Quality Values

Quality Values

By Jacob Conlan ShieldsSociety & CulturePhilosophy
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Quality Values episodes

  • #46 Kijuan "Kiwi" Amey: Vision, Purpose & the Power of Resilience

    In this deeply moving episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Kijuan Amey, also known as Kiwi, a military veteran, author, speaker, and mentor. After a life-altering motorcycle accident left him in a coma and blinded him permanently, Kijuan chose to rebuild his life with purpose and vision.

    We talk about the values that shaped him, his incredible comeback story, and how he found new purpose in service, storytelling, and mentorship—even after losing everything he thought defined him. Kiwi’s journey is one of radical reinvention, anchored by faith, drive, and the deep desire to catalyze transformation in others.

    ā³ [00:00] Introduction – Kiwi’s cold outreach & our connection
    ā³ [03:02] Military service, values, and the roots of leadership
    ā³ [07:52] The motorcycle accident that changed everything
    ā³ [12:44] Waking up blind: the emotional and psychological aftermath
    ā³ [20:40] The moment vision replaced sight—and purpose took hold
    ā³ [24:56] Processing loss, rebuilding identity, and starting over
    ā³ [32:54] How Kiwi found his voice through writing & speaking
    ā³ [37:36] Podcasting, mentoring, and becoming a source of strength
    ā³ [42:56] Writing a book while blind: process & mindset
    ā³ [46:36] Was the accident a catalyst for deeper impact?
    ā³ [50:07] Advice for aspiring authors—start messy, stay committed
    ā³ [54:36] Publishing tips + the unexpected rewards of authorship
    ā³ [01:01:37] Kiwi’s vision for the future and being a "catalyst"
    ā³ [01:08:46] Where to find Kiwi & how to support his mission

    • Kiwi’s book: [Insert Title] – [Link to Amazon or website]

    • Contact Kiwi: [Email or preferred contact method]

    • Follow podcast updates on IG: [@YourInstagram]

    šŸ’¬ This conversation is a must-listen if you’re going through a hard season or need to reconnect with your sense of purpose. Kiwi is living proof that vision is more powerful than sight, and that impact doesn’t require perfect conditions—it requires courage.

    šŸ‘‰ LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT: What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to overcome—and what helped you through it? Let’s talk below. ā¬‡ļø

    šŸŽ§ Available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts

    #QualityValues #KijuanAmey #VisionOverSight #BlindAuthor #VeteranStories #Resilience #Inspiration #Motivation #PurposeDriven #PodcastConversation #AuthorLife #TransformationalLeadership

    šŸ”„ Episode TimelinešŸ“š RESOURCES & LINKS

    1 hr 10 min
  • #45 Joe Candido: Selling Through Service, Leading With Alignment

    In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Joe Candido, author of Leadership Selling and a coach to elite sales organizations. We dive deep into how trust, alignment, and empathy are the missing links in most sales systems—and how applying these principles can transform a sales team’s performance.Joe shares what he’s learned from decades in high-level tech sales, how he redefined selling as leadership in action, and how he helps companies go beyond just hitting quotas to creating cultures that win with purpose.


    šŸ”„ Episode Timeline

    ā³ [00:00] Intro – Who is Joe Candido & what is Leadership Selling?

    ā³ [01:37] Defining ā€œleadership sellingā€: connection over product

    ā³ [08:06] Measuring research & preparation—quality vs. quantity

    ā³ [14:05] Joe’s sales background & his ā€œaha momentā€ in the tech industry

    ā³ [21:32] How shifting your sales approach builds long-term trust

    ā³ [26:16] When does a consultative call turn into a pitch?ā³ [29:17] How to build the abundance mindset early in your sales career

    ā³ [34:15] Pipeline building: the secret to confident, customer-first selling

    ā³ [41:13] Selling vision, not features – the Home Depot drill bit principle

    ā³ [49:04] What clients really want when they hire sales consultants

    ā³ [55:32] Aligning company values, team values & customer values

    ā³ [57:59] Reflections on Vermont & finding meaning wherever you are

    ā³ [1:00:11] Where to find Joe’s book & stay in touch

    šŸ“š RESOURCES MENTIONED

    =Leadership Selling by Joe Candido — Available on AmazonJoe’s website, book & coaching services — https://leadership-selling.com/

    šŸ’¬ If you want to sell with integrity and build trust-based systems that scale, this conversation is a must-watch


    .šŸ‘‰ LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT: What’s the worst sales tactic you’ve ever experienced?

