SNIFF (The SNIFF, SMOKE, SHOOT Series Book 1) by GC Brown

Amazon.com

GCbrownbooks.com

WARNING: This content may be difficult to digest. There’s a lot of drug use and abuse, overtly sexual situations, some racist shit, sexual and gender slurs, and hookers galore. Oh, and there’s graphic violence and more hookers. On the flip side, there’s no violence to animals—unless you count a few giraffes on leashes. Anyway, if what you’re after is some vanilla, politically correct fluff—if you’re woke or even woke adjacent—this ain’t the place for you. If, however, laugh-out-loud escapism is your bag, I’m your guy.

The Party Came to A Screeching Halt When I Ended Up in Prison

Back in ’07, I found myself in hot water over what the good ol’ U.S. of A. so eloquently referred to as “financial shenanigans.” And they did whatever it took to convince a jury that I was their Madoff. I’ve certainly done my fair share of questionable things in life, but I was not the villain in their particular saga. Still….

The universe has a peculiar way of balancing the scales.

The boredom in prison was excruciating. So I went to see my case manager, wondering what spectacular moneymaking opportunities might be available. The guy told me, get this, “Well, according to policy, the only thing you really can do is a write book.” He even had the audacity to laugh when he said it.

The hell I know about writing?

A few months later and blah-blah-solitary confinement-blah, and I thought, Fuck it, let’s write a book.

And that’s where SNIFF began—an action-adventure story about antihero David Liecht, who worked his way to the top of the commercial real estate world, only to lose everything while finding love…and then teeter on the brink of losing that too.

Now what will David do?

I believe words can be used to create conflict or inspire change; they can cut deep or make you laugh. I choose to laugh, and some people think I’m a damn riot. But I don’t expect everyone to be a fan. This is art, baby, and I’m not here to follow the rules. I love writing. It’s a passion I discovered while in federal prison. And maybe I ruffle a few feathers along the way, and maybe I don’t. Truthfully, I hope you stick around. Let’s see what kind of shit we can get into.About the author

Because the world was missing a mobile home mogul, Brown became the GM of a manufactured housing retail empire in Dallas, Texas, with greatness in mind as his entrepreneurial spirit couldn't be contained. And he made a killing (literally, maybe) in that niche and then branched out to other various ventures.

Buying and selling mobile homes (because who doesn't love a good trailer?); led to flipping houses (before it was en vogue); developing real estate (for the sake of humanity); running nightclubs (where the real magic happens); coding software (because who needs experience?); selling flowers online (the ultimate hustle); serving sushi (raw fish and entrepreneurship go hand-in-hand); and, the pièce de résistance—the African diamond trade (because nothing screams "legit business" like blood diamonds).

Shockingly, Brown's financial wizardry didn't quite extend to his tax returns (integrity is overrated).

Uncle Sam slapped him with tax evasion, failure to file taxes on time, and wire fraud (just a few minor oversights). When offered a plea deal, Brown, ever the thick-headed rebel, refused to admit defeat (because he'd done nothing wrong in his mind). More charges followed, and, spoiler alert, he blew the trial. And well, let's just say he's now an expert on the federal prison system.

“All that glitters ain't gold, folks.”

Inspired by a newspaper article that claimed writing a book was the third hardest thing to do (presumably, after escaping from prison and getting a decent haircut behind bars), Brown, the ultimate thrill seeker, decided to take on that ultimate challenge. He was going to pen a novel while serving his sentence (because, why not?).

It's Never Been a Level Playing Field: Overcoming 8 Racial Myths to Even the Field by Steve Brigham

https://www.amazon.com/Never-Been-Level-Playing-Field/dp/B0D785ZDC9/

In It's Never Been a Level Playing Field, the author embarks on a journey to dissect and challenge the deeply ingrained myths that continue to perpetuate racial inequality in America. Each chapter delves into a specific myth, from the fallacy of equal opportunity to the enduring inequalities in housing, education, and justice systems.

In this book, you will:

Uncover the pervasive influence of White-oriented systems and beliefs that have shaped American society for centuries.

Understand the historical structures, both legal and cultural, that have upheld White advantage and supremacy.

Dismantle the illusion of a level playing field and expose systemic biases that disadvantage African Americans in housing, education, and justice systems.

Learn how these myths intersect and perpetuate racial inequity and injustice in modern America.

Discover a roadmap for systemic change and transformative policies to build a more equitable future.

It's Never Been a Level Playing Field is a call to action for all Americans to understand race issues in America and contribute to the fight for equality. Read this book and join the movement toward a more just and inclusive America.

