Leaders Lead: An Entrepreneurs Mindset

Hey, hey, hey! It’s Tony Taylor here, and I’m so excited to bring you this powerful episode of Leaders Lead. Today, I’m talking about something that’s been a game-changer in my life: awareness. Where are you right now in your life? Are you clear on your goals, your purpose, and the steps you need to take to get there? If not, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and this episode is for you.

I’m sharing personal stories about how becoming aware helped me overcome some of the toughest health challenges I’ve ever faced. I’ll also tell you about amazing people I’ve met along the way, like a mentor who left Hollywood to live his purpose and inspire others, and Veronica, a Speak University alum who found her voice and landed her dream job after facing her own fears. Their stories, and the lessons I’ve learned, will help you find your starting point and move toward your dreams.

This episode is all about getting real with yourself, figuring out where you’re at, and creating a plan to get where you want to be. Whether it’s your health, career, or relationships, I want to help you build the awareness and tools you need to succeed.

🎙 What You’ll Get From This Episode:

• My personal framework for building awareness and creating change.
• Inspiring stories of resilience and transformation.
• Practical tips to help you overcome obstacles and lead with purpose.
• Insights from SpeakUniversity.org to help you find and use your voice.

If you’re ready to grow, lead with greatness, and make a difference, hit subscribe and join me on this journey. And don’t forget to visit SpeakUniversity.org to learn more about mastering your voice, overcoming fear, and building the life you’ve always wanted. Let’s get started!

Keywords: personal growth, awareness, leadership, overcoming challenges, finding purpose, public speaking, motivational stories, Tony Taylor, Speak University, success, transformation, achieving goals.

Leaders Lead Podcast is a dynamic platform I created to explore the multifaceted world of leadership and entrepreneurship. Through each episode, I delve into the journeys of industry leaders, uncovering the challenges they’ve faced and the strategies they’ve used to achieve success. My goal is to offer listeners a blend of inspiration and practical guidance, empowering them in both their personal and professional development.

Episode Highlight:

In the episode titled "Anxiety – A Leader's Hidden Struggle," I share a deeply personal account of my own experiences with anxiety, particularly how it has affected my leadership and public speaking. I open up about the physical and emotional challenges I’ve encountered—like a racing heart, sweating, and the overwhelming fear of public speaking—and how these symptoms impacted my professional life. I emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing anxiety, not only for personal well-being but for becoming a more effective leader.

Throughout this episode, I offer valuable insights and strategies for managing anxiety, including:

• Understanding Anxiety: Recognizing anxiety as a natural response to stress, and knowing when it becomes excessive or starts to interfere with your life.
• Seeking Support: The importance of reaching out to trusted people or professionals to share your struggles.
• Utilizing Resources: Recommendations for helpful books and websites, such as The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne and Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David Burns.
• Professional Help: I also encourage anyone in need to reach out for immediate support, like contacting the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) at 1-800-950-NAMI.

By sharing my story, I aim to bring awareness to the hidden struggles that many leaders face. My hope is to encourage you to confront these challenges head-on and to seek the support you need. Remember, addressing personal obstacles is a vital step toward becoming a more compassionate and effective leader.

For more episodes and resources, visit the official Leaders Lead Podcast website at www.leadersleadthepodcast.com.

Welcome to Leaders Lead the Podcast! In this episode, host Tony Taylor interviews Jody Raynsford, brand strategist and author of How to Start a Cult. Jody shares his insights on how entrepreneurs and business owners can build a devoted, cult-like following for their brand. If you’re looking to create a lasting impact and attract the right audience, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies to take your brand to the next level.

Key Points Covered:

• The Power of Polarizing Messaging: Learn how creating a clear, bold, and sometimes controversial message helps attract the right audience while repelling those who don’t align with your brand.

• Authenticity in Branding: Jody explains why showing up as your authentic self is crucial in building a brand that resonates deeply with people, allowing your audience to connect with you on a personal level.

