StoryBuilders Podcast

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Zee the Cook, entrepreneur and culinary team-building expert, joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to share her journey from home-based cooking classes to international corporate events. Zee reveals how cooking experiences can break down barriers, foster connections, and unlock hidden potential in both corporate teams and youth programs.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Recipe for Business Growth: Learn how Zee scaled her passion-driven business from a home kitchen to a successful company with international reach, emphasizing the importance of staying true to your purpose while adapting to growth.
2. Cooking as a Catalyst for Connection: Discover how culinary experiences can reveal individual strengths, improve workplace dynamics, and create lasting bonds between team members who might not otherwise interact.
3. Ingredients for Effective Team Building: Explore Zee's innovative approaches to team building, including randomized groups and timed challenges, that push participants out of their comfort zones and encourage collaboration.
4. From the Kitchen to the Boardroom: Understand how cooking workshops can teach valuable business skills such as creativity, time management, and effective communication in a fun and engaging environment.

Zee brings these concepts to life with stories from her work with corporate clients and youth programs, demonstrating how culinary experiences can lead to personal growth and improved team dynamics.

Tune in to learn how to apply these insights to your own business, team, or personal development journey.

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Dr. Joel Martin, president of Tri West, founder of Positively Powerful Programs, and global transformational leadership developer, joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to share her journey from successful advertising executive to transformational leadership coach. Dr. Martin's story is both inspiring and instructive, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and non-profit leaders.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Essence of Transformation: Discover how re-engineering mindsets and raising the horizon of possibilities can lead to extraordinary personal and professional growth.
2. Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs: Learn how Dr. Martin's childhood experience shaped her path and how challenging long-held beliefs opened doors to new opportunities, illustrating the power of belief testing in personal development.
3. Action Before Confidence: Explore Dr. Martin's philosophy that confidence comes after taking action, not before, encouraging listeners to step out of their comfort zones to achieve growth.
4. Creating Safe Spaces for Growth: Understand the importance of fostering environments that encourage open discussions, learning, and personal development in both individual and organizational contexts.

Dr. Martin brings these principles to life with engaging stories from her own journey and her work with diverse clients, demonstrating how these strategies can lead to transformational change. She also introduces practical tools like the "Ordinary vs. Extraordinary" exercise to help identify areas for growth. 

Tune in to learn how to tap into your innate power and transform your leadership approach.

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Evgeniy Kharam, author of "Architecting Success: The Art of Soft Skills and Technical Sales," joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to unpack the often-overlooked power of soft skills in professional and personal success. From building rapport to preventing burnout, Kharam offers practical insights for developing these crucial abilities.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Natural Foundation of Soft Skills: Discover how we all possess soft skills naturally as children, and learn strategies to reconnect with and develop these abilities as adults.
2. Practical Application Outside Work: Explore Kharam's suggestion to practice soft skills in everyday situations, like grocery shopping, to hone these abilities in low-stakes environments.
3. Diversity as a Catalyst for Growth: Understand the value of building diverse teams with different strengths and perspectives to drive innovation and problem-solving in the workplace.
4. The 80/20 Rule for Personal Development: Learn how dedicating 20% of your time to stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to significant personal and professional growth.

Kharam brings these concepts to life with engaging examples from his experience in sales and leadership roles, demonstrating how these strategies can lead to improved communication, better customer relationships, and overall career success. 

Tune in to learn how to apply these insights to your own professional journey and personal life.

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Valerie Dimino, writer, editor, and co-author of "The Man Behind the Curtain," joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to discuss the power of vulnerability and sharing difficult stories. From co-authoring a memoir about childhood trauma to navigating her own life changes, Valerie's insights are both profound and practical.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Sharing Difficult Stories: Discover how writing and publishing a memoir about childhood trauma can lead to unexpected positive outcomes, including support, connection, and healing for both the author and readers.
2. Navigating Vulnerability in Writing and Life: Learn how Valerie approached the sensitive task of co-authoring a trauma survivor's story, and how this experience shaped her own journey of vulnerability and personal growth.
3. Overcoming Fear of Change: Explore Valerie's personal experience with divorce and how listening to her inner voice led to necessary life changes, illustrating the importance of self-reflection and courage in personal development.
4. Building Connections Through Openness: Understand the transformative power of open, honest communication in both personal and professional relationships, and how vulnerability can create deeper connections and foster healing.

