Mads Singers Management Podcast

Joining me in today's episode for the Mads Singers Management Podcast is none other than entrepreneur-at-heart, super mom of 3 boys is Sheri Miter!

Before finding her calling, Sheri joined her husband in his chimney cleaning business for ten years. While she was helping her husband on his side gig, Sheri eventually got into network marketing, where she found that she enjoyed doing it. Despite succeeding in this field and achieving a lot, Sheri felt this angst inside her and looked for something she could call her own. Unlike most people during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sheri was prepared for the abrupt changes the pandemic brought along. She even had solutions to help her friends, and because of this, going back to finding the strengths of other people and getting certified, and combined with the support of her husband, Sheri discovered her true calling. 

Contrary to the fact that we humans should be well-rounded, Sheri believes that we aren't meant to be well-rounded (and it's completely okay not to know everything!) because we are linear. However, instead of dwelling on our weaknesses, we can build a well-rounded team that will support us in reaching our goals. Doing so allows both you and your team members to show up as the best versions of themselves!

You can learn more about your strengths and weakness through DiSC and by taking the CliftonStrengths test by Gallup. This can also be used to assess your team. 

While most see talents such as singing, dancing, or playing well in sports, many of us have innate talents buried deep within and are often unacknowledged. However, once we acknowledge them, we can bring out the best versions of ourselves, but only if we spend time and invest in those innate talents. 

Despite the negative connotation that millennials get for the Great Resignation movement, they are the ones who are brave enough to pursue what has been going on for several generations before they could only dream of. And while some business owners may try to fight it because many still believe that the old way of doing things is the best, leaders should embrace this new change because we are headed for a much better future.

Key Learning Points:

1. Mads says he is a massive believer in understanding your strengths and weaknesses because it shows you where you have more value and what tasks to delegate. - 04:43
2. Sheri encourages taking the Gallup Strengths test because it tells you your strengths, showing how you naturally think, feel, and behave. - 05:46
3. Sheri adds that we show up as our best selves once we know our strengths, especially our top 10. - 06:43
4. Sheri says that we humans aren't meant to be well-rounded but relatively linear; we are made the way we are - 11:21
5. Mads says that business owners shouldn't hire people who resemble them- 12:25
6. Sheri says that assessments like DiSC and the CliftonStrenghts help us see ourselves differently because we don't acknowledge our innate talents.- 14:04
7. Sheri adds that once we discover our talents, we should invest in them and spend time working on them, just like how athletes train themselves. - 15:16
8. Mads shares that he likes giving feedback during his coaching sessions because it's often neglected, and giving feedback effectively can help make a person perform better. - 21:23
9. Mads says that while the COVID-19 pandemic is a tragedy, it made many people reevaluate what to do with their lives and begin thinking differently. - 26:55
10. Sheri agrees that COVID has changed the world. Rather than wearing the "busy badge," she and other people reflected on themselves and worked effectively. - 28:44

Resources Mentioned:

CliftonStrengths (Gallup Strengths Finder)

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink

Connect with Sheri:

Website

Direct Message (Messenger)

Podcast Website: (Navigating Your Leadership)

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Today’s guest in the Mads Singers Management Podcast is none other than the sales evangelist, Donald C. Kelly! Donald runs an organization called The Sales Evangelist, where he and his team create a podcast and other business resources. He used to be a software sales rep who was very successful in his career. Donald shared what was working for him and enabled him to get coaching opportunities, speaking opportunities, and even consulting to companies where it grew. Now Donald has 14 individual teams where they do consult and sales training with their clients. He is also the host of The Sales Evangelist Podcast, where he and his team product podcasts for their clients.

Although it’s common for business owners to pass the torch to the next generation to focus on more critical business tasks, it cannot be successful if one does not delegate duties and responsibilities effectively. Effective delegation enables business owners, and managers must be able to plan efficiently.

While the pandemic has allowed more people and businesses to be flexible, it has also made more people become easily distracted because many people are working from their homes and can easily be pulled into rabbit holes. Donald shares his top 3 things on how people can manage their time better: (1.) Focus on the essential things on your list first (2.) Breaking down your time to 15 to 30 minutes to get things done, allowing room for error, and lastly (3.) Allowing yourself to have time for fun.

