In this Quick Huddle episode, we discuss some methods that will help you ensure clarity and alignment across your organization:

1. First, you can never over-communicate your vision, culture, and priorities.

To learn more, you can read an accompanying article at “Commander’s Intent”: Effectively communicating what you want done… (or to schedule a 15-minute introductory call with Baron, use this link: https://calendly.com/baron-lukas-exechq/15-minute-consultation-with-baron ).

Baron Lukas Bio: 

An executive leader, board member, advisor, coach, and retired Marine Corps Colonel, Baron has 43 years of leadership, management, and mentoring experience.  His professional career spans a diverse spectrum of positions: fighter pilot, instructor, strategist, intelligence officer, professor, commander, and finally, business executive, entrepreneur, board member, and advisor. 

Baron is a Principal at ExecHQ, a consulting firm comprised of senior executives in North America and globally with extensive C-Suite (e.g., CEO, CFO, COO, CMO, etc.) experience. ExecHQ delivers on-demand, cost-effective solutions for complex business problems that CEOs and business owners face. Baron’s advisory services include Chief of Staff as a Service, pre-transaction valuation improvement, strategy development and execution, executive coaching, corporate governance, and succession planning. Baron heads ExecHQ’s Chief of Staff as a Service, Executive Coaching, Corporate Governance practices, and ExecHQ MULTIPLE, an advisory program specifically intended to prepare businesses for an M&A transaction or capital raise.

Baron’s long history of business and military leadership positions gives him a unique perspective that blends the best practices of both worlds.  A native of Germany, Baron is bilingual (English and German) and holds two master’s degrees.

This episode delves into the intricacies of reviving an underperforming international expansion initiative. We explore the hand-holding process required to guide clients through their challenges after entering a new market. From aligning marketing strategies with regulatory requirements to optimizing operations within financial considerations, we discuss the holistic approach needed to navigate the complexities of global expansion. Join us as we uncover the key strategies and insights for achieving stability and success in international markets.

Episode Overview:

·  Introduction to the client's international expansion initiative and current challenges.

·  Tailored marketing strategies to resonate with local audiences and comply with regulations.

·  Compliance strategy development to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

·  Operational optimization to streamline processes and enhance scalability.

·  Financial strategy implementation to manage risks and optimize performance.

·  Recap of key action points, proposal of next steps, and assurance of ongoing support.

To learn more, here is a link to a short article: Navigating the Road to Revenue: Reviving an Underperforming International Expansion Initiative.

To discuss the subject with Ellza and Sandra, you can book a 15-minute call with them here:https://calendly.com/d/cpx9-mwp-skv/international-expansion-consult-15-minute

Ellza bio:

Ellza Malok is a principal, and CMO recognized for her data science background and expertise in behavior science research. With a passion for psychology-based approaches, Ellza leads the International Group and co-chairs the marketing group at ExecHQ. Based in Chicago, Ellza's global reach extends across Europe and the Middle East, where she supports clients in navigating the complexities of business growth and evolving organizations to their next phase. As a refugee immigrant to the US from Kosovo, Ellza's journey has instilled in her a unique outlook on the differences between perception, data, and reality, driving her dedication to empathetically understanding perspectives, thus ensuring impactful results through strategic marketing initiatives.

Sandra bio:

As an ExecHQ Principal based in Mexico City, Sandra brings a wealth of experience in various leadership roles, including Director, Consultant, and Coach, spanning local, regional, and international contexts. Sandra's bicultural background uniquely positions her to seamlessly integrate British, American, and Latin American approaches and regulations into her work, contributing to her extensive hands-on experience and professional development. She excels in driving profitability and navigating complex challenges across administration, systems auditing, compliance, and finance. As a member of our international expansion group and a Latin America (LATAM) expert, Sandra is pivotal in guiding clients through successful expansion initiatives and strategic growth endeavors.

Welcome to the first Quick Huddle edition of the Executives on The Frontlines Podcast! These episodes will focus on the most frequently asked questions from our clients. In 5-7 minutes, we will briefly summarize how to address the question of the week. This Quick Huddle edition episode focuses on developing a company's pipeline of leaders. Executive coach Baron Lukas discusses the three keys to developing strong leaders: 1. Hiring Process; 2. Identifying Potential Leaders; and 3. Mentorship.

To learn more about Baron Lukas' insight on leadership development, you can schedule a 15-minute introductory call with Baron at: https://calendly.com/baron-lukas-exechq/15-minute-consultation-with-baron.

