There exists a strong causal relationship between culture and productivity.

According to Davis, “The greater the culture, the more productive people will be, because they are engaged. Human beings excel when they are happy and doing what they enjoy. And when they excel, they produce.”

We discuss:

From the Podcast:

I believe most people everywhere are decent folks who just want the same thing: shelter, food, education and some enjoyment.  But why then do we look down on certain groups? And how do we begin to address systemic racism? How can we make honest and sincere connections with people who look differently than us? Cassandra is a long time Facebook friend with a fascinating perspective. she offers  some great insights on the topic of race. Especially if you're white like me, I urge you to listen to our conversation, and listen with the intention to learn, not necessarily to respond. 

We discuss:

- how Cassandra's upbringing impacted her views of people

- how she learned about 3rd gear/do the right thing behavior

- what it's like growing up with 3 strikes against you

- the frustration many black folks feel when others tell them "it was all in the past."

- how to make an honest connection with someone who is black (like her)

From the Podcast:

Many parents want their kids to grow up to be confident and self-assured individuals who aren't afraid to take some risks. But how do you teach someone to be confident?

Anna Julia is a Customer Experience Specialist at PortsToronto -Billy Bishop Airport. As a 20-something, she works in an industry dominated by older men and has learned some simple but powerful techniques to help her fulfill her aspirations. 

We discuss:

- how Anna Julia's upbringing gave her some perspective

From the podcast:

"I don’t think how people treat you is personal to who you are, you just need to learn how to be vulnerable and courageous

Stacy Maynard is one of those people you feel like you've known for years. We probably laughed through 30% of this podcast, make sure you listen carefully for the clinking glass and delightful singing voices!

We discuss:

'For many Canadians, the eight-game series between Team Canada and the national team of the Soviet Union in 1972 provided the greatest moment in the country’s sporting history. Most expected that Canada would handily defeat the Soviet Union, but this confidence quickly disappeared when Canada lost the first game. The series was tied heading into the final game in Moscow, which ended in a dramatic fashion, with Paul Henderson scoring in the final seconds to give Canada the victory. The series would have a lasting impact on hockey in Canada and abroad.' (from Canadian Encyclopedia)

As an American who learned Russian, Greg presents a great outsider's view on the series.

We discuss: the infamous Bobby Clarke 'slash", why Bobby Hull never played in the series, and the possible damage to Canadian psyche if Canada had lost the series. 

We also discuss:

- how humor and common interests can break through cultural silos

Part of the RHB code is 'have passion for what you do.' 

On being a young wife: “My mother-in-law was ... Italian."

On growing up: “My dad was head of sales for a major chocolate company. I was the most popular kid on the block."

On changes: “I have struggled with my weight for my entire life.  By age 35, I was my heaviest. I had no energy and I felt like my body had betrayed me."

On fast food: “Fast food can be healthy and beautiful and delicious and good for you. It doesn't have to be laden with calories and fat."

One wish: “I’wish I could go back and scold the old me. I wish I could have made these changes 15 years ago."

On the military: “I have a lot of respect for people who serve their country, both those in uniform and their families."

 If you have ever had a curiosity about sales, or how to be successful in sales, or how women can be successful in sales then you will definitely want to hear this interview with Leanne Tillaart.

On being a parent: "It’s important to start young with our kids, lead by example and create the path for them. It’s important to set the foundation early."

On companies: "I can’t ever say I’ve ever worked in a company where there were equal number of men and women in the sales division."

On selling: "Sales has always been a draw for me, a pull. and it’s less of selling more of solving a problem. It’s only recently that I would have told you I worked in sales. It always came with a negative connotation. Now I realize the power in being a people-connector."

On why women should consider sales: "I have freedom and flexibility that I wouldn’t in a 9-to-5 job. Despite stereotypes I think sales has allowed me more opportunity to be a mom or wife or sit on the PTA than in a 9-5 job. Sales is a good way to make a really good living and you don’t need a crazy level of education to do so."

On culture: "I’m a firm believer that sales is a team sport, it may be comprised of a bunch of individuals but ultimately you can’t do it without other people."

On advice for beginners: "Sales is not just a skill set it’s a craft; you have to hone it and you have to work on it."

It is common for organizations to stipulate they are seeking a specialist; a candidate with deep industry expertise. But often great ideas come from someone with an outsider's perspective and the mind of a generalist.  

Whether you're an aspiring management consultant or a hiring manager, you'll want to hear this interview with CEO Rushi Raja 

On growing up: "When I was in Canada, I was Rushi the Indian guy, when I was in India, I was Rushi the Canadian guy. I’m basically a pirate."

On aspirations: "The one thing I knew is that I never wanted to be a consultant. They were all arrogant and brash and thought they knew better than everyone else. So of course, I ended up a consultant."

On influences: "The best thing that happened to be when I was a kid was that I got a retail job at Footlocker. It taught me how to interact with people of different backgrounds to determine their needs. It helped shaped who I am today."

On family: "Leaving consulting was less about the job and more about family balance and making sure I was home with my little ones. Your number one focus in life changes when you have children. Its a beautiful process, it’s a challenging process. It’s changed who I am and it’s changed my priorities."

On what they want: "You always get pigeonholed by folks who want you to be a specialist. I’ve always enjoyed floating from industry to industry. It can be challenging to sell yourself. Organizations say they need a specialist but often what they really need is a generalist."

On people: "I always say that technology is not the solution, technology is the tool. If you have the right people, you can get around the problem. People are the #1 challenge and the #1 opportunity for organizations."

On passion: "It’s amazing you can suck at something so bad and yet love it so much. Golf fills that niche."

On value: "I went from consulting which is all about utilization and billable hours and revenue and now I’m CEO of a non-profit where our number one metric is value. It’s a very different situation and reflects 3rd gear."

On success: "The firms with good people, people who are genuinely happy to be there, really enjoy what they’re doing and who are trained...it doesn’t matter what the product is...those companies do so well. If we can find a way to really motivate people and understand their true skills sets and value of individuals in organizations, we can do a lot."

Have you ever tuned into your favorite radio station and listened to the warm and welcoming tones of the on-air personality?  Perhaps it was someone you admired so much, you followed them from station to station, much like a sports fan follows an athlete from team to team. 

Some excerpts from our interview:

On his upbringing: "I was a navy brat, with an accent that sounded strange to the people around me."

On playing in a successful rock band: "When you're in a band, you always practice at the drummer's place because you don't want to have to move all that crap."

On low-lights: "Radio moves you, sometimes against your will." 

On talking to guests: "I love interviewing artists, authors, directors, playwrights, actors. I rarely make a list of questions. My rule of thumb is to just respond to what the guest just said."

On high-lights: "When you interview someone with a lot of brainpower and they say 'THAT'S a really good question', it feels very good!" 

On society, "Jack Layton said “Love is better than anger, Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world."

We often get a grasp of someone's character when we get to know them in person. But what about online?