How'd it Happen?

How'd it Happen?

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How'd it Happen? episodes

  • Kyle McDowell - The Beauty & Power of WE

    Kyle McDowell is a man who traded corporate might for the mightier power of collaborative leadership. Kyle shares all about his transformative journey, chronicled in his compelling book "Begin With We," where the shift from an 'I' focused worldview to a 'we' centered philosophy is not just theoretical but lived. In this episode, Kyle peels back the layers of leadership, examining how personal growth and professional excellence can indeed be synonymous when vulnerability and collective success are placed at the heart of one's ethos.

    Kyle and Mike dig into the raw and often unseen struggles leaders face when aligning personal values with the culture of the corporate giants they steer. Kyle recounts the turning point that led him to walk away from a high-profile role, sparking a drive to pen principles that now guide leaders toward more holistic and effective management styles. Hear the tales that breathe life into the "10 We's" framework and how embracing challenges within a team can build trust and forge stronger relationships, transforming skepticism into exemplary leadership.

    This conversation with Kyle traverses the emotional landscape from shame to liberation, underscoring the importance of small victories in the journey of self-discovery and confidence building. Kyle's personal narrative exemplifies how living one's professional principles in everyday life extends beyond the boardroom, shaping a legacy of integrity and authenticity. This episode is an invitation to leaders and change-makers alike to embrace action, accountability, and excellence, inspiring a new wave of leadership that is as empowering as it is effective.

    Key highlights:

    • Discovering Purpose
    • ]Corporate America Transformation Story
    • Navigating Career Changes and Challenges
    • Breaking the Cycle of Bad Leadership
    • Establishing Workplace Principles for Accountability
    • Navigating Personality Conflicts in Leadership
    • Fostering Strong Professional Relationships
    • Navigating Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
    • Personal Principles in Professional Life
    • Embracing Mistakes for Team Growth

    Connect with Kyle McDowell:

    • Get his book: Begin with WE
    • Website: kylemcdowellinc.com
    • Instagram: @kylemcdowellinc

    To Connect with Mike:

    • Website
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Coaching
    • Get Mike’s book: Owner Shift

    Please LIKE 👍SHARE 📲SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on all LIVE Streams on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter


    1 hr 17 min
  • Why I Don't Believe in 'Small' Business

    In this solo episode, Mike dives into a topic that is near and dear to his heart, and that is when people call their business “small.” Businesses come in all sizes, but none of them are small. 

    Politicians like to refer to small businesses, and how they are the backbone of our economy, and they can talk about business as they wish, but the problem comes in when business owners talk about their own businesses as small. Why does this matter? Because words matter! What you say and how you describe yourself matters and reflects how you think about yourself. 

    You are not small, and your business isn’t either. Every business started with a big idea, and even though you may have started small, continuing to describe yourself as small will eventually make your thinking small. Over time, thinking small can become a crutch or an excuse upon which to lean instead of making constant progress, learning new things, or making the business as productive and impactful as it can be. Small is not about the size of your company. It's about the size of your thinking. Mike offers a great mental reframe to stop thinking of your business, and therefore yourself, as “small.”

    To Connect with Mike:

    • Website
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Coaching
    • Get Mike’s book: Owner Shift

    Please LIKE 👍SHARE 📲SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on all LIVE Streams on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter


    6 min
  • Steven Pivnik - How to Be Built to Finish

    The unfathomable drive required to complete the Ironman World Championship and the tenacity needed to catapult a startup from inception to a successful exit; Steven Pivnik embodies both. As he unfolds his story from his early days as an immigrant, grappling with new beginnings, to his transformation into an acclaimed entrepreneur and endurance athlete, Steven lets us in on the parallels between the discipline required for athletic training and orchestrating a company's growth. His journey is a masterclass in leveraging failure as fuel and the pivotal role of strong relationships and strategic foresight in achieving success.

    Programming may seem galaxies away from the grit of endurance sports, yet Steven draws an unexpected connection. His story traverses the evolution from a computer programming enthusiast to a trailblazer in the tech industry, founding Binary Tree. But it's not just about the code – it's about the human element, the art of networking that transformed Steven from a corporate programmer to a business magnate. His shift from a sedentary lifestyle to competing in one of the most grueling athletic events on the planet, the Ironman World Championship, mirrors his business acumen – calculated, relentless, and with a vision that far surpasses the finish line.

