Made for Impact

"The magic happens when we create a safe space, allowing authenticity and vulnerability to surface—only then do we truly connect and grow." — Deseri Garcia

Deseri Garcia, leadership development facilitator and executive coach at Vida Aventura, hands us the key to opening deeper connections and high-performing teams. She shares how to transform challenges into opportunities by breaking them down into manageable actions, how authenticity and vulnerability can serve as catalysts for profound growth and stronger teams, and the critical role of self-awareness in driving success.

Join Gretchen and Deseri as they guide you on a journey of growth, connection, and leadership.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to create a psychologically safe environment in team settings to encourage authenticity and vulnerability

• The importance of chunking down big challenges and taking small actions to build momentum within teams

• Insights into the significance of personal development practices such as mindfulness, self-awareness, and stress management for effective leadership

Connect with Deseri Garcia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deserigarcia/

More on Vida Aventura: https://vidaaventura.net/

Get in touch with Gretchen, and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter. 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x  

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into Servant Leadership. 

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] Introduction by Made for Impact with host Gretchen Schott

[01:57] Who Deseri is, what she does, and what she’s about

[03:07] Where Deseri has made an impact in her leadership

[04:26] The transition from corporate world to coaching

[09:00] What Deseri’s life purpose is

[10:40] How Deseri defines servant leadership

[15:29] Making an impact to teams rather than individuals

[17:46] What Deseri does to influence authenticity in groups

[19:26] Deseri shares her biggest fears in leading

[22:13] Strategies to identify your goals as a leader

[26:13] The power of retreats and how to make them successful

[32:13] Get connected with Deseri

“Integrity and consistency are the bedrock of successful leadership." – Amy Jones

Amy Jones exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity and empathy. As a business advisor at Cultivate Advisors, founder of a real estate flipping company, third-degree black belt, and published author, Amy is deeply committed to her teams and clients. Guided by her father's influence, Amy built a career that shows the power of mentorship and skill development, co-founding Smart Mentor Systems to offer invaluable resources from experts.

In this episode of Made for Impact, Amy shares her journey in real estate, her passion for developing others, and her insights on servant leadership with host Gretchen Schott. Join us to discover how focusing on individuals' strengths, fostering coachability, and prioritizing employee fulfillment can transform both your leadership style and your business.

Tune in to this episode to gain actionable insights into:

• How prioritizing empathy and relationships builds a culture of integrity and consistency

• Becoming an effective servant leader that encourages growth and development in yourself and others

• How to balance results-driven goals with personal fulfillment for employees by recognizing individual strengths

Get in touch with Gretchen, and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter. 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x  

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into the last of six core competencies in this leadership journey – Servant Leadership. 

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] Introduction by Made for Impact with host Gretchen Schott

[3:10] Amy Jones’ journey as a leader

[9:53] Explanation of coachability as openness to dialogue and willingness to learn

[16:01] Effective communication and understanding people as fundamental leadership principles

[18:04] Challenges of outdated authoritarian leadership styles and the importance of adapting to evolving employee expectations

[19:44] Importance of prioritizing employee fulfillment and growth over the fear of them leaving [23:34] Amy Jones’ definition of servant leadership and its application in business

[25:28] Example of applying servant leadership principles in Amy's organization

[29:05] Importance of taking responsibility for actions and decisions

"Curiosity is the spark that ignites our potential." - Gretchen Schott

Maybe you want to learn more about playing an instrument, or maybe you want to learn how to cook something special. Or maybe there's a foreign language that you've always wanted to study, or perhaps you've even wanted to travel somewhere. Whatever you’re curious about, take that step forward to pursue it.

In this Leadership Lesson, Gretchen Schott discusses the positive impact of curiosity on leadership. She shares ways to nurture curiosity within yourself and your team, paving the way for innovation, better relationships, and a thriving business environment. Join us as Gretchen challenges you to feed your curiosity, take that first step, and embrace the transformative power of asking, "What if?"

Tune in to this episode to gain actionable insights into:

• How following your passions can become more than just a hobby but can become a fulfilling part of your life

• The importance of pursuing your interests and dreams and how this can lead to personal growth and building a sense of community

• The continuous pursuit of improvement is a potent tool for growth in any business setting

Get in touch with Gretchen and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter. 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x  

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into an essential part of this leadership journey: Goal Setting and review. 