While the new normal may seem scary for most people, we can take small steps to improve our quality of life, whether at work or at home. While a schedule can help fast track a project or close a business deal, entrepreneurs shouldn’t focus on how much time is being spent on a particular task or project but rather on the output instead. Of course, you’ll need to communicate this clearly with your staff or team members.

Key Learning Points:

1. Donald shares his top 3 tips on how business owners can manage their time efficiently: 
2. (1) Planning and categorizing your days, (2) Give yourself 15-30 minutes chunks of time and giving yourself room for error, and (3) Have time for yourself to have fun and plan your day before. - 06:31
3. Mads agrees that many business owners and entrepreneurs tend to do too many things for their business, but it doesn’t help their business move or grow at all - 11:26
4. Mads adds that people should know and focus on their core priorities and make sure that they work on things or tasks that help move them closer to their goals.- 12:06 
5. Donald says that business owners shouldn’t push something off to a person if they don’t know what’s supposed to be done. - 12:38
6. Mads says that it’s better to delegate the things you don’t know to other people when growing a big business instead of figuring it out by yourself. - 13:59
7. Mads says that too many people focus on the process instead of the outcome - 19:30
8. Donald says that while we can fill up our calendars, it’s essential to use your time effectively and allow some room for error. - 24:12
9. Donald adds that people should do a daily recap when their work ends to be ready for the next day. - 24:24
10. Donald shares that it’s essential for business owners and managers to plan a fun time for themselves and their team, especially with the world dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and adjusting to a new normal in life. - 25:06
11. Donald says that it’s essential for you to nurture this culture to your team or staff, especially with many working remotely, so that things will flow more smoothly. - 26:53

Resources Mentioned:

15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management: The Productivity Habits of 7 Billionaires, 13 Olympic Athletes, 29 Straight-A Students, and 239 Entrepreneurs by Kevin Kruse 

The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months by Brian P. Moran

Donald’s planner template

Connect with Donald:

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The Sales Evangelist Podcast

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We’re doing something a little different for this week’s episode in the Mads Singers Management Podcast because this week’s guest is none other than Dr. Emil Goliath, a doctor, and entrepreneur. Dr. Emil worked for four years as a full-time doctor until he decided to call it quits and become an entrepreneur as he was fed up with the system of modern healthcare, and he didn’t have the freedom to live the life he wanted. 

While entrepreneurs are undoubtedly the kings and queens of delayed gratification, Dr. Emil said that he witnessed countless times where entrepreneurs have neglected their health only to reach the peak and be in bad shape. Instead of doing extreme workouts and crash dieting, we can take baby steps that can help shift us to at least 1 degree towards being healthy because getting fit and staying in shape shouldn’t be a competition yourself or others.

It’s like building a new habit or replacing an old one with a good one where we slowly start until it eventually becomes a lifestyle. Although many attribute speed and taking on several things at once with entrepreneurship, it isn’t a practical way to succeed with your goals, especially in today’s world where we are constantly bombarded by faux practical advice easily shared through our social media platforms. Nowadays where it’s often paired with aggressive marketing to sell us products that promise to deliver instant results. And because such things bombard us, we tend to overeat the food and information we see around us.

We don’t need to do drastic things immediately, like going on a crash diet or going from 0 to 100 when exercising. Instead, we can do small and gradual stuff until we get used to them. And with things slowly opening up worldwide, we can try joining a class or going to the gym. It’s also essential to hire a personal trainer to know what you are doing and get the best results possible. With such busy schedules, we entrepreneurs must have flexible routines as much as possible. However, just because it’s flexible doesn’t mean we should allow other things to overlap, and we completely forget about it.