Valerie brings these principles to life with compelling stories from her writing process and personal experiences, demonstrating how embracing vulnerability can lead to profound personal growth and positive impact on others. 

Tune in to learn how to apply these insights to your own life and relationships.

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Larry Briggs, a veteran leadership expert and author, joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to share his wealth of experience coaching entrepreneurial CEOs and small business owners. With decades of insights, Briggs reveals the power of his "Sticky Leadership" approach and how it can transform businesses and leaders.

Key Takeaways:

1. The 10 Streams of Leadership Influence: Discover Briggs' innovative framework that likens leadership to powerful river streams, each contributing to the overall force of influence. Learn how understanding and leveraging these streams can dramatically improve your leadership effectiveness.
2. Identifying and Removing 'Kinks in the Hose': Explore the concept of obstacles as 'kinks in the hose' that impede progress. Briggs shares practical strategies for identifying these barriers and removing them to unleash your full leadership potential and drive your business forward.
3. The Power of Acknowledgment: Uncover the transformative impact of leader acknowledgment through a compelling case study. Learn how one CEO's shift in behavior led to improved team engagement, retention, and overall business growth, illustrating the profound effect of seemingly small leadership adjustments.
4. Coaching vs. Telling: Understand the crucial difference between coaching and telling in leadership. Briggs demonstrates how asking the right questions and fostering self-discovery in your team can lead to more effective problem-solving and increased employee engagement.
5. Technology Meets Leadership: Get a glimpse into the future of leadership development with Briggs' innovative "Sticky Leadership" app. Learn how this tool aims to put "a leadership coach in everybody's pocket," making continuous leadership growth more accessible than ever.

Tune in to gain invaluable insights on how to make your leadership stick in the heads, hearts, and actions of others, and discover how to take your business and leadership skills to the next level.

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Rachel Werner, owner and CEO of RBW Strategy and principal of My Fed Trainer, joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to share her expertise on grant strategy and management. With years of experience in federal grants, Rachel offers invaluable insights for organizations considering this complex funding avenue.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Grant Pursuit Dilemma: Discover why grants aren't always the answer and learn how to determine if they align with your organization's mission and capacity. Rachel emphasizes the importance of proceeding with caution and eyes wide open when entering the grant space.
2. Mastering Grant Management: Explore the critical components of effective grant stewardship, including strong infrastructure, internal controls, and consistent funder communication. Rachel introduces the RACI chart (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) as a powerful tool for managing grant-related responsibilities and communications.
3. From Application to Closeout: Learn about the entire grant lifecycle, from finding opportunities to "sticking the landing" with proper closeout procedures. Rachel shares insights on creating compelling applications, managing reporting requirements, and maintaining positive funder relationships throughout the process.
4. Partnerships for Success: Understand the power of collaboration in the grant space. Rachel explains how aligning with partners in your field can significantly increase your chances of securing and successfully managing grants, especially in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of grant strategy and management, whether you're new to the grant world or looking to refine your approach. Rachel's practical advice and cautionary wisdom will help you navigate the complex grant maze with confidence and strategic insight.

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Jay Johnson, TEDx speaker, founder of Behavioral Elements, and behavioral science expert, joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to share his groundbreaking insights on transforming training effectiveness and leadership through understanding behavioral drives.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Four Behavioral Elements: Discover how understanding the drives to acquire (Fire), defend (Earth), bond (Water), and learn (Air) can revolutionize your approach to training and leadership.
2. Bridging the Training-Behavior Gap: Learn why 90% of trainings fail to achieve business results and how Jay's innovative approach using behavioral elements can create lasting change.
3. Tailoring Communication for Maximum Impact: Explore how to adapt your leadership and training style to match the primary behavioral drives of your team members, leading to improved engagement and results.
4. The Power of Continuous Reinforcement: Understand the importance of ongoing "behavioral nudges" and how they can cement new habits and drive long-term behavior change in organizations.

