Today's guest, Dave Lieber, is a national-award-winning Watchdog newspaper columnist for The Dallas Morning News, a prize-winning author and storytelling expert. You may also know him for his TEDTalk about the power of story telling to change the world.

Through his investigative newspaper column, Dave works to expose corruption and make positive change in his community. Dave receives 50 pitches a week for story ideas - and takes the best two. He knows how to find and identify memorable stories that people care about.

His heart is in the non-profit world. He's co-founder of Summer Santa, one of North Texas' largest children's charities.

In this episode, Dave raves about the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex - a diverse culture brimming helpful people with a passion to improve the community. He provides helpful advice about about how people new to Dallas can quickly become connected to a close network simply by giving to others.

Dave also discusses a concern he has with the millennial generation not being up to date with policies that directly affect them. Due to the overwhelming access and wealth of knowledge that's out there, they seem to only subscribe to what they have interests in and this prevents them from seeing the 'bigger picture'.

Do you agree with Dave's perspective on the Millennial generation? We'd love to get your feedback! Please provide your comments by leaving your comments in the section below! Or write to me at [email protected]. Your feedback is important.

Show Notes

[4:20] The younger generation today moves around a lot looking for jobs.

[4:35] When Dave first came to Dallas, he had a huge culture shock.

[5:40] The only way to survive is by creating a network of people around you. Discover more.

[6:40] How does somebody adapt to Texas culture?

[9:15] Texas is the land of opportunity on so many different levels.

[10:20] What was Texas like in 1993?

[15:05] How is Dave currently impacting the Dallas community?

[16:30] Dave talks about his book, Watch Dog Nation.

[19:45] What is Dave most proud of? Learn more about Dave's charity involvement.

[21:10] Find a charity you like and volunteer.

[26:20] You meet high quality and high caliber people through volunteering because you know they care about the community.

[26:25] Dave shares creative ways he markets his charity, Summer Santa. You don't want to miss this. 

[29:35] What advice does Dave have for the younger generation on making an impact in their community? Learn more about your community by following the news, voting, and getting involved.

[30:15] Why are millennials not paying attention to their community?

[32:00] Millennials do not want to work a 40-hour work week.

[37:15] Do you have a topic suggestion for Dave? Email him!

[39:05] Ask a lot of questions, because the answers may surprise you.

[41:00] Dave talks about what inspires him and why he does what he does today.

[42:20] Final piece of advice and resources? Read Dallas News and the Dallas Business Journal.

[43:35] By reading different Dallas/Fort Worth publications, you can spot trends that can potentially make you some money.

Ambition Quote:

"You imitate, you emulate, you equal, and you surpass." - Pete Hamill

Referenced in This Episode:

Read:

Dave's work at Dallas News

Familiarize yourself with Robert Wilonsky's work

Pete Hamill

Dallas Business Journal

D Magazine

Fort Worth Magazine

Dallas Observer

Fort Worth Weekly

Watch:

Dave Lieber's Interview with Deirdre on YouTube

Dave's TED Talk – The Dog of My Nightmares

Follow:

George Brody

Young Men's Service League

Watch Dog Nation

Summer Santa

Operation Kindness

Charity Navigator

Salvation Army

Connect with Dave:

www.davelieber.org/

[email protected]

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Melinda Marcus has been named one of the “Ten Outstanding Working Women in America” by Glamour magazine and “One of the Five Women to Watch in the Southwest” by ADWEEK magazine. Melinda is a highly rated keynote speaker and workshop leader on The Science of Influence. You may have seen her recent TED Talk about why high achievers fail to hit their goals”. Melinda coaches business executives and other working professionals the tools they need to immediately leverage the power of body language, the art of negotiation and persuasion, and so much more.

In this episode, Melinda reveals to me how subtle factors – like non-verbal communications – can either “make you or break you” when you are trying to build trusting relationships in business. So many of people do not pay enough attention on the body language our respective clients or prospects are using as we're talking to them. Melinda says once you're able to fluidly read the body language of others, you can direct the conversation to a more engaging tone where you've peaked your client's interest and have engaged them with your message.

Show Notes

[2:35] What are some of the subtle factors people need to keep an eye out for?

[4:20] Put yourself in the other person's shoes and figure out what they deem valuable.

[5:00] Don't assume your target market thinks about the product the same way you do.

[5:25] How do you find out what your clients need? Ask them reflective questions. Discover more on how to do that.

[7:15] How do you know what truly motivates your target audience? Melinda explains further.

[8:00] Melinda shares an example of how someone can use subtle cues from their customer to turn the tables around.

[10:35] Most people are not looking at the non-verbals of a client to see what they're true feelings are. They focus too heavily on what the client is saying instead.

[11:40] I talk about how I prepare for my speeches. It's true, I do tend to over prepare on the content, but the best presentations I've given have been based on how I am resonating with the audience and finding out what their pain points are.