It's Never Been a Level Playing Field offers a profound exploration of the deeply entrenched issues of race, privilege, and systemic inequality that have shaped the fabric of our nation. With keen insight, Brigham dissects the myths that perpetuate racial disparities and presents bold ideas for dismantling these longstanding injustices. To those in pursuit of John Lewis' good trouble, this book stands as a vital roadmap for understanding the roots of racial injustice and a compelling call to action for all of us to take part in building a more just and equitable society. A beloved community."

State Delegate Jazz Lewis, Maryland House of Delegates, 24th District (Prince George's County)

Comprehensive and bold, It's Never Been a Level Playing Field challenges readers to rethink racial inequality in America. Critiquing the fallacy of individual meritocracy, the book exposes the dirty underbelly of White supremacy and domination at the heart of the American project and its consequences for Black Americans. From urban renewal and redlining to the dumping of toxic waste in Black communities, Brigham shows how White Americans and institutions have upheld an unjust system through their action and inaction. In tracing how violent practices have endured and shape-shifted from slavery to our pretense politics, he shows why racial disparities and disadvantage persist in everything from education, health care, and criminal justice to housing and entrepreneurship—and what we can do about it. It's Never Been a Level Playing Field is sure to spark needed debate in classrooms and boardrooms, and around kitchen tables across the country.

Willow S. Lung-Amam, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at the University of Maryland, College Park

About the author

Steve Brigham is a leader in the public engagement field who, for the past 24 years, has known great success as a facilitator, consultant, and designer of complex public meetings and community-building processes on critical public policy issues.

He has facilitated numerous national and international forums.

Since 2010, his bread-and-butter consulting has focused primarily on local and metro D.C. issues, such as land use policy, affordable housing, transportation, support for BIPOC business owners in jeopardy of displacement, economic development, and public school redistricting.

In the past decade, Steve’s work and volunteer time have increasingly tackled racial equity and equitable development issues.

Steve is the proud father of two bi-racial children and lives in Prince George's County, MD.

Unraveling Procrastination: Insights from Chris Abdey on Overcoming Delays

Procrastinationstation.ca

About the Guest(s):

Chris Abdey is a seasoned Procrastination Coach with over 20 years of experience in various industries. Chris is dedicated to helping individuals overcome procrastination and reach peak productivity. He is the mastermind behind transformative programs such as "Procrastination to Productivity" and "The Balance Blueprint: 8 Weeks to Life Harmony." Chris integrates practical strategies with mindset mastery, empowering clients to revamp their approach to time management, focus, and motivation.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to this enlightening episode of The Chris Voss Show, where Chris Voss delves into the realm of procrastination with a true expert, Chris Abdey. Discover the secrets of transforming productivity blocks into streamlined success with the help of tailored strategies and mindset adjustments. In this episode, listeners will gain insights into the varying types of procrastinators, learn practical tips for overcoming procrastination, and understand how emotional blocks play a crucial role in our attitudes toward productivity.

In an engaging conversation, Chris Abdey breaks down the five types of procrastinators—Perfectionists, Warriors, Dreamers, Crisis Makers, and Defiers—and how each type approaches tasks differently. The discussion progresses to understanding the psychological barriers and "heart walls" that impede productivity. Chris Voss humorously reflects on personal anecdotes of procrastination, serving as a real-life demonstration of common pitfalls and potential for transformation. The pair further explore how creative minds often encounter unique procrastination challenges, waiting for moments of inspiration to act.

Key Takeaways:

There are five main archetypes of procrastinators: Perfectionists, Warriors, Dreamers, Crisis Makers, and Defiers. Each has distinct reasons and psychological patterns influencing their procrastination habits.

Understanding what drives your procrastination is the first step in overcoming it. Procrastination is often a defense mechanism.

Emotional barriers, sometimes called "heart walls," can significantly impede productivity by harboring subconscious fears or past traumas.

Creative individuals often delay actions, waiting for moments of inspiration. This is a common subconscious process involving brain activity working in the background.

Compassion towards oneself is essential when dealing with procrastination, acknowledging it as a product of one's environment and conditioning rather than laziness or incompetence.

Notable Quotes:

"Procrastination is not something inherently wrong with you… it's a signpost."

"We're either moving out of a place of fear or a place of joy… most of us are operating at a place of fear 95% of the time."

"You are doing the best you can with the information you have on hand at that specific time."

"You can do whatever you want to do… But you have to believe that you are able to do it."

