

CONNECT WITH DR. ART MARKMAN
Two Guys on Your Head Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4WzHJK1SzAryo21JonpZoY
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/art-markman-93aa6a22
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ArtMarkmanPhD/
X: @Abmarkman
Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B005L52EOO/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=4d56c521-f041-409e-9997-f782b942bf8b&ref_=ap_rdr
Blog: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/ulterior-motives

Art Markman is the Annabel Irion Worsham Centennial Professor of Psychology, Human Dimensions of Organizations, and Marketing and Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. He has written over 150 research papers on topics including reasoning, decision making, and motivation. He brings insights from cognitive science to a broader audience through his blogs at Psychology Today and Fast Company as well as his radio show/podcast Two Guys on Your head. He is the author of several books including Smart Thinking, Smart Change, Brain Briefs, and Bring Your Brain to Work.
1 hr 5 min
February 12, 2025Ep.176 I Deciding to Rationalize Bad Decisions: How We Trick Ourselves into Thinking We’re Right
Why do we justify bad decisions—even when we know better?

From business to parenting to the worst excuses people use to defend bad habits, this episode breaks down why we rationalize dumb decisions. They get into why work-from-home isn’t always the dream people claim, the myth of “Fed is Best” among new parents, and why bad customer service is usually due to bad leadership.

KEY TOPICS
Work-from-home reality check: is it better, or have we convinced ourselves?
Why McDonald’s salads were a terrible idea (and what businesses should learn from it).
Three ways to compete in business—why you can only pick two.
How people justify bad decisions: The “Fed is Best” mindset

CHAPTERS
[00:00] Intro: Defeating BadDecision-Making in Life & Business
[00:49] –The Bank Nightmare ThatWouldn’t End
[03:14] –Why Are Big Companies So Bad at Fixing Simple Problems?
[05:42] –The Customer Service Mistake That Creates More Problems
[08:06] – The Work-From-Home Lie No One Wants to Admit
[10:30] –“Fed Is Best” and Other Excuses for Bad Decisions
[12:54] –Why We Defend Choices We Know Are Wrong
[15:17] –The Truth About Trade-Offs (And Why We Ignore Them)
[17:39] –The Business Lesson Hidden in Bad Movie Reviews
[20:05] –The Real Reason Some Movies Get Terrible Ratings
[22:31] –Are Critics Lying? The Secret Behind Audience Scores
[24:56] –How to Tell Instantly If a Movie Is Worth Watching
[27:12] –The “Beautiful vs. Tacky” Test for Business & Life
[29:33] –The Biggest Branding Mistake Companies Make
[31:48] –Why You Should Brag About Your Weaknesses
[32:48] –Message from the Producer

SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH US
⁠www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠
Watch this episode on YouTube
Subscribe on⁠YouTube
Join us on⁠Instagram⁠:@decidedlypodcast
Join us on⁠Facebook⁠
Shawn’s⁠Instagram⁠:@shawn_d_smith
Sanger’s⁠Instagram⁠: @sangersmith

Thank you to Shelby Peterson of Transcend Media for editing and post-production of the Decidedly podcast.

SANGER’S BOOK:⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠

SHAWN’S BOOK:⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠

MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?
At⁠Decidedly Wealth Management⁠, we focus on decision-making asthe foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families topurposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thrivinglegacy.
LEARN MORE: ⁠www.decidedlywealth.com⁠
34 min
February 05, 2025Ep.175 I Deciding Why Some Memories Stick (and Others Don’t)
What makes something worth remembering?
Sanger and Shawn break down why grit and a little discomfort create the most memorable experiences, whether it's backpacking or making even the most boring sports fun. If you’ve ever wondered why some moments stick with you and others fade away, this episode will change how you approach decision-making, adventures, and how you play.

KEY TOPICS
How over-planning ruins adventure (and why Sanger hates your itinerary.)

The first podcast idea that never made it…but somehow had merch.

The secret to making anything fun.

“Did you win?” Why Shawn asked this question every day of Sanger’s childhood.