[13:10] What does the client or prospect need to hear? What's most relevant to them? You have to read their non-verbal body language in order to find out.

[13:30] Most people are just thinking about what they're saying as oppose to what the response is.

[13:55] How can women in the workplace use these cues to get a promotion? You won’t want to miss this!

[16:50] Warning: Sensitive Subject Ahead! I talk about my investment banking history and the things I've personally seen in the workforce. Does sex really sell?

[20:05] The first visual impression has the biggest impact, but women are also judged on the tone of their voice.

[25:35] Believe it or not, early in my career, I was told by a director of Human Resources that I was not “banker material”. This made me more determined than ever to get into the banking industry. Listen in for more.

[27:40] Melinda talks about how fingernails can impact your first impression.

[31:00] What about the parts of your appearance/the things that you can't control? How does that affect the decision process?

[35:10] What is pattern under pressure? Melinda and I discuss mindset and the unconscious mind.

[38:40] Melinda talks about her TED talk presentation, The "Perfect" Excuse.

[44:00] Find out how Melinda got involved in this career path here.

[49:35] Provide solutions to people as oppose to pushing a product people don't need.

Referenced in This Episode:

Read:

Does the way you dress affect the way you think?

Watch:

Melinda Marcus – The "Perfect" Excuse

Melinda Marcus – The Hidden Agenda Speech

Follow:

Young Presidents' Organization

Texas Instruments

Dr. Robert Cialdini

Joe Navarro

Deborah Tannen

Connect with Melinda:

www.influenceadvisors.com/

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Joe Calloway is a keynote speaker on leadership and business performance as well as a successful business advisor, having worked with notable clients such as Coca Cola, Cadillac, American Express, and more. Joe helps companies create more effective teams, build stronger leaders, and improve their business performance. Joe is also the author of five books including A Category of One, Magnetic, and Work Like You're Showing Off.

Joe has a ton of great insight for today's listeners as he talks about the importance of focusing on the basics, simplifying business tasks, and why every business owner should focus on only three things at a time. Throughout his career, Joe has seen the power of three and says this makes the difference between a proactive entrepreneur vs. an inactive entrepreneur who is feeling stuck.

Show Notes:

[1:55] Who is Joe Calloway?

[6:10] A small business can act on an idea immediately, whereas a big fortune 500 company has to jump through the corporate hoops to act on a change. Joe prefers working with small businesses for this reason.

[8:25] What kind of challenges does Joe help business owners tackle?

[11:55] A lot of entrepreneurs are getting stuck and this leads to inaction.

[13:10] What factors make an entrepreneur proactive vs. inactive? It boils down to leadership and who you hire.

[15:05] In Joe's book, Magnetic, he talks about why entrepreneurs should focus and be clear with their priorities. As Joe says, "Whoever wins on the basics – wins."

[16:30] Joe shares a client story. The key takeaway? Focus on three things you can do better than anyone else.

[17:50] Joe talks about the differences between struggling vs. successful owner mindsets. Discover more. 

[18:45] If you can't explain your business process simply, then you don't understand your business.

[20:55] How can leaders and their teams keep things simple?

[23:10] Joe's favorite number is three. He says it's the magic number that helps us gain focus and clarity. Focus on three things you need to do for the business.

[25:05] An excellent leader reminds everybody of who they are and what's truly important.

[28:05] Listen to Joe's advice on hiring the right person/team. You won’t want to miss this!

[30:55] Companies begin to see their downfall when they feel as though they have it 'all figured out'.

[33:05] Why do some entrepreneurs pivot better than others? Joe says these entrepreneurs are willing to take action and realize that it may fail.

[39:35] What can companies do to increase customer endorsements? Joe shares some simple steps.

[42:35] If you're starting a business, what are some of the things you need to be thinking about?

[45:20] In the book Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn, the moral of the story is that anybody can make a difference.

[47:40] Listeners can look forward to Randy Pennington appearing on an upcoming show!

Referenced in This Episode:

Read:

Magnetic by Joe Calloway

Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn

Watch:

A preview of Joe Calloway's keynote speech

The Five Friends

Follow:

Randy Pennington

Mark Sanborn

Scott McKain

Larry Winget

Connect with Joe:

www.joecalloway.com/

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George Brody is the founder of GlobeRanger Corporation, a leading provider of RFID-based software solutions to both the government and commercial markets worldwide. George is a member of the advisory council for the School of Management at The University of Texas at Dallas and serves on the board of directors of the Texas based Metroplex Technology Business Council.

On today's episode, George and I discuss innovation in Dallas and how things will rapidly change as technology improves for the better. George has incredible insight as to what we and the Millennial generation can expect from Dallas and how local business owners can adapt to the changes before it's too late. George also shares interesting insight as to what our local Texas universities are up to and how they're able to impact change on the Dallas community as well.

Show Notes

[2:45] Who is George Brody?

[4:15] George has been part of the Dallas community for over three decades.

[6:00] What is George most proud of in his career?

[8:15] Companies headquartered in Dallas are spending $5 billion dollars on product development, but they're not spending that money in Dallas. Why?

[8:45] George's focus is to bring those resources back into the Dallas community and to increase its growth. Learn how.

[11:15] Dallas has very solid universities in the area and this will slowly begin to change and innovate the community for the better. Find out which universities are involved in the movement.

[12:15] George claims that universities drive innovation, not big companies. Discover more.

[14:35] Local universities are collaborating with big companies and are working with them to create better opportunities for the Dallas community. Check out who’s engaging in partnership in our technological ecosystem.

[19:35] How can local business owners and entrepreneurs take advantage of the emerging opportunities?

[23:55] We need to retrain our workforce to work with robots who can take the repetitive daily tasks out of our hands.
[24:50] How can people overcome some of these rapid innovation changes and challenges?

[27:45] Anyone can thrive in this rapidly changing environment if they're willing to adapt to the changes. George tells us how.

[28:30] George helped pioneer wireless technology.

[30:15] How can Millennials adapt to these changes?

[34:30] Final thoughts? We live in a society that's about to experience a big wave of change. There are so many movers and shakers who are ready to tear down old systems and create new, more efficient ones. We can't ignore that fact.

Referenced in This Episode:

Watch:

STEMfire connects North Texas educators and volunteers in industry to inspire students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Follow:

Bill Wallace

UTD

Technology Business Council

TechTitans

Connect with George:

www.globeranger.com

George's Recommended Resources:

Amazon Alexa

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Jan Klodner and Bill Wallace, the founder and creator of the networking group Success North Dallas and an influential connector in the Dallas business community, and his business partner, mentor and best friend, Jan Klodner. Bill provides deep insight into what makes entrepreneurs, or more specifically Dallas business leaders.

One of the many key takeaways that I gained from from my talk with Bill and Jan is that Dallas business leaders will enjoy a faster, easier, more enjoyable journey on the road to success if they surround themselves with successful professionals with a diversity of experience and perspectives. It’s advisable to have your own personal board of directors that will keep you in check and help guide you when it's time to make those tough, risky, and innovative decisions that every business leader must face. Tune in here for more great insights.

Show Notes

[1:55] Herb Kelleher, CEO of Southwest Airlines, and Rodger Meier were Bill's mentors.

[2:40] Bill explains why Success North Dallas is different than most networking groups.

[3:25] When Bill founded his networking group in 1988, he encouraged women to become members. This was unheard of at the time.

[6:40] Bill shares a bit of history about Success North Dallas.

[8:45] Bill talks about how Dallas was an emergency hub during the 9/11 attack. Listen o find out how Success North Dallas members had unique access to confidential information in the aftermath.

[15:45] Who is George Brody? Some refer to him as the father of wireless.

[17:30] It is Bill's vision to put Dallas back on the map for innovation and tech change.

[18:45] What kind of opportunities does Bill see in the Dallas Forth Worth community today?

[21:15] There is no better home for entrepreneurs than in Dallas Forth Worth.

[22:30] Dallas business leaders must recognize they cannot do it all.

[23:40] Nina Vaca, CEO of the Pinnacle Group and Minority Business Hall of Fame award winner, started her own company because she knew the people who would hire her would also fire her!

[24:15] Nina Vaca recommends to every Dallas business leader to find one or two mentors in the community.

[25:20] How can entrepreneurs find a group of supporters and mentors?

[25:45] The three most powerful words are: Please, Thank You, and Help.

[28:25] Your network will take you to the next level.

[30:00] Failure is where we learn our biggest lesson.

[30:15] Walmart founder, Sam Walton, contributes his success to his mistakes.

[33:55] Bill shares his favorite ambition quotes!

[40:50] With the new age of technology, we become so accessible that we're inaccessible.

Ambition Quote:

“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!” - Sir Richard Branson.

“Speak only of what you earned the right to speak on and you will never give a bad talk.” - Dale Carnegie

REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE

Think Big, ACT Bigger by Jeffrey Hayzlett

The Power of Who by Bob Beaudine

Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal

Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith and Mark Reiter

Watch: 

Sam Walton's success story

Rodger Meier's son talks about a lesson he learned from his father - helping others

James Von Ehr talks about what's new with nanotech

Nina Vaca on female entrepreneurship

Follow:

Herb Kelleher

Alan Greenspan

George Brody

Julie England

Jeffrey P. Fegan

Donnie Nelson

Connect with Bill:

www.successnorthdallas.com/

Bill's Recommended Resources:

www.ffbsccn.wordpress.com/

Leave Me a Review:

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Mark Sanborn, CSP, CPAE, (@Mark_Sanborn) is president of Sanborn & Associates, Inc., an idea studio dedicated to developing leaders in business and in life. Mark is an international bestselling author and noted expert on leadership, team building, customer service and change.