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] Introduction by Made for Impact with host Gretchen Schott [00:14] Curiosity and how it can lead to a big dream

[02:55] Understanding the link between curiosity and leadership

[03:35] Sharing personal joys from exploring voiceover work

[04:47] Encouraging listeners to share their experiences and curiosities

"Servant leadership is influencing with virtuous intent, leading in the best interest of others and the organization, and acting in the long-term best interest of others." — Kyle DeFur

Kyle DeFur, President of the National Christian Foundation of Indiana, shares specific strategies for showing up as your highest self as a leader. He uncovers the three core questions every leader should address to improve, drive business results, and foster genuine trust and care within their teams. Kyle also discusses the importance of daily quiet time, annual retreats, and choosing a word to define your year. 

Join Gretchen and Kyle as they share their strategies for transforming your leadership style and creating an impactful legacy. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How leading with intent, acting in others' best interests, and committing to long-term well-being transforms one from a boss to a genuine servant leader

• Why being fully present and intentional in every role—whether as a friend, spouse, or team leader—resonates deeply

• How to embrace daily reflection and carve out non-negotiable pauses

Connect with Kyle DeFur: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyledefur/

More on the National Christian Foundation of Indiana: https://www.ncfgiving.com/

Get in touch with Gretchen, and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter. 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x  

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into Servant Leadership. 

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] Introduction by Made for Impact with host Gretchen Schott

[04:30] Utilizing Kyle’s gifts to make an impact on the community

[06:16] On discovering and understanding his unique gifts

[08:22] Parallels and connections between the professional and personal lives

[10:19] Defining what servant leadership means and entails

[13:52] Helping businesses realize the path toward servant leadership

[14:54] The three questions everybody asks subconsciously

[18:21] Obstacles and challenges on the path of servant leadership

[19:39] Importance of resting and taking a few days for reflection

[26:52] The National Christian Foundation

[29:41] Gretchen Schott thanks Kyle for his insights

"True servant leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." - Gretchen Schott

There are many different ways to serve in your work environment, home life, and community. In this episode of "Made For Impact," host Gretchen Schott reveals the power behind servant leadership—a model centered on empathy, ethical decision-making, and empowering others. 

Tune in to learn how to transform your leadership style to leave a lasting mark on your organization, inspire your team, and create a culture of compassion and social responsibility.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• How servant leadership can transform your team dynamics and business culture by focusing on empathy, compassion, and ethical decision-making

• Reflecting on your motivations for serving to ensure your actions align with your values, preventing burnout, and fostering genuine growth

• How the benefits of involving your family in your service activities create a ripple effect of compassion and responsibility that extends into your work life

Get in touch with Gretchen, and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x  

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into the last of six core competencies in this leadership journey – Servant Leadership. 

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] Introduction by Made for Impact with host Gretchen Schott

[00:53] The definition of servant leadership as a competency in leadership

[01:04] Skills enhanced by servant leadership

[02:19] Integrating family in servant leadership

[04:05] Potential pitfalls in servant leadership

[05:12] Exercise: Creating a mind map

[06:29] Invitation to reflect on one’s actions and its effects towards the community

[08:40] Invitation to subscribe and send in reviews

"When you align your business's core values with your passion to impact the community, you create a ripple effect that goes beyond profits and sales." - Andrea Ross

Imagine transforming your company into a beacon of positive change without compromising your bottom line.

Andrea Ross is no stranger to impactful leadership and social responsibility. As an entrepreneur, small business advisor, and life and executive coach, she knows how to seamlessly integrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) into your business framework. With a storied career that includes founding an award-winning tourism company in Southeast Asia and establishing a grassroots nonprofit, Andrea embodies what it means to blend business acumen with a heart for community service. Currently, at Cultivate Advisors, she helps small businesses unlock their full potential by focusing on impactful, value-driven strategies

 In this episode of Made for Impact, she shared her insights on how aligning CSR with your core values strengthens your brand and drives employee satisfaction and retention.

with host Gretchen Schott.  

