In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse interviews Joseph Richards, the owner and chief takeoff officer at Flooring Takeoffs. Joseph discusses his unique career path, transitioning from an English teacher to a business owner, and the challenges he faced along the way. He talks about the importance of transparency, learning from mistakes, and the role of AI in the estimating world. The discussion also delves into the value of social media in growing a business, the significance of transferable skills, and the necessity of being able to delegate tasks in order to scale effectively.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

02:46 Joseph Richards' Journey to Flooring Takeoffs

05:07 Challenges and Learning in the Estimating World

15:18 Starting a Business: Support and Initial Steps

20:31 Delegation and Scaling the Business

28:30 Finding the Right Clients and Staying in Your Lane

34:32 The Struggles and Cycles of Editing

36:30 Teaching vs. Creating: Finding the Balance

39:12 The Importance of Social Media Presence

47:41 Navigating AI in Estimation

56:52 Joseph Richards' Services and Insights

01:00:29 The Promise You Are Intended to Be

Design the Life You have Always Wanted: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse engages with Dr. Alejandra Rodriguez-Mielke, an expert in talent development and organizational analysis, who offers insights on cultural competence and adaptability. Dr. Alejandra shares her journey from Monterey, Mexico, to the United States, highlighting the importance of learning and teaching throughout her career. She emphasizes the significance of interpersonal skills, understanding cultural scripts, and being respectfully curious to thrive in diverse workplaces. This enlightening discussion delves into how cultural awareness can impact workplace dynamics, especially in safety, and offers valuable advice for young professionals seeking growth. Tune in to gain practical tips on overcoming fear, embracing flexibility, and fostering meaningful connections at work.

Connect with Alejandra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandramielke/

00:00 Introduction and Adapting to Change

00:44 Meet Dr. Alejandra Rodriguez Mielke

02:43 The Power of Curiosity and Action

04:52 Organizational Analysis and Human Dynamics

15:04 Challenges in Leadership and Management

29:10 Cultural Competence and Personal Growth

32:30 From Teen Dreams to Professional Realities

33:08 Embracing Human Connections Beyond Credentials

34:04 Understanding and Developing Cultural Competence

36:03 Cultural Differences and Workplace Safety

37:40 Respectful Curiosity and Cultural Cruise Control

39:08 Personal Stories of Cultural Cruise Control

47:13 The Courage to Connect and Overcome Rejection

53:38 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Dr. Alejandra

Design the Life You have Always Wanted: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

The Guilt-Free Future Planning method helps prioritize personal goals that consistently get pushed aside when we're busy making things happen for everyone else. This three-step process—Brain Dump, DAMN Matrix, and Walking the Plank—creates a framework for getting your goals out of your head, prioritizing them, and committing to action.

• Brain Dump: List all your goals in three categories—business/professional growth, personal growth, and meaningful connections
• Focus only on what YOU want, not what others expect of you
• DAMN Matrix: Prioritize goals based on impact (high/low) and effort (high/low)
• Start with high impact/low effort goals to build momentum
• Walking the Plank: Commit to goals one at a time in priority order
• Block time in your calendar specifically for your personal goals
• This method is part of a larger Self-First Time Mastery approach
• Momentum matters more than completion—just start making progress

If you want to try this method, download the template using the link provided. For those who prefer learning with community, sign up for the full Self-First Time Mastery workshop where we'll cover guilt-free future planning, strategically selfish scheduling, and daily domination.

Check out the Video Demonstration on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EXj7NpfBpzo

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

In this insightful episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse interviews Kabri Luhrman Schmid, a nationally recognized construction influencer and project superintendent at Hensel Phelps. Kabri shares her 18-year journey in the construction industry, focusing on complex projects and redefining leadership. The conversation delves into her approach to jobsite leadership, emphasizing the importance of creating environments where workers feel valued and empowered to contribute. Kabri discusses the concept of psychological safety, the role of effective communication, and the impact of building trust within teams. She also touches on the challenges and rewards of being a change agent in a traditionally rigid industry. Throughout the episode, Kabri's authentic passion for people and process improvement shines through, making this a must-listen for anyone in the construction field.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:32 Diving into Job Site Leadership

