Explorer Series: We launch a new series, where we dive into a particular domain and explore the dynamics of a profession, craft and art. On this 2-part series we curiously dive into the art of Rally Racing.  Racing combines the best of engineering, road design and skill- It’s about the human and machine moving as one.  Rally is one of the most unique forms of racing where you drive mostly with your feet, the road is completely unpredictable and communication in the cockpit is key.

Dave Carapetyan (aka Texas Dave), Founder & CEO of Rally Ready and Professional Rally Driver, has spent nearly 20 years sliding rally cars in the dirt and pushing the limits.  This 11-time Pikes Peak and Baja 500 winner has learned a lot about himself and others through rally.  He believes the more we know, the further we are from the destination, making it difficult to feel settled in what one has accomplished.  Ego and the relentless pursuit for more is equally a superpower and liability in all of us, but those that can harness it are destined to change the world.  Dave transformed his career as a racing driver into something that he can share with others.  By introducing and teaching others the sport of rally, he has found a new gear.  The greatest rally instructors sometimes have little to no experience in rally, but are highly empathetic, great listeners and understand People deeply.  A great coach is not necessarily a great olympian.  Dave shares that the journey has become the destination and winning is not as important.  The further we chase the glory, the further we get away from our destination, because it will never be good enough.  Get obsessed with the ride and loving others - You’ll arrive at your destination.

Learn more about Texas Dave & Rally Ready: www.rallyready.com

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Explorer Series: We launch a new series, where we dive into a particular domain and deeply explore the dynamics of a profession, craft and art. On this 2-part series we curiously dive into the art of Rally Racing.  Racing combines the best of engineering, road design and skill- It’s about the human and machine moving as one.  Rally is one of the most unique forms of racing where you drive mostly with your feet, the road is completely unpredictable and communication in the cockpit is key.

Rob Winter, General Manager & Head Instructor at Rally Ready, has spent years perfecting his art of rally and teaching others this incredible practice.  This classically trained anthropologist and landscape architect says he was destined for rally, especially after studying People and Dirt. Rob shares that if Formula 1 is classical music, Rally is jazz.  Improv on the road and dealing with imperfection is paramount when getting the most out this practice.  He dives into the importance of keeping things simple (especially at high speeds) and how powerful clear communication is, with anything in life. Teaching folks and instructors how to rally has been an incredible privilege for Rob, especially since it’s showed him how far empathy can really enhance an experience.  Being a student is much harder than being a teacher and putting yourself in the seat of those learning can make all the difference.  One of the things that makes Rally unique, is the driver/co-driver dynamic.  Being able to drive a car fast is one thing, but being able to verbally direct someone at high-speeds and do it calmly is another.  Rally can help us face our fears and work on the things that might be holding us back in life, but we have to first learn to let go.  Racing and life is supposed to be fun, but if you don’t spend the time working on them, you’ll just be a passenger. 

Learn more about Rob & Rally Ready: www.rallyready.com

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Brendan Mullen, CEO and Founder of MKS2 Technologies, has spent an entire career in the Service of others, in and out of uniform.   After West Point, combat and time in D.C., Brendan embarked on a path different than most Army Officers.  His first exposure into the private sector was as COO of a high-growth start up, then a run for Congress and eventually supporting improv comedy to enter into the government space.  What all of these seemingly unrelated things had in common, were honoring those that Serve.  Brendan saw an opportunity to be a part of upholding the sacrifice his classmates, brothers and sisters had made by raising his hand and offering his support.  Running for Congress showed him the good, bad and ugly of democracy, but taught him about how our most vulnerable citizens are often not prioritized.  Helping run a high-growth start up showed him he could adapt to the private sector quickly and there was a living to be made by helping folks integrate into the government space.  He shares that building a business is the hardest thing he has ever done (even compared to war zone) and is proud of what his Team has accomplished in nearly 15 years. No one is going to give you the keys to the kingdom, you have to storm the castle to get what you want. This bootstrapping entrepreneur believes it’s not about collecting badges and trophies, it about making a difference.  Brendan and MKS2 exists to transform lives and continues to push to that summit.