CHAPTERS
[00:00] Intro: Defeating Bad Decision-Making in Life & Business
[00:49] – Why Having No Agenda Can Be a Good Thing
[01:31] – The Podcast That Almost Was: Our First Concept & Why We Ditched It
[04:08] – Over-Planning vs. Going with the Flow
[05:29] – How Over-Planning Can Backfire in Business & Life
[06:38] – The Enchanted Rock Cave Adventure: How Over-Preparation
Ruins the Excitement
[08:15] – How to be Spontaneous
[09:42] – Finding an Abandoned Cabin: Problem-Solving Under Pressure
[14:10] – Why More People Should Adopt a Nonchalant Approach
[18:09] – Winning vs. Participation Trophies
[20:41] – The Death of Baseball? Why America’s Moved On
[22:33] – What Makes or Breaks Entertainment
[25:35] – The Golden Rule of Aesthetics: Be Beautiful or Be Ugly, Never In-Between
[27:25] – 30A Music Festival, Drunk Backflips, & Unexpected Life Lessons
[29:02] – Key Takeaway
[29:32] – Message from the Producer
⁠SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER⁠

CONNECT WITH US
⁠www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠
Watch this episode on YouTube
Subscribe on ⁠YouTube
Join us on ⁠Instagram⁠: @decidedlypodcast
Join us on ⁠Facebook⁠
Shawn’s ⁠Instagram⁠: @shawn_d_smith
Sanger’s ⁠Instagram⁠: @sangersmith

Thank you to Shelby Peterson of Transcend Media for editing and post-production of the Decidedly podcast.

SANGER’S BOOK: ⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠

SHAWN’S BOOK: ⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠

MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?
At ⁠Decidedly Wealth Management⁠, we focus on decision-making as
the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to
purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving
legacy.
LEARN MORE: ⁠www.decidedlywealth.com⁠
31 min
January 29, 2025 Ep.174 I Deciding Like Law Enforcement: Poor Training Creates High-Stakes Mistakes with Adam Haidary
What happens when poor training leads to high-stakes mistakes?

Adam Haidary went from patrolling the streets to reshaping law enforcement—training officers to perform at their peak, saving lives with groundbreaking programs, and exposing the raw realities of life on the frontlines.

In this episode, he dives into why poor training in high-stress environments can lead to catastrophic decisions. Whether it's law enforcement or business, the principles of preparation, clear communication, and solid decision-making are universal.

KEY TOPICS
The principle every business owner should steal from elite combat training.
The one thing that separates confident officers from those who freeze in a crisis.
How understanding human aggression makes you a better leader.
Why most people’s self-defense plan is a dangerous fantasy.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro: Defeating Bad Decision-Making in Life & Business
00:49 The First Weeks of Fatherhood & a Scary NICU Experience
03:17 Reframing Struggles & the Power of Perspective
05:26 Meet Adam Haidary: From Cop to Business Owner
07:53 The Dangerous Gaps in Law Enforcement Training
10:14 The Pay Problem: Underpaid Officers, Undertrained Departments
12:35 The Soft Skills Crisis in Policing
15:00 The High Turnover & Low Standards Problem
17:22 A Masterclass in De-escalation
19:41 Confidence Over Ego: How Physical Training Reduces Overreactions
22:09 A Road Rage Incident: How Staying Calm Prevented a Fight
24:37 Why Being Physically Prepared Helps You Avoid Violence
27:06 Picking Your Battles: When Officers Should Walk Away
29:30 The Taser Myth: Why It Fails 50% of the Time
31:54 The Problem with Pepper Spray & Batons
34:19 The Reality of Close Combat & Why Pain Compliance Fails
36:43 The Weapon Dilemma: When to Engage vs. Disengage
39:09 The Canine Advantage: Why Police Dogs Are So Effective
41:37 What Most People Get Wrong About Guard Dogs
43:49 The Difference Between Working Dogs & Pets
46:09 Why Retired Working Dogs Struggle Without a Purpose
48:29 Training That Saves Lives: The Impact of Adam’s Work
50:54 The Fastest Way to Build Combat Proficiency
53:20 The Importance of Pressure Testing in Law Enforcement Training
55:48 How One Police Department Cut Use-of-Force Incidents by 80%
58:11 The Data Behind Better Police Training & Fewer Shootings
01:00:37 The Power of Mission-Driven Leadership in Business
01:03:03 Key Combat Principles That Apply to Business & Life
01:07:52 Adam’s Top Decision-Making Tip for Business Owners
01:10:00 Where to Connect with Adam Haidary
01:12:20 Key Takeaways
01:14:44 Message from the Producer

CONNECT WITH US
⁠www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠
Watch this episode on YouTube
Subscribe on ⁠YouTube
Join us on ⁠Instagram⁠: @decidedlypodcast
Join us on ⁠Facebook⁠
Shawn’s ⁠Instagram⁠: @shawn_d_smith
Sanger’s Instagram⁠: @sangersmith

Thank you to Shelby Peterson of Transcend Media for editing
and post-production of the Decidedly podcast.