"Procrastination is a big deal… If you just would just have done it, you would've been fine."

Unlocking Innovation and Success with the S.Y.N.C. Method with John Taylor McEntire

Mutualprosperity.com

About the Guest(s):

John Taylor McEntire is the founder of Mutual Prosperity and a thought leader in the field of global business innovation and management. With a rich tapestry of experiences from across continents, including significant time spent in Salt Lake City, Tokyo, and Doha, John has developed a unique perspective by melding Eastern consensus-building strategies with Western innovation principles. He is the creator of the SYNC Method, a methodology designed to empower individuals and teams to achieve mutual prosperity and success. John is also in the process of authoring a book on mastering the rhythms of innovation and leadership in the tech industry.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss is joined by John Taylor McIntyre, an innovative leader spearheading the Mutual Prosperity initiative. John shares insights from his extensive international experience, highlighting how a combination of Eastern and Western business practices can drive organizational success. His journey from a multicultural upbringing to impactful roles in global technology transfer provides a rich backdrop for his innovative SYNC Method.

The SYNC Method, designed by John, stands as the episode's focal point – a strategy to synchronize personal and organizational goals. John's experiences in Japan, coupled with his cross-sectoral expertise, have culminated in this transformative approach. Touching on key elements like intuition and community in business contexts, he underscores the importance of empowering employees through alignment and coherent leadership structures. The show explores practical strategies for leaders aiming to create thriving, resilient, and innovative teams.

Key Takeaways:

John Taylor McEntire's SYNC Method focuses on synchronizing personal, natural, and communal aspects to drive innovation and leadership excellence.

Eastern business methodologies, such as the ringi sēido, offer valuable frameworks for consensus-building within organizations.

Empowering employees through continual education and aligning them with organizational goals is crucial for mutual prosperity.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should invest in leadership and team development to retain talent and foster innovation.

Cultural exchange and diverse perspectives are foundational to creating successful global business strategies.

Notable Quotes:

"I believe that everybody is here on this earth for a purpose, and the more we work together and actually gel, then we're actually gonna be able to bring in a lot more success."

"Synchronize yourself naturally within your community – this is the cornerstone of thriving leadership and innovation."

"Intuition is kind of what shaped me; it's a crucial sense that helps in guiding personal and professional decisions."

Resources:

Mutual Prosperity Website

SYNC to Scale Event: Learn more about transformative leadership methods at Sync to Scale.

Contact and Consultation: Explore more about John Taylor McEntire’s services by visiting the Mutual Prosperity website for a free consultation.

For those eager to delve deeper into innovative leadership strategies, this episode promises valuable insights. Don't miss out on future episodes of The Chris Voss Show for more thought-provoking discussions and expert analyses.

Fifty Shades of True Crime: Sex, Drugs, and Killer Kink by Douglas Fifer

Amazon.com

Dougfifer.com

The primary sex organ is the brain, an unrelenting and powerful receptor of aphrodisiacs, hardwired to get down and dirty and capable of imagining anything. You might think doggy style or downloading porn is getting your freak on, but you are about to indulge in a different realm of freakish sexual behavior. It is impossible to properly prepare you for what is contained within this book. What you are about to read and see, you'll never be able to unread or unsee. Cops witness it all, and as a seasoned twenty-five-year law enforcement officer, I will lead you through some of the strangest and darkest moments of humanity.

Buckle up for the ride of your life as Fifty Shades of True Crime sets into motion a bizarre trajectory of next-level carnal knowledge. You'll never look at your neighbor the same way, you'll wonder about your best friend, and you'll imagine what your coworker does behind closed doors. Deviant sexual behavior is part of our human psyche, and as offensive as it may seem to some people, it happens in your community. Usually, the private world of people's lives remains undisclosed, but those secrets will come alive as you explore these real-life events.

You'll get the opportunity to play "Name That Crime," a soul-searching experience that lets the reader pick a perp's perversion. "The Last Climax" will uncover what happens when we exceed the human limits of hypersexuality. And finally, if you want to spice up your love life, "Teachable Tidbits" is a step-by-step tutorial filled with naughty nuggets. Proceed with caution as you discover that your sexual desires might not be so freaky after all . . . or maybe they are?About the author

Doug Fifer is a retired Alaskan police officer who specialized in crime scene analysis, deviant sexual crimes, hostage negotiations, and various special assignments throughout his twenty-five-year career. He started in law enforcement with the Anchorage Police Department in 1996 and retired in 2021.