    "Built to Finish" is more than a book title for Steven, it's a credo. The process of penning his story was as introspective as it was informative, offering a lens into the synergy of an entrepreneurial and athletic mindset. As Steven shares how he set towering goals and meticulously charted a path to achieve them, listeners are invited to reflect on their own potential and the power of manifestation. His journey is a testament to the belief that within each of us lies the capability to unlock greatness, and it's a story that's sure to leave you contemplating the finish lines you're destined to cross.

    Key highlights:

    • Immigrant Entrepreneur and Endurance Athlete
    • Early Computer Programming Career and Entrepreneurship
    • Success Through Relationships and Custom Projects
    • Entrepreneur Turns Athlete
    • Manifestation and Achievement

    Connect with Steven Pivnik:

    • Get his book: Built to Finish
    • Website: stevenpivnik.com
    • LinkedIn: Steven Pivnik

    To Connect with Mike:

    • Website
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Coaching
    • Get Mike’s book: Owner Shift

    Please LIKE 👍SHARE 📲SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on all LIVE Streams on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter


    59 min
  • Human Nature [Not History] Repeats

    Have you ever tried to learn from the future? Probably not, because it is hard to learn from something that has yet to happen. We can imagine the future and create it, but we can’t use it as a lesson. What about the present? The present is fleeting and happening right now at this moment, so it’s not something we can really learn from either. What we can definitely learn from is the past. The past has all the lessons of what has happened, and it is like a library that we can learn from. We can study success, failures, and everything in between, and take note of how we can improve.

    We have all heard the saying “history repeats itself”, but if we really think about it, it’s actually human nature that repeats itself. History tends to repeat itself because we as humans, repeat ourselves and make the same mistakes as those that came before us. By studying history, we can try to avoid the mistakes of the past and get the benefit of taking valuable lessons to become better.

    Key Highlights:

    • Mike shares a podcast he listens to called “Founders” and what he has learned from tuning it
    • Mike uses the lessons from history to ask “How can I take them to be better?”
    • Why it is important to study the past?

    Links mentioned in the episode:

    Podcast: Founders

    To Connect with Mike:

    Website: https://mikemalatesta.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemalatesta/

    Get Mike’s book “Owner Shift”: https://mikemalatesta.com/owner-shift-book-by-mike-malatesta/

    To Connect with Mike:

    • Website
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Coaching
    • Get Mike’s book: Owner Shift

    Please LIKE 👍SHARE 📲SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on all LIVE Streams on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter


    11 min
  • Markus Kaulius - Don't Fight Your History

    Markus Kaulius is an entrepreneur and bodybuilder, and in this episode, he shares his remarkable story of how he channeled his turbulent past into a catalyst for growth and success. He reveals the power of owning your history, the importance of shedding societal expectations to find your true self, and the critical role of action in turning knowledge into tangible change. This episode is an awakening to the undeniable fact that each of us has an irreplaceable role on this planet, and the world needs the authentic 'you' to step forward. 

    Listen in as Mike and Markus discuss how life's toughest challenges can often be the most unexpected blessings, offering resilience and shaping our future in ways we might never have anticipated. Markus reflects on his experiences, from the struggles of parental divorce to the lessons learned that have forged his identity as a husband and father. He also tackles the transformative power of self-belief, the courage to break free from societal labels, and the necessity of surrounding ourselves with mentors and like-minded individuals. It's a conversation that underscores the transformative power of authenticity and the importance of aligning with those who nurture our growth.

    In this powerful episode, Markus  and Mike also touch on the interplay between personal growth, relationships, and professional success. They share insights on the importance of self-care, particularly for parents, and how prioritizing our well-being allows us to be more present and impactful in the lives of those we love. From personal narratives of overcoming adversity to entrepreneurial spirit, this episode covers it all. So, tune in, be inspired, and let's activate the greatness within.

    Key highlights:

    • Uncovering Authenticity
    • Finding Blessings in Life's Challenges
    • Discovering and Embracing Authentic Self
    • Personal Growth Through Life Experiences
    • Integrity and Community in Health

    Connect with Markus Kaulius:

    • LinkedIn: Markus Kaulius

    To Connect with Mike:

    • Website
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Coaching
    • Get Mike’s book: Owner Shift

    Please LIKE 👍SHARE 📲SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on all LIVE Streams on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter


    1 hr 6 min
  • Batteries Not Included

    Are you someone that stays charged, or someone that needs charging? That is the question of today’s solo episode. As humans, we don’t have actual batteries that need charging, but we know there are certain things that recharge us, such as rest and restorative practices. We have some sort of energy source within us, but for some people, it doesn’t seem that way.

