Never in Reverse

Much of what we do comes from habit, whether we realize it or not. You weren’t born knowing to wake up and immediately check your phone – the habit developed over time, and now you probably do it without thinking. In today’s episode, Jeremy and Doug discuss rituals, from building healthy habits to breaking unhealthy ones. 

Starting from their work lives, Doug and Jeremy are both working to implement rituals and time-blocking at work, but this sometimes rubs up against the reality of work in a dynamic industry. In their personal lives, Doug and Jeremy use rituals to maintain their health and spend time with their loved ones while breaking rituals that no longer serve them.

For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below:

[3:12] Today’s episode is about the power of rituals. For Doug, time blocking has been useful, though his dynamic work environment sometimes prevents him from sticking to his plans.

[5:35] Jeremy tends to take an in-the-moment approach to his work, which can have negative consequences in both his personal and work life. He is working to implement self-care rituals to counteract this. 

[10:35] In his personal life, Doug’s main ritual is working out three to five days a week.. He gets up between 4:30 and 5 to get his workout in before work.

[16:10] Jeremy and Doug live very fast-paced lives. The constant flow of responsibilities can make maintaining rituals difficult. Jeremy points out the importance of living with intentionality. 

[19:58] Drinking was a ritual that Jeremy picked up from his upbringing. It took him time to realize that his environment led to this ritual, and that the ritual was not serving him.

[25:58] By changing his rituals, Doug has made memories with his children that they still treasure. Rituals can be a key piece of living with intention and being present with your family.

[28:30] We want to hear from you – how have you broken negative habits and created new rituals? 

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FOMO, or the fear of missing out, has become part of our vocabulary because it describes an almost universal experience. We all want to fit in to some extent, we all want to be the best version of ourselves, and we all want to please the people around us. But committing to too much can leave you drained. In this episode, Doug and Jeremy discuss the fear and joy of missing out. 

Jeremy and Doug also dive into the digital world’s impact on our fear of missing out, as social media shows us the best moments from everyone else. We can start to take our attention back by detoxing from the digital world, though it’s easier said than done. 

For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below:

[4:40] Today’s episode is about the fear of missing out and the joy of missing out. The theme of this episode plays into the larger idea of the show to help people grow.

[5:51] Doug does not worry about missing out as much as he used to. He still experiences some fear of missing out, but it is not as prevalent. 

[10:57] As adults, we also have to recognize that our children will have the same fear of missing out that we used to. Setting up an open line of communication will help your kids learn to be truthful with you and allow you to help them make better decisions.

[15:12] As you get more comfortable with yourself, you also get more comfortable with your own decisions. This can help you “miss out” without the fear and self-judgement. 

[18:30] Jeremy and Doug move into discussing digital detoxes. Our devices can interfere with out connections, especially as we struggle to break the habits we’ve formed around technology. 

[22:32] One improvement Doug has made is setting limits on his email notifications. This helps him limit not just his time spent on his phone, but also the time he spends thinking about work outside of work.

[29:00] Teaching your kids how to have a healthy relationship with technology is all about intentionality. You have to set an example for your kids through your own technology use.

[35:30] If you don’t engage with your kids, especially young kids, you encourage bad behavior. They will start to act out to get your attention.

[39:11] What do you do to settle and be more intentional? As men, many of us carry a lot of pressure with us as we try to tackle everything at once. We want to hear from you!

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Great decision makers aren’t defined by the decisions they make during predictable times; they know how to adapt to change in the face of adversity and pivot when necessary. In today’s episode of Never In Reverse, Jeremy and Doug discuss starting over as it applies to their business, families, and personal lives. They give tips on how you can position yourself to quickly adapt to change and share their experiences with change and starting over. 

Adapting to change is a crucial skill for business owners. At Fluent Conveyors, Jeremy and Doug adapt to change quickly, whether that change is in their clients or in the adoption of new technology. In their personal lives, change is about both adapting to the unexpected and being able to accept when they are wrong. To foster positive change in yourself, they recommend surrounding yourself with people who push you to be the best version of yourself. 

For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below:

[2:15] Today’s episode is about starting over, and how starting over takes courage. On the business side, Jeremy embraces change at work and always looks for ways to move forward.

