The Insight Interviews - Powered by Rewire

Angela Cheng-Cimini, Senior Vice President, Talent & Chief Human Resources Officer for Harvard Business Publishing, brings 30 years of diverse HR experience across consumer goods, professional services, high-tech, and nonprofit sectors. She has successfully guided companies through various growth stages, leading teams across major continents. Prior to her current role, Angela was instrumental in transforming the HR function at ClearMotion, Inc., and led a global HR team at Crabtree & Evelyn, driving the company’s transition to a digital business model. A Cornell University alumna, Angela is actively involved in the Alumni Board of Directors, serves as an HR Venture Adviser for SemperVirens, co-leads the HR Vertical for Ascend, and is a Board Director for the T. Howard Foundation, championing diversity in the media industry.

In this episode, Jason and Angela discuss:

• Impact of personal stories on business strategies and growth
• Role of gratitude and family support in personal and professional life
• Tensions between self-doubt and confidence for Asian American women in leadership
• Evolution of leadership towards simplicity and compassion
• The intersection of HR challenges with effective team management and strategic planning

 Key Takeaways: 

• A life strategy, rooted in foundational principles, can profoundly shape not only business outcomes but also the arc of one's entire life.
• Angela's personal narrative demonstrates a progression from familial expectations to thriving in executive roles, which illuminates the blending of confidence and doubt as crucial elements of her journey.
• Reflecting on leadership, the shift from traditional, authoritative styles to approaches marked by empathy underscores the values that contemporary HR leaders should embody.
• The 'not now' card system fosters an environment where transparent communication and effective project flow are prioritized, benefiting team dynamics.
• Embracing the 'platinum rule' may revolutionize organizational success, potentially surpassing the outcomes of the well-known 'golden rule' by cultivating a deeper investment in the well-being and development of people.

“Leadership is a first principle. Organizations can't achieve their goals whether it's grabbing market share, improving margins, or getting great customer feedback without truly investing in their people. Leaders need to know how to take care of them.”

 - Angela Cheng-Cimini

Connect with Angela Cheng-Cimini:

Website: http://www.harvardbusinesspublishing.org/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-cheng-cimini/ 

Connect with Steve and Jason:

LinkedIn: Jason or Steve

Website: Rewire, Inc.: Transformed Thinking 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Let’s delve into the 'five elements of a killer culture,' a strategic blueprint designed for organizations aiming to create a strong, sustainable environment. These elements are not just theoretical; they emphasize the importance of maintaining a consistent culture through various seasons, ensuring that core principles remain intact amidst changes. Steve and Jason discuss the crucial role of leadership awareness during ordinary times, highlighting how this awareness is essential for sustaining a rich culture, ensuring resilience against unforeseen challenges, and maintaining employee engagement.

They further explore the strategies for assembling and nurturing 'A-players,' stressing the importance of hiring top talent and investing in their growth and development. They underline the significance of discipline, proactive action, and having a clear 'North Star' to guide team efforts and cultural alignment, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. They emphasize fostering a sense of community among employees, noting that workplace friendships are vital for a positive company culture.

In this episode Steve and Jason discuss:

• The 'five elements of a killer culture' that distinguish robust company cultures from weaker ones
• Strategies for nurturing a strong company culture during ordinary times, and the role of awareness in this process
• The significance of hiring and developing top talent 'A-players' within the organization for a lasting cultural impact
• The necessity of discipline, a compelling company 'why', and fostering a sense of community and friendship among employees for a cohesive work environment
• The benefits of coaching and workshops in enhancing personal growth and reinforcing company culture

Key Takeaways: 

• A vibrant company culture transcends everyday challenges and external fluctuations, embodying a steadfast quality that endures through various industry seasons.
• It's not enough to navigate the highs of corporate life; true cultural strength is tested and maintained during the less climactic 'ordinary times' when attention to culture may wane.
• For a leader, the capacity to observe, acknowledge, and confront internal issues is integral to cultivating a positive and sustainable corporate environment.
• Hiring and development practices that focus on continuous improvement and instill discipline in employees are foundational to building a disciplined, fun, and impactful culture.
• A sense of community within the workplace is essential - from crafting a unified purpose to fostering workplace friendships, these social bonds significantly contribute to a resilient and thriving culture.