    The way Mike sees it is that there are two kinds of people: the “batteries included” group, and the “batteries not included” group. Those that come with batteries know how to get themselves going and how to motivate others to get going. We feel enlightened around them. They are autonomous and self-starters. Those in the “batteries not included” group tend to have the opposite effect on others. We feel drained, deflated, and progress always feels so much more difficult. Which one are you? Chances are, you want to say you come with batteries and light other people up because we all aspire to be that way. 

    Make sure you know how to keep your battery charged and light the way for others. Mike wants you to be a person that is a catalyst for change and great things, so how can he help you stay connected and charged? Tune in for more!

    Key Highlights:

    • The difference between “batteries included” people and “batteries not included” people 
    • Do you choose to keep your energy fresh, charged, and connected? 
    • Mike asks: Which kind of person are you? 
    • How can Mike help you stay fully connected and fully charged?

    To Connect with Mike:

    • Website
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Coaching
    • Get Mike’s book: Owner Shift

    Please LIKE 👍SHARE 📲SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on all LIVE Streams on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter


    8 min
  • Kevin McGoff - Creating Meaning with an Active Mind

    Picture this: you’re standing at a crossroads in your career, wondering if the path to fulfillment lies in the confines of your office or out in the vast world of possibilities. Kevin McGoff, Mike’s esteemed guest, takes you on his personal expedition from a bustling law career to a tranquil retirement, revealing the profound lessons learned about cultivating a purposeful life. Kevin traverses topics from the impact of his father's '50-50 guy' philosophy to the stark cultural contrasts between America's and France's interpretations of busyness and identity. His transition serves as a guiding light for professionals seeking to enrich their lives beyond their work desks.

    Navigating the legal labyrinth comes with its share of hidden pressures and ethical quicksand. This episode pulls back the curtain on these professional challenges and the crucial role of seeking counsel within the practice. This discussion illuminates the transformative power of professional coaching, a journey Mike has personally undertaken with life-altering results. Together, Kevin and Mike dissect the complexities of law firm dynamics, the gratification of personal development through coaching, and how embracing guidance can lead to expansive personal and professional growth.

    Kevin's role as an author unfolds in a heartening narrative, touching on how his book has profoundly influenced readers, like a retiring doctor who found solace in its chapters. Such stories underscore the importance of acknowledging the mentors who shape our journeys. 

    Key highlights:

    • Kevin's Journey to Success
    • Transitioning to a New Career Passion
    • Life's Parallel Runways and Strategy
    • Lawyers and Financial Struggles

    Connect with Kevin McGoff::

    • Get Kevin’s book: surlaroutekm.com/my-book
    • Facebook: facebook.com/kevin.mcgoff.5
    • Instagram: @kevin_mcgoff

    To Connect with Mike:

    • Website
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Coaching
    • Get Mike’s book: Owner Shift

    Please LIKE 👍SHARE 📲SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on all LIVE Streams on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter


    1 hr
  • Why Hours Are Not Your Friend

    We have been taught to trade our time for money, but there comes the point where we are allowing a disservice to ourselves by operating this way. The more of an expert we become in our field, the less time it takes us to reach a result, and that result is usually of higher quality than what others with less experience can provide. By continuing to trade our time for money, we will need to put in more and more of our time to reach our desired income.

    In this episode, Mike encourages you to trade your expertise and value for money instead of the time it takes you to provide a service or result. People typically don’t ask you how long it took you to reach expert status in your industry, they usually ask how long it will take you to complete the task, but we need to provide a reframe for this way of thinking. Mike walks you through how to convey your value and expertise, and justify premium pricing for the experience that you have, instead of the time it takes you to get a result. 

    Quote from the episode: 

    • “Don't charge for your time, charge for your result.”