[8:00] Doug brings up how starting over also related to automation and technology. While the processes your company has in place may feel comfortable, staying ahead of the curve should come first.

[12:03] Jeff Bezos famously said that while his company has expanded to be one of the largest in the world, the time it takes him to make decisions is the same as it was when Amazon was a bookstore. 

[14:55] When Jeremy graduated college, he felt the transition from college to adulthood very deeply. 

[16:31] Doug feels that he bit off more than he could chew early on, getting married and having kids in quick succession. The recession coincided with these life events, and Doug had to learn to adapt quickly. 

[19:20] A big part of adapting to change in your personal life is accepting when you’re wrong, particularly in marriage. You have to be willing to let go of your old habits and ideas if they aren’t serving you.

[24:49] Your friends can also impact the changes you make. Choosing friends who push you forward instead of holding you back can make it easier to become a better person.

[28:27] It is important to lean on the people around you during periods of change. Everyone has faced adversity, so everyone has something to offer to help get you through it. 

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Do you know how to unplug from work? How about setting boundaries at home when you need time to yourself? In today’s episode, Doug and Jeremy discuss how to allocate your energy to be present and avoid burnout. Jeremy and Doug both struggled with leaving their work at work and being present with their families when they get home, and they share tips to help you balance your work and home life. 

Jeremy and Doug begin by discussing how overworking themselves can actually make them less present during work. They move onto how they have created space for their families outside of work by learning to unplug. Finally, they discuss how they take time for themselves to recharge.

For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below:

[5:50] Jeremy struggles to stay off of work outside of work hours, which creates extra pressure that makes it difficult to be there for his team.

[9:07] Doug has learned to let things go when they are not urgent. He has become more focused on the tasks that matter, allowing him to respond more strategically.

[12:23] In college football, Doug and Jeremy learned to play through injury. This mentality has followed them into their careers. 

[15:57] Doug has improved at letting work stop at work, and has learned to unplug at home. He has learned to ask himself if his work can wait.

[18:45] Burnout can also occur within the family. Jeremy points out that it is equally important to be able to take time for yourself, and to tell your family when you need that time. 

[21:15] Doug’s work environment has also improved since his previous job, and he has found that having a better work environment has also helped him reduce burnout. 

[26:29] You can’t be everything to everyone at all times. You have to focus your attention intentionally throughout your day to be at your best at work, at home, and with yourself. 

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A big part of self-improvement, is adopting new habits, but making big changes all at once can be difficult. Trying to change your lifestyle all at once will make you less likely to stick with the new changes. However, big changes can also be made by compounding small changes. In today’s episode, Jeremy and Doug discuss micro-habits, which are small, positive changes that build up to help you make big improvements. They discuss how they’ve used micro-habits at work, at home, and in their personal lives. 
Doug and Jeremy begin by discussing micro-habits in the workplace, particularly how they get their teams to buy into new habits. They then discuss micro-habits as they have impacted their families, from introducing their children to micro-habits to implementing new micro-habits for their own personal growth.
For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below:
[4:26] Today, Jeremy and Doug are discussing micro-habits. In the workplace, micro-habits can help us make improvements over time through small changes.
[9:19] Thanks to small changes that have built up over the last year, Fluent Conveyors has made big improvements. These changes happen one step at a time and require adaptation.
[12:19] Jeremy also encourages his team to stick by their micro-habits to allow them to compound, and to make improvements where they see a need for change.
[16:59] In Doug and Jeremy’s families, they teach their kids micro-habits to help them learn to tackle things a little bit at a time.
[22:10] When you get married, you bring your positive and negative habits with you. You can start to break negative habits by introducing new micro-habits. 
[28:15] Doug and Jeremy’s wives also push them to adopt new habits. For example, Doug’s wife pushed him to start going to the gym with her, and he now works out four days a week. 
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A lot of us live in a world on nonstop work and focus, but this can often be self-imposed. Learning to set aside time for solitude and calmness can improve your mental state, your relationships, and your productivity. In this episode, Doug and Jeremy discuss solitude and explain how they have come to cultivate it in their lives.

