Meg Stevens

Summary:

Andy and Meg engage in a conversation about Meg's professional journey, including her experiences in leadership development, consulting, and organizational change. Meg shares her insights on the importance of mental health in the workplace and the need to connect individual needs with business needs during organizational change.

The conversation also touches on the concept of unconditional positive regard and its impact on interpersonal dynamics, as well as the nuances of effective leadership and the importance of staying true to oneself in leadership roles. The two also discuss the corporate response to the George Floyd situation and the importance of prioritizing humanity and open dialogue. Lastly, they explore the topic of fostering a culture of innovation within the organization and empowering learning for future generations.

Bio:

Meg Stevens is a leadership coach, consultant, and counselor.  Shortly after college, after being a manager for several years, she went back to school to get a Master of Science in Leadership Development, knowing that there was an art and a science to great leadership and that she wanted to be a great leader herself.  While this course of study left her with just as many questions as answers, she became even more passionate about working with and helping leaders so that workplaces could be better.  Meg has subsequently spent her career helping leaders work through change and be the best leaders that they can be for their teams.  She led small and large teams throughout her career.  Working in HR consulting, organizational change management, leadership development, and as a Human Resources Executive, she helped leaders manage significant change as a key leader working with the C-Suite on a mega-merger and subsequent spin-off.  

After working with leaders through such intense times and watching the breadth of trauma that was occurring for folks during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, Meg decided to return to school to work on additional credentialing to become a Licensed Professional Counselor so that she could continue to work deeply with leaders on their individual and organizational changes.  Meg will finish this program of study in May 2024 and begin the process to become fully licensed.

In March 2023, when Meg left her role in a Fortune 500, she started Meg Stevens Consulting where she has been working with leaders in a coaching and consulting capacity to support their individual and organizational change.  She spends time coaching leaders who are managing personal and professional changes or those who are looking to achieve big goals in their professional endeavors.  Meg has especially been able to support leaders who are looking for a more natural way of working or who need help finding their own natural leadership style.  She’s hosted a “Natural Leadership Retreat” which is an experience where leaders can come together to support their professional development, restoration, and sense of connection, and to create new rituals for resilience.  Meg expects that Meg Stevens Consulting will continue to host these sessions in the coming years.

Links:

• https://www.megstevensconsulting.com

Darrel Porter

SUMMARY:

This episode between Andy and Darrell focuses on various topics, including Darrell's military service, his journey to becoming a minister, and his experiences with Kingdom Wealth Group. They also discuss the history of currency, the Federal Reserve, and the life cycle of money. Darrell shares his insights on the importance of understanding God's principles for wealth and money management, emphasizing the significance of mentorship and family values in shaping attitudes towards finances and leadership.

The two delve into the historical and biblical aspects of money, highlighting the importance of understanding and following God's principles for wealth. They explore the impact of significant historical events, such as World War I and World War II, on the value of currency and the role of gold in regulating the circulation of currency. The conversation also delves into the devaluation of currency over time, the concept of inflation, and the comparison between the limited availability of precious metals like gold and silver and the unlimited printing of money, leading to the devaluation of currency.

Darrell provides a detailed explanation of the life cycle of money, focusing on the stage where people lose confidence in currency and revert to free market money, particularly gold and silver. He illustrates this with examples from countries like Venezuela, emphasizing the drastic devaluation of currency and the enduring value of gold and silver. He also discusses historical references, biblical principles, and the enduring value of gold and silver as essential assets for wealth preservation, with a strong emphasis on educating and encouraging people to invest in these precious metals.

BIO:

Darrell Porter was born in Kansas City, Kansas and is the eldest of three children. He graduated from J.C. Harmon High School in 1987 and joined the United States Army in June of 1988. He married Taria (Canty) Porter 32 years ago, on September 3rd, 1991. To their union they were blessed with two beautiful children, Shaneka (Porter) Mables and Darrell “DJ” Porter.

Darrell Porter received his call from the Lord to be a Minister in 1991 while serving in Dessert Storm and in June of 2002 was licensed as a Minister in the Church of God in Christ, under the direction of Bishop Paul Watson Sr.

The Stock Market Crash of 2008 was a wakeup call for Minister Porter and from that crash, he had a strong desire for financial knowledge from the scriptures. God gave him a vision of becoming a Kingdom Wealth Coach and a marketplace entrepreneur for the Body of Christ.