Key Learning Points:

1. Dr. Emil says that health is a massive part of the hustle and our lives, that it is intrinsically connected. - 04:23
2. Instead of doing extreme exercises or crash diets, Dr. Emil says that we should ask ourselves what small things we can do today can shift us to 1 degree towards being healthy. - 05:07
3. Rather than doing all things at once, Mads says that entrepreneurs should take the slow and gradual way instead- 05:45
4. Dr. Emil shares about the 80/20 rule, where although it sounds cliche, he says that we should do things that have more bang for our buck because when we start with things that make the most impact, even small changes can give us a positive effect. - 07:29
5. Dr. Emil says that one of the best ways to intentionality, especially in eating, is being aware of your food and tracking your food. - 11:46
6. While data is essential in making choices and changes in life, we shouldn’t overanalyze it. Instead, we can improve our relationship with the information we have. - 17:37
7. Mads uses sugary food as an example and how it impacted him. He then says that once you realize how it affects you, it will be easier for you to be aware of its effects and become more conscious when presented with another opportunity. - 21:19
8. Dr. Emil recommends building an easy exercise routine that you can do regardless of where you are and combining it with some resistance and strength training- 30:23
9. Dr. Emil continues that doing optimal exercise is almost moot, especially if you don’t commit yourself to it. - 30:55
10. While many struggles with being consistent in their workout routines, Dr. Emil suggests that it’s better to give 20% every day when working out rather than pushing for 75% or 100% for five years and achieving minimal results. - 35:14

Resources Mentioned:

The Four Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman by Timothy Ferris

Connect with Emil:

Website

Facebook Page

LinkedIn

Instagram

Twitter

Dr. Emil Nutrition Website

My guest today for the Mads Singers Management Podcast, is Renata Porter, the Founder of Renata Porter Limited and a motivational speaker. Renata calls herself a "serial fixer" because she is the one people call when their teams or managers are not working how they intend to. She also helps small business owners and non-profit youth sports clubs accomplish their goals. Renata and her team's in-depth knowledge and experience with their "people focus" help clients take intentional and meaningful approaches to lead in their respective fields and organizations.

Contrary to popular belief, managers, business owners, or any person who manages people or has people report to them perform better when not in their area of expertise. When people are in their area of expertise, they tend to interfere with the natural flow of things and micromanage their staff or processes. 

An essential aspect of being a manager or business leader is not about the perks, power, or money you take home. Still, it's about being able to communicate with your employees so you can get them motivated to work by putting their best performance forward. Take the time to get feedback from them. If they don't give you feedback, consider it a lesson learned, as it will quickly tell you which employee is having problems and needs helps or who has something to say. However, this doesn't mean you have to be their best friend but rather have a good enough relationship with them to be told if they need to render extra hours or pick up some slack if they are falling behind at work.

As a manager and business owner, you need to be aware of how you approach people because not everyone is on the same wavelength as you: some are naturally more inclined to start independently. In contrast, others may prefer to be given direction. While some fear that management styles may change or revert to their old ways, I don't believe that will happen because you will encounter fewer of those kinds of problems when you hire well. We cannot communicate enough. It's okay to share a lot because communicating effectively isn't just about talking but also listening, clarifying, understanding, and not jumping into decisions or conclusions hastily.

Key Learning Points:

1. Mads says that one of his favorite things is when people work in an area/expertise that they don't know well because it allows them to work more efficiently than when working on their area of expertise. After all, they tend to interfere with the processes. - 03:18
2. Renata says that many managers tend to get sucked in the "doing" part instead of focusing on the leadership roles - 03:45
3. Renata says that she is the kind of person who will sit down and discover why someone feels a certain way with their tasks or projects. - 05:22
4. Renata believes that business owners, managers, or anyone who handles and manages people should connect with them on some level. - 07:09
5. Mads says that the most important thing a manager will do is build relationships with their staff. - 08:30
6. Renata says that most companies don't spend time training someone to be a manager, but when they do, their employees' training is high, making it harder for employees to relate to. - 10:14
7. Mads says that managers and business owners need to develop their staff as the people they will need for the future- 13:57
8. Mads says that companies should have a more holistic approach when it comes to planning where the whole organization is involved - 15:37
9. Renata says that the perception of people in management is often skewed. That's why it's essential to build a bridge between management and the staff. - 21:32
10. Mads shares that networking is the best way to find the best people before you hire them - 37:19

Resources Mentioned:

Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box by the Arbinger Institute

Connect with Renata:

LinkedIn

Website

Non-profit Sports Club Website

Email

Instagram

Joining me today on the Mads Singers Management Podcast is Itai Sadan, CEO, and Co-Founder of Duda, the leading white-label website builder for digital marketing agencies and SAAS platforms. Trusted by over 15,000 and counting agencies, SaaS platforms, freelancers, and even small businesses use Duda on a day-to-day basis to build their businesses and their digital presence. At 11 years old, Duda has over a million paying subscribers and 200 employees, and seven offices (and growing!)