    Let’s talk in the comments.šŸŽ§ Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts#QualityValues #LeadershipSelling #JoeCandido #SalesPodcast #BusinessLeadership #AbundanceMindset #SalesTraining #TrustBasedSelling #SalesCoaching #CustomerCentric #PodcastConversation

    1 hr 2 min
  • #44 Neal Conlon: Men’s Work, Discipline, and Healing in the Digital Age

    In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Neal Conlon—a veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Pressed Forward—to explore the messy, powerful work of self-mastery, masculinity, and inner discipline in a world that often rewards chaos.

    We dive into Neal’s story of transformation, his time in the military and tech world, and how he now guides men through emotional and psychological growth using tools like journaling, brotherhood, and personal accountability.

    ā³ [00:00] Introduction – Neal’s backstory and why he does what he does
    ā³ [03:45] How the Marine Corps shaped Neal’s foundation of discipline
    ā³ [07:12] From tech executive to transformation guide: Neal’s career pivot
    ā³ [10:35] What Pressed Forward really means—and why modern men need it
    ā³ [14:50] Masculinity, father wounds, and navigating identity in real time
    ā³ [20:03] Why Neal journals every single day and how it builds clarity
    ā³ [25:48] Self-regulation vs. self-expression: how men process emotion
    ā³ [31:10] ā€œMen’s workā€ isn’t therapy—it’s integration
    ā³ [36:42] Building the discipline muscle in daily life
    ā³ [41:19] Creating psychological safety for men: what it looks like
    ā³ [46:55] Raising boys in a fatherless culture—what young men need now
    ā³ [52:33] How Neal blends entrepreneurship with personal development
    ā³ [56:12] The intersection of vulnerability, leadership, and values
    ā³ [01:00:08] Where to find Neal and get involved in his work

    • Pressed Forward - Neal’s organization for men’s development

    • Neal’s Instagram: @nealconlon

    • Recommended practice: Daily journaling + integration circles

    šŸ’¬ Whether you’re a man looking to step up, a leader searching for clarity, or just someone navigating your identity—this episode is packed with real, grounded insights.

    šŸ‘‰ LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT: What’s one thing you do every day that builds your internal strength? Let’s start a conversation.

    šŸŽ§ Available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts

    #QualityValues #MensWork #NealConlon #Masculinity #Healing #Entrepreneurship #SelfDiscipline #MentalHealth #Vulnerability #Leadership #PodcastConversation #PressedForward

    šŸ”„ Episode TimelinešŸ“š RESOURCES MENTIONED

    47 min
  • #43 Quality Values Podcast - M.C. Laubscher: Build Wealth Like the Top 1% šŸ’°šŸš€

    In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with M.C. Laubscher, host of the Cashflow Ninja podcast and author of The 21 Most Unique Cashflow Niches. M.C. shares how he helps entrepreneurs and investors build generational wealth using the same strategies as elite family offices—most notably, using life insurance contracts as a personal banking system.

    We talk about financial mindset shifts, what people misunderstand about debt, how to create leverage the right way, and how to teach your kids to think like the wealthy from day one.

    šŸ”„ Episode Timeline
    ā³ [00:00] Intro & how M.C. started the Cashflow Ninja podcast
    ā³ [06:25] The power of mastering fundamentals: martial arts, books, & wealth
    ā³ [08:28] Becoming your own bank: how to think about debt vs. leverage
    ā³ [14:31] Using life insurance contracts to create liquidity & opportunity
    ā³ [20:42] Why most people don’t know about these tools
    ā³ [24:56] How to distinguish ā€œbadā€ insurance products from good ones
    ā³ [28:22] Breaking down fees, growth, and policy structure
    ā³ [32:28] M.C.'s background & how he transitioned to the abundance mindset
    ā³ [36:16] When do you feel the shift—not just know it intellectually?
    ā³ [41:26] M.C.'s book: The 21 Most Unique Cashflow Niches
    ā³ [45:10] How M.C. thinks about risk and mistake-proofing wealth
    ā³ [48:02] Political risk, the elite vs. everyday person, and economic structures
    ā³ [51:38] Raising kids with an abundance & stewardship mindset
    ā³ [54:12] How to start—even if you have debt & limited cash flow
    ā³ [56:32] Where to learn more from M.C.

    šŸ“š RESOURCES MENTIONED

    • The Cashflow Ninja Podcast

    • M.C. Laubscher’s Book: The 21 Most Unique Cashflow Niches

    • Cashflow Ninja Website

    šŸ’¬ If you’re interested in building real wealth and learning how the top 1% operate—this episode is for you.

