Influential U

Always willing to help, but never able to ask for it, Tara Collison's journey as a student of Influence Ecology is a useful case study in the conceit of independence. She discovered that her ‘independence’ was merely ego and that this view and the subsequent actions alienated others, left her exhausted, and had long-term consequences to her finances, health, and family. Now eager to discover more of her flaws, warts, and vulnerabilities, she's currently collaborating to expand her newly branded consultancy, Meddlers. As "Chief Meddler," Tara blends her two decades of experience working in the Fortune 50 and her training as a psychologist to meddle where most are afraid to go.

In today's guru talk, we listen in on a discussion about the naiveté of self-sufficiency.

Always willing to help, but never able to ask for it, Tara Collison's journey as a student of Influence Ecology is a useful case study in the conceit of independence. She discovered that her ‘independence’ was merely ego and that this view and the subsequent actions alienated others, left her exhausted, and had long-term consequences to her finances, health, and family. Now eager to discover more of her flaws, warts, and vulnerabilities, she's currently collaborating to expand her newly branded consultancy, Meddlers. As "Chief Meddler," Tara blends her two decades of experience working in the Fortune 50 and her training as a psychologist to meddle where most are afraid to go.

In today's guru talk, we listen in on a discussion about the naiveté of self-sufficiency.

Always willing to help, but never able to ask for it, Tara Collison's journey as a student of Influence Ecology is a useful case study in the conceit of independence. She discovered that her ‘independence’ was merely ego and that this view and the subsequent actions alienated others, left her exhausted, and had long-term consequences to her finances, health, and family. Now eager to discover more of her flaws, warts, and vulnerabilities, she's currently collaborating to expand her newly branded consultancy, Meddlers. As "Chief Meddler," Tara blends her two decades of experience working in the Fortune 50 and her training as a psychologist to meddle where most are afraid to go.

In today's guru talk, we listen in on a discussion about the naiveté of self-sufficiency.

Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture designs buildings and places that bring people together. As award-winning architects, their projects are sharply differentiated from competitors, but the final selection still often won to price. Wanting more control of their future, CEO Craig Bouck pursued an education in the elements of value; the firm had mastered practical utility, but they hadn't yet positioned themselves as a scarce resource. They then did the hard work to deeply understand their clients' breakdowns (which go well beyond the design of a building) and developed specialized tools and processes that help communities overcome the complex hurdles that threaten the success of building and operating a community recreation center. In doing so, they changed the perception—from an expensive community accessory used by a few—to a vital, sustainable community asset that raises the quality of life and acts as an economic driver.

This episode's guru talk is a study of the elements of value and how too often this naiveté can lead to labor, frustration, and lost income.

Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture designs buildings and places that bring people together. As award-winning architects, their projects are sharply differentiated from competitors, but the final selection still often won to price. Wanting more control of their future, CEO Craig Bouck pursued an education in the elements of value; the firm had mastered practical utility, but they hadn't yet positioned themselves as a scarce resource. They then did the hard work to deeply understand their clients' breakdowns (which go well beyond the design of a building) and developed specialized tools and processes that help communities overcome the complex hurdles that threaten the success of building and operating a community recreation center. In doing so, they changed the perception—from an expensive community accessory used by a few—to a vital, sustainable community asset that raises the quality of life and acts as an economic driver.

This episode's guru talk is a study of the elements of value and how too often this naiveté can lead to labor, frustration, and lost income.

Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture designs buildings and places that bring people together. As award-winning architects, their projects are sharply differentiated from competitors, but the final selection still often won to price. Wanting more control of their future, CEO Craig Bouck pursued an education in the elements of value; the firm had mastered practical utility, but they hadn't yet positioned themselves as a scarce resource. They then did the hard work to deeply understand their clients' breakdowns (which go well beyond the design of a building) and developed specialized tools and processes that help communities overcome the complex hurdles that threaten the success of building and operating a community recreation center. In doing so, they changed the perception—from an expensive community accessory used by a few—to a vital, sustainable community asset that raises the quality of life and acts as an economic driver.

This episode's guru talk is a study of the elements of value and how too often this naiveté can lead to labor, frustration, and lost income.

As Canada’s authority on cultural reconstruction in complex emergencies, Dr. Sarah Jane Meharg is the principal and founder of Peace and Conflict Planners, often called upon by the Canadian Forces to help stabilize war-torn or post-disaster affected communities. She's authored two books: one on navigating the military and humanitarian divide and the other on measuring effectiveness, success, and understanding in peace operations and crisis management—a work endorsed by the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Martti Ahtisaari.

Her studies with Influence Ecology taught her about mitigating the cost she is to others in social exchanges; specifically, that persistence can be high cost—both to herself and those she is persistent with—and that persistence is not always warranted or called for to achieve her aims.

This episode's guru talk is from a portion of the Fundamentals of Transaction Program where Vice President Drew Knowles and Co-Founder Kirkland Tibbels address how unaware we are to the cost we impose on others in transactions.

As Canada’s authority on cultural reconstruction in complex emergencies, Dr. Sarah Jane Meharg is the principal and founder of Peace and Conflict Planners, often called upon by the Canadian Forces to help stabilize war-torn or post-disaster affected communities. She's authored two books: one on navigating the military and humanitarian divide and the other on measuring effectiveness, success, and understanding in peace operations and crisis management—a work endorsed by the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Martti Ahtisaari.

Her studies with Influence Ecology taught her about mitigating the cost she is to others in social exchanges; specifically, that persistence can be high cost—both to herself and those she is persistent with—and that persistence is not always warranted or called for to achieve her aims.

This episode's guru talk is from a portion of the Fundamentals of Transaction Program where Vice President Drew Knowles and Co-Founder Kirkland Tibbels address how unaware we are to the cost we impose on others in transactions.

As Canada’s authority on cultural reconstruction in complex emergencies, Dr. Sarah Jane Meharg is the principal and founder of Peace and Conflict Planners, often called upon by the Canadian Forces to help stabilize war-torn or post-disaster affected communities. She's authored two books: one on navigating the military and humanitarian divide and the other on measuring effectiveness, success, and understanding in peace operations and crisis management—a work endorsed by the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Martti Ahtisaari.

Her studies with Influence Ecology taught her about mitigating the cost she is to others in social exchanges; specifically, that persistence can be high cost—both to herself and those she is persistent with—and that persistence is not always warranted or called for to achieve her aims.

This episode's guru talk is from a portion of the Fundamentals of Transaction Program where Vice President Drew Knowles and Co-Founder Kirkland Tibbels address how unaware we are to the cost we impose on others in transactions.

How do you produce a robust identity amongst thousands of peers in a large corporate environment? Ron Sprengeler is someone who's done just that. Rather than join the naïve ranks of those whose viewpoint is that the job alone entitles them to a respected identity, Ron's case study demonstrates how to produce a powerful corporate identity in two ways: one, you'll hear how he's become well known and admired for his specialized knowledge and two, he shares just how he's cultivated a respected identity, reputation, and character among his peers. He's survived a big merger and feels confident that what he's learned from Influence Ecology will continue to help him provide real value in the marketplace.

Our latest guru talk distinguishes some of the fundamental principles that produce a respected identity—not only for the small business owner but also for any employee working within any size organization.