• Creating a Sense of Belonging: Discover the importance of building a community where your followers feel like they belong. Jody emphasizes how a shared sense of identity and values strengthens loyalty.

• Leveraging Humor and Personality: Learn how adding personality and humor to your brand’s message can make it stand out in a crowded market and create deeper engagement with your audience.

• Repelling the Wrong Audience: Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, Jody shares why it’s beneficial to repel the wrong audience to maintain focus on the people who will truly support and grow with your brand.

• Building a Community-Driven Brand: Understand how creating a community where your audience engages with each other (not just with you) can lead to organic growth and create powerful advocates for your brand.

• How to Turn Customers Into Advocates: Jody dives into how to turn loyal customers into brand advocates who will promote your business and help it grow through word-of-mouth.

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, brand builders, and anyone looking to create a meaningful, long-lasting connection with their audience. Tune in to get actionable advice and learn how to build a brand that not only succeeds but thrives.

In this episode of Leaders Lead, host Tony Taylor welcomes Katie McMurray, the owner of Sensory Tool House, located in Olympia, Washington. Katie shares her inspiring journey of building a business dedicated to supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families. Sensory Tool House provides a wide range of sensory-friendly tools and resources to help both children and adults thrive in their daily lives.

Key Highlights:

• Katie’s Personal Motivation: Katie, a parent of neurodivergent children, was inspired to create Sensory Tool House after struggling to find local resources that could meet her family’s needs. She turned her personal challenges into a mission-driven business.
• A Space for Everyone: Sensory Tool House offers a wide range of products like sensory swings, fidgets, compression clothing, and adaptive devices that cater to both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Katie emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming space where families can try out products before making purchases.
• Building Community: Katie speaks about the importance of community support, collaborating with local organizations to offer sensory-friendly events and workshops. From yoga classes to sensory-friendly Santa visits, Sensory Tool House fosters inclusivity at every turn.
• Empowering Neurodivergent Employees: Sensory Tool House is a place where neurodivergent employees can thrive. Katie discusses her inclusive hiring practices, emphasizing that by providing the right accommodations, her team can perform at their best.

Takeaways:

Katie McMurray’s journey is a powerful example of how personal passion and purpose can lead to the creation of a business that not only serves customers but also strengthens community bonds. Sensory Tool House is a model for inclusivity and leadership, offering tools, support, and a sense of belonging to neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Who Should Listen to This Episode:

This episode is perfect for:

1. Parents and Caregivers of Neurodivergent Individuals: Looking for resources, community, and support in helping their children or loved ones thrive.
2. Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners: Those looking for inspiration in building purpose-driven businesses with a social impact.
3. Educators and Special Education Professionals: Teachers, counselors, and specialists working with neurodivergent students seeking tools and ideas.
4. Diversity and Inclusion Advocates: Professionals focused on creating inclusive environments in the workplace and in the community.
5. Community Organizers and Nonprofits: People working to improve accessibility and support for underserved populations.
6. Mental Health and Occupational Therapists: Those interested in sensory tools and adaptive devices for neurodivergent individuals.
7. Leadership and Personal Development Enthusiasts: Regular podcast listeners who enjoy stories of overcoming challenges and building impactful businesses.

Live Public Speaking Coaching and Q/A with Tony Taylor from 2022

Welcome to the Leaders Lead podcast, where I take you behind the scenes of my entrepreneurial journey—filled with lessons in leadership, growth, and the challenges that shape us. In this deeply personal episode, I share a candid Q&A session that followed a recent webinar, offering insights into leadership and public speaking—an essential skill for any entrepreneur. But this episode is more than just about business; it's about overcoming the personal battles that test our limits.

Recently, I faced a significant challenge when I discovered I have a chronic illness that affected my cognitive abilities. I had to relearn how to communicate effectively, how to speak succinctly, and how to lead even when my own voice felt uncertain. During this episode, you might notice that I spoke more slowly than usual. To be completely honest, as soon as the show was over, I forgot almost everything that was asked during the Q&A.