Starting a business, regardless if it’s your first or your hundred, can be a struggle, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic where many of our norms were suddenly flipped overnight and where we had to quickly adapt to the many changes that unfolded with the flip of a switch.

Despite the challenges, COVID-19 has also allowed new ideas to take form and change the face of business. 

You will have sleepless nights, working long nights, and anxiety when you are working towards your first million. However, this will eventually become easier down the road. This then allows you to cope much better when it comes to scaling up or reaching your next goal, whether it’s your first billion, another branch, or even a new business venture altogether. However, you can breeze through most challenges when you have the right partner, but in finding the right partner, you’ll need to set clear goals and expectations since you will be spending most of your time with them.

For a business venture to succeed, sometimes we need to bring in or hire chemistry with ourselves and our staff through conducting one-on-one’s with each of your staff or sending out a newsletter every month where highlights and updates are being made aware. Doing this allows you and your company to move as one to take on challenges together rather than having one person deal with something and shoot at it blindly.

Key Learning Points:

1. Itai says that even though the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging to some people, it allowed him and other businesses to flourish by creating new ways to connect. - 3:08
2. Itai says it’s essential to have a good partner when starting a business. - 07:24
3. Mads likens partnership to marriage because you will be spending most of your time with your business partner.- 08:34
4. Mads stresses the importance of having a solid conversation with your partner- 11:23
5. Itai adds that business leaders and owners should have clear roles and responsibilities for their staff. - 12:40
6. Itai says that once you start taking money from investors, it becomes another relationship with your partner, staff, and others.- 21:22
7. Itai says that the experience you are bringing on board is much more important than the actual money. - 25:43
8. Itai shares how one employee told him that there was no transparency in the company, and it made him realize that he needed to put in the effort to keep everyone in the loop. - 28:02
9. Mads says that when promoting someone internally, even if you don’t have much budget to get them the best courses or training, you need to go out and do something to invest in them somehow. While they can learn at their own pace, it may take them longer, and however, when you invest in them, you will be reaping great rewards. - 34:51
10. Itai says that it doesn’t matter if you’re the squad leader and a great shooter because that is still one rifle shooting in one direction. You’ll need ten rifles shooting in the right direction, reminiscing about his army days in Israel before he started Duda. - 39:27

Connect with Itai:

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Company LinkedIn

Company Website

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Company Twitter

Facebook Page

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Today, my guest on the Mads Singers Management Podcast is none other than Mark A. Grainger, the co-founder and CMO of BigImpactHQ.

We begin this episode where Mark shares a story from his childhood where he was on a fishing trip with his family and witnessed a whale approach their boat. As the whale was coming, Mark felt fear. However, the whale went silent and retreated into the waters.

This experience amazed Mark when he was younger; however, looking back at it led Mark to realize that all living things desire to communicate.

Mark works together with his wife to help frustrated women leaders who love speaking where they show them how to overcome their self-doubt.

I’m a firm believer in working on one’s natural strengths because it allows you to perform and work better and be happier. With many people working in jobs that don’t like but fill their pockets, it can be easy to bring the negative energy they have in their workplace and influence the people around them to perform poorly. However, when negative habits or thoughts can no longer be controlled, they should seek help from a professional and work on it. When it comes to communication, our words are compelling as they can seduce, inspire, and even start wars; what we say can impact another person. The words we say to ourselves can often bring us down and even cast doubt on ourselves. However, we have the power to change that by changing what we say.

Our mind creates situations or an operating system that allows us to thrive or sets us up to fail; however, when we have mastered the art of fulfillment, no matter what happens to us, we will end up okay and see the world in a much better light. Still, we must be very discerning about what we allow in our minds because our operating system comes from a place of truth. Ideally, relationships are carefree. However, there will come a time when we will be pushing each other’s buttons or, better yet - polishing each other’s diamonds, and once we see what a relationship is for, we don’t get tied in with the thought of how things are supposed to happen.