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Judson Kauffman, former Navy SEAL and multi-time entrepreneur (Exbellum, Desert Door, Terradepth and more) has turned his business experiences into a way to help others find their greatness.  Judson has spent most of his life trusting his intuition and the times where he hasn’t, he has found himself misaligned with what he was put on this planet for.  He says that the heart knows things the spreadsheet doesn’t and if we’re able to tune into that intuition, we can be far more successful and more importantly, happy.  “Playing it safe” can prevent us from finding out what makes each of us special and as a coach he helps folks push beyond their point of comfort, to find that meaning.  Judson believes that the most important thing you can do before starting any business is pressure test your co-founders and align on values.  The “Anti-Resume” is what determines the character of people and values can be the difference between failure and success.  In the end, we all must enter into the darkness and learn who we are.  Once we know that, we then must find peace with ourselves and as Judson states “Love Ourselves”.  If we can do that, we will not only be authentic but drive an attraction that the world won’t be able to resist.

Learn more about Judson: www.judsonkauffman.com

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Dara Chike-Obi, CEO & Co-Founder of Grio Baby, is back on the podcast to talk about where her innovative company is heading and the importance of understanding your customer.  After several rounds of R&D, market testing and product development Grio Baby is in market and being well received by mothers and care-takers.  Dara talks about the importance of remaining flexible and despite the data, understand where your customers actually are. Timing and their comfort with your product may mean you will need to go to market different than expected- “Don’t Disrespect Your Market”.  Dara also reflects on her life as a former corporate attorney and despite having the weight of her company on her shoulders, she’s not looking back.  She shares that even with the responsibility of carrying Grio forward, her ability to prioritize family and be the person she wants to be, makes it all worth it.  As a founder and CEO, your are stretched for time and being a mother means you have to make every minute of the day count.  Dara believes this is why it is important to be unapologetic with your time and dedicate yourself to the people and things that really matter.  This fast-driving entrepreneur is able to boldly engage the problems in front of her because of the tribe that stands with her.  Her family is the reason she is able to take on the tasks at hand, with confidence. She shares that her family taught her to speak up and tell the world what you need- That's the only way you'll get fed. Her passion for working mothers, creating stronger family units and leaving the world better, is embodied in Grio. "If you don't do it, who will?"

Check out Grio Baby: www.griobaby.com

Instagram: @GrioBaby

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Peter Rex, CEO and Founder of Rex, has been making moves his entire life, which has led to creating a collection of real estate companies aimed at shaking up the status quo and empowering others. This classically trained lawyer, CPA and almost Catholic Priest found his calling in business.  Pete strongly believes that time discerning and spent in silence can be one of the most important things a Leader does.  Sure you have People, a company and customers depending on you, but you can’t guide them through the darkness without focussing on the path that will get there. Taking the time to understand your next step and listening to that quiet voice is paramount. “Find A Way, Or Make One” is a motto he and his company live by.  When you are doing something innovative and different, it requires tenacious Teammates who are willing to seek out creative solutions, especially in the darkness. Pete believes your job as a CEO is to enter the darkness first and then bring folks along who are confident and capable to take those steps behind you. Many will not follow or think you’re crazy, but Pete believes that those who push into the darkness are the ones who can find greatness. Pete shares that business is tough and the path to greatness means you'll be let down by some of the folks closes to you. This pain is worth it, especially if you're serving a bigger purpose. Pain and failure comes with the territory; the silver lining is that you learn who you can trust and which Teammates stay committed. Pete shares his experience with the 08-09 recession, but how he was able to turn that into multi-billion dollar portfolio, because he followed his Faith. Pete was called to leave the world better through business and giving everything to God is what has allowed this entrepreneur to push beyond what most think was possible. Business can be a great catalyst for good and serving others, you just have to stay committed and do honestly.   Commitment to Faith, reflection and remaining courageous is what it takes to build something that matters. Without courage, you don't stand a chance.

 
Check out the Rex Team at: www.Rex.com

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The Craft: A 3-Part Series focused on checking your internal Leader compass and ensuring you are on the right azimuth, especially during turbulent times. Today's economy is putting many companies to the test and those that have been investing in their "Craft" seem to be more prepared, while others are struggling and surprised.