    šŸ‘‰ LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and let us know in the comments: Have you ever heard of using life insurance as a personal bank?

    šŸŽ§ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

    #QualityValues #CashflowNinja #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom #LifeInsuranceBanking #FamilyOffice #GenerationalWealth #Investing #Cashflow #Entrepreneurship #AbundanceMindset


    58 min
  • #42 Chris Cornelison - Super Cultureā„¢, Leader, Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker, Author

    Go to www.chriscornelison.com and use the code qualityvalues to get $5 off and free shipping on Chris's book Super Cultureā„¢!In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Chris Cornelison, author of Super Culture, business leader, and expert on company culture. We discuss his journey from owning an independent pharmacy to becoming a keynote speaker and leadership consultant. Chris shares his 5-step process for transforming bad work environments into thriving, high-performance cultures.šŸ”„ Key Topics & Timeline:ā³ [00:00] Introduction – Chris Cornelison & his book Super Cultureā³ [00:21] Special discount code for Chris’s book (details in the description)ā³ [01:02] How Chris turned his struggling business aroundā³ [02:47] The five-step framework for building a strong work cultureā³ [04:24] How Chris became a keynote speaker and leadership expertā³ [06:48] The role of emotional intelligence in leadershipā³ [10:26] Red flags of a toxic workplace & how to fix themā³ [13:09] How the amygdala affects decision-making in high-pressure situationsā³ [17:43] The different leadership styles & when to use themā³ [27:09] Why praise is the key to high performance (Chris’s mantra: Praise what you want repeated!)ā³ [39:30] Nick Saban, Bill Belichick, and the evolution of coaching leadershipā³ [47:15] The 5 rules of building a great company cultureā³ [55:46] Writing a book & protecting intellectual propertyā³ [57:38] What’s next for Chris & how he’s scaling his leadership impactšŸ† Whether you're a business owner, coach, or leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights on emotional intelligence, leadership, and team success.šŸ”” LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT if you found value in this episode! What’s the best (or worst) work culture you’ve been part of? Let’s talk below! ā¬‡ļøšŸ“– Get Chris’s book Super Culture at ChrisCornelison.com – Use the exclusive podcast discount code!šŸŽ§ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube.#QualityValues #Podcast #Leadership #CompanyCulture #BusinessSuccess #EmotionalIntelligence #SuperCulture

    1 hr 9 min
  • #41 Coach Jim Johnson - Leader, Basketball Coach, Keynote Speaker

    In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Coach Jim Johnson, a legendary high school basketball coach turned leadership speaker, to discuss the power of leadership, service, and perseverance. We dive into his iconic "J-Mac" story, where he gave an opportunity to a player with autism—leading to a viral and unforgettable basketball moment.

    Checkout Coach Jim Johnson's Links!Website: https://coachjimjohnson.com/Limitless Leadership Lounge Podcast: https://www.limitlessleadershippodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjimjohnson/ A Coach and A Miracle Book: https://a.co/d/cKlWa2D

    šŸ”„ Key Topics & Timeline:

    ā³ [00:00] Introduction – Coach Jim Johnson’s background & values

    ā³ [00:18] The incredible story of Jason "J-Mac" McElwain and his historic game

    ā³ [07:49] How Jim got into coaching & what drew him to the profession

    ā³ [11:06] Advice for young coaches looking to build a career in leadership

    ā³ [13:20] Leadership influences – John Wooden, Ron Culberson, & more

    ā³ [15:43] Transitioning from coaching basketball to leadership coaching

    ā³ [17:41] Inside Coach Johnson’s keynote speeches & workshops

    ā³ [22:10] How he turned a losing coaching record into a 23-year winning streak

    ā³ [24:20] Talent vs. Team Culture – What truly makes a great player?

    ā³ [28:43] Reverse engineering your dreams and making them a reality

    ā³ [31:47] What’s next for Coach Johnson – his mission to become a global leader

    ā³ [40:06] Podcasting lessons – What he’s learned after nearly 200 episodes

    ā³ [46:46] The power of service and why it’s a core part of leadership

    ā³ [50:32] What excites him most about the future

    šŸ† This episode is packed with insights on coaching, leadership, and living a life of purpose. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or someone looking to elevate your leadership skills, you’ll take away valuable lessons from Coach Jim’s incredible journey.