Initially, I was embarrassed to share this. My ego kept telling me that I had lost the right to help others with their voice because I was slowly losing mine. This was a really tough moment for me. Knowing how to lead is one thing, but doing it while grappling with a brain that isn’t cooperating is another challenge entirely. However, I realized that taking my own advice, being vulnerable, and sharing my struggles is part of what makes me a stronger leader.

I’m sharing this episode not for sympathy, but to keep myself accountable—just as I encourage my friends in our community of introverted speakers to do. I'm proud of the progress I've made, and though it's been quite a ride, I continue to push forward.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Entrepreneurial leadership: How mastering public speaking can elevate your business and personal brand, even in the face of personal challenges.
• Overcoming public speaking anxiety: Practical tips for entrepreneurs who struggle with stage fright or anxiety during presentations, especially when dealing with health issues.
• Leadership communication: Why clear and confident communication is vital for entrepreneurial success, and how to achieve it when your cognitive abilities are tested.
• Empowering introverted entrepreneurs: Strategies for leveraging your introversion to become a stronger, more effective leader, even when facing personal battles.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply looking to improve your leadership skills, this episode provides actionable advice to help you communicate your vision, inspire your team, and grow your business—no matter the challenges you face.

If you’d like support on your own journey, visit speakuniversity.org or reach out to me directly at [email protected]. I help amazing people all over the world who not only have a fear of speaking but want to create something special by using their voice. Many of the people in our community are corporate leaders and business owners who have a calling to tell their story. Join us, and let’s create something extraordinary together.

Join me on the Leaders Lead podcast as I share the real, unfiltered experiences of entrepreneurship, including the struggles that test us and the pivotal moments that shape us as leaders. Subscribe now to follow my journey, learn from my successes and failures, and gain insights that can help you lead your own venture to new heights.

Keywords: entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial leadership, overcoming personal challenges, public speaking for entrepreneurs, overcoming public speaking anxiety, leadership communication, introverted entrepreneurs, chronic illness, business growth.

AI is Revolutionizing Content Creation and I am here for it!

In today’s episode of Leaders Lead the Podcast, I’m super excited to bring you a conversation that’s all about the future—AI in content creation!

I had the pleasure of chatting with Dallen Taylor, the CEO of Simply Edit Pro, a company that's pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI in the business world.

We’re diving deep into how AI can help you, yes you, create high-quality content faster than ever before, without losing that personal touch your audience loves.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of creating courses, training videos, or just keeping up with content demands, this episode is going to be a game-changer for you.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why AI is no longer just an option but a necessity in 2024 (and how to start using it today)
• How Simply Edit Pro uses AI to create digital avatars that can stand in for you—without anyone knowing the difference!
• The step-by-step process for using AI to build a course in just weeks (instead of months)
• The biggest challenges and opportunities in AI right now (and how to stay ahead of the curve)
• Practical, actionable tips to start leveraging AI in your business—whether you're tech-savvy or a total newbie

If you’re serious about growing your business and want to stay on the cutting edge, you won’t want to miss this episode. Dallen’s insights are invaluable, and we break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand and implement. Plus, you’ll hear some real-world examples of AI in action that might just blow your mind!

 Ready to see what AI can do for your business? Tune in now and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And hey, if you found value in this episode, please leave a review—it helps more leaders like you discover the show!

Want the shortcut to creating amazing content? Visit Simply Edit Pro and let Dallen create a plan that will accelerate your content creation faster than ever. Tell them that Tony sent ya!