Born in the small town of Homer, Alaska, Doug and his wife, Kim, raised their children in the Anchorage area. His family originates from southeast Alaska, mainly around the Ketchikan area. He is Tlingit Indian and heavily connected to his Alaska Native culture and heritage.

Doug and Kim are also avid oenophiles who started a wine business in Anchorage in 2007. Alaskans have a passionate love for the outdoors, and the Fifer family is no exception. Fishing, hiking, snowboarding, and extreme sports top their list. Their family dog, Malbec, is considered one of the kids and snowboards a bit too.

As the author of Fifty Shades of True Crime, Doug brings to life stories so bizarre, so intense, and so twisted that the reader will be left speechless. This is not your run-of-the-mill true crime; it's straight from the source, an author-led journey into how far some will go to achieve their sexually freakish desires. You’ve never read a book quite like this one; it’s a cringeworthy reality check on humanity. You might think you can handle the truth, but this cop’s truth is as savage as it gets.

When asked about the stressors of being a cop, Doug replied, “Humor plays a key role in keeping your sanity, not just in law enforcement but life in general.” His writing certainly reflects this philosophy, as Doug believes in taking life seriously—just not too seriously.

Transform Your Home with Chariot's Expert Plumbing and Design Solutions

chariotwholesale.com

About the Guest(s):

Cole Mason is the Creative Director at Chariot Plumbing Supply and Design based in Salt Lake City, Utah. With a background in industrial and furniture design from Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, Cole has been pivotal in driving innovation, customer satisfaction, and brand growth at Chariot. His expertise spans over four years in the high-end home improvement sector, focusing on exceptional customer experiences and strategic marketing. Cole also plays an influential role in Blade Runner Tools, a subsidiary of Chariot, specializing in diamond tools and stone cutting equipment.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Chris Voss Show, Chris engages with Cole Mason, Creative Director at Chariot Plumbing Supply and Design, in a lively discussion about trends and innovations in home improvement design. Listeners are introduced to Chariot's commitment to luxury design, strategic marketing, and customized service offerings, making it a leader in high-end plumbing and design.

Throughout the conversation, Cole provides valuable insights into the evolving trends in kitchen and bathroom designs. They delve into the significance of utilizing a professional design team to avoid common pitfalls associated with DIY approaches. From discussing the burgeoning popularity of bidets in the U.S. market to the technological advancements in smart faucets, the episode is packed with expert tips and trends. Additionally, listeners are introduced to Blade Runner Tools and the innovations in diamond tools and stone cutting, illustrating Chariot's comprehensive approach to building a timeless and efficient home.

Key Takeaways:

The importance of involving a professional design team in home improvement projects to avoid costly mistakes and optimize space effectively.

Insights into current design trends, including farmhouse sinks, smart faucets, and the introduction of bidets in modern bathrooms.

An overview of Blade Runner Tools, Chariot's subsidiary, which offers advanced diamond tools and services for stone cutting and fabrication.

Emphasis on creating a unique customer experience through customized designs, catering to various budget ranges, and offering an extensive range of products.

Recommendations for homeowners to slow down their decision-making process to ensure long-term satisfaction with their home improvements.

Notable Quotes:

"You don't know what you don't know, and there are a lot of opportunities to do some really cool stuff with constantly evolving technologies." - Cole Mason

"Take your time… the fixtures are going to be something that you interact with every day while you're living in that house." - Cole Mason

"We want to be… the free project plumbing project manager for your project, which alleviates a lot of stress for our customers." - Cole Mason

"The design trends really are far and few between and kind of just depends on the actual desire of the specific customer." - Cole Mason

"Our products and offerings give every designer their dream playground in our showroom." - Cole Mason

Resources:

Chariot Plumbing Supply and Design: chariotwholesale.com

Instagram: @chariotwholesale

Blade Runner Tools: bladerrunnerdiamondtools.com (website under development)

Dive into the full episode to explore more on modern design trends, and stay tuned for future episodes that bring you expert insights from leaders and innovators across industries.

Unlocking Health: Holistic Wellness Tips from Kimberly Verbeke

Avitabydrv.com

About the Guest(s):

Kimberly Verbeke is a distinguished naturopathic practitioner, health coach, and dedicated athlete specializing in holistic wellness and vitality. As the founder of Avita Wellness, Kimberly is committed to empowering individuals to reclaim their health and achieve optimal energy levels, focusing on regenerative medicine and aging well. Her passion for holistic health is driven by personal health challenges, providing her with a deep understanding and empathy for those seeking improved vitality.

