Make My People Better

Episode 40: Max Yoder, CEO, Lessonly 

Max Yoder (@maxyoder), is the CEO and Co-Founder of Lessonly, a team training software company. He’s also the author of Do Better Work, a foundational book for leaders that focuses on the whole human approach. 

Do you ever find yourself getting buried in the ‘How can I make things better?’ mentality? What if instead, you started focusing on what’s going well and doing more of that? In this episode, you’ll hear Max’s thoughts on why it’s important to bring less fear, shame, and guilt into the workplace - and start bringing in more compassion.

Listen in as Max shares how you can break down your walls and show your vulnerability, starting with the people you love and trust first.

Episode 39: Jennifer Burk, President/CEO, Junior Achievement of Central Indiana

As the President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Indiana, Jennifer Burk strives to create an environment that inspires, energizes and empowers her people to be “all in.” 

As she says, people can’t be what they can’t see. So, this year alone, Jennifer and her team are impacting and reaching around 40,000 children throughout Central Indiana with JA’s programs including BizTown, Our City, and JobSpark. 

Listen in as Jennifer discusses the importance of flexibility (it’s an essential retention strategy - not just a perk anymore!), and why leaders need to start recognizing employees as a whole person. 

Plus, you’ll hear some touching stories on how JA continues to change the trajectory of the lives of young people in Central Indiana, and all over the country. 

Episode 38: Jon Loftin, President/Chief Operating Officer, MJ Insurance

Jon Loftin believes everyone wants to learn and grow, but as a leader, you have to provide them the tools and resources to do so. 

As the President and Chief Operating Officer at insurance brokerage and consulting company, MJ Insurance, Jon continually concentrates on shaping a business environment where growth and development flourish. 

Jon considers MJ’s greatest asset to be its people. In fact, MJ Insurance spends five percent of its revenue on employees’ learning and development.

If you want to focus on your employees’ personal and professional growth journey, this episode is for you.

Episode 37: Cindy Konich, President/CEO, Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis

“Be curious. Take risks. Find your voice. Raise your hand.” Wise words from Cindy Konich.

Cindy is the President and CEO of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBI), a regional wholesale bank. In this episode of Make My People Better, you’ll hear Cindy’s journey as a female presence in a male-dominated industry. 

How can you overcome obstacles and gain traction in your career? For Cindy, the answer is simple: raise your hand when it comes to new opportunities [and challenges].

Her wisdom - regardless of your gender - is insightful for every leader. Listen in.

Episode 36: Drew Smith, President, American Speciality Insurance

As a leader, what are you doing to encourage your people to grow?

Drew Smith is the President of American Speciality Insurance, a company that specializes in providing sports, recreation, and entertainment insurance. 

From ‘Payday Popcorn’ days to showcasing March Madness games throughout the office, American Speciality Insurance has built a culture that fosters collaboration and teamwork. In fact, people at the company are referred to as ‘teammates’ - not co-workers or employees. 

In this episode, you’ll hear how Drew encourages growth and development, and why he seeks out teammates who have drive and ‘grit.’ 

If you’re looking for resources in growing your people - not just as employees but as parents, spouses, and friends - you’ll want to listen in for Drew’s advice. 

This week on the Make My People Better podcast, you’ll hear our Live Leadership Series event featuring Keynote Speaker Seth Morales (@smorales84), President and COO of Morales Group, Inc. 

Join the trueU community as we discuss the personal habits of high performers.

Episode 35: Robb Blume, President/CEO, Community First Bank of Indiana

How do people experience your company’s brand? Robb Blume believes a true brand consists of more than just a logo or slogan, and there’s no better marketing than having your people out in the community.

Robb is the President and CEO of Community First Bank of Indiana, an independent bank created in 2003 with a core belief of being actively involved in making the community a better place to live and do business.

The bank specifically focuses on employee engagement and service as a means to grow. As Robb says, ‘Happy employees lead to happy clients.”

For Robb, a true service mindset isn’t just about giving money; it’s about getting your people involved and leading by example.

In this episode of Make My People Better, you’ll hear why Robb believes interacting and getting to know people in your community leads to long-term benefits that you can’t put a dollar figure on.

How can we, as leaders, expect our employees to be fulfilled if we aren’t fulfilled ourselves?

We know we receive energy from good nutrition, along with working out, adequate sleep and maintaining positivity. But there is another major source for the energy we need: having the right kinds of relationships with others.

Dr. John Townsend (@drjohntownsend) is a New York Times best-selling author, business consultant, leadership coach, psychologist and founder of the online Townsend Institute and the Townsend Leadership Program. He’s also trueU’s newest partner.

In this episode of Make My People better, we’re digging into Dr. Townsend’s new book, People Fuel, which provides a fantastic framework on how we can think about relationships and personal development.

Listen in as Dr. Townsend discusses how ‘Relational Nutrients’ can keep us healthy, creative, and resilient, and how the right kinds of relationships with others refuel us.

Episode 33 [BONUS]: Mike Webster, President, Freije-RSC

Mike Webster is the President of Freije-RSC, a specialty engineering, service, and construction provider.

A few years ago, Mike found himself in a tough position. His company was losing employees, but it wasn’t due to their craft. His people were leaving because of stress at home, such as marital issues, substance abuse, and money problems to name a few.

In this episode of Make My People Better, you’ll hear how Mike turned things around to build a culture that allows his employees to enjoy life and foster better relationships with their families, spouses, and friends.

So, how can you help your employees live a happier and more productive life? Listen in to Mike’s advice.

Episode 32: Mike Lantz, President/Founder, ML Talent Strategies

Mike Lantz (@mikelantz) is one of the original visionaries of trueU, so it’s not hard to believe that he is passionate about growing and developing employees.

In this episode of Make My People Better, we’re diving into people. As a leader, your talent is a strategic asset just like your equipment or office space.

Mike, President/Founder of ML Talent Strategies, believes leaders must be continually ‘pouring’ into employees, especially when it comes to development and setting clear career paths. When it comes down to it, employees leave organizations because they don’t know where they’re going.

So, how do you develop your people? How do you engage them? Plus, how can you become a ‘destination employer’ that people want to work for?

Listen in for Mike’s advice on utilizing talent - the right talent - as an engine for growth and success at your company.