In 2012, God gave him the name of his business, Kingdom Wealth Group. Minister Porter is becoming a champion for building wealth according to the scriptures. His knowledge of wealth as it relates to the scriptures and his understanding of our current economic system is second to none.

Doors have been opened for him to teach these Kingdom Economical Concepts.  He was asked to start a segment called “Kingdom Strategies” on the local radio station KRGN which was live every 4th Tuesday of every month.  He has since started his own Podcast with the same name, “Kingdom Strategies” and he is receiving recognition from other CEOs for his knowledge of the scriptures in Kingdom Concepts. He has been called an “Apostle to the Marketplace.”

Minister Porter’s mission is to help people understand their value in the Kingdom, to help them understand their purpose, to help them become financially free, and to claim their rightful place as leaders in the marketplace.

Links:

https://atcostmetals.com/join?code=empowered

Gordon Duncan

Summary:

Andy and Gordon cover their experiences as teachers, reflecting on the complexities of teaching multiple grades in challenging environments. They emphasize the significance of understanding and accommodating diverse learning styles to facilitate student progress. The episode includes a compelling anecdote about a student who initially struggled in the classroom but thrived in a different role in a class production, underscoring the importance of recognizing individual strengths and learning preferences.

Andy and Gordon also open up about their unexpected journeys into ministry, sharing their initial resistance and the pivotal role of mentors. They delve into the struggle with the idol of security, recounting the challenges and rewards of stepping into the unknown. Their candid discussion sheds light on the complexities of answering a call to ministry and the profound impact it has had on their lives, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in navigating the uncertainties of their paths.

Bio:

Gordon Duncan has been married to his wife Amy for 27 years and they have 3 wonderful daughters: Meredith, Landry, and Emma. In addition to being the president of Capitalize Marketing & Consulting, Gordon has also been an award-winning educator, salesman, podcaster, bestselling author, and pastor for 20 years. An epilepsy fighter, Gordon has run 28 marathons including the historic Boston Marathon. He loves enabling businesses to capitalize on what they do best so they can grow their revenue.

Links:

Learn more about Capitalize at www.capitalizeyourbest.com

Billy Akers

Description:

Biography:

https://abnb.me/haUO9uEccGb  

Dr. Steve Huff

Description:

Join host, Andy Bennetts for a SPECIAL conversation with his long-time friend, mentor and previous boss, Dr. Steve Huff.

The episode covers a wide range of topics, including Steve's career evolution, the use of training simulators, personal development for teens through a framework called Soul Map, and the value of savoring moments and finding joy in the process. The two friends also discussed the concept of maps and mind songs, using diverse examples to illustrate the idea of mapping internal experiences.

Steve introduced his acronym PBJ, representing Peace, Belonging, and Joy, and explained its significance in his personal mission statement. Andy suggested expanding on the acronym and discussed the components of frequency, duration, and intensity in relation to PBJ and MLS (myself, loved ones, and strangers). The conversation delved into the deeper meaning of the acronym and its application in daily life, emphasizing the importance of peace, belonging, and joy for oneself and others. The discussion highlighted the intention to incorporate these values into daily interactions and relationships.

Throughout the discussion, there was a strong emphasis on the power of personal connections and the lasting impact of meaningful conversations.

Bio:

Steve is a creative action-oriented entrepreneur who is passionate about innovation.

He earned his PhD in Social Welfare in 2001 from the University of Kansas in the Strengths Model. Ran a mental health consulting business for 15 years. Then ran an education technology company for 15 years where we sold educational products to schools, the military, and public/private training corporations.

He then created an online training program called SPARCs for Good and RellaFit.

He is currently running a mobile outreach social work program called THRIVE that serves the unhoused community in Denver.

Steve lives in Golden, CO with his wife, two kids, and a yellow lab.

He loves to play Ultimate frisbee, mountain bike, complete LEGO builds, and plays guitar in a band.

Connect with Steve:

[email protected]

Amanda Robinson

Description:

The episode begins with Amanda sharing her journey into education, emphasizing the importance of connecting classroom learning to real-life applications and nurturing relationships with students. Andy commends her for deeply caring for students and raised the question of how to manage the delicate balance between caring for students and setting boundaries. Amanda delves into the importance of establishing a culture of respect in the classroom and the essential qualities of trust and humility in leadership.