Episode Summary:

In this impactful episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss engages in an enlightening discussion with Kimberly Verbeke, a renowned expert in holistic wellness and regenerative medicine. Kimberly brings her expertise as a naturopathic practitioner to the forefront, sharing invaluable insights on how to enhance vitality and longevity through a holistic approach to health. This conversation revolves around practical strategies for achieving optimal health, navigating wellness challenges, and the importance of listening to one's body.

The episode delves into Kimberly's journey into holistic wellness, inspired by personal health experiences that highlighted the gaps in traditional healthcare. She emphasizes the significance of treating the body as an interconnected system rather than isolated parts, advocating for lifestyle changes that contribute to a high quality of life. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the benefits of holistic food choices, the impact of toxins, and the innovative treatments available at Avita Wellness, such as peptide bio-regulators for organ regeneration and longevity protocols. By stressing the importance of taking responsibility for one's health, Kimberly encourages listeners to prioritize wellness today for a better tomorrow.

Key Takeaways:

Holistic Wellness: It's crucial to view the body as an interconnected system and adopt lifestyle changes for long-term health.

Importance of Prevention: Prioritize wellness before major health issues arise, and incorporate healthy habits early on in life.

Innovative Treatments: Avita Wellness offers groundbreaking treatments like peptide bio-regulators for organ regeneration and improved longevity.

Personal Health Journey: Kimberly's personal experiences with health challenges underscore the importance of self-driven wellness.

Quality of Life: Focusing on optimal energy, reducing fatigue, and chronic pain can significantly enhance life quality.

Notable Quotes:

"Our bodies are capable of healing if they have the raw materials."

"It's not a diet. You're changing the way you're eating for the rest of your life."

"A strong life starts with you."

"Our healthcare is sick care, right? People aren't healthy."

"My goal is to help people have a really high quality of life as they age."

Resources:

Avita Wellness Website

Kimberly Verbeck on Instagram: @kimberlyverbeckwellness

Unlocking Podcast Potential: Deep Cast's AI Revolution With Lucas Dickey

Deepcast.fm

Deepcast.pro

About the Guest(s):

Lucas Dickey is a seasoned entrepreneur and product leader with a prolific career spanning over two decades in digital media, ad tech, e-commerce, and AI-driven technologies. Currently, he is the CEO and founder of Deep Cast, a revolutionary platform focused on enhancing discovery, engagement, and monetization in the podcasting sphere. With a robust background in strategic marketing and product management, Lucas aims to transform how listeners, creators, and advertisers interact, utilizing AI to unlock the value of spoken content. His innovative work has attracted significant investment interest, including influential Amazon executives.

Episode Summary:

Dive into an engaging and humorous episode where Chris Voss interviews Lucas Dickey, the mastermind behind Deep Cast, a groundbreaking platform set to revolutionize the podcast industry. The discussion unfolds the intricacies of podcast discovery, as they humorously explore the realm of AI-powered technologies, the challenges of podcast monetization, and the future of digital media. As always, Chris infuses the conversation with laughter, making complex topics accessible and entertaining.

Deep Cast aims to redefine how listeners find, tune in, and engage with podcasts in a world overwhelmed by content. With over half a billion users worldwide and countless zombie podcasts, the struggle to surface relevant and engaging material is real. Lucas outlines a vision for AI-enhancements that streamline discovery, foster curiosity, and simplify the sharing of profound podcast moments. Their platform addresses the disconnect between content and its audience by unlocking and categorizing podcast insights in ways never before possible.

Key Takeaways:

Innovative Podcast Discovery: Deep Cast is pioneering the way podcasts are discovered, using AI to transcribe, summarize, and categorize spoken content, making it easier for audiences to find and engage with relevant material.

Addressing the Podcast Supply and Demand Gap: The platform aims to solve the established problem of imbalance between podcast supply and listener demand by providing better discovery tools and content insights.

Empowering Podcasters and Brands: By improving ad intelligence and brand safety, Deep Cast offers podcasters new avenues for monetization while also providing brands with smart placements for their ads.

Global Accessibility through AI: Future developments include language translations that make podcast content accessible worldwide, potentially enabling a host of international insights to be shared and discovered across languages.

Support for Podcasters: The platform will offer tools like automated asset generation, social post creation, and even templates for merchandise, simplifying the process for creators to expand their influence and monetize effectively.