By tuning in to this episode, you'll discover:

• How tapping into the passions of your team can skyrocket employee satisfaction and retention

• That strategic empowerment means streamlining your charitable efforts into a powerful CSR initiative resonating with your company’s values

• What effective approaches to engage clients and communities in a way that aligns with your company's story

Connect with Andrea Ross: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-ross-25a60a4/ 

More on Cultivate: https://cultivateadvisors.com/

Get in touch with Gretchen, and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter. 

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x  

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into the last of six core competencies in this leadership journey – Servant Leadership. 

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] Introduction by Made for Impact with host Gretchen Schott

[4:20] On the importance of corporate social responsibility

[7:43] Properly engaging teams, communities, and clients

[11:23] Strategies for streamlining purpose and social impact back into the business

[14:43] Strategies for streamlining charitable efforts

[16:13] Discussion on the different challenges businesses may face to create impact

[20:08] Importance of purpose and social impact for employees

[22:09] Measuring CSR success with KPIs

[25:58] Gretchen Schott thanks Andrea for her insights

"Servant leadership is about unlocking the potential of those you lead. It's about creating an environment where they can thrive and grow." – Dr. Clint Parker

It’s a common question - how do you  truly inspire and elevate your teams while aligning them with your company's mission, vision, and goals? Dr. Clint Parker believes it’s through servant leadership – leaders who act in the best interest of their environment, community and society as a whole. He joins host, Gretchen Schott in this episode to share real-life stories that will equip you to become a transformative leader who empowers and cares for your people. 

Dr. Parker is the President & CEO of LeaderLift Leadership Solutions and Dean and Assistant Professor of Business and Leadership for Graduate and Undergraduate Programs at Pillar College in New Jersey. He and Gretchen discuss the essence of effective leadership, and specifically thecritical role of vulnerability, transparency, and understanding in the workplace. Dr. Parker’s approach to building trust, fostering open communication, and recognizing individual superpowers within their teams is key to his success as a leader.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• How to build relationships and trust, get to know your team personally, and identify their unique skills that drive organizational success.

• Dr. Parker’s real-life examples of mentoring and transformation in action, including a remarkable 75% gain in key performance indicators through empowering leadership.

• The mindset shift needed to prioritize the needs and well-being of your people, creating an environment of psychological safety and mutual commitment.

Connect with Dr. Parker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drclintparker/

More on LeaderLift: https://www.leaderlift.net/

Get in touch with Gretchen, and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x  

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into the last of six core competencies in this leadership journey – Servant Leadership. 

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] Introducing Dr. Clint Parker [04:48] Transition From Military Service to a Business Environment [07:16] Pastoral Leadership and Business Leadership [10:43] Making an Impact [15:18] Deciding to Be a Leader as a Couple [16:50] Thread Between Personal Life into Professional Life [18:15] Most Significant Benefits of a Servant Leadership Approach [25:12] Unlocking Others’ Potential [34:02] Where to Find Dr. Parker

"Great problem-solving is not just about finding any solution, but the right solution that truly addresses the core issue." - Gretchen Schott

We seem to always struggle with finding the perfect solution to challenges at work or in your personal life. In this episode of "Made For Impact," Gretchen Schott unpacks the importance of defining the real problem before jumping to solutions, and she offers practical steps to sharpen your ability to navigate tough negotiations, brainstorm effectively, and stay focused on what truly matters.

Tune in to discover how you can identify blind spots in your thinking, rally your team around the best ideas, and develop practical solutions that drive real, transformative results. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why breaking down big problems into manageable steps ensures steady progress and focus that achieves impactful solutions

• What hands-on activities can boost your problem-solving skills and also build your leadership muscles

• Just how powerful valuable feedback exchange with your network illuminates missable areas and helps elevate decision-making

Get in touch with Gretchen, and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x  

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into the fifth of six core competencies in this leadership journey – Problem Solving. 

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] Introduction by Made for Impact with host Gretchen Schott

[00:20] Redefining problem-solving as an exercise for your brain 

[01:16] Understanding the common pitfalls when problem-solving

[02:21] Ways to improve problem-solving skills at work

[03:53] Putting those new problem-solving skills to practice 

[07:12] Working your way towards achieving milestones

[07:41] A surprise gift for avid listeners and subscribers

[09:38] Acknowledging summer challenges for parents

"Understanding internal motivation in both leaders and team members is crucial for improving communication and clarity within the team." - Jen Chapman

Overcoming personal challenges transforms how you look at your life and can dramatically transform your leadership style and team dynamics. In this episode of Made For Impact, Jennifer Chapman, certified life and leadership coach, best-selling author, and resilient stroke survivor, talks with host Gretchen Schott about her journey from sales leader to leadership coach and the personal challenge she overcame to put her life’s purpose into perspective.