04:11 Personal Experiences and Leadership Style

06:59 Challenges and Consensus Building

10:55 Impact of Leadership on Job Sites

11:07 Listener Shoutout and Feedback

12:45 Early Career Lessons and Mentorship

14:27 The Importance of Listening and Learning

21:12 Creating a Learning Environment on Job Sites

27:31 The Value of Human-Centric Leadership

30:12 The Impact of Long-Term Industry Experience

30:41 Championing Mental Health and Wellbeing in Construction

32:00 Building Relationships and Overcoming Friction

32:53 The Power of Small Actions in Creating Change

34:09 Navigating Leadership and Performance Evaluations

47:06 The Importance of Psychological Safety

52:58 Authentic Leadership and Industry Recognition

57:41 Final Thoughts and Connecting with the Audience

Design the Life You have Always Wanted: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, Jesse revisits a conversation with Heather Jones of Archer Estimation and Consulting. Heather shares her insights on battling estimator burnout and stress, her journey to starting a business with her husband, Jake, and their lifestyle as digital nomads. They discuss the impact of traveling on reducing work stress, the importance of learning the local language, and how they manage their business on the go. Heather emphasizes the need for personal growth to better serve others and hints at unique approaches to improving the construction industry.

00:00 Introduction

01:01 Meet Ms. Heather Jones

02:47 The Journey to Lima, Peru

05:13 Starting Archer Estimation and Consulting

06:34 Becoming Digital Nomads

08:49 Learning and Adapting Abroad

12:33 Tips for Traveling and Language Barriers

12:55 Shoutout and Time Management Workshop

15:46 Stress and Burnout in Estimating

17:06 Balancing Work and Travel

18:29 Roles and Responsibilities in the Business

22:48 Challenges in the Estimating Industry

32:25 Incentive Structures and Project Performance

34:33 Starting a Business: The Cheat Code

36:35 The Importance of Personal Touch in Business

43:40 Balancing Work and Personal Life

56:07 The Ripple Effect of Positive Change

01:02:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Make yourself a priority and get more done: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

We explore a comprehensive time management framework designed specifically for high achievers who excel at delivering for others but struggle to prioritize themselves. This system helps you honor personal commitments without sacrificing performance, using a three-phase approach that reduces stress and increases focus.

• The Self-First Time Mastery Framework addresses the common problem of deprioritizing personal goals
• Guilt-Free Future Planning helps extract priorities from your mind and organize them based on impact and effort
• Strategically Selfish Scheduling transforms priorities into calendar commitments using the "Firebox" prioritization matrix
• Daily Domination techniques include visualizing work, capturing distractions in the "Squirrel Cage," and setting firm task limits
• Knowing your daily task capacity (suggested: seven per day) dramatically improves your say-do ratio and credibility
• Important but not urgent tasks like sleep, exercise and nutrition often get sacrificed but eventually become emergencies if neglected
• The framework can be applied even with demanding jobs by focusing on the time spaces you control

If you're interested in joining a workshop to implement this framework, there are three upcoming cohorts with a maximum of 15 people per group. 

Sign up for the workshop: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

Reclaiming the Voice of Professional Moms with Chelsea Boateng

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse interviews Chelsea Boateng, founder of The Professional Parent. Chelsea shares her expertise in helping high-achieving women navigate the intersection of professional and motherhood identities. They discuss the mental and emotional load carried by mothers, the importance of reclaiming one's voice, and the steps women can take to design a life that aligns with their values and desires. Chelsea emphasizes the need to break free from societal and cultural conditioning to create a balanced life. The conversation is insightful and filled with personal anecdotes and practical advice for women looking to redefine their successes and find joy in their accomplishments.

Connect with Chelsea at:

Facebook: @The Professional Parent

Instagram: @the_professional_parent

Tik-Tok: @the_professional_parent

 https://calendly.com/thriveforwardcoaching/30min

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:45 Chelsea's Background and Mission

02:22 Challenges of Balancing Motherhood and Career

04:58 Personal Experiences and Reflections

06:59 Communication and Relationship Dynamics

16:44 Strategies for Effective Communication

29:51 Owning Your Business and Breaking Cycles

30:13 Balancing a Dream Job and Personal Relationships

31:51 Setting Alarms for Relationship Check-ins

33:59 The Emotional Labor of Women

40:20 Reclaiming Your Voice and Values

49:23 The 12-Week Transformation Program

53:24 Connecting with Chelsea for Coaching

56:28 The Promise You Are Intended to Be

01:00:00 Final Thoughts and Free Book Offer

Make yourself a priority and get more done: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