Keywords: AI in business, content creation, AI tools, Simply Edit Pro, Dallen Taylor, digital avatars, online courses, business automation, Smart Passive Income, 2024 trends

Podcast Episode Summary: Be More Interested, Not Interesting with David Meltzer | Leaders Lead Podcast

In this transformative episode of the Leaders Lead Podcast, host Tony Taylor sits down with the legendary David Meltzer to explore the profound impact of shifting your focus from being interesting to being genuinely interested. Discover how this mindset shift can revolutionize your personal and professional life. David Meltzer, celebrated entrepreneur, author, and speaker, shares his journey of overcoming adversity and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of being more interested than interesting and how it can add value to your life and others.
• David Meltzer's insights on appreciation, acknowledgment, and receiving to live in a world of abundance.
• Practical tips on how to clear the interference between you and your potential.
• The 80/20/80 rule for aligning your actions and managing your vision effectively.
• David's personal experiences and how his book "Connected to Goodness" can serve as a guide for living a fulfilled and purposeful life.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that will ignite your passions for success and empower you to lead with greatness. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned entrepreneur, or someone looking to make a positive change, this episode is packed with actionable insights and motivational stories that will help you on your journey.

Tune in to the Leaders Lead Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Keywords: David Meltzer, Leaders Lead Podcast, Tony Taylor, Be More Interested Not Interesting, personal growth, professional development, leadership, entrepreneurship, overcoming adversity, Connected to Goodness, mindset shift, abundance, appreciation, acknowledgment, receiving, 80/20/80 rule, motivational stories, actionable insights, empowerment, success.

Never Let Go of Your Dream

Description:

In this heartfelt episode of Leaders Lead Podcast, host Tony Taylor shares powerful insights on the importance of holding onto your dreams and overcoming the obstacles that stand in your way. Drawing from personal experiences and inspiring stories, Tony explores the three major challenges that can hinder our progress: unresolved past issues, fear of failure, and lack of competence.

Tune in to learn practical strategies for using your past as motivation, viewing failures as learning opportunities, and gaining the skills needed to achieve your goals. Tony also introduces SpeakUniversity.org, a platform dedicated to helping individuals conquer their fear of public speaking and build unshakable confidence.

Join us for an empowering conversation that will ignite your passion for success and inspire you to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges you face. Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to transform your mindset and lead with greatness!

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace and use your past experiences as fuel for your dreams.
• Learn to see failures as wins and opportunities for growth.
• Discover the importance of competence and how to continuously improve your skills.

Call to Action:

• Share your dreams with Tony at [email protected]. Let see how we can turn those dreams into a reality.
• Visit SpeakUniversity.org for resources to help you achieve your speaking goals.
• Subscribe to Leaders Lead Podcast and leave a review to support the show.

Leading with Heart: Mayor Joe DePinto on Leadership, Service, Community, and Star Trek

Host: Tony Taylor

Guest: Mayor Joe DePinto

Episode Description

Title: Leading with Heart: Mayor Joe DePinto on Service, Community, and Star Trek

Join Tony Taylor and Mayor Joe DePinto of Yelm in an engaging conversation covering a variety of topics, from friendly catch-up to deep professional insights. They open with mutual admiration and gratitude for their long-awaited meeting.

Joe shares his progression from an ordinary citizen to Mayor of Yelm. Highlights include his early job at Pizza Hut, his role as a legislative aide, and his current responsibilities as a lobbyist. Joe emphasizes the customer service principle "Listen, apologize, satisfy, and thank," which he learned at Pizza Hut. They also discuss the intricacies of lobbying and Joe's contributions in this field. The conversation rounds up with insights into the Yelm Dog Park project, highlighting how Joe's leadership secured state and federal funding to minimize the public tax burden.

Joe discusses his campaign experiences, particularly doorbelling, and interacting with residents. Despite challenges, he values personal interactions and has doorbelled thousands of homes in Yelm. He expresses disappointment at low voter turnout but remains committed to reaching out to voters. Joe outlines his focus on public safety, recreational opportunities, and limiting water rate increases.

Joe talks about organizing Yelm's first pride festival, facing controversies, and advocating for equal rights. He handled personal attacks and maintained community respect during the event. Joe's ability to gather support from local authorities in challenging times is highlighted.