Jennifer and Gretchen discuss how tapping into our internal motivations and facing life's unexpected turns can fundamentally enhance communication and leadership within your team. They also discuss the pivotal role of self-awareness in conflict management and how understanding the deep 'why' behind our actions can empower ourselves and those around us to thrive. Through her coaching, Jen leverages her rich background in negotiating sales and overcoming personal adversities to help leaders and teams enhance their communication, conflict management, and collaboration skills.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How understanding your own internal motivations not only boosts your personal clarity but enhances team dynamics dramatically to cultivate a thriving work environment where everyone feels driven and understood.

• How to embrace life’s curveballs and transform personal challenges into powerful growth opportunities, personally and professionally.

• The importance of harnessing the power of your own “why” to understand and utilize personal and team motivations for a more cohesive and motivated workforce.

Connect with Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferchapmanleadershipcoach/ 

About Just Commit Coaching: https://justcommitcoaching.com/about/ 

Get in touch with Gretchen, and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x  

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into the fifth of six core competencies in this leadership journey – Problem Solving. 

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] Introduction by Made for Impact and guest Jennifer Chapman

[01:48] Jen’s personal journey from sales to life coaching

[05:33] Relationship building in sales and how that contributes to conflict resolution

[09:54] The life-changing impact of her stroke and its timing during her corporate success

[12:23] The questions Jen had to ask herself for deep reflective work

[14:08] Jen’s coaching work and transferable sales skills

[16:02] The impact of self-awareness on self-management

[20:00] Guiding teams to cultivate more empathy

[21:23] Introduction to the "WHY Institute" and the significance of finding one's "why"

[32:05] Translating strategies to conflicts at home

"Our purpose journey was around using our brand as a platform to bring forward and give a place for underrepresented talent... It became a way of working beyond just, hey, this is our purpose journey. It became the way the team started to think about everything we were doing." - Elizabell Marquez

Elizabell Marquez, Chief Marketing Officer at Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, shares how one initiative focused on empowering a marginalized creative community by providing a platform for their stories can work towards solving for purpose. Social responsibility isn’t just a buzzword for this company; it is their rally flag, and aligning teams and initiatives towards this concept has helped propel the brand to great heights not only with their consumers, but with their employees.

Elizabell discusses insights into embracing change and the importance of partnerships that align with company missions for lasting impact. Listeners will also hear about the brand's focus on sustainability, and even a sneak peek into new treats for 2024. 

Join Gretchen and Elizabell in this sweet and insightful conversation about making a difference through business, community, and, of course, ice cream. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The importance of aligning a brand with broader consumer values and societal issues to better reflect and connect with a diverse consumer base. 

• The value of strategic partnerships in leveraging brand platforms to promote and integrate underrepresented talents in initiatives.

• Businesses must be agile and responsive to market trends while also considering the environmental impact of their products.

Connect with Elizabell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabell-rivera-marquez-7811b6/

About Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream: https://www.icecream.com/us/en/brands/dreyers

Get in touch with Gretchen, and let her know which impactful leaders you’d like to hear from: Connect on LinkedIn or Subscribe to our newsletter.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://link.chtbl.com/QY4Knw_x  

Strong leaders at all organizational levels are requisites for business success. Gretchen Schott's GrowU Leadership Pathways keeps a leadership ‘pipeline’ flowing to ensure skilled and competent leaders are present throughout every brand in the Threefold Portfolio. This episode of Made for Impact delves into the fourth of six core competencies in this leadership journey – Problem Solving. 

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] Introduction to Elizabell Marquez

[04:52] The 60-year history of Haagen Dazs ice cream

[10:24] Setting a purpose and journey with partnerships

[14:39] Evolving Dreyer’s to meet customer demand for healthier options

[17:31] New flavor sneak peek

[20:29] Elizabell’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs