Play Your Position

What's it like to be a legacy creative leader in the Nashville music scene? In today's episode, I'm diving into the world of music, leadership, and creative passion with John Chisum, a veteran songwriter, publisher, and mentor who has spent over 43 years in the music industry. From working with Christian music legends like Steven Curtis Chapman and the Gaither family to running Nashville Christian Songwriters, John has a wealth of wisdom about finding your authentic voice and navigating the complex landscape of creative entrepreneurship. He's not just about hit songs, but about empowering artists to understand their "why" and develop their unique talents. This conversation is perfect for: Musicians and aspiring artists; Leadership enthusiasts; and anyone seeking inspiration and authentic career advice in a world that often prioritizes fame over substance. Connect with John Chisum: On his website: https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ On his podcast: https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/podcast/

On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnChisumOfficial

Extra Stuff:

I'm exploring what it means to stay grounded in an accelerating world. You're welcome to follow along. For more depth, I share my best ideas at gobeyondthescroll.com

AI is moving fast. That doesn't mean you have to feel behind.Explore my AI Literacy Training for smart people who want clarity, not chaos. Details at: https://maryloukayser.com/ai-literacy-training/

Books: https://maryloukayser.com/books-by-marylou

Get in Touch:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/

Instagram: @maryloukayser

Email: https://maryloukayser.com/contact-mary-lou-kayser/

In this game-changing episode, Geoff Woods, author of "The AI Driven Leader," reveals how artificial intelligence can become your ultimate strategic thought partner. Geoff breaks down the myths, fears, and incredible potential of AI for leaders across all industries.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover how AI can elevate your strategic thinking in minutes

• Learn the CRIT framework for powerful AI communication

• Understand why AI is an enhancement, not a replacement, for human talent

Highlights:

• Geoff's transformative journey from traditional leadership to AI-powered strategy

• Real-world case study: How AI helped a manufacturing CEO solve a critical debt restructuring challenge

• Practical tips for overcoming AI fears and embracing technological innovation

Memorable Quote:

"Your greatest risk is not losing your job to AI, it's losing your job to someone who uses AI."

Connect with Geoff Woods:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-woods-8534774/

Website: https://AILeadership.com

Book: "The AI Driven Leader" (Available on Amazon/Audible)

Newsletter: Weekly AI leadership insights

Extra Stuff:

I'm exploring what it means to stay grounded in an accelerating world. You're welcome to follow along. For more depth, I share my best ideas at gobeyondthescroll.com

AI is moving fast. That doesn't mean you have to feel behind.Explore my AI Literacy Training for smart people who want clarity, not chaos. Details at: https://maryloukayser.com/ai-literacy-training/

Books: https://maryloukayser.com/books-by-marylou

Get in Touch:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/

Instagram: @maryloukayser

Email: https://maryloukayser.com/contact-mary-lou-kayser/

James Brown isn't just another business coach - he's a living testament to breaking through limitations. From being told he wasn't good enough as a young man to building a law practice that generated $8 million annually, James has transformed personal challenges into a powerful mission of helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses intelligently. In this riveting episode, James shares his journey from working on a General Motors assembly line while pursuing his law degree to becoming a leadership coach who helps business owners think differently. His approach is refreshingly data-driven: he teaches entrepreneurs how to manage by metrics, create sustainable systems, and most importantly, overcome the mental barriers that hold them back. With practical insights and hard-earned wisdom, James reveals how understanding your true goals - personally, professionally, and financially - is the first step to building a successful business. For listeners looking to dive deeper into James's transformative philosophy, he recommends two must-read books: "Unf*ck Yourself" by Gary Bishop, which challenges limiting beliefs, and "Energy Leadership" by Bruce Schneider, which helps entrepreneurs recognize and shift their mental energy levels. Want to learn more? Visit James's Business Accelerator Institute at https://businessaccelerator.institute/play where you can download his free guide on the top 10 mistakes that can destroy a business and even schedule a complimentary 30-minute discovery call.

Extra Stuff:

I'm exploring what it means to stay grounded in an accelerating world. You're welcome to follow along. For more depth, I share my best ideas at gobeyondthescroll.com

AI is moving fast. That doesn't mean you have to feel behind.Explore my AI Literacy Training for smart people who want clarity, not chaos. Details at: https://maryloukayser.com/ai-literacy-training/

Books: https://maryloukayser.com/books-by-marylou

Get in Touch:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/

Instagram: @maryloukayser

Email: https://maryloukayser.com/contact-mary-lou-kayser/

In today's episode, I'm joined by the deeply insightful Marybeth Gregg—an author, leadership advisor, and creator of transformative roundtable experiences for women leaders. She first appeared on the podcast two years ago and is back with more insights about how to lead with integrity, purpose, and vision, especially when you are facing a major life shift.