Baron Lukas bio: 

An executive leader, board member, advisor, coach, and retired Marine Corps Colonel, Baron has 43 years of leadership, management, and mentoring experience.  His professional career spans a diverse spectrum of positions: fighter pilot, instructor, strategist, intelligence officer, professor, commander, and finally, business executive, entrepreneur, board member, and advisor. 

Baron is a Principal at ExecHQ, a consulting firm comprised of senior executives in North America and globally with extensive C-Suite (e.g., CEO, CFO, COO, CMO, etc.) experience. ExecHQ delivers on-demand, cost-effective solutions for complex business problems that CEOs and business owners face. Baron’s advisory services include Chief of Staff as a Service, pre-transaction valuation improvement, strategy development and execution, executive coaching, corporate governance, and succession planning. Baron heads ExecHQ’s Chief of Staff as a Service, Executive Coaching and Corporate Governance practices, and ExecHQ MULTIPLE, an advisory program specifically intended to prepare businesses for an M&A transaction or capital raise. Baron’s long history of business and military leadership positions gives him a unique perspective that blends the best practices of both worlds.  A native of Germany, Baron is bilingual (English and German) and holds two master’s degrees.

In this episode, we have a frank discussion with Brian Simmons, Vice President of NDS Solutions, a family-owned, nationally ranked business-to-business print and promotional products provider. Initially, the company believed their only need was a succession plan for the transition of leadership from father to son. However, once the engagement began, an assessment revealed numerous opportunities for improvement. Their partner created a comprehensive strategic business roadmap, an accountability process, and provided 9-months of executive coaching, ultimately revitalizing the entire company. Tune in to hear how NDS Solutions went beyond succession planning to achieve transformative growth.

For more information about NDS Solutions, its custom services, and branded promotional products, contact Brian Simmons at [email protected] or visit its website at NDS-Solutions.com.

To learn more about ExecHQ and our services, please schedule a 15-minute introductory call with Baron Lukas at: https://calendly.com/baron-lukas-exechq/15-minute-consultation-with-baron.

In this episode, we delve into the role and benefits of an ExecHQ Chief of Staff (CoS) for your business. In today’s dynamic business environment, privately owned lower-middle-market companies face challenges that require coherent strategic planning, execution discipline, ethical accountability, and leadership development. To meet these complex requirements, business owners, fiduciary boards, and CEOs need an experienced senior executive leader who can work to augment and professionalize the leadership team. Our experienced senior executives assist the ownership in developing and executing a plan that mitigates the day-to-day chaos, puts the company on a clear path for growth and greater profitability, and establishes a culture that attracts the right talent and business opportunities. ExecHQ is introducing the Chief of Staff as a Service to fulfill this need in our advisory services portfolio.

You can read the accompanying article at  The Role and Benefits of an ExecHQ Chief of Staff (CoS) for Your Business (or to schedule a 15-minute introductory call with Baron, use this link: https://calendly.com/baron-lukas-exechq/15-minute-consultation-with-baron).

Baron Lukas bio: 

An executive leader, board member, advisor, coach, and retired Marine Corps Colonel, Baron has 43 years of leadership, management, and mentoring experience.  His professional career spans a diverse spectrum of positions: fighter pilot, instructor, strategist, intelligence officer, professor, commander, and finally, business executive, entrepreneur, board member, and advisor. 

Baron is a Principal at ExecHQ, a consulting firm comprised of senior executives in North America and globally with extensive C-Suite (e.g., CEO, CFO, COO, CMO, etc.) experience. ExecHQ delivers on-demand, cost-effective solutions for complex business problems that CEOs and business owners face. Baron’s advisory services include Chief of Staff as a Service, pre-transaction valuation improvement, strategy development and execution, executive coaching, corporate governance, and succession planning. Baron heads ExecHQ’s Chief of Staff as a Service, Executive Coaching, and Corporate Governance practices, and ExecHQ MULTIPLE, an advisory program specifically intended to prepare businesses for an M&A transaction or capital raise.

Baron’s long history of business and military leadership positions gives him a unique perspective that blends the best practices of both worlds.  A native of Germany, Baron is bilingual (English and German) and holds two master’s degrees.

In this episode, we delve into the essence of reputation, often touted as a company's most valuable asset. Drawing wisdom from Warren Buffett's timeless advice on reputation management, our guest, Kathy Leech illuminates the intricate relationship between brand and reputation. We explore how a brand acts as the tree, while its reputation serves as the shadow — the perception formed by past actions and experiences. Delving deeper, we dissect the elements of brand and reputation, deciphering how they intertwine to shape consumer perceptions and business outcomes. Join us as we unravel the process of uncovering a purpose that resonates with stakeholders, from employees to investors, and how embedding it into every facet of operations can drive tangible results. From enhancing employee commitment to boosting community endorsement, discover the transformative potential of purpose in fortifying and enhancing company reputation.