“If we want to preserve our culture, we need to avoid isolating people. While this might sound negative, our intention is positive. We aim to promote community and connection through status coaching. In these ordinary times, it's crucial to keep searching for, finding, and discovering ways to keep us connected and engaged as a community.” - Steve Scanlon

Connect with Steve and Jason:

LinkedIn: Jason or Steve

Website: Rewire, Inc.: Transformed Thinking 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Rob Buffington defies the standard mold of a consultant with a remarkable history of owning over a dozen companies across various industries. His deeply empathetic approach to business, shaped by his personal journey, drives his commitment to guiding others through the complexities of entrepreneurship. As a public speaker, Rob captivates audiences with genuine storytelling and practical insights, offering invaluable counsel and strategies for success. With experience in established companies, non-profits, and startups, he has a unique perspective on the modern business climate.

As the driving force behind Gordian, a global conglomerate, Rob's mission is to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit, offering knowledge, empathy, and steadfast support. Through his motivational talks and consultancy, he empowers others, challenging the status quo and transforming the journey of entrepreneurship into an experience filled with confidence and boundless possibilities.

In this episode Jason and Rob discuss:

• Rob's entrepreneurial journey, from early hustles to founding a company specializing in remote staffing
• The crucial role of support from spouses, mentors, and a strong work ethic in building successful businesses
• Strategic approaches to leadership, including hiring for weaknesses, and the value of tough conversations in management
• The transition challenges faced by startups scaling into large established companies, while maintaining a strong business culture
• The benefits and intricacies of international remote workforces, from cost savings for businesses to improved living standards for remote workers

Key Takeaways: 

• Having a support system is essential for entrepreneurial success, and gratitude for that support reinforces business and personal growth.
• A successful leader delegates effectively and hires individuals with strengths that complement their weaknesses.
• Scaling a business requires adjusting leadership strategies and fostering a close-knit culture despite company growth.
• Transitioning to a remote workforce can transform a struggling business into a profitable venture and provide strategic advantages.
• Authentic connections on professional platforms are more valuable than superficial sales-focused interactions.

“In a world that's as connected as we are, where the talent pool is basically the population of the world at this point, why not be the absolute best at the thing that only you can do and then find people to help you where you're weak?”

 - Rob Buffington

Connect with Rob Buffington:

Website: https://gordianstaffing.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbuffington/ 

Connect with Steve and Jason:

LinkedIn: Jason or Steve

Website: Rewire, Inc.: Transformed Thinking 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Chip Massey, a former FBI Special Agent, has led high-profile criminal cases, investigated the September 11th terrorist attacks, and spearheaded the New York FBI Office’s Crisis Negotiations Teams. Prior to the FBI, he served as a pastor in Maryland, honing his empathy and connection skills. These abilities, combined with FBI techniques, make him a popular speaker, teacher, and consultant.

Now, as co-founder of The Convincing Company, Chip teaches executives sophisticated communication and negotiation techniques. He co-authored "Convince Me: High-Stakes Negotiation Tactics to Get Results in Any Business Situation" and his clients include Fortune 500 companies like Facebook, Samsung, and Goldman Sachs. Chip has trained FBI agents, police officers, and various federal officials, and has taught thousands at institutions such as West Point, Princeton, and Cornell.

In this episode, Jason and Chip discuss:

• The application of negotiation skills in high-stakes scenarios and everyday life
• Techniques for maintaining control over one's emotions during crises
• The significance of understanding others' perspectives and the real issues at stake
• Strategies for personal growth, leadership development, and crisis management
• Chip Massey's motivations for sharing his knowledge and transforming business practices

Key Takeaways: 

• Expressing gratitude for influential figures is essential for personal development and success.
• Learning to control emotions can have a profound impact on crisis resolution and daily interactions.
• Perspective can drastically affect our reactions to stress and crises, and maintaining calm is crucial.
• The skills and experiences derived from hostage negotiation are highly transferable to business and personal life.
• Crisis situations, although challenging, can present substantial opportunities for growth and improvement.

“You have to see people from the standpoint that there is a person in front of you, each with their own experiences, heartaches, desperate situations, joys, hopes, and aspirations. We are all a combination of these things. Don’t lose sight of the fact that we are all human beings, struggling to find answers. We must support each other and not let things break down.”