We explore the power of real connection in an increasingly remote and distracted world, the courage it takes to lead with values, and why creating safe, judgment-free spaces is one of the most radical things we can do right now.

Marybeth shares personal stories of navigating transitions, what it means to embrace AI without losing our humanity, and how we can redefine leadership through curiosity, compassion, and culture.

If you've been feeling the weight of burnout, the pressure to be perfect, or the pull to lead more intentionally—this one's for you.

Connect with Marybeth Gregg on her website: https://ticwl.com/

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marybethgregg/

Listen to her original PYP episode here: https://playyourpositionpodcast.com/marybeth-gregg/

Extra Stuff:

I'm exploring what it means to stay grounded in an accelerating world. You're welcome to follow along. For more depth, I share my best ideas at gobeyondthescroll.com

AI is moving fast. That doesn't mean you have to feel behind.Explore my AI Literacy Training for smart people who want clarity, not chaos. Details at: https://maryloukayser.com/ai-literacy-training/

Books: https://maryloukayser.com/books-by-marylou

Get in Touch:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/

Instagram: @maryloukayser

Email: https://maryloukayser.com/contact-mary-lou-kayser/

Are you ready to be inspired? Because the woman you are about to hear is truly a powerhouse of resilience and leadership! Her name is Krista Ryan, and she is a dynamic speaker, author, and workplace performance expert. As a third-generation owner and former Human Resources Director of her family's bank, Krista brings nearly two decades of experience in the financial industry. Her journey took a transformative turn after surviving the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival tragedy in Las Vegas, leading her to develop the 'Keep F*!#ing Going' (KfG) Method—a motivational framework designed to help individuals and organizations thrive through chaos and change. Krista's insights have empowered C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, elite athletes, and more. She's also the CEO and founder of KfG Coaching, LLC, a Bravely Pro Coach, and a 'Room Tilter' with Limitless Minds. Her book, 'Keep F*!#ing Going: A Formula to Live Better and Lead Stronger Through Chaos and Change,' encapsulates her philosophy and strategies for turning adversity into strength.

Connect with Krista Ryan on her website: https://www.kristaryan.com/

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-ryan-pcc-b91830164/

Get her amazing book: https://a.co/d/fTp5qwG

Extra Stuff:

I'm exploring what it means to stay grounded in an accelerating world. You're welcome to follow along. For more depth, I share my best ideas at gobeyondthescroll.com

AI is moving fast. That doesn't mean you have to feel behind.Explore my AI Literacy Training for smart people who want clarity, not chaos. Details at: https://maryloukayser.com/ai-literacy-training/

Books: https://maryloukayser.com/books-by-marylou

Get in Touch:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/

Instagram: @maryloukayser

Email: https://maryloukayser.com/contact-mary-lou-kayser/

What happens when a star athlete with a leadership mindset steps into the world of business—starting at the front desk and rising to CEO? Well, Damon Lembi knows firsthand. Drafted by both the Atlanta Braves and the Yankees, he had his sights set on a professional baseball career. But when that path took an unexpected turn, he found himself in a completely different arena: the corporate world.

Rather than leaning on family connections, Damon started as a receptionist at Learnit, the company his father co-founded. But with the same work ethic and drive that made him a leader on the field, he climbed the ranks—eventually stepping into the CEO role just as the dot-com bubble was about to burst. What followed was a crash course in resilience, reinvention, and redefining leadership for a new era.

For over 30 years, Damon has been at the helm of Learnit, evolving it from a tech training company into a powerhouse for professional development. His insights on leadership, storytelling, and the future of work are shaped by his own journey—from navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship to embracing AI as a critical tool for the modern leader.

Meet Damon Lembi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/

On his website: https://www.thelearnitallleader.com/podcast

Extra Stuff:

I'm exploring what it means to stay grounded in an accelerating world. You're welcome to follow along. For more depth, I share my best ideas at gobeyondthescroll.com

AI is moving fast. That doesn't mean you have to feel behind.Explore my AI Literacy Training for smart people who want clarity, not chaos. Details at: https://maryloukayser.com/ai-literacy-training/

Books: https://maryloukayser.com/books-by-marylou

Get in Touch:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/

Instagram: @maryloukayser

Email: https://maryloukayser.com/contact-mary-lou-kayser/

Today, you will hear my conversation with one of the OGs of the Internet, Perry Marshall. Let me tell you a little bit about Perry. He is undoubtedly one of the most experienced Internet Marketers of all time. If there's ever an internet marketing hall of fame, he would be inducted in the first round. I remember crossing Perry's path way back in my early days as an online business builder, long before this podcast was even an idea, let alone a full show. I remember thinking how smart he was then, and let me tell you -- he's even smarter now.