Joe finds joy in visiting schools and interacting with students, who see him as a celebrity. He enjoys being approachable and treating everyone with respect and dignity. Despite formal demands, his commitment to equality and respect is fulfilling. Joe talks about his nickname 'Mayor Joe' and prefers being seen as 'Joe' rather than just 'the Mayor.' He hints at running for mayor again in the next term.

Joe's focus is on addressing community needs, particularly traffic congestion. Collaborations with partners like WSDOT, the Nisqually Indian Tribe, county, and federal bodies are key to his efforts. Projects like the Yelm Loop (Elm Bypass) and roundabout systems aim to improve traffic flow. Joe is committed to enhancing recreation, public safety, and other initiatives voiced by the Yelm community. He has self-imposed a two-term limit to ensure dedicated service.

Joe draws motivation from the support Yelm has given him since childhood, such as community fundraisers. Serving as a city council member and mayor is his way of giving back. Despite job pressures, the fulfillment from improving the community keeps him going.

Tony asks Joe about hobbies like Star Trek, poker, tennis, and nineties hip hop. Joe enjoys poker, playing at Little Creek Casino and Las Vegas tournaments, and rapping at karaoke. The conversation shifts to the importance of citizen service, safety, and future planning. Joe reflects on the stress of the job but finds it fulfilling and considers the long-term impact of his work. As the 16th Mayor, he ponders the unique challenges faced by his predecessors and values influencing others to pass his ideas. Joe emphasizes giving credit where it's due and fostering a spirit of servant leadership.

Powered by Speak University – where leaders master the art of public speaking. Visit SpeakUniversity.Org for your communication and education needs. They specialize in helping leaders master the art of public speaking.

Special thanks to Zync for providing our virtual studio and content. If you're interested in creating your own show, let us know and we will hook you up! Please email us at [email protected].

Unlock the Secrets of Business Development with Steven Pemberton on Leaders Lead Podcast

In this captivating episode of Leaders Lead Podcast, dive deep into the world of business development with renowned entrepreneur Steven Pemberton. Join us as Steven shares his incredible journey, from facing eviction notices to emerging victorious against all odds.

Gain invaluable insights into overcoming adversity and charting a course to success as Steven draws inspiration from timeless stories of resilience. From the trials of King David to the challenges of modern-day entrepreneurship, Steven's candid reflections offer actionable strategies for navigating obstacles and seizing opportunities.

Whether you're grappling with financial setbacks, personal hurdles, or unexpected roadblocks in your business journey, this episode is your roadmap to resilience. Discover practical tips and transformative insights for turning setbacks into stepping stones towards a brighter future.

Tune in to Business Development Unleashed, where triumph is born from the crucible of adversity. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation with Steven Pemberton, and equip yourself with the tools to thrive in the competitive landscape of business.

Grab your pen and notepad, and join us as we uncover the secrets of business development on Leaders Lead Podcast.

This episode of Leaders Lead Podcast is proudly sponsored by SpeakUniversity.org's Easy Podcast Blueprint – your ultimate guide to launching and monetizing a purposeful podcast. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, SpeakUniversity.org provides step-by-step guidance to help you navigate the podcasting landscape with confidence. Visit SpeakUniversity.org today to kickstart your podcasting journey and turn your ideas into impactful content that resonates with your audience!

But wait, there's more! Leaders Lead is also brought to you by Zync, the revolutionary content creation platform that powers our show. With Zync's AI-driven technology, we can effortlessly create and repurpose engaging content pieces from a single episode, amplifying our reach across various platforms and maximizing our impact. Zync is the secret weapon behind our podcast's success, and it can be yours too. Reach out to them directly for personalized support and unlock the full potential of your content strategy.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your podcast to the next level with SpeakUniversity.org and Zync. Visit their websites today to learn more and start transforming your content creation journey!