Key Learning Points:

1. Mark says that entrepreneurs must always have something to work on because they start to see what gets in their way as leaders and entrepreneurs. - 04:15

2. Mark says that having a business is like personal development on steroids. - 04:32

3. Mads says that personal development is crucial, but he observes that many people constantly develop their weak areas instead of their stronger ones.- 05:12

4. Mads says that you can work on if something is holding you back, such as poor communication skills. However, he says that most weaknesses aren’t holding you back because they can work around instead. - 05:44

5. Mark says that words are powerful: they can seduce lovers, they can start wars. The words that we use are far more critical than any deployment channel. - 11:38

6. Mark says that if you change what you say, you change your life- 12:02

7. Mark says that the Persuasion Equation isn’t the influence, cast-a-spell-over-you-make-you-do-what-I-don’t want-you-to-do feeling. It’s a connection of inspiration where people are in spirit to do what they are called to do. - 16:25

8. Mads shares his observation on why communication in a company sucks. He says that it’s because people communicate differently: some are keen on written communication, some are keen on verbal communication.- 17:39

9. Mark adds into Mads’ statement and says that leaders must know how to collide with others when communicating- 18:43

10. Mads says that you can influence the world around you much more than you think- 30:39

Resources Mentioned:

What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith

The Persuasion Equation: The Subtle Science of Getting Your Way by Mark Rodgers

No More Mr. Nice Guy: A Proven Plan for Getting What You Want in Love, Sex, and Life by Robert A. Glover

Find out what kind of speaker you are (quiz)

Connect with Mark:

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Company Website

Company LinkedIn

Blog

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Facebook

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Today, joining me for this episode of the Mads Singers Management Podcast is Joseph Fung, the CEO, and Co-Founder of Uvaro, an online sales accelerator that helps sales professionals be more successful regardless of their specialty is. Based in Canada, Joseph is a lover of all things tech, software, and entrepreneurship.

We begin this episode where I admit that sales aren’t my thing and where I asked Joseph when it is the right time to hire your first sales rep for your company or business. Joseph agrees that sales can be complex because he has also struggled with his first companies. He shares how he tried to learn those skills quickly by going to ToastMasters and the BNI, where he learned how to make a pitch and do the proper handshake.

According to Joseph, unlike other careers where you can get accreditation, sales is different because you can’t just check the list. Instead of looking for someone who has all the credentials, Joseph says business owners should look for someone who knows their customers well. 

While taking risks is part and parcel of starting a business, many entrepreneurs don’t tend to see its downside, especially when some of them have the privilege because they can have something to fall back on if their venture fails. Each of us has our interpretations when it comes to starting businesses. Some say we shouldn’t do business with our friends or families. Some will say that it isn’t wise to start a company with a stranger. Still, regardless if we have a good or bad experience, we should always take it as a learning experience.

Whether you choose to join BNI, ToastMasters, or whatever group is out there, you will reap more than what you have planted initially if you deliberately want to improve yourself. The sound energy you put out there will come back to you tenfold and even more! Although it may not be automatic, intentional improvements will significantly affect yourself and the people around you.

Key Learning Points:

1. Joseph says that everyone looks for sales reps that have sold similar things before. While it can work, he says that it works better if you know your customer well. - 03:00
2. In reply to Mads’ statement, Joseph says that even though top-level candidates or employees may produce good results, they may not necessarily have the same results for you. - 03:47
3. Mads says that many business owners and entrepreneurs don’t tend to see the downside when taking a risk- 12:33
4. Joseph shares that he has had both painful and sound experiences in business. However, both of them were all learning experiences - 18:36
5. While being spontaneous is a good sign when starting a business, Mads cautions that business owners shouldn’t always change their ideas and products every week. - 21:37
6. Joseph says that he is a firm believer in creating a workplace where one can thrive and have a healthy (work-life) balance - 22:24
7. Joseph adds that it’s essential to have partners who have a similar level as you. - 22:43
8. Mads says that the quality of people you surround yourself with matters. - 28:03
9. Joseph says that when you put good energy out there, it comes back to you - 35:18
10. Joseph says that if business owners and sales reps are deliberate about improving each step of the way, the effect will be compounding. - 39:39

Resources Mentioned:

Video Library of Uvaro

Connect with Joseph: 

LinkedIn

Twitter

Website

Instagram

Joining me today on the Mads Singers Management Podcast is none other than Allan Milham. Allan is the founder of Questage®, a leadership development company based in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Allan has been working for the last 25 years with entrepreneurs and leaders with organizations worldwide. 