The Foundation

We don't know how strong the ground we stand on is, until we're tested. A strong foundation encompasses 4 things: Team, Culture, Customer and Product. When a storm hits, we learn how well we've invested in these pillars. Were they built with enough flexibility to adapt to the needs of the market or are they rigid and come apart because they're brittle? Strong foundations are built through consistency and with the intention to adapt. Foundation building requires investment ahead of time, proper time to cure and a discipline to keep doing the hard things, even if they seem unnecessary. Take the storm to reflect on if you've put in that work.

Join us on this 3-Part Series where we help you check your internal compass and help you stay on course (or course correct). Turbulent times either bring out the best in us or can expose our lack in preparation.

- The Sword (Pt 1)

- The Lesson (Pt 2)

- The Foundation (Pt 3)

Check out other ways Joseph and Team are serving other Leaders at www.cabreratoro.com

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The Craft: A 3-Part Series focused on checking your internal Leader compass and ensuring you are on the right azimuth, especially during turbulent times. Today's economy is putting many companies to the test and those that have been investing in their "Craft" seem to be more prepared, while others are struggling and surprised.

The Lesson

Storms are either something we survive or something we grow from. Learning from the turbulence is the hallmark of a company with a strong future. The ability to see beyond just today, is what can set your Team up to thrive for years to come. A tough economy creates anxiety within a Team and the focus can turn into only focussing on primitive needs. Although these needs are important, Leaders can help their Team focus on the opportunity in front of them and creating an environment that can sustain their needs for years ahead. If we are willing to take a learning mindset during uncertainty, we can grow our Teams into something we can look back on and be proud. Turbulent moments are also opportunities to follow our gut and finally be forced to do something with it. Leaders set the tone for how their Teams decide to handle tough times- Is the tone one of learning?

Join us on this 3-Part Series where we help you check your internal compass and help you stay on course (or course correct). Turbulent times either bring out the best in us or can expose our lack in preparation.

- The Sword (Pt 1)

- The Lesson (Pt 2)

- The Foundation (Pt 3)

Check out other ways Joseph and Team are serving other Leaders at www.cabreratoro.com

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LinkedIn: CabreraToro

The Craft: A 3-Part Series focused on checking your internal Leader compass and ensuring you are on the right azimuth, especially during turbulent times. Today's economy is putting many companies to the test and those that have been investing in their "Craft" seem to be more prepared, while others are struggling and surprised.

The Sword, kicks off this series with focus on one's commitment to the Craft and how accountable we are to our decision and the road ahead. During tough times, we can be tempted into self-preservation. As a Leader we must remember the role we serve and that our duty is to the integrity of the ship, not to our personal OPEX. We must also be able to speak extreme truth, even at the cost of our careers. Are you willing to be fired, to make the right decision? When we realize business models, unit economics or major investments are not turning out the way we planned, it is our responsibility to deliver truth and solutions, even when boards and investors would prefer to hear something else. That truth is how you operate with integrity and rally the Team to push through the storm.

Join us on this 3-Part Series where we help you check your internal compass and help you stay on course (or course correct). Turbulent times either bring out the best in us or can expose our lack in preparation.

- The Sword (Pt 1)

- The Lesson (Pt 2)

- The Foundation (Pt 3)

Check out other ways Joseph and Team are serving other Leaders at www.cabreratoro.com

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Flashback from EP 19 with Gabe Krajicek, CEO of Kasasa. We pull a segment from a prior episode where Gabe talks about the core value of Love and how it not only drives good in one's personal life, but makes for good business. In this specific segment, we focus on the section where Gabe talks about why we should take advantage of this one precious life we have and that the pains we feel in life are a good things, because it means we are alive. Gabe also shares that doing something for money will only take you so far, at some point it will lose its luster and you'll be faced with the predicament as to why you do what you do. Stand for something- Whether that is making the world better for the next generation or proving that Love is the answer, find something outside of money to drive you. Gabe talks about "State Management" and how being mindful of where your mind, body and spirit are critical for any Leader. Your state of mind not only impacts you, but those around you. If you're not in a good place, it will show through your micro expressions and the nuances of your language- Your Team will pick up on it. As many of us are navigating new chapters in our lives, it is important to reflect on why you wake up everyday and if what you are doing is truly bringing you joy.

Check out other ways Joseph and Team are serving other Leaders at www.cabreratoro.com

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