Jeremy and Doug begin by discussing their work, and how it often keeps them from having time to themselves. They discuss some of the boundaries that they have set to make time for solitude, and the areas they still have for improvement. They also explore how solitude (or lack thereof) has affected their relationships with their wives and children.

For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below:

[4:30] This show is going to evolve – Jeremy is interested in bringing on guests from all walks of life to explore different topics and experiences.

[5:44] Today’s episode is about solitude, which can be extremely powerful. In the business sector, things are often high-energy, but it is important to schedule in time to think.

[7:49] One area where Doug has improved at taking time for solitude is turning off his email notifications from 5 PM to 6 AM, which allows him to be more connected with himself and his family.

[14:36] Jeremy and Doug do not have a great work-life balance as they still feel that much of the work falls on them. They see this as a growing pain in their company.

[19:24] Doug has improved at finding solitude, but he still puts others before himself. This is something that Jeremy struggles with too. Doug wants to be there for his loved ones, and this sometimes comes at the expense of his own needs.

[22:40] The age of your children can also play a role in how much solitude you can realistically get. When your kids are young and very dependent on you, it is much harder to take time for yourself.

[27:24] Jeremy went through a period where his work consumed him, and it was a very dark time for him. By learning to take time for himself, he has improved his relationships and mental health.

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What does cultural intelligence mean to you, and how do you cultivate it? In today’s episode of Never in Reverse, Doug and Jeremy define and discuss cultural intelligence and explain its applications to their work and family lives. They give tips on how you can expand your own cultural intelligence and discuss why doing so matters. 

Doug and Jeremy both grew up in small towns that gave them limited cultural awareness. When they went to college, they began to interact with people from very different cultural backgrounds than their own. They have since learned from their company and their travels.

For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below:

[3:30] Today’s episode is about cultural intelligence, which is very relevant in today’s world an can be a blind spot for those of us who grew up in smaller towns. Jeremy and Doug gained most of their cultural intelligence in college as they met new people and gained awareness. 

[8:11] The talent that Fluent Conveyors sees and aligns itself with culturally is more global and culturally diverse than ever. That may be intimidating for a lot of organizations that want to create a homogenous environment. 

[10:17] Jeremy wants to start building cultural differences into the Fluent Conveyor’s company values. While efficiency and high quality are still prioritized, there are other values that the team should take into account to fully represent its teams.

[12:55] One example of how Jeremy has had to gain cultural intelligence is when people ask for days off for cultural reasons that he is not familiar with. He has had to learn how to trust his team to make the right decisions and make up for any time they take off. 

[15:23] Cultural intelligence is also at play in families and relationships. Jeremy’s wife has traveled all over the world and brought Jeremy on international trips as well. He has taught cultural intelligence to his children by showing them different foods and traveling with them. 

[18:03] After Doug’s father moved for work at the height of his career, he introduced Doug to some of the new cultures he interacted with. Doug also learned from his wife, who was also more well-traveled than him. 

[20:00] Many Americans learn about other cultures through how American media represents them, which often does not paint an accurate or complete picture.

[22:57] The best thing you can give your kids is travel. It allows them to experience a world outside of their own, which helps contribute to their cultural intelligence and empathy.

[26:55] Cultural intelligence is also about self-awareness in that it requires you to understand that you don’t know everything. Team members with different cultural experiences will be able to catch blind spots that you will miss.

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Do you know how to say no? Whether you’re committing to spend time with a friend or committing to a new client, sticking to your commitments shows integrity. Overcommitting, as tempting as it can be for people pleasers like Doug, is a great way to let people down when you inevitably don’t have the time you said you did. It’s also a great way to burn yourself out. In this episode, Doug and Jeremy talk about their boundaries and share tips to help you set your own. 

For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below:

[3:28] Today’s episode is about the art of saying no – something that Doug struggles with. Learning how to say no can enhance your life by helping you choose where you spend your time so you can be fully present at work, at home, and with yourself. 

[6:30] When Doug began working with Jeremy, he was doing work that fell outside of his role because he believed he had to. He has since learned that saying no requires maturity, and he has gained a familiarity with his work that has allowed him to understand his limitations. 