SANGER’S BOOK: ⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠

SHAWN’S BOOK: ⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠

MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?
At ⁠Decidedly Wealth Management⁠, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy.
LEARN MORE: ⁠www.decidedlywealth.com⁠

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH ADAM HAIDARY
Websites: efcombatives.com &
policeposts.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam.haidary
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EFCombatives

Adam’s Creds…
Founder, Police Posts
Co-founder, Effective Fitness
7 years of Law Enforcement Experience (2013-2020)
Former Training Supervisor- Rank: Sgt.
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy: BID Certified Instructor
Purple Belt
K9 Training
Tac Med Program
1 hr 16 min
January 22, 2025 Ep.146 I Deciding to Walk the World: Overcoming Your Temptation to Quit with Tom Turcich // REPLAY
What all goes into a 7-year, 28,000-mile walk around the
world? Why would someone take on such a huge adventure in the first place? What about when you get lost, lonely, or lack the drive to keep going?

Tom Turcich, the 10th person to walk around the world, shares his experience of being immersed in unknown places, forced into adventure, and coming to better understand the world and himself.

KEY TOPICS
How to decide what to do when you want to do it all.
What to do when your resiliency tank runs low.
Why we don’t need to be so fearful of everyone and everything.
When to release control of external factors that are impacting your plans.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Mission of Decidedly
00:52 World Travels
07:35 Finding Funding for a World Walk
14:32 Dangerous Encounters
26:00 Tourist Tax and Scams
28:22 How to Catch Misinformation
29:17 Emotional Highs and Lows
30:14 Physical Pain and Mental Struggles
31:09 The Temptation to Quit
35:59 Finding the Daily Routine
37:53 Returning to Normal Life
39:18 Fulfilling Your Purpose
41:43 The Longest Journeys
43:35 Viewpoint on Failure
44:33 Adaptability and Resilience
46:01 The “End Destination”
48:55 Surrendering Control
50:19 Aligning Decisions with Values
51:15 Measuring Decisions Against Your Goals
53:31 Transformational Experiences for Business Owners
52:18 Key Takeaways
53:54 Producer Closing

CONNECT WITH US
⁠⁠www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠⁠
Subscribe to the show on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠
Join us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @decidedlypodcast
Join us on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠
Shawn’s ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @shawn_d_smith
Sanger’s ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @sangersmith

Thank you to Shelby Peterson of Transcend Media for editing and post-production of the Decidedly podcast.

SANGER’S BOOK: ⁠⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠⁠

SHAWN’S BOOK: ⁠⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠⁠

MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?
At ⁠⁠Decidedly Wealth Management⁠⁠, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy.
LEARN MORE: ⁠⁠www.decidedlywealth.com⁠⁠

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER: ⁠⁠https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001aeU_pPBHJPNJWJBdVbaci6bjGIuEJurH12xHBWDEVT_NxyCadMd7wLSZjcEZglkSjDjehuIbTHD8nABOIdV69ctfYpSzg24RCIytetBUrlIPPKgaGzjGZ8DkM0Wp1LMjbErcYUur7PbZGjeVo4gyXlz821AoJGZR⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH TOM TURCICH
Pre-Order Tom’s Book: ⁠The World Walk: Seven Years
in Search of Meaning: Turcich, Tom: 9781510779013: Amazon.com: Books⁠
Website: ⁠Tom Turcich - Inspirational Keynote Speaker: Accomplish Anything Through Audacious Goals and Unwavering Resilience⁠
YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TheWorldWalk⁠
Instagram: @theworldwalk
Facebook: ⁠The World Walk | Facebook⁠

After the death of his friend Ann Marie, Tom's dream of walking around the world was born. Her passing woke him to his own mortality and forced him to reconsider what he wanted out of the brief time we have here. To get the most out of life, he decided to walk. By traveling slowly, he knew he would be immersed in unknown places, forced into adventure, and come to better understand the world. On April 2, 2015, after getting a degree and paying off his loans, he stepped out his front door. Seven years, six continents, and twenty-eight thousand miles later, he has become the tenth person to walk around the world, and his dog, Savannah, became the first dog to do so.
55 min
January 15, 2025 Ep.131 I Deciding to Elevate Your Health: 6 Ancestral Health Hacks w/ Hilda Labrada Gore // REPLAY
What if the real health hacks aren’t from the latest influencer or supplement, but from our ancestors? Could the answers lie in the simple habits we’ve forgotten?