    Key Highlights:

    • To make a fortune, trading hours for money will take a great deal of your time
    • The more expert you become, the less time it takes you to do something
    • If we charge by the hour as an experienced person, we lose money
    • We need to take a lesson from Picasso’s rules: value your expertise on your outcome and the result and not the number of hours 
    • Mike explains how to get past your client's thought processing of paying by the hour  

    To Connect with Mike:

    • Website
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Coaching
    • Get Mike’s book: Owner Shift

    Please LIKE 👍SHARE 📲SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on all LIVE Streams on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter


    9 min
  • Michael Santos - Why Prison Should Be Like America

    Discover how Michael Santos, a man who once faced a 26-year prison term, emerged as a triumphant author, educator, and voice for reform. Michael's gripping tale of transformation from a convicted drug trafficker to a beacon of hope and change is a journey you won't want to miss. His candid revelations about the pivotal moments that spurred his profound metamorphosis offer a stark reminder that the human spirit can prevail over the darkest of circumstances. Tune in for an episode that will challenge your perceptions and inspire you with the raw power of resilience and self-redemption.

    In this conversation, Michael and Mike explore the intricate dance between accountability and the criminal justice system through the lens of personal experience and unwavering commitment to growth. Michael shares the wisdom gleaned from mentorship and his unwavering pursuit of knowledge, even amidst the harshness of prison life. Listeners will be drawn into a world where education paves the path to new beginnings, and mentorship becomes the cornerstone of a future unshackled from past transgressions. His life serves as a blueprint for crafting opportunities and harnessing the strength within to transcend adversity.

    Michael’s advocacy for a merit-based correctional system and the implications for society come to the forefront. This segment explores the necessity of reform to reflect the values of hard work and opportunity that define the American spirit. Entrepreneurs and business owners will appreciate Michael's insights on the fine line between success and legal scrutiny, emphasizing the need for vigilance and ethical practice in their endeavors. Tune in for a compelling narrative that will leave you pondering the essence of success, the significance of second chances, and the transformative potential of personal empowerment.

    Key highlights:

    • From Struggle to Success
    • Breaking the Law and Facing Consequences
    • Journey Through Legal Troubles and Redemption
    • Finding Redemption Through Education and Mentorship
    • Creating Opportunities Through Self-Empowerment
    • Reforming the Prison System for Success

    Connect with Michael Santos:

    • Website: prisonprofessors.com | earningfreedomcorp.com | michaelsantos.com
    • LinkedIn: Michael Santos

    To Connect with Mike:

    • Website
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Coaching
    • Get Mike’s book: Owner Shift

    Please LIKE 👍SHARE 📲SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on all LIVE Streams on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter


    1 hr 6 min
  • Cameron Bawden - Once I Commit, I Can't Quit

    Discover the incredible ascent of Cameron Bawden, who at 21 years old, armed with nothing but audacity and a single truck, built a pest control empire and a collection of flourishing companies. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs, as Cameron joins Mike to share the highs and lows of his remarkable journey. From his initial foray into the competitive Arizona market with door-to-door sales to his mastery of customer service and savvy business scaling, you're in for a masterclass on transforming trials into triumphs.

    Cameron's narrative is more than a business blueprint; it's a chronicle of personal evolution, shaped by unforeseen challenges and the resolve to push through adversity. Witness the strategic finesse that guided him through financial turmoil and the resilience it took to recover from a crippling investor pullout. The episode delves into the emotional nuances of entrepreneurship, from the weight of personal investment to the quest for balance amidst rapid growth, providing poignant insights that resonate beyond the boardroom.

    Cameron Bawden's journey is not just an account of building successful businesses, it's a testament to the indomitable spirit that drives the world's most innovative leaders.

    Key highlights:

    • Entrepreneurial Journey From Real Estate
    • Learning and Growing in Business
    • Funding Green Mango Success Through Diligence
    • Entrepreneur's Journey of Growth and Challenges
    • Business Struggles and Triumphs

    Connect with Cameron Bawden:

    • LinkedIn: Cameron Bawden
    • Instagram: @greenmangopestcontrol

    To Connect with Mike:

    • Website
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Coaching
    • Get Mike’s book: Owner Shift

    Please LIKE 👍SHARE 📲SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on all LIVE Streams on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter


    1 hr 3 min

About How'd it Happen?

From the publisher's feed

Hi, I’m Mike Malatesta, the creator and host of the "How'd it Happen?" podcast. On the podcast, I have meaningful conversations with some of the most successful people about how that success…