He has helped people elevate their impact as a leader and understand the leadership brand that can help them get leverage in their careers. 

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us were affected and had to take a step back. However, to make an impact as a leader, Allan shares his tips on how business owners and leaders should be self-aware and observant with their pace during the day.

Allan believes we all have a different calling which can be tied with purpose so that a purpose title with a legacy then you got back at the end of the journey. We have challenges, and we need a leadership conversation to stay alive, focused, and it can happen during the conversation. Mads also adds that the more leaders, the better. The more people developed leaders, the better. Being a leader, you have to live your values, whatever they are.

A leader is not about leading but learning. We need to be humans who have a lot of curiosity over today's surroundings, join the team by encouraging discussions for better probabilities and take your time wherever you need time to contemplate. These are just simple motions with a significant effect on the environment and culture. 

Key Learning Points:

1. Allan shares how he was a late bloomer compared to his siblings where they had things figured out. - 01:27
2. Allan shares how Questage allows leaders to find the pause they need and to be able to self-reflect - 03:31
3. Allan continues that when leaders can pause and self-reflect, they can come up with better solutions and results. Team members are more excited to be around that team leader because they're slowing down, adjusting, and curious. - 03:44
4. Mads shares that he dislikes the phrase "You should be working on your business, not in your business" because many people don't understand the word. - 04:30
5. Allan says he holistically defines leadership: it's how you lead at home, how you lead with your family, and how you lead in your communities. - 05:34
6. Allan shares that the new generation is demanding more of the Learner Leader type - 06:31
7. Allan believes our calling is tied with purpose, journey, and legacy. - 18:25
8. Mads says it's not easy to reverse roles, but you must be aware. - 22:40
9. Allan says that our bodies are the messengers that let us know when we should take a break. - 23:59
10. Mads is a fundamental believer where happiness is a choice but in also owning your destiny- 27:10

Resources Mentioned:

Enneagram

Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr

Connect with Allan:

Website

LinkedIn (Company Website)

Allan's LinkedIn

Today, joining me for this episode of the Mads Singers Management Podcast is none other than the resilient entrepreneur Michelle A. Mercier.

Michelle is a business coach, motivational speaker, and host of The Resilient Entrepreneur Podcast. Michelle is on a mission to bring back humanity in business because she believes that keeping things personal is suitable for businesses.

Michelle hopes to get rid of the "hustle and grind' and "badge of busy"' mindset because it has become a misguided norm in today's society where people fail to see how self-awareness and a healthy perspective can help them reach unlock their full potential.

We begin our talk where Michelle mentions a quote from Sheryl Sandberg on how being resilient is like a muscle where you can build it up and draw on it and become the person you're meant to be.

Although life is constant, it can throw us into some weird situations. With the universe notorious for throwing giant curve balls at us, Michelle aims to cultivate the right business mindset and soft skills to foster the resilience to succeed in a world with ever-changing circumstances. But being resilient isn't simply flicking a switch and things being okay instantly, and this is why we need to recognize that adversity and that it's okay not to be okay sometimes.

When learning new habits, people shouldn't underestimate the power of their old habits because they may relapse and go back to their old ways. However, a little progress can go a long way. One can practice bookending like Michelle does so that you won't be bombarded with so many thoughts to think of when you go to bed or be distracted while you work or spend time with your friends and family. These small things can change the way you show up to people, on stage, in front of your clients, friends, and even family. One can also challenge themselves by shaking up a few aspects of your life by learning a new skill or improving an existing one, but you shouldn't worry too much if you have missed a step in your routine or two, especially if things are out of your control.