Overcoming Fear: Helping Leaders Speak with Confidence

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse interviews Jimmy Cannon, a voice and public speaking coach from the UK. Jimmy shares his journey from being a performer and singer to becoming a specialist in helping leaders speak without fear. The conversation covers the importance of energy, finding sincerity, and overcoming performance anxiety. Jimmy discusses his work with clients across various industries, helping them find their confidence and improve their communication skills. Key topics include the impact of mindfulness techniques, the concept of psychological flexibility, and the importance of being sincere rather than just authentic. The episode also includes listener shoutouts and personal anecdotes from both Jesse and Jimmy about their experiences with public speaking and leadership.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
00:43 Meet the Expert: Jimmy Cannon
04:15 Jimmy's Journey: From Performer to Coach
06:49 Understanding Performance Anxiety
09:06 Techniques to Overcome Speaking Fears
13:41 Real-Life Applications and Success Stories
27:47 The Power of Positive Thinking
28:11 Overcoming Life's Challenges
28:39 Embracing Opportunities
29:25 Building Confidence in Communication
30:55 Helping Professionals Speak Up
32:24 Voice and Confidence Connection
33:45 Success Stories and Client Transformations
39:35 Clarity, Precision, and Confidence
48:13 The Importance of Sincerity
55:16 Final Thoughts and Resources

Make yourself a priority and get more done: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

In this episode, Jesse welcomes Ms. Phyllis Winters, a seasoned expert with 30 years of experience across various industries like nuclear, healthcare, and construction. Phyllis discusses her journey from overcoming a challenging childhood to achieving significant milestones in the world of tech and business strategy. She emphasizes the importance of a problem-solving mindset and shares valuable insights on leveraging AI and technology for business growth. The episode covers practical tips for AI usage, the significance of strategy in tech implementation, and Phyllis’s unique approach to making complex subjects accessible and enjoyable. Tune in to learn how Phyllis became a pivotal guide for businesses looking to innovate and scale.

00:00 Welcome Back to LnM Family

00:14 Introducing Our Expert Guest: Phyllis Winters

01:45 Phyllis Winters' Background and Motto

03:55 Overcoming Challenges and Early Life

05:16 College and Career Beginnings

06:26 Navigating the Tech Industry

07:31 The Value of Life Experience

12:56 AI and Problem Solving

15:44 The Importance of Clear Communication with AI

27:21 Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

30:25 Breaking Through the Wall: Learning the Language

30:48 Starting a Business: The Journey Begins

30:56 From Accounting to Management Consulting

33:46 The Rise of PCs: A New Opportunity

34:51 A Business Partnership Gone Wrong

35:53 Transition to the Online World

38:02 Embracing Tech and Business Zen

46:22 Leveraging AI for Business Success

54:10 The Promise of Holistic Business Coaching

59:00 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Design the Life You have Always Wanted: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse engages in a deep conversation with Mr. Jose Miguel Berlanga, an international entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience. Jose shares his journey from being a struggling student to becoming a successful real estate magnate and author. They discuss the importance of following one's interests, the harsh realities of entrepreneurship, the significance of continuous learning, and the unexpected link between economics and philosophy. Jose also emphasizes the value of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses, managing emotional responses in business, and the process of writing books to pass on his knowledge. The episode provides insights and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and emphasizes the importance of perseverance, resilience, and self-awareness.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
00:57 Meet Mr. Jose Miguel Berlanga
02:02 The Connection Between Economics and Philosophy
06:16 Learning from Business and Personal Growth
08:53 Advice for Struggling Students
12:58 The Reality of Entrepreneurship
28:03 Managing Emotions in Business
31:21 A Unique Vacation: Seattle Children's Hospital
31:54 The Importance of Self-Care and Celebrating Wins
32:43 Balancing Work and Personal Life
35:42 The Reality of Entrepreneurship
39:07 Writing and Sharing Knowledge
44:21 The Concept of Quantum Entrepreneurship
50:41 Mentorship and Identifying Potential
55:18 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Connect with Jose:

https://joseberlanga.com/books/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-berlanga-900a9518/

https://www.instagram.com/authorjoseberlanga/

https://www.facebook.com/authorjoseberlanga

Design the Life You have Always Wanted: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books