You can email Kathy at [email protected] to receive her blog post on this topic (or to schedule a 15-minute introductory call with Kathy use this link: https://calendly.com/kathy-leech/introductory-call-1).

Kathy Leech bio: Kathy Leech has deep experience in all aspects of the marketing process and is an expert in uncovering key insights and turning them into actionable plans that generate results. She has grown brands and corporate reputations at companies like Quaker Oats, Hunt Wesson, Comcast, and BP through impactful marketing strategies and award-winning integrated communications campaigns. She also has deep experience with particularly difficult brand challenges, including leading the brand, research, advertising, and social media response to the Gulf Oil Spill. Kathy’s pragmatic, common-sense approach, collaborative style, and client-side experience have helped brands to find fit-for-purpose solutions to their biggest marketing challenges. With a track record of successfully managing brands through both growth

Practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Intelligent Automation, Robotic Process Automation, and other technologies can help your business achieve significant returns on your investment.

Jim Hoggatt Bio:

Jim is the CEO of ExecHQ, a global consulting firm that helps for-profit and non-profit organizations get to the next level through the use of ExecHQ EXaaS™ (Executives as a Service) and other solutions.

Business owners are a unique breed.  They are smart and bright bright people.  If your business is over two years old, especially if it started before the pandemic, you are doing some things right. You have a dedicated, hardworking team... good folks.  But there can be problems – Businesses facing new issues, new circumstances for the first time, have a curve ball thrown at them when they expect a fastball. This is particularly applicable to younger businesses, ones that have experienced success and growth, but suddenly, out of the blue, something unexpected and new hits you. Now what?

Mark Derr Bio:

Mark Derr has many years of experience as a business consultant, CFO, corporate senior executive, and business owner.  He provides CEO/CFO advisory and consulting services to entrepreneurial privately held companies in various industries including aviation, healthcare, retail, and services.  As an executive coach, he has trained over 200 senior executives and sales teams in consultative sales methodologies.  His corporate experience includes 10 years in the aviation industry as a Chief Financial Officer for a commercial aviation services firm and 10 years in the defense industry in Management Systems.  He has an MBA in Finance. Mark is a Principal at ExecHQ, a global consulting firm that helps for-profit and non-profit organizations get to the next level.  

Episode Description:

In this episode, we explore the application of behavioral psychology in marketing strategies with Ellza Malok (https://linkedin.com/in/ellzamalok), a Principal at ExecHQ (www.exechq.com). Join us for an insightful discussion as we delve into the intricacies of leveraging psychological principles to build trust and influence purchase decisions for impactful growth. Discover effective tactics for crafting psychology-based messaging that enhances credibility and resonates with target audiences.

Ellza Malok Bio:

Ellza Malok is a Principal and CMO recognized for her data science background and expertise in behavioral science research. Ellza's expertise has led her to scale and transform organizations comprehensively, from optimizing marketing and sales functions to enhancing intelligence departments, resulting in holistic organizational growth. With a passion for psychology-based approaches, Ellza leads the International Group and co-chairs the marketing group at ExecHQ. Based in Chicago, Ellza's global reach extends across Europe and the Middle East, where she supports clients in navigating the complexities of business growth and evolving their organizations to their next phase. As a refugee immigrant to the US from Kosovo, Ellza's journey has instilled in her a unique outlook on the differences between perception, data, and reality, driving her dedication to empathetically understanding perspectives, thus ensuring impactful results through strategic marketing initiatives.

Most organizations focus on three things when assessing its value: its balance sheet, leadership, and position in the marketplace. I challenge every organization to set those metrics aside and focus on identifying the core values that exist when operating at its highest level and operationalizing those values throughout every level of the organization. The benefits of this approach are explosive: teams become more cohesive, leaders learn to trust their people and their people become more trusting of the leaders, and leaders empower people to solve their problems because who is better equipped to come up with solutions than those who are responsible for implementing them?

To schedule a 15-minute call with Elizabeth, you can use the following link: https://calendly.com/whatsnextbiz/let-s-meet-free-consultation

Elizabeth Souder's Bio: Elizabeth McJimsey Souder is a “recovering” attorney and organizational health consultant and coach who helps companies and leaders realign the disconnect between who they say they are and how they behave. She has worked with some of Kansas City’s leading organizations as they launched, prepared for growth, prepared for expansion, addressed COVID and post-COVID related