Jay brings these concepts to life with engaging stories from his consulting work and personal experiences, demonstrating how understanding behavioral elements can lead to transformative growth in both professional and personal spheres.

Tune in to learn how to apply these revolutionary insights to your own leadership style, training programs, and personal development journey.

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Tony Sherock, a health behavior specialist and tiny habits coach, joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to share his expertise on creating lasting change through small, manageable steps. From personal training to keynote speaking, Tony's approach to habit formation is both revolutionary and accessible.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Tiny Habits: Discover how implementing small, consistent changes can lead to significant transformations in health, productivity, and relationships. Tony explains his methodology of using "tiny habits" to build confidence and create sustainable lifestyle improvements.
2. Overcoming the 'Go Big or Go Home' Mentality: Learn why ambitious goals often lead to failure and how starting small can actually accelerate progress. Tony shares insights on breaking down larger objectives into manageable, daily actions that compound over time.
3. Rewiring Neural Pathways: Explore the science behind habit formation and how our brains create and reinforce behavioral patterns. Tony provides practical strategies for reshaping these neural pathways to support personal and professional goals.
4. Mindset Shifts for Lasting Change: Understand the importance of intrinsic motivation and goal clarity in maintaining new habits. Tony illustrates how changing your perspective can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

Tune in to learn how to apply Tony's tiny habits methodology to various aspects of your life and unlock your full potential through the power of small, consistent actions.

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Jennifer Radke, CEO of the National Institute for Social Media and leader in marketing certification, joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to share her insights on the evolving landscape of digital marketing and the power of professional development.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Value of Strategic Certifications: Discover how choosing the right marketing certifications can accelerate your career growth. Jennifer explains the importance of platform-neutral, industry-standardized certifications and how they can enhance your credibility and open new opportunities in the digital marketing field.
2. Mastering LinkedIn for Business Growth: Learn insider tips on maximizing your LinkedIn presence. Jennifer breaks down LinkedIn's new weekly activity tracker and what it means for your content strategy, offering valuable insights on creating engaging posts, fostering meaningful connections, and leveraging the platform for professional development.
3. Embracing Technological Advancements: Explore the impact of AI and other emerging technologies on marketing. Jennifer provides guidance on how marketers can leverage these tools to streamline processes and enhance creativity, while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human touch in marketing strategies.
4. Charting Unconventional Career Paths: Follow Jennifer's journey from higher education to becoming a leader in marketing certification. Her story illustrates the power of embracing unexpected opportunities and continuously learning, inspiring listeners to think outside the box in their own career trajectories.

Tune in to gain practical strategies for staying ahead in the fast-paced world of digital marketing and learn how to align your professional development with your career aspirations.

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall

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Amir Glogau, entrepreneur and founder of Soul Leadership, joins Andrew Biernat on StoryBuilders to share his profound insights on self-leadership, presence, and personal growth. From skydiving experiences to corporate boardrooms, Amir's journey offers a unique perspective on achieving success through inner alignment.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Essence of Soul Leadership: Discover how aligning emotional intentions, choices, and actions can lead to a more harmonious and fulfilling life, both personally and professionally. Amir's concept of "soul leadership" provides a framework for authentic and impactful leadership.
2. The Power of Presence: Learn how cultivating presence and mindfulness can transform your leadership style. Amir shares compelling stories, including his skydiving experiences, to illustrate the importance of being fully present in critical moments.
3. Redefining Control: Explore Amir's perspective on true control, which lies not in external circumstances but in how we interpret and respond to reality. This shift in mindset can lead to more effective leadership and personal growth.
4. Personalized Growth Strategies: Understand the importance of finding the right methods for self-improvement that resonate with your individual needs. Amir encourages listeners to approach their personal development journey with curiosity rather than judgment.
5. The Universal Connection: Embrace Amir's powerful message that "You are not alone." Discover how recognizing our shared human experience can provide strength and inspiration on the path of self-leadership.

Tune in to learn how to apply these transformative insights to your own life and leadership journey, and unlock your true potential through the power of self-mastery.

Want to be a guest on the StoryBuilders Podcast? Let's connect and see if it's a mutual fit! ---> mystorybuilders.com/podcastprecall