The two siblings engage in a conversation about the essential lessons of humility and preparation in leadership and teaching, drawing from personal experiences to highlight the impact of these qualities. Amanda shares her admiration for three leaders she looks up to and tries to emulate: Jesus, her father, and her husband Dave. Andy Bennetts then asks about her most impactful learning experience in the last year, prompting a detailed explanation of the implementation of Responsibility Centered Discipline in their school. The episode wraps up with a conversation about empowering learning for future generations, with a focus on the impact of social media and the need to teach kids to use technology wisely.

Bio:

I’m Amanda Robinson. I’m a wife, mom, and grandma! My husband and I are both in education and I love having him completely understand the unique challenges of that!  We have three kids in their 20’s and the littlest love of our lives is our grandbaby! My faith is the most important thing in my life, and I see my family as my most important “job”. But I also have been blessed to find great joy and purpose in my day job. I have been a teacher for 12 years now. 10 of those have been at the middle school level. I’m one of the crazy people that loves that age! (Most days!) My degree is in biology, so I have taught mostly science but after I got my masters in curriculum and instruction, I was given the privilege of creating a health class that I have taught for the past four years! And this is where I have found my true teaching passion and I feel so grateful for the job I have! I also spend time planning and leading national and international missions’ trips which is such an honor and something else I just love to do!

Shayne Mims

Description:

Shayne and Andy engage in personal conversations about their life journeys, musical history, and experiences with setbacks and resilience. The conversation emphasizes the importance of humility, continuous learning, and personal growth in navigating life's challenges and serving others. 

Bio:

Tommi Sue Cox

Summary:

Join host Andy Bennetts with his special guest Tommi Sue Cox for a lighthearted and reflective conversation about their experiences in education and leadership. They discussed their backgrounds, challenges, and successes in Title I schools, emphasizing the need for qualified teachers and resources for students in high-poverty areas. They also highlighted the importance of diversity and arts education in public schools, sharing personal anecdotes and insights. The conversation touched on the transformative power of early arts education and the impact of programs like Book Trust in promoting reading habits and empowerment among students. The old friends also discussed the impact of technology on learning.

This episode serves as a warm and friendly exchange between two educators with a shared passion for promoting education and supporting students in need. They shared personal stories and insights, highlighting the challenges and successes of their professional journeys. The conversation underscored the importance of compassion, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds in the education system.

Bio:

Tommi Sue Cox holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Evangel University and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. She has served as a public school educator for 33 years. Tommi Sue has worked in Title I schools throughout her career. She retired in 2023 after serving for 21 years as Principal at Laurel Elementary School of Arts and Technology which is a PreK - 5th grade neighborhood public school in Fort Collins, Colorado. She is an advocate for public education and believes in the value of students learning alongside peers with diverse backgrounds. Serving as a Poudre School District leader in Northern Colorado, Mrs. Cox has served on boards whose missions align with her core values of providing equitable educational experiences for all children. She has partnered with organizations such as the North Fort Collins Business Association, Matthew's House, Book Trust, and Project Smile and Vision. She is a founding board member of United Neighbors/Vecinos Unidos which supports affordable, sustainable housing and promotes a sense of community and ownership. She also currently serves on the Regional Advisory Board of Book Trust, a national early literacy 501(c)3 organization founded twenty years ago with the mission to provide all children equitable access to books of choice in order to promote reading motivation, engagement and a lifelong love of learning.

Links:

• https://booktrust.org/

Dani Goeppert

Summary:

Dani speaks on her background, including her Canadian roots, life in Europe, and her journey as the CEO and founder of Risen Events. The conversation sets the stage for an engaging and informative podcast interview.

Andy and Dani engage in a detailed exploration of virtual events and their variations. Dani emphasizes the significance of monetization and audience engagement in successful virtual events, particularly in the context of lead-generating summits. They highlight the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of virtual events, noting the ability to reach a wider audience and pivot quickly when needed.

At the same time, they recognize the irreplaceable value of in-person interactions and the unique experiences they offer. Their conversation underscores the importance of considering both types of events in the future, envisioning a hybrid model that leverages the strengths of each.