Mark holds the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association (NSA) and is a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame. He was recently honored with the Cavett Award, the highest honor the NSA bestows on its members, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the speaking profession. Mark is also a member of the exclusive Speakers Roundtable, made up of 20 of the top speakers in America.

Mark is the author of eight books, including the bestseller The Fred Factor: How Passion In Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary Into the Extraordinary which has sold more than 1.6 million copies internationally. His other books include You Don’t Need a Title to be a Leader: How Anyone, Anywhere Can Make a Positive Difference, Teambuilt: Making Teamwork Work, The Encore Effect: How to Achieve Remarkable Performance in Anything You Do and his most recent book, Up, Down or Sideways: How to Succeed When Times are Good, Bad or In Between. His latest book is Fred 2.0: New Ideas on How to Keep Delivering Extraordinary Results which was released March 2013.

Visit TheAmbitionProjectShow.com to get all the show notes and resources mentioned from the interview.

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Scott Halford, (@BeAShortcut) CSP, CPAE he’s an Emmy Award winning writer and producer, author, an engaging and entertaining National Speakers Hall of Fame member and a long-time adviser to Fortune 500 executive teams. His expertise and experience enrich the contribution that he makes in every client situation. Scott’s brilliance in focusing on the strategy and application of concepts distinguishes his work and gains praise from executives around the world. His expansive knowledge in the areas of achievement psychology, which includes neuroscience, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and the principles of influence add richness and depth to his programs. His humor, wit and wisdom help drive home powerful concepts.

Scott is a 2014 inductee into the CPAE National Speakers Hall of Fame. He is also is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the highest earned designation of the National Speakers Association and Global Speakers Federation.

Visit TheAmbitionProjectShow.com to get all the show notes and resources mentioned from the interview.

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 Salah Boukadoum is the founder of Soap Hope whose mission starts with hope for women everywhere. Soap Hope started with a simple idea: provide healthful, wholesome, top-of-the-line products to customers - then uses all the profits to help women in need at home and around the world.

Salah believes that women are the key to ending poverty - they save more, invest more, and are more likely to use their earnings to make sure their children are educated and to break the cycle of poverty. The company deploys its profits to fund microloans for underpriviledged women. This innovative model is called Good Returns.

Good Returns is a simple and powerful new business model: before investment returns are paid to owners/shareholders, every dollar first spends one year in service of good (as an interest free loan to a sustainable social enterprise).

Soap Hope strives to be the most trustworthy and reliable source for natural products, so that their customers don’t have to worry about searching high and low for quality, safe solutions. That’s why they disclose every ingredient that goes into the products they carry – so that customers have all of the information they need to make decisions about their purchase.

Visit TheAmbitionProjectShow.com to get all the show notes and resources mentioned from the interview.

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Dr. Nathanial Hearne (@nathanialhearne) is the President and Founder of Made Up Minds and The Euless Loaves and Fishes Foundation. Through these organizations, Dr. Hearne provides training and programs to reach at-risk youth for the purpose of strengthening character, teaching leadership skills, and increasing school attendance. This helps set them up for success in life.

Dr. Hearne’s background in this field is extensive. He began his career in education in the Ector County Independent School District (ECISD), where he worked for 18 years as a teacher, coach, and administrator.

While in Ector County, he was an assistance coach for the Permian High School football team, which won the 1989 State and National Championship. Permian High School was the subject of the National Bestselling book Friday Night Lights and a subsequent movie and television series by the same name. He was named Outstanding Principal of the Year for Region 18 in 1993-94, and Assistant Principal of the Year for HEBISD in 2008.

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Vince Poscente (@vinceposcente) is your #1 “full speed ahead” expert when it comes to building resiliency, engaging leaders, overcoming obstacles and creating a successful team. In a world where people can’t catch a breath and finding balance is difficult, “full speed ahead” is exactly the climate organizations need to thrive and survive. It means letting go of ideas that don’t work. Moving past old ways of doing things. And surging forward with the confidence, creativity and resilience necessary to get the job done right the first time. Full speed ahead creates more time. More success. And more energy. To have the kind of life you want both personally and professionally

Since 1992 he has been researching, writing and speaking about life mastery. This New York Times bestselling author wrote the international phenomenon, The Ant and the Elephant - Leadership for the Self. His background as an Olympian with a masters in Organizational Management - alongside his corporate experience - culminate into an invigorating perspective on accelerating past problems towards sustained results.

Visit TheAmbitionProjectShow.com to get all the show notes and resources mentioned from the interview.

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