 - Chip Massey

Connect with Chip Massey:

Websites: https://convincingcompany.com/ , https://trainingsogood.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chip-massey-23787b106/ 

Chip’s BOOK: https://convincingcompany.com/convince-me-book/ 

Connect with Steve and Jason:

LinkedIn: Jason or Steve

Website: Rewire, Inc.: Transformed Thinking 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Andrea Herron is the VP of HR at WebMD, a published author of “There’s an Elephant in Your Office,” a sought-after keynote speaker, and host of the award-winning podcast, The HR Scoop. She was honored with Ragan’s Top Women in Wellness and HR Award, selected as an Agent of Change in American Healthcare Leader magazine, and a Top Leader in DEIB by Mogul. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and two kids.

Andrea's passion for shaping the future of work is evident through her dedication to education and impactful coaching outcomes. She is committed to personal transformation, inspiring next-generation leaders, and advocating for a strategic approach to cultivating a culture that enhances performance through a holistic, whole-person perspective.

In this episode, Jason and Andrea discuss:

• The significance of addressing mental health issues in the workplace and the metaphor of "elephants" to classify them
• Strategies for building trust and fostering open communication through the 'take ten check-ins' approach
• The importance of psychological safety and self-care in cultivating a healthy organizational culture
• Best practices of leadership visibility, authenticity, and impactful changes with advance notice
• The balance between supporting employees' mental health and recognizing the boundaries of personal responsibility for leaders

Key Takeaways: 

• Andrea highlights workplace mental health and introduces the concept from her book 'There's an Elephant in Your Office' for understanding and aiding those facing mental health challenges.
• Trust-building within teams can be improved with check-ins that involve three key questions, paving the way for stronger communication and support.
• Leaders play a crucial role in promoting a safe and supportive work environment that encourages self-care to mitigate burnout and enhance employee empowerment.
• Consistent communication and giving employees advance notice of changes are highlighted as pragmatic leadership tactics that cater to various adjustment needs.
• A nuanced discussion on the leadership role in mental health reveals the balance between offering support and acknowledging the limits of responsibility.

“When you're in a leadership position trying to help people navigate work and personal challenges, it's easy to develop a savior complex and feel responsible for their outcomes. Remember, you can do your best, but you cannot control an adult's mental health, physical health, or behavior. Build relationships, provide tools and resources, be a trusted person they can talk to, and the rest is up to them.”

 - Andrea Herron

Connect with Andrea Herron:

Website: https://sidesconsultingservices.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaherron/ 

Andrea’s BOOKS: https://sidesconsultingservices.com/shop/ 

Connect with Steve and Jason:

LinkedIn: Jason or Steve

Website: Rewire, Inc.: Transformed Thinking 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Scott Schober is the President and CEO of Berkeley Varitronics Systems, a 52-year-old, New Jersey-based provider of advanced, world-class wireless test and security solutions. He is the author of three best-selling security books: Hacked Again, Cybersecurity is Everybody’s Business, and Senior Cyber.

Scott is a highly sought-after author and expert for live security events, media appearances, and commentary on the topics of ransomware, wireless threats, drone surveillance and hacking, and cybersecurity for consumers, and small businesses. He is often seen on ABC News, Bloomberg TV, Al Jazeera America, CBS This Morning News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more networks.

Scott also serves as the CSO and Chief Media Commentator for Cybersecurity Ventures and sits on several cyber advisory boards for various companies.

In this episode, Jason and Scott discuss:

• The deep impact of family influence on career paths and personal growth
• The lessons learned from cyber-attacks and the critical need for vulnerability assessments
• Strategies for creating and managing strong passwords to improve personal and corporate security
• The significance of a proactive cybersecurity strategy and the limitations of cyber insurance
• The vulnerabilities of the elderly to scams and the benefits of digital payment technologies for improved transaction security

 Key Takeaways: 

• No one is immune to cyber threats; ongoing education and vulnerability assessments are key to security.
• Strong, unique passwords and the strategic use of password managers are essential in protecting against cyber threats.
• Multi-factor authentication is a crucial basic cybersecurity practice for businesses to adopt.
• Businesses should focus on proactive cybersecurity strategies to minimize the risk and cost of cyber-attacks.
• The elderly are at particular risk for scams, making education and safe technology use critical; digital payment methods offer enhanced security against fraud.

“Go back to the basics. What you and I can control, your listeners can control. Take that extra 10 seconds and use multi-factor authentication. If you're a business leader, enforce it. And not just at the IT level, but from the top down. I always say it has to be implemented from the CEO all the way down to the janitor. Everyone has to appreciate the importance of cybersecurity in an organization, including their vendors and partners. The world would be a safer place.”

