The first season of the Lead with Empower podcast comes to an end with the final episode - featuring Empower's Founders, Joe DeRing and Dan Jaskot. In a bit of a "dueling interview" format, Joe and Dan talk about the early years of entrepreneurship in 2009, the learning experiences and growth of both Empower Adventures and Empower Leadership, the "why" behind Empower, the challenges of COVID-19, and what is in store for Empower in 2020 and beyond!

Leadership Notes and Other Highlights:

02:30: Joe discusses his transition from the United States Army to entrepreneurship

06:40: Joe shares key Leadership Elements from his experience in the United States Army that are critical elements of the Empower operation

18:00: "12-hours in a Harness" - Joe shares insight into the early days of entrepreneurship and Empower

24:30: Joe discusses his evolution as a leader from a one-location small business in 2009 to a larger small business with 3 properties and a leadership business in 2020

30:22: Find out what Empower means to Maureen, Faith, and JJ - the DeRing Family

35:00: Dan shares what was going through his mind when he decided to leave the teaching profession to join Joe to build Empower

41:00: "Figure out a way to get things done" - Dan shares his thoughts on the early years of Empower and the Joe and Dan working relationship/dynamic

49:15: The growth of Empower from one to two locations - Dan discusses the challenges of Joe moving on to create a second Empower Adventures operation

57:00: Dan and Joe discuss business challenges faced in 2018-2019 and how those challenges led to even more "Empower Expansion"

1:05:00: A year like no other - Dan shares insight into the impact of COVID-19 on business and the importance of maintaining that "just make it happen" mentality

1:14:30: Dan shares his feelings and thoughts on the evolution of Empower Adventures and the development of Empower Leadership, the newest business under the Empower brand

1:18:00: Joe and Dan discuss highlights from the first season of the Lead with Empower podcast

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot matthewjaskot.com

https://soundcloud.com/matt-jaskot