In this replay of Ep.131, Hilda Labrada Gore, host of The Wise Traditions Podcast, shares six ancestral health practices that go beyond the noise of modern wellness trends. From sunlight to sleep to cold exposure, Hilda shares simple, effective tips that tap into ancient wisdom—no gimmicks or fads involved.

KEY TOPICS
The truth about cholesterol: Are we following
outdated science?
Why skipping the morning sun could sabotage your hormones and vitality.
Cold exposure: The ultimate shortcut to building mental and physical resilience.
Why avoiding discomfort is making you weaker—and how to reverse it.
Gut check: Who’s really influencing your choices—God or the loudest voice?

CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro: Defeating Bad Decision-Making in Life and Business
02:32 Meet Holistic Hilda
03:36 The Truth About Ancestral Diets and Modern Trends
05:49 Why Digestion Starts with Gratitude and Prayer
10:23 Community, Celebration, and Nourishment
12:47 Sacred Connection to Our Food
17:35 A Heart Defect, Open-Heart Surgery, and a Life Mission
22:16 Health Secret #1: Sun
34:10 Health Secret #2: Sleep
36:36 Health Secret #3: Shivers
46:11 Health Secret #4: Sustenance
53:17 Health Secret #5: Strength
55:44 Health Secret #6: Spirit
56:37 Hilda Labrada Gore’s Decision-Making Tip for Business
Owners
59:05 Key Takeaways
1:00:05 Message from the Producer

CONNECT WITH US
⁠www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠
Watch this episode on YouTube
Subscribe on ⁠YouTube
Join us on ⁠Instagram⁠: @decidedlypodcast
Join us on ⁠Facebook⁠
Shawn’s ⁠Instagram⁠: @shawn_d_smith
Sanger’s ⁠Instagram⁠: @sangersmith

Thank you to Shelby Peterson of Transcend Media for editing
and post-production of the Decidedly podcast.

SANGER’S BOOK
⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your
Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠

SHAWN’S BOOK
⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠

MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?
At ⁠Decidedly Wealth Management⁠, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy.
LEARN MORE: ⁠www.decidedlywealth.com⁠

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER
https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001aeU_pPBHJPNJWJBdVbaci6bjGIuEJurH12xHBWDEVT_NxyCadMd7wLSZjcEZglkSjDjehuIbTHD8nABOIdV69ctfYpSzg24RCIytetBUrlIPPKgaGzjGZ8DkM0Wp1LMjbErcYUur7PbZGjeVo4gyXlz821AoJGZR⁠

CONNECT WITH HILDA LABRADA GORE 
Hilda’s Website: www.holistichilda.com
Wise Traditions Podcast: https://www.westonaprice.org/wise-traditions-podcast/#gsc.tab=0
Weston A. Price Foundation Website: www.westonapricefoundation.com
Hilda’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HolisticHilda
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holistichilda
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HolisticHilda

Hilda Labrada Gore (a/k/a Holistic Hilda) is a certified health coach who is known as a kind of Dora the Explorer 2.0. She has traveled extensively as an experiential anthropologist through Mongolia, Peru, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Kenya, Australia, and more — with the objective of exploring traditional practices to improve the energy and vitality of humanity. Hilda is the host and producer of the Wise Traditions podcast on behalf of the Weston A. Price Foundation. 

She shares the best of experts, experiences, and epic adventures on her podcast, her Holistic Hilda YouTube channel, and in-person at conferences and retreats. Hilda has energy to spare because she keeps her feet on the ground and her face to the sun.
1 hr 1 min
January 08, 2025Ep.173 I Deciding to Read the Room: What an FBI Agent Sees That You Don’t with Joe Navarro
Think body language is just about crossed arms and forced smiles? Think again.

After years spent catching spies and decoding body language, Joe Navarro reveals how the smallest cues can uncover the biggest truths. From subtle tells that exposed Soviet operatives to pinpointing the hidden leader in any room, Joe offers a masterclass in seeing what others miss.

If you’ve ever underestimated the power of nonverbal cues—or the cost of ignoring them—this episode will make you rethink everything you see, from business meetings to casual conversations.