 - Scott Schober

Connect with Scott Schober:

Websites: https://www.bvsystems.com/ , https://scottschober.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snschober/ 

Scott’s BOOKS: https://scottschober.com/cybersecurity-is-everybodys-business/

Connect with Steve and Jason:

LinkedIn: Jason or Steve

Website: Rewire, Inc.: Transformed Thinking 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Amir is Co-founder and CEO at Virtuleap, a VR startup that unlocks neuroscience in order to detect and delay the early onset of cognitive illnesses like Alzheimer’s. Previous to Virtuleap, Amir founded Gameguise, a mobile games studio based in Dubai, and Time Dirham, the first social impact startup to introduce time banking to the Middle East. He is an alumnus of York University and THNK School of Creative Leadership. Amir has been a contributing writer to tech blogs like VentureBeat and Tech Crunch on the topics of emerging tech, spatial computing, and startup ecosystems.

In this episode, Jason and Amir discuss:

• The role of virtual reality in the detection and potential delay of cognitive illnesses, exemplified by Virtuleap
• The cultivation of gratefulness and the significance of being present in everyday life
• Amir's personal and professional journey leading to the creation of Virtuleap and the fusion of VR with neuroscience
• Addressing the cognition crisis with VR tools designed for cognitive enhancement and emotional well-being
• The contrast between the negative effects of addictive social media and the constructive use of VR technology for cognitive development

 Key Takeaways: 

• Virtual reality holds significant promise in the early detection and treatment of cognitive health issues. Its immersive and interactive nature can aid in early diagnosis and support treatment processes.
• Gratefulness and mindfulness in daily life are crucial in maintaining meaningful relationships and personal well-being.
• Entrepreneurial ventures can emerge from diverse cultural experiences, contributing to innovative solutions in technology.
• Gamified cognitive training within virtual reality can offer a multifaceted approach to improving mental health and focus.
• Mindful technology such as Virtuleap's VR programs can counterbalance the negative impacts of social media on attention and cognition.

“If you notice a cognitive deficit, like an inability to concentrate, and work to compensate for it, it can help with emotional regulation. These aspects are deeply interconnected, and we're currently experiencing a cognition crisis. Our tool increases awareness of cognitive performance as an indicator of mental health. With this awareness, you can take action, because without it, there's no opportunity for improvement. ”

 - Amir Bozorgzadeh

Connect with Amir Bozorgzadeh:

Website: https://virtuleap.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirboz/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Connect with Steve and Jason:

LinkedIn: Jason or Steve

Website: Rewire, Inc.: Transformed Thinking 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Mike Kaeding, the CEO of Norhart, a pioneering $200M construction company, has a deeply personal and driven path in real estate. His journey began in the heart of a family business founded by his parents. Life took an unexpected turn when his father passed away shortly after he joined. Suddenly, he found himself at the helm, not by choice but by necessity, with the immense responsibility of leading a business in an industry he was still learning about.

Today, Norhart has grown from 80 to over 1,000 units, creating $230M in assets. This growth is a testament to his dedication to change, efficiency, and sustainability in construction. He is not just constructing buildings; he is constructing a better future, addressing the US housing affordability crisis with innovation and determination.

In this episode Jason and Mike discuss:

• The vision and strategies of Norhart in addressing the US real estate affordability crisis through innovation
• The impact of Mike's childhood and family values on his work ethic and leadership in real estate
• The transformative role of hiring top talent with a focus on skills, cultural fit, and organizational values alignment
• The significance of creating a supportive company culture, offering top-market benefits, and the power of vulnerability in team dynamics
• Approaches for overcoming business challenges, including the application of lean manufacturing principles and embracing stress and failures as growth opportunities

 Key Takeaways: 

• Norhart's commitment to solving the affordability crisis is rooted in innovation and learning from manufacturing giants like Toyota.
• Cultivating gratitude and familial influence is integral to Mike's business approach. These values also play a crucial role in his personal growth.
• Embracing past reluctance and personal challenges has been crucial for Mike in his journey to impactful leadership.
• Hiring strategies at Norhart focus on trial periods, peer evaluations, and clear KPIs to ensure talent density and value alignment.
• Personal and professional growth is nurtured through embracing vulnerability, continuous feedback, and maintaining supportive relationships.