[9:11] Doug knows that he is a people pleaser. He finds it difficult to say no to people because he does not want to let them down. He has improved at this recently, but there is still room for more growth. 

[15:22] Jeremy has built the art of saying no into the culture at Fluent Conveyors, particularly as it applies to clients who are not a good fit. 

[22:10] When something is on your mind, it can be tempting to work on it before you forget. Jeremy sometimes texts and emails people at odd hours, and he is encouraging his team to set their own boundaries with him.

[24:45] Jeremy is also setting boundaries at home with his family, and his wife is setting boundaries with him. This helps him make time for himself and be fully present when he is with his family. 

[30:34] Doug and Jeremy discuss a recent time when Doug was sick and put pressure on himself to continue working. Jeremy encouraged him to take time for himself. 

[34:31] Doug’s wife has a useful saying that you can put in your tool bag: “I can’t commit to that right now.” It isn’t an outright no, but it allows you the space to say no if you are too busy to commit with certainty.

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Do you remember the wonder that you used to feel as a kid? In this episode of Never in Reverse, we’re tapping into that wonder and discussing curiosity. Curiosity is all about being open to new ideas and experiences, pushing you out of your comfort zone. 

The culture at Fluent Conveyors is driven by curiosity, with leadership being open to ideas from their team and constantly looking for opportunities to brainstorm. This curiosity doesn’t have a 100% success rate, but it does allow Jeremy and Doug to stay ahead of the curve of innovation. 

For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below:

[3:40] Today’s episode is about curiosity and remaining curious to foster personal growth. 

[6:31] Jeremy describes himself as curious to a fault – he is always looking to understand how things work and make positive change. Curiosity fosters an innovative culture at Fluent Conveyors.

[10:24] Doug explains that he and Jeremy are always brainstorming and trying to think of ways to improve. They are comfortable acknowledging their own blind spots and take perspectives from their entire team.

[15:08] Jeremy and Doug discuss the wonder that they used to feel as children and where they experienced the most curiosity and freedom. They both felt a special connection to nature growing up.

[17:41] In our adulthood, we can all benefit from finding new ways to experience curiosity. Jeremy and Doug both try to put themselves in situations outside of their comfort zones.

[25:30] You can’t take the money to the grave. Life is about enjoying the time that you have – you can’t spend your life worried about security; you have to make time for new experiences to get the most out of it.

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What does it mean to be vulnerable? When is vulnerability appropriate, and when is it not the right time? Here’s a hint: most men lean too far on the side of keeping things to themselves. In this episode of Never in Reverse, Jeremy and Doug discuss vulnerability, honesty, and open communication. 

Doug and Jeremy begin the episode by discussing what vulnerability means to them and how they practice it in their everyday lives. They compare their upbringing – Doug grew up with emotionally open parents, whereas Jeremy grew up in a judgmental household. Both are learning how to become more vulnerable in their relationships, particularly with the help of their wives.

For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below:

[3:20] What is vulnerability? For Doug, being vulnerable is about being open to constructive criticism. Jeremy believes that there is strength in vulnerability, and that vulnerable people form better relationships. 

[5:46] Honesty is also an important component of vulnerability and relationship building. He recognizes that there is a line for honesty, particularly in professional settings. 

[9:44] Transparency is freeing. Jeremy notes that he likes to work through things himself before sharing them with people, but he is comfortable going back to parts of his past that he has worked through.

[11:46] Doug struggles to ask for help. He is working to be better at delegating when he needs to and not trying to handle everything on his own. 

[15:48] Doug recounts an experience where he handled a situation in a vulnerable way in a leadership role, and it did not work well. That experience left an impression on him in how he handles confrontation.

[21:15] Doug’s parents were very open and emotional with him and his brother. He believes that this has helped him be more open and emotional with his children.

[26:21] Jeremy grew up in a judgmental home, and he has had to learn how to become less judgmental. Letting go of his judgement has allowed him to grow and strengthen his relationships in his family. 

[32:33] Doug’s wife has pushed him to be a better communicator and to have more compassion for himself and others. Jeremy says that his wife inspires him to be more empathetic as well.

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