KEY TOPICS
How subtle cues can reveal what people won’t say out loud.

How the physical setup of a space, like a waiting room, can create or diminish psychological comfort.

Why humans instinctively cover their eyes when they’re stressed.

How setting the pace—consciously or unconsciously—defines who leads a room.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro: Defeating Bad Decision-Making in Life and Business
00:49 First Impressions
03:10 Recruited by the FBI at 22
07:48 Catching Spies with Cultural Cues
10:00 FBI Reality vs. TV Dramas
12:18 How Body Language Reveals the Truth
17:05 The Bouquet That Exposed a Spy
21:52 Travel’s Secret to Sharpening Leadership
26:29 Human Instincts That Signal Stress
31:05 Bill Gates’ Handshake Fail
35:51 Why AI Can’t Read Human Behavior
40:35 The Truth About Lie Detectors
47:38 Creating Comfort to Influence Decisions
52:10 Winning Negotiations with Ease
56:57 Joe Navarro’s Decision-Making Tip for Business Owners
58:03 Key Takeaways
59:50 Message from the Producer

CONNECT WITH US
⁠www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠
Watch this episode on YouTube
Subscribe on ⁠YouTube
Join us on ⁠Instagram⁠: @decidedlypodcast
Join us on ⁠Facebook⁠
Shawn’s ⁠Instagram⁠: @shawn_d_smith
Sanger’s ⁠Instagram⁠: @sangersmith

Thank you to Shelby Peterson of Transcend Media for editing and post-production of the Decidedly podcast.

SANGER’S BOOK: ⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠

SHAWN’S BOOK: ⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠

MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?
At ⁠Decidedly Wealth Management⁠, we focus on decision-making as
the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to
purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving
legacy.
LEARN MORE: ⁠www.decidedlywealth.com⁠

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER
https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001aeU_pPBHJPNJWJBdVbaci6bjGIuEJurH12xHBWDEVT_NxyCadMd7wLSZjcEZglkSjDjehuIbTHD8nABOIdV69ctfYpSzg24RCIytetBUrlIPPKgaGzjGZ8DkM0Wp1LMjbErcYUur7PbZGjeVo4gyXlz821AoJGZR⁠

CONNECT WITH JOE NAVARRO
Website: www.jnforensics.com
Books: https://www.jnforensics.com/books
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joenavarrobehaviorexpert

Personally approached at the tender age of 23 to join the FBI, Joe Navarro became one of the youngest agents ever to join the renowned investigative agency. He went on to spend the next 25 years at the FBI, working both as an agent and supervisor in the areas of counterintelligence and counterterrorism. Through his work he was able to study, refine and apply the science of nonverbal communications. His acumen in this field and his success as a spy-catcher, led Joe to train FBI agents and the intelligence community.

Retiring from the FBI in 2003 and meeting overwhelming demand for his notable insights into human behavior, Joe has dedicated himself to speaking and consulting with major corporations worldwide.

Since retiring, he has authored 14 books in 29 languages dealing with human behavior and body language.  He is the author of the International Bestseller “Be Exceptional” and His book “What Every BODY is Saying,” remains after a decade, the #1 selling body-language book in the world. 
1 hr 1 min
January 01, 2025Ep.172 | Deciding to Ditch the Resolution Trap: A Smarter Way to Set Goals This Year
Why do New Year’s resolutions fail so often? Maybe it’s because they’re designed to.

In this episode, Sanger and Shawn tear into the traditional approach to resolutions and explain why they’re usually a waste of time. Instead, they break down a no-nonsense way to set goals that actually reflect what matters most. If you’re tired of empty promises and quick fixes, this conversation is a fresh take on starting the year with real purpose.

KEY TOPICS
Why traditional New Year’s resolutions are a setup for failure.

The surprising dopamine trap of sharing your goals prematurely.

The danger of chasing goals based on someone else’s values.