“You're not going to have the fortitude to get through it unless what you're doing is something you truly love and truly believe in. You need that inner energy to make it through. If you're just doing your job to make a bunch of money, when things get tough, it will be too easy to quit. ”

 - Mike Kaeding

Connect with Mike Kaeding:

Website: https://www.norhart.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekaeding/ 

Mike’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/zero-to-unicorn/id1685311966 

Connect with Steve and Jason:

LinkedIn: Jason or Steve

Website: Rewire, Inc.: Transformed Thinking 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Jason is a private fund manager overseeing over $300 million in multifamily real estate and an active real estate syndicator and investor. Since 2017, his company, Yarusi Holdings, has amassed over 3,000 apartments and commercial real estate units. Jason has built and exited multiple companies, including those in construction, restaurants, a brewery, and multiple large apartment communities. He is an avid ultra runner and workout enthusiast, hosts The Multifamily Live Podcast, and runs the 7 Figure Multifamily Mastermind. He wakes up daily at 4:32 AM and, most importantly, is a husband and a father to three amazing kids.

In this episode, Jason Abell and Jason Yarusi discuss:

• Jason Yarusi's journey from a shy, unconfident kid to a successful entrepreneur
• The benefits of multifamily real estate investing through syndication
• Scaling and hiring challenges in the real estate industry
• The importance of leading by example and empowering team members
• The '4321' morning routine for reducing chaos and making better decisions

Key Takeaways: 

• Syndication allows investors to benefit from commercial real estate without managing the assets themselves.
• Yarusi Holdings helps investors get into commercial real estate by following a proven system. Their approach ensures a structured and successful entry into the market.
• Typical multifamily real estate investments involve a 5–7-year hold period and targeted 13-17% average annual returns.
• Operating from a position of gratitude enables better problem-solving. This approach helps in effectively facing challenges.
• Taking action and stepping into the unknown can lead to discovering the right direction in life. Embrace uncertainty to uncover new opportunities and insights.

“Don't be afraid to take a step into the unknown. It may feel like jumping off a ten-story building, but it's often just stepping off the curb. The first step is everything – it guides you, corrects you, and leads you toward action, which is the answer to all of life's questions.”

 - Jason Yarusi

Connect with Jason Yarusi:

Websites: https://www.jasonyarusi.com/ , https://www.yarusiholdings.com/ , https://www.7figuremultifamily.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonyarusi/ 

Jason’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/multifamily-live/id1228337141

Connect with Steve and Jason:

LinkedIn: Jason or Steve

Website: Rewire, Inc.: Transformed Thinking 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Kasia Siwosz effortlessly bridges worlds from the tennis courts of post-communist Poland to the high-stakes boardrooms of investment banking. A UC Berkeley graduate, former investment banker, and pro tennis player, she embodies the essence of relentless pursuit and unwavering determination. Today, as a sought-after life coach, she caters exclusively to clientele driven by the pursuit of exceptional change and the cultivation of a top 1% mindset. With an intense, result-oriented coaching style honed through her diverse experiences, she provokes fundamental transformations that propel her clients not only to meet but to exceed their ambitious goals. Grounded in her personal and professional journey, Kasia's coaching philosophy eliminates hidden barriers to success, fostering rapid and enduring results that define her transformative approach.

In this episode, Jason and Kasia discuss:

• Kasia's journey from professional tennis to coaching the top 1% and co-founding Wall Street EI
• Lessons learned from transitioning from professional sports to the corporate world
• Challenges and strategies for overcoming loneliness and self-doubt in a corporate team environment
• The importance of mindset, preparation, and strong leadership in achieving business success
• The experience of coaching high achievers and helping them navigate feelings of loneliness and stagnation

 Key Takeaways: 

• Dedication, mental strength, and navigating unwritten rules are crucial for success in both sports and business.
• Tracking progress and building trust with others can help overcome feelings of loneliness and self-doubt in a corporate team environment.
• Staying fully invested and committed to a business's growth is essential, even if the eventual goal is to sell the company.
• Encouraging clients to face their fears and weaknesses through failure ultimately leads to personal growth and success.
• Providing mentorship, training, and support is crucial for increasing retention and success among young professionals in competitive industries like finance.

“In my coaching, it's not just about pushing clients to do more, but about bringing balance to their lives. I understand their obsession and provide a sense of belonging, showing them they're not crazy for their dedication. By shifting their mindset, they can keep achieving at their desired level. ”

 - Kasia Siwosz

Connect with Kasia Siwosz:

Websites: https://www.wallstreetei.com/ , https://www.kasiasiwosz.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasiasiwosz/ 

Connect with Steve and Jason:

LinkedIn: Jason or Steve

Website: Rewire, Inc.: Transformed Thinking 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.