Dani recounts her journey in marketing and copywriting to creating her first successful virtual event, the Courageous Mama Summit, which garnered over a thousand registrations and marked a significant achievement in her business. This success prompted her to transition from designing educational products to focusing on event planning for entrepreneurs, leading to the establishment of Risen Events. Her story highlights the transformative power of events in business and her passion for helping entrepreneurs utilize events as a strategic tool.

Dani ends the discussion by sharing her profound learning experiences from 2023, highlighting a session by John Maxwell that focused on embracing failure as a transformative process. She also introduces the concept of "learning lunches," where individuals engage with those who excel in various areas to gain insights and expand their network. Furthermore, Dani emphasizes the importance of making learning a lifestyle, not confined to formal settings, and advocates for instilling a love for learning and curiosity in future generations.

Bio:

Dani Goeppert helps Christian women entrepreneurs market their businesses by creating their own stages utilizing fun, immersive virtual events with zero ad spend. She is on a mission to help them make more, so they can invest more - into their families, communities, relationships and projects and thus transform the nations. She is the founder and CEO of Risen Events.

She is a wild, happy, mama of six, and married to the handsomest of German men. Originally from Canada, currently she resides with her family in Austria where they delight in looking at the Alps and cows and are joyfully serving God.

Dani Goeppert believes it’s all about relationship. She helps agencies and scaling businesses use event led marketing by creating their own stages utilizing immersive virtual events with zero ad spend. She is on a mission to help them make more, so they can invest more - into their families, communities, relationships and projects and thus transform the nations. She is the founder and CEO of Risen Events.

By leveraging the use of virtual events, and the power of relationship, Risen Events helps businesses get paid to generate thousands of leads, organically. On top of her virtual event agency, she teaches and coaches others how to do the same using her Risen Audience Boom Program™.

She is a wild, happy, mama of six, and married to the handsomest of German men. Originally from Canada, currently she resides with her family in Austria where they delight in looking at the Alps and cows and are joyfully serving God.

You can find her and some great resources at:

• www.DaniGoeppert.com

[email protected]  or [email protected]

George Welsh

Summary:

George shares his personal and professional journey, highlighting his experiences as superintendent of schools in Center, Colorado, and his involvement in advocating for adequate funding in Colorado. He also discusses his current role at the Colorado Education Initiative and the Rural Superintendent’s Academy, which aims to provide well-prepared leaders for rural school systems in Colorado. George provides insights into the role of a superintendent in developing relationships and leading the board to excellence, emphasizing the importance of engaging the community, resource management, and planning for leadership transitions within the school system.

Andy and George also discuss the impact of the BEST program on their communities, detailing the financial constraints they faced before the program and how it facilitates the funding of new school buildings. They highlight the challenges of passing measures for mill levy increases and bond approvals, underscoring the program's role in partnering with local funds to overcome these obstacles. The conversation reflects on the widespread influence of the BEST program across Colorado and the transformative effect it has had on building projects in various districts.

The episode also delves into the complexities of education leadership, shedding light on the common misconceptions and challenges faced by superintendents. Andy and George emphasize the importance of consensus-building and teamwork at this level, debunking the notion that superintendents have unilateral decision-making power. Additionally, they reflect on the impact of admired leaders, with George sharing a personal anecdote about his influential baseball coach. The conversation also dives into the significance of relevant learning in empowering future generations, highlighting the need to connect education to real-world applications and career paths, particularly through programs like Career and Technical Education (CTE) and industry certifications.

Bio:

George Welsh is a 28-year Colorado resident with a BA in Secondary Education and an MA in Education Leadership. He's in the midst of a 38-year career in public education serving at all levels from classroom teacher to principal, central office administrator, and even 25 years as a Superintendent of Schools. He is currently a PERA retiree but allocates time to the Colorado Education Initiative as a Senior Partner, the Colorado School Finance Project as a Field Representative, the Canon City School District as Coordinator of Special Projects, as a board member of Colorado's Capital Construction (BEST) Board, and as a Trustee for the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind. 

Links:

CEI: https://www.coloradoedinitiative.org/ 

RSA: https://www.coloradoedinitiative.org/projects/rural-superintendent-academy/ 

The Colorado School Finance Protect: https://cosfp.org/#gsc.tab=0 

Colorado's Building Excellent Schools Today program: https://www.cde.state.co.us/capitalconstruction/best 

Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind: https://csdb.colorado.gov/