How to fight off discouragement and stay on track with your goals.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro: Defeating Bad Decision-Making in Life and Business
00:49 Why Resolutions Fail
03:10 The Dopamine Trap of Sharing Goals
07:57 Misaligned Goals and Hidden Risks
12:42 From Dreams to Action
17:12 The Four-Blocker Strategy
22:00 Fixing the SMART Goal Misstep
29:11 Staying Disciplined Amid Setbacks
35:58 Testing Goals Against Your Values
40:41 Avoiding Opportunity Overload
47:37 Closing: Setting Goals That Matter
50:04 Message from the Producer

CONNECT WITH US
⁠www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠
Watch this episode on YouTube
Subscribe on ⁠YouTube
Join us on ⁠Instagram⁠: @decidedlypodcast
Join us on ⁠Facebook⁠
Shawn’s ⁠Instagram⁠: @shawn_d_smith
Sanger’s ⁠Instagram⁠: @sangersmith

Thank you to Shelby Peterson of Transcend Media for editing and post-production of the Decidedly podcast.

SANGER’S BOOK: ⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your
Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠

SHAWN’S BOOK: ⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠

MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?
At ⁠Decidedly Wealth Management⁠, we focus on decision-making as
the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to
purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving
legacy.
LEARN MORE: ⁠www.decidedlywealth.com⁠

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER:⁠ https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001aeU_pPBHJPNJWJBdVbaci6bjGIuEJurH12xHBWDEVT_NxyCadMd7wLSZjcEZglkSjDjehuIbTHD8nABOIdV69ctfYpSzg24RCIytetBUrlIPPKgaGzjGZ8DkM0Wp1LMjbErcYUur7PbZGjeVo4gyXlz821AoJGZR⁠
51 min
December 18, 2024Ep.171 I Deciding to Strengthen Your Family Business: Is it About Titles, or Talents? with David Kolbe
What happens when family dynamics intersect with business strategy?

David Kolbe, CEO of Kolbe Corp, shares the highs and hurdles of taking the reins in a family business. With roots in his grandfather’s Wonderlic Test and his mother’s Kolbe Index, David explains how understanding instincts and strengths has shaped his leadership, his family relationships, and the way he keeps fresh ideas flowing.

KEY TOPICS
What happens when your boss is also your parent (or you’re the parent).
The real impact of job titles and why your team might care more than you think.
Knowing when to pass the torch as a business founder.
How to balance creative freedom with practical strategy in a family business.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro: Defeating Bad Decision-Making in Life and
Business
05:29 David Kolbe on Growing Up in a Family Business
07:51 Wonderlic Test: Its NFL Legacy and Origins
10:16 From Law to Leadership: Why David Joined Kolbe
Corp
12:30 Working with Family: Lessons from the Trenches
14:54 Navigating Family Dynamics in Business Decisions
17:16 When Family Disagreements Rattle the Workplace
19:40 How Kolbe Corp Helps Leaders Leverage Strengths
22:04 When Quick Start Leaders Meet High Follow-Through
Teams
24:26 Strategic Vision vs. Tactical Execution in Leadership
26:50 Why Most Businesses Aren’t Built for Innovation
29:08 The Key to Selling a Business Worth Buying
31:32 Structuring Teams for Growth Without Chaos
33:52 Letting Go: How Founders Transition Leadership
36:17 When the Visionary Isn’t the Business Owner
38:38 Avoiding Cultural Stagnation in Family Businesses
40:53 Building Innovation Departments That Last
43:16 When Tradition Holds a Business Back
45:37 Empowering Quick Start Talent Without Losing
Control
47:59 Why Accurate Job Titles Matter for Teams
50:14 The Risk of Over-Titling Employees
52:39 Creating a Fun and Caring Workplace Culture
55:00 What “Mandatory Fun” Teaches About Leadership
57:17 David Kolbe’s Decision-Making Tip for Business Owners
59:10 Key Takeaways
1:01:00 Message from the Producer

CONNECT WITH US
⁠www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠
Watch this episode on YouTube
Subscribe on ⁠YouTube
Join us on ⁠Instagram⁠: @decidedlypodcast
Join us on ⁠Facebook⁠
Shawn’s ⁠Instagram⁠: @shawn_d_smith
Sanger’s ⁠Instagram⁠: @sangersmith

Thank you to Shelby Peterson of Transcend Media for editing
and post-production of the Decidedly podcast.