Key Learning Points:

1. Mads says that things only seem to be difficult because you haven't done it- 05:28
2. Michelle says she isn't happy with the definition of "resilience" in the dictionary because the act itself requires some effort. She hopes that people will be more accepting of the mores of adversity to continue moving forward. - 06:42
3. Michelle says that sometimes it's okay not to be okay. - 07:30
4. Michelle adds that while some things may be out of your control, you will always choose your feelings or reactions. - 08:19
5. Mads says that it's vital that we take full ownership of the things around us instead of blaming others. - 09:04
6. Mads says that the only person who can turn your life around is yourself. - 09:36
7. Michelle says that she believes that self-awareness should be the main criteria when running a company. - 12:39
8. Michelle says that business owners should be in tune with their employees to know how to manage them properly. - 13:18
9. Mads says that shooting down ideas from your staff is the worst thing a manager can do because it can make them less likely to share their thoughts and make them shut down. Even if it was a bad idea, acknowledge that they took the time to come up with an idea, and it is a benefit to your team. - 30:56
10. When forming new habits, Michelle shares how she likes to bookend her days by journaling, exercising, or visualizing the day so that she won't be thinking of all the crap when she goes to bed. - 34:38

Resources Mentioned:

The Resilient Entrepreneur Podcast

Connect with Michelle:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook

Joining me today on the Mads Singers Management Podcast is Jo Rawbone of Flourishing Introverts. Like myself, Jo is an introvert. However, she is the master of introverts and advocates for introverts in the workplace.

Jo is based in the United Kingdom and has been a management trainer and coach facilitator since 1987. Initially working for British Telecom, Jo left the company in 1994 to pursue her career. Although she has jokingly said that she is unemployable, Jo has focused and grown in her chosen niche. This has also made Jo mad enough because there were many negative connections in being an introvert. Many introverts were often shunned and excluded from meetings, team buildings, and even promotions compared to their extrovert peers.

Frequently, most extroverts will almost always be in a sales job or work as a salesperson. However, Jo believes that introverts can excel in being a salesperson because they tend to ask the right questions, which can pique a customer’s interest or immediately serve a customer what they need. But because of their shy and reserved nature, many employers tend to pass that opportunity to their more extroverted or outgoing peers even though they may not have enough experience or knowledge about the position.

While we need to get rid of our preconceived notions about what introverts and extroverts can have, I believe there are specific fields where introverts can excel. But rather than sorting out where people belong, let people find their comfort level to discover their strengths and weaknesses. Who knows, that person you’ve been putting in the back may be an undiscovered salesman.

As observed by Jo and me, most managers and business owners tend to hire people who share their likeness. It is also why at times, it fails to add variety to their team and adjust to the needs of their team accordingly.

While different people may want or seek other things, we must find what and where we are comfortable with to flourish in life. Although it may seem daunting at first, it’s essential that we take action rather than wait for the perfect conditions to set off our plans and goals.

Key Learning Points:

1. Mads says it’s essential to get the right people in the right roles. - 03:36
2. Jo believes that we should eliminate our preconceived notions about what jobs introverts and extroverts can have. - 04:32
3. Mads believes that different teams need different styles of management- 07:53
4. Jo shares that she likes to enable managers to flex and move elegantly between management and leadership styles so that they can fill what’s needed in that moment rather than bragging about who they are or what they are. - 08:47
5. Mads says it’s crucial to utilize a person’s strengths as much as possible- 10:08
6. Mads says that business owners should learn how to communicate with their staff even if they don’t seem the approachable type. - 11:05
7. Jo says it’s essential to take note of where we get our energy from- 14:35
8. Jo says that it’s not about getting out of our comfort zones but finding out what we are comfortable with, what’s on the outer edge, beyond that, and what’s way out there. - 17:20
9. Jo adds that if we continue working on our outer edge, our comfort zone expands - 17:34
10. Jo shares her mantra: Done is better than perfect. She adds that it’s vital that we take action first because we can continually refine our work and processes as we go along. 21:37

Resources Mentioned:

The Introverts Edge: How the Quiet and Shy Can Outsell Anyone: by Matthew Pollard with Derek Lewis

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Phone Number: +44 7860 194758