You will hear Perry talk about his early days online, how he got involved, how he positioned himself with Google AdWords until he recognized hitching his brand to a platform he didn't own was not a great idea. He's written a ton about how to market and sell online, including "80/20 Sales and Marketing -- the Definitive Guide to Working Less and Making More." You all know how much I love a good book title -- this is exceptional. And what's inside will blow your mind.

Perry has consulted across 300+ industries, shaping the $400B digital ad space. He's the founder of the $10M Evolution 2.0 Prize and co-founder of the Cancer & Evolution Working Group. Perry's insights bridge the worlds of marketing, science, and entrepreneurship, making him a must-listen for anyone seeking growth and innovation.

You can find Perry on his website: https://perrymarshall.com

Get Perry's offer here: https://perrymarshall.com/podcast

Extra Stuff:

I'm exploring what it means to stay grounded in an accelerating world. You're welcome to follow along. For more depth, I share my best ideas at gobeyondthescroll.com

AI is moving fast. That doesn't mean you have to feel behind.Explore my AI Literacy Training for smart people who want clarity, not chaos. Details at: https://maryloukayser.com/ai-literacy-training/

Books: https://maryloukayser.com/books-by-marylou

Get in Touch:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/

Instagram: @maryloukayser

Email: https://maryloukayser.com/contact-mary-lou-kayser/

My guest Leslie Hassler is a powerhouse strategist, leader, and author who is an expert in transforming small businesses into thriving, freedom-generating ventures. She is the founder of Your Biz Rules with 17 years of entrepreneurial experience. She's also the author of First This, Then That and the upcoming book Scaling Rich™. Leslie's holistic approach helps businesses achieve predictable profits and sustainable growth, all while maintaining a balanced quality of life. Our conversation dives deep into what it takes to first grow a business, and then scale it (there is a difference between those two things and Leslie explains it beautifully!) Get ready for a lot of energy, wisdom, and good old fashioned common sense.

Connect with Leslie Hassler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliehassler/ On her website: https://www.yourbizrules.com/

Get her books:

Scaling Rich: https://www.yourbizrules.com/buy-scaling-rich/

First This, Then That: https://www.yourbizrules.com/first-this-then-that-book/

Extra Stuff:

I'm exploring what it means to stay grounded in an accelerating world. You're welcome to follow along. For more depth, I share my best ideas at gobeyondthescroll.com

AI is moving fast. That doesn't mean you have to feel behind.Explore my AI Literacy Training for smart people who want clarity, not chaos. Details at: https://maryloukayser.com/ai-literacy-training/

Books: https://maryloukayser.com/books-by-marylou

Get in Touch:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/

Instagram: @maryloukayser

Email: https://maryloukayser.com/contact-mary-lou-kayser/

In today's episode, Brad Englert, a former CIO at the University of Texas at Austin, discusses his career journey and leadership insights. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships, mentoring, and understanding goals and aspirations, key themes in his book, Spheres of Influence. He also talks about AI's potential impact, noting both its benefits and the risks of deep fakes and security breaches. It's another fascinating conversation with a successful leader!

Connect with Brad Englert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradenglert/

Get Brad's book: https://a.co/d/4X35zP9

Extra Stuff:

I'm exploring what it means to stay grounded in an accelerating world. You're welcome to follow along. For more depth, I share my best ideas at gobeyondthescroll.com

AI is moving fast. That doesn't mean you have to feel behind.Explore my AI Literacy Training for smart people who want clarity, not chaos. Details at: https://maryloukayser.com/ai-literacy-training/

Books: https://maryloukayser.com/books-by-marylou

Get in Touch:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/

Instagram: @maryloukayser

Email: https://maryloukayser.com/contact-mary-lou-kayser/

Today, my guest is Amy Bobchek, a seasoned executive leader and sales strategist with over 25 years of experience leading successful large sales organizations. Amy is truly a sales leader powerhouse. She is passionate about building teams and creating transformative experiences for employees and customers. She gets results and she does it with flair.

But beyond the corporate walls, Amy loves to express her creativity. She sings with a band, she supports local arts communities, she wears amazingly cool clothes, and she has a knack for being fashion-forward including on Zoom calls. I've been fortunate to know Amy for three years and am so happy she and I finally had a chance to sit down together behind the mic and talk about leadership. Our conversation is upbeat, thoughtful, and most importantly -- rich with takeaways for you to enhance your leadership practice.

Connect with Amy Bobchek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-bobchek/

Extra Stuff:

I'm exploring what it means to stay grounded in an accelerating world. You're welcome to follow along. For more depth, I share my best ideas at gobeyondthescroll.com

AI is moving fast. That doesn't mean you have to feel behind.Explore my AI Literacy Training for smart people who want clarity, not chaos. Details at: https://maryloukayser.com/ai-literacy-training/

Books: https://maryloukayser.com/books-by-marylou

Get in Touch:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlkayser/

Instagram: @maryloukayser

Email: https://maryloukayser.com/contact-mary-lou-kayser/