Notable Quotes:

"Unlocking the value of the world's spoken knowledge is about transforming podcasting from the way it was 10 to 15 years ago into something revolutionary today." — Lucas Dickey

"Imagine podcasts translated into multiple languages, making global insights accessible for everyone." — Lucas Dickey

"Podcasters can now take compelling, insightful moments from their episodes and share them with the world, expanding their reach and influence." — Chris Voss

"We aim to give podcast creators the tools they need to thrive, from discovery to monetization." — Lucas Dickey

"Deep Cast is about making the world’s conversations searchable and shareable, adding value for both creators and listeners." — Lucas Dickey

Resources:

Deep Cast: Deep Cast FM - Listener experience platform.

Deep Cast Pro: Deep Cast provides a Pro version for podcast creators.

Lucas Dickey Contact: Lucas at Deep Cast FM - Lucas welcomes feedback on their early-stage platform.

I Will Do Better: A Father’s Memoir of Heartbreak, Parenting, and Love by Charles Bock

Amazon.com

By turns comical and heartbreaking, I Will Do Better is the remarkable journey of two defiant and wounded people, and their personal growth in the name of love.

Named one of the Best Books of Fall by Oprah Daily and People

"A uniquely forthright and powerful addition to the literature of fatherhood.” (Kirkus)

The novelist Charles Bock was a reluctant parent, tagging along for the ride of fatherhood, obsessed primarily with his dream of a writing career.

But when his daughter Lily was six months old, his wife, Diana, was diagnosed with a complex form of leukemia. Two and half years later, when all treatments and therapies had been exhausted, Bock found himself a widower—devastated, drowning in medical bills, and saddled with a daunting responsibility. He had to nurture Lily, and, somehow, maybe even heal himself.

I Will Do Better is Charles’s pull-no-punches account of what happened next. Playdates, music classes, temper tantrums, oh-so-cool babysitters, first days at school, family reunions, single-parent dating, and a citywide crippling natural disaster—were minefields especially treacherous for Charles and Lily because of their preexisting vulnerability: their grief.

Charles sought help from friends, family, and therapists, but this overgrown, middle-aged boy-man and his plucky child became, foremost, a duo—they found their way together.

This frank and tender memoir of parenting his infant daughter in the wake of of his wife's untimely death is "bracingly honest [and] tender," commented Publshers Weekly. "Single parents will find much to identify with in this warts-and-all account.”

Curiosity-Driven Leadership and Co-Parenting Insights with Jon Bassford

John's Consulting Firm: ThinkLateral.com

John’s Personal Website: JohnBassford.com

About the Guest(s):

Jon Bassford is an operations professional and entrepreneur, specializing in curiosity-driven leadership. With a background in law, John has launched and managed operations for various organizations including venture-backed startups and global nonprofits. He is the founder of Lateral Solutions, a consulting firm that helps organizations scale efficiently by analyzing and optimizing their operations. John's curiosity is his superpower, and he channels it to foster cultures of innovation and inquiry within organizations. He is also an author, with upcoming books focusing on effective co-parenting and leadership through curiosity.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss sits down with Jon Bassford, an operations expert and entrepreneur, to delve into the art of curiosity-driven leadership and effective co-parenting. Drawing from his diverse experiences in launching startups, managing global nonprofits, and his personal challenges, Jon shares insights from his two upcoming books: "The Co-Parenting Secret: It's Not About You" and "The Curious Leader: Navigating the Power of Asking Questions and Fostering a Culture of Inquiry."

Throughout the conversation, Chris and Jon explore the significance of asking the right questions to drive organizational growth and innovation. John discusses how an inquisitive mindset can enhance decision-making processes and lead to more efficient operations. The conversation also touches on the importance of intentionality in both leadership and co-parenting, highlighting how these concepts are woven into his books. The episode is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and practical advice, making it an engaging listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone interested in personal development.

Key Takeaways:

Curiosity in Leadership: Cultivating a curious mindset in leadership can drastically improve organizational efficiency and foster a culture of innovation.

Effective Co-Parenting: The key to successful co-parenting lies in realizing it's not about the parents but about creating a supportive environment for the child.

Intentionality is Crucial: Being intentional in both professional and personal aspects can lead to more meaningful and productive outcomes.

Psychological Safety: Creating an environment where employees feel safe to express their ideas can lead to significant growth and innovation.

Learning Culture: Establishing a culture of continuous learning and inquiry can help organizations stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment.

Notable Quotes:

"The quality of your life is the questions you ask."

"Leaders speak last."

"Curiosity cultivates change, which fuels innovation and growth."

"It's not about you; it's about the kids."

"Creating a curious culture requires intentionality."