SANGER’S BOOK: ⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠

SHAWN’S BOOK: ⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠

MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?
At ⁠Decidedly Wealth Management⁠, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy.
LEARN MORE: ⁠www.decidedlywealth.com⁠

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH DAVID KOLBE
Website: https://www.kolbe.com/
Book “Do More More Naturally: Empowering
Effortless Success and the Freedom to Be Yourself”: https://a.co/d/h8he2iG
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kolbecorp
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@poweredbyinstinct
Kolbe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kolbe-corp/
David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kolbe-b352a99/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KolbeCorp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KolbeCorp
X: https://x.com/Kolbe_Corp

As CEO of Kolbe Corp, David Kolbe is committed to helping people use their natural instincts to thrive. The Kolbe A™ Index helps people understand their instinctive strengths and how to use them to tackle challenges. David’s all about making our instincts work for us, not against us—turning what comes naturally into real-world results that drive success at home and in business.
1 hr 2 min
December 11, 2024Ep.170 I Deciding to Make Tough Calls: Leading Well When Stakes are High with Matthew Confer
Are your business decisions driven by instinct, or by strategy? How often do you actually stop to tell the difference?

Matthew Confer, the mind behind decision-making simulations used by leading companies, reveals why your gut might betray you, what most leaders get wrong under pressure, and how to sharpen your instincts for critical decisions.

KEY TOPICS
The bold move leaders can make to avoid catastrophic mistakes before they happen.

Why seeking consensus isn’t the best leadership strategy—and what to do instead.

The real reason confident leaders fail under pressure.

How keeping receipts on decisions can save your team from chaos.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro: Defeating Bad Decision-Making in Life and Business
00:49 Changing Wedding Language: Patriarchy or Progress?
03:06 Can Simulations Make You a Better Leader?
05:32 The Dangerous Default in Team Decisions
06:50 Why Consensus Isn’t Always King
08:01 How Leaders Sabotage Innovation Without Realizing It
10:21 What Really Drives Your Team?
12:40 Adapting Management Styles: The Secret to Better Teams
15:05 Leadership Practice Without the Real-World Risk
17:26 Breaking Through Superficial Motivations
19:30 The Challenge of Scaling a Small Company Culture
21:54 Why Diverse Motivations Strengthen Teams
24:14 Spotting Failure Before It Happens
26:36 The Viral Social Media Campaign Dilemma
29:00 The Cobra Problem: When Solutions Make Things Worse
31:16 The $5 Challenge That Changed Business Strategy
33:33 The Power of Writing Down Decisions
35:53 How Poor Note-Taking Derails Teams
38:32 How Stress Wrecks Decision-Making—And How to Stop It
40:51 Why Your Most Disagreeable Employee Makes the Hard Calls
43:07 Why Failure Is the Best Leadership Teacher
45:32 Building Leadership Confidence in Safe Environments
47:51 When Bravado Backfires in Decision-Making
50:08 Are You Missing Critical Team Feedback?
52:32 What MBA Simulations Reveal About Leadership Gaps
54:51 The Secret Ingredient to Engaging Training Programs
56:53 Matthew Confer’s Decision-Making Tip for Business Owners
58:20 Key Takeaways
59:45 Message from the Producer

CONNECT WITH US
⁠www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠
WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE
Subscribe on ⁠YouTube
Join us on ⁠Instagram⁠: @decidedlypodcast
Join us on ⁠Facebook⁠
Shawn’s ⁠Instagram⁠: @shawn_d_smith
Sanger’s ⁠Instagram⁠: @sangersmith

Thank you to Shelby Peterson of Transcend Media for editing
and post-production of the Decidedly podcast.

SANGER’S BOOK: ⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠

SHAWN’S BOOK: ⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠

MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?
At ⁠Decidedly Wealth Management⁠, we focus on decision-making as
the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to
purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving
legacy.
LEARN MORE: ⁠www.decidedlywealth.com⁠

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

CONNECT WITH MATT CONFER
Website: https://www.abilitie.com/matthew-confer/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewconfer/
TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/matthew_confer_before_you_decide_3_steps_to_better_decision_making?subtitle=en
Learn To Lead Podcast: https://www.abilitie.com/learn-to-lead-podcast/
Matt Confer is the VP of Strategy at Abilitie, a Leadership Development company based in Austin, Texas that provides immersive business simulations to a global client base that includes over 50 members of the Fortune 500. Abilitie’s leadership programs have been delivered to over 100,000 professionals in more than 30 countries around the world. Matthew has spoken on the topic of decision making at the TEDx
Conference with a talk entitled "Before You Decide" that has been viewed over 500,000 times on the TED website. Matthew also hosts the Learn to Lead Podcast where he speaks with authors, professors, creatives, and
business leaders about their leadership journey and how they are working to develop the leaders of tomorrow.
1 hr 1 min