    šŸ”” LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT if you enjoyed the episode! Who is a coach or mentor that has impacted your life? Let us know below! ā¬‡ļøšŸŽ§ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube.


    #QualityValues #Podcast #Leadership #Coaching #Basketball #Inspiration

    53 min
  • #40 Kristian Duft - Artist, Mechanic, Craftsman

    In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Kristian, a mountain biker, builder, and car enthusiast, to explore the intersection of engineering and creativity. Kristian takes us through the story of his restored Saab, a car he rescued from the wilderness and transformed into a custom-built machine—blending fabrication, artistry, and mechanical precision.šŸ”„ Key Topics & Timeline:ā³ [00:00] Introduction – How we met & why we’re doing this episodeā³ [00:12] Kristian’s background: Mountain biking, building, and engineeringā³ [00:29] The story of the Saab – Acquiring a free car from a strangerā³ [02:33] The engineering vs. artistic mindset in car buildingā³ [03:42] Restoring a car with no prior experience—learning from scratchā³ [06:09] The importance of quality parts & why taking shortcuts is riskyā³ [10:42] Searching the world for rare Saab parts – From Sweden to Polandā³ [16:50] The global car community – Learning from others onlineā³ [19:17] The mental challenge of a year-long restoration projectā³ [27:18] Why Kristian prefers driving without music – Feeling the machineā³ [34:34] Comparing learning car mechanics to learning a new languageā³ [42:04] Lessons from mountain bike racing applied to car buildingā³ [52:23] The mindset of sending it: Full commitment in racing & lifeā³ [53:40] Final thoughts – Pushing past fear and embracing the processšŸš— Whether you're into cars, design, engineering, or hands-on projects, this episode is packed with insights on passion, problem-solving, and perseverance.šŸ”” LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT if you enjoy these conversations! What’s the biggest project YOU have ever taken on? Let us know below! ā¬‡ļøšŸŽ§ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube.#QualityValues #Podcast #CarRestoration #Engineering #Creativity #MountainBiking

    54 min
  • #39 Jason Gates - Business Strategist, AI, SEO

    In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Jason Gates, an expert in CEO efficiency, business systems, and AI-driven operations. We discuss how CEOs can optimize their workflows, avoid repetitive problem-solving, and leverage automation to scale their businesses.Jason also shares insights on AI’s impact on SEO, the future of automation, and how entrepreneurs can stay ahead of industry trends. If you're a business owner, consultant, or tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with practical strategies and big-picture insights you won’t want to miss.šŸ”¹ Topics Covered:00:00 – Introduction & How Jason Knows Devin00:37 – The Thesis of Jason’s Book02:05 – CEO Activities vs. Non-CEO Tasks05:07 – The Role of Systemization for CEOs08:20 – Jason’s Process for Working with Clients10:27 – Custom vs. Standardized Solutions for Businesses12:06 – Defining the Scope of Business Operations19:19 – The Impact of AI on SEO & Automation23:27 – Using AI Tools for Coding & Business Optimization31:29 – How to Get Started with Automation (No Coding Required)38:01 – AI’s Broader Implications for Business & Society46:49 – Are Humans the Bacteria of AI? (A Thought Experiment)49:41 – What’s Next for Jason?53:19 – What Motivates Jason’s Work & LifešŸŽ™ Mentioned in the Episode:šŸ“– Jason’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Reclaim-Your-Role-CEO-Business-ebook/dp/B0DKCK51G4 🌐 Jason’s Website: https://reclaimyourrole.com/šŸŽ§ Listen & Subscribe for More Insightful Conversations:Youtube: https://youtube.com/@quality_values?si=GSfnmYdOh5OTQpF5šŸŽ™ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5xzOcAP2agwcVVAdu7vztc?si=60DvbXItTmKBVZjVtoCjKwšŸ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quality-values/id1639708537šŸ“· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quality_values/ šŸ”„ If you enjoyed this episode, like, comment, and share it with someone who would benefit from Jason’s insights!#BusinessSystems #AIinSEO #Automation #Entrepreneurship #QualityValuesPodcast

    1 hr
  • #38 Adam Hicks - Black Eagle Strength Company Owner, Entrepreneur, Trainer, Athlete

    In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Adam Hicks, founder of Black Eagle Strength Co. (@blackeaglestrengthco). Adam is a functional strength coach specializing in Maces, Clubs, and kettlebell training, and he’s built an impressive brand around restorative movement, longevity, and strength.We dive into:šŸ”¹ How maces & clubs transformed his training and injury recoveryšŸ”¹ The restorative approach to strength training—bridging rehab & performancešŸ”¹ The mental & physical benefits of extreme experiences like vision questsšŸ”¹ How he’s built Black Eagle Strength Co. into a growing fitness brandšŸ”¹ His experience with Skool, a platform for coaches to build online businessesIf you're into functional training, unconventional strength, entrepreneurship, or just want to learn from an expert in the field, this episode is a must-watch!šŸ”— Connect with Us:šŸ“¢ Listen to the Quality Values Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5xzOcAP2agwcVVAdu7vztc?si=Ktwg-Tf_SJ-mShGsDp1tpQ&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYV44BiSAhMdPvHilYGllc04-2QG6UFgf3_OZin6r9oASYZNVOz980f3p8_aem_ZDVcotiWS2mcntw6ulIyYQ&nd=1&dlsi=75a600ac684647a7šŸ“· Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quality_values/šŸŒŽ Check out Black Eagle Strength Academy (Skool): https://www.skool.com/blackeaglestrengthacademy/about?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZj2IjNJs-8gM16YquULRVy9VRORSsEcIyB-O6-W7dw_4WwoiZbmy9AfaU_aem_vZOKaHeshSZG40RDOU7SPQšŸ“· Follow Adam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackeaglestrengthco/ ā³ TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro & Adam’s background00:29 - The meaning behind "Black Eagle Strength Co."05:29 - Adam’s extreme vision quest experience12:01 - How isolation shifts perception of time & awareness19:31 - Functional training vs. traditional lifting23:26 - Why maces & clubs are game-changers for mobility & strength29:48 - Restorative strength training & why it matters35:59 - A breakdown of Adam’s weekly training structure41:16 - How he trains legs without traditional barbell work45:21 - Sets, reps, & programming functional strength51:21 - The best equipment for transitioning to a functional training home gym56:29 - Choosing between wooden vs. steel clubs1:00:52 - The business side of Black Eagle Strength1:02:08 - Using Skool to grow an online coaching business1:05:01 - Closing thoughts & where to follow AdamšŸ”„ If you enjoyed this episode, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT your biggest takeaway!#QualityValuesPodcast #BlackEagleStrength #FunctionalTraining #MacesAndClubs #StrengthTraining #Entrepreneurship #RestorativeStrength

    1 hr 6 min
  • #37 Kasey Jackson - Hunkerin Stool Creator, Entrepreneur, Martial Artist

    In this episode of Quality Values, I sit down with Kasey Jackson, the creator of the Hunkerin Stool—a unique, functional seating solution that’s gaining popularity in the fitness and movement world. Kasey shares the story of how he developed the stool, the philosophy behind it, and how it connects to broader themes of movement, stability, and anti-fragility.We also dive into his background in MMA, jiu-jitsu, and strongman training, his shift towards functional movement, and the importance of designing products that enhance human performance. Plus, Kasey drops some insights for creators bringing new products to market!šŸ”¹ If you’re into movement, biomechanics, entrepreneurship, or just love hearing about unique product journeys, this episode is for you!šŸ”— Connect with Us:šŸ“¢ Listen to the Quality Values Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5xzOcAP2agwcVVAdu7vztc?si=60DvbXItTmKBVZjVtoCjKwšŸ“· Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quality_values/šŸŒŽ Check out Kasey's Hunkerin Stool: www.hunkerinstool.comšŸ“· Follow Kasey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunkerinstool/ā³ TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro & Kasey's background02:06 - The story behind the Hunkerin Stool04:30 - Turning an idea into a product07:09 - Why the stool appeals to functional trainers11:30 - The rehab-to-performance spectrum & stability training12:35 - The concept of anti-fragility in training & nature15:28 - Finding the right stress level for optimal performance17:27 - Kasey's career before the Hunkerin Stool21:32 - Transition into functional training25:05 - Philosophies that shaped his approach29:48 - Kasey's current goals & future projects33:12 - Thoughts on homesteading and self-sufficiency37:09 - Product development tips for new creators44:05 - Kasey's approach to productivity & planning45:21 - His MMA & jiu-jitsu career47:21 - Using the Hunkerin Stool for fighters & recovery49:15 - Closing thoughts & final wordsšŸ”„ If you enjoyed this episode, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway!#QualityValuesPodcast #HunkerinStool #FunctionalTraining #MMA #StabilityTraining #Entrepreneurship

    52 min

About Quality Values

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šŸŽ™ļøWhat are your VALUES in the context of your story?