The Insight Interviews - Powered by Rewire

Lauren Perkins has entrepreneurship in her DNA. An expert at scale, she started and helmed multiple companies before pivoting to corporate innovation and venture building. As a General Assembly founding instructor, Columbia University entrepreneur in residence, Microsoft for Startups managing director, and the author of The Community Manager's Playbook, she has helped thousands of startups and corporate innovators succeed. Her signature approach, Think Like a Brand. Act Like a Startup. ™, shows you how to integrate the best practices of brands and startups to build resilient ventures and accelerate growth.

In this episode, Jason and Lauren discuss:

• The importance of achieving product-market fit for startups
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• Leveraging constraints as a superpower in entrepreneurship
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• Balancing stability and agility in personal life and business
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• The role of conscious leadership in bringing stability to teams and communities
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• The significance of rest, recovery, and resilience for entrepreneurs

 Key Takeaways: 

• Thriving as an entrepreneur requires a repeatable core offering and customer base, even for startups generating significant revenue.
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• Startups can harness constraints as a superpower by focusing on the core business that generates the most impact and revenue.
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• Achieving sustainable entrepreneurial success requires a clear understanding of product-market fit, product-market-channel fit, and the ability to reduce ambiguity within the organization.
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• Creating a balance between stability and agility is crucial not just in organizations and businesses, but also in personal life, emphasizing the need for intentional growth and adequate rest and recovery.
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• Rest, recovery, and resilience are essential for entrepreneurs and innovators to prevent burnout and maintain mental health.

“I'm really passionate about helping and supporting other entrepreneurs and innovators to build and scale and get their ideas out there in the world, but also to build amazing cultures and ecosystems. ”

 - Lauren Perkins

Connect with Lauren Perkins:

Website: https://laurenperkins.io/ 

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

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. 

Explore the transformative power of adaptive thinking in leadership and problem-solving and discuss the distinction between technical and adaptive challenges, emphasizing the importance of applying the right type of solution to each situation. Delve into a four-step process for identifying and addressing these challenges effectively, focusing on the potential of adaptive solutions to drive growth and change. From managing stress and anxiety to improving company culture and employee satisfaction, examine how an adaptive approach can lead to remarkable results. Uncover the key to unlocking your leadership potential and navigating the complexities of today's world.

In this episode Jason and Steve discuss:

• Adaptive vs. Technical Change in Leadership
• Identifying and Addressing Leadership Challenges
• Unlocking Adaptive Solutions for Success
• Overcoming Stress and Anxiety Adaptively
• Understanding and Solving Adaptive Challenges

Key Takeaways: 

• Understand the difference between technical and adaptive challenges, and explore a process for applying adaptive solutions to leadership challenges
• Learn why applying technical solutions to adaptive problems is ineffective
• Recognize the importance of identifying gaps and specifying the nature of challenges
• Gain insights into brainstorming potential technical and adaptive solutions
• Uncover how adaptive approaches to managing stress and anxiety can boost creativity

 “If you are a leader dealing with a challenge that you are frustrated with or haven't been able to solve, the four steps on identifying and addressing adaptive and technical challenges may be worth a try. The challenge in front of you likely requires an adaptive solution, and there may be some technical aspects as well. If that's the case, try the four steps and see what happens.”

 - Jason Abell 

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 challenges of managing time, priorities, and personal growth in an increasingly complex world. We'll explore the common mindset of scarcity, the pitfalls of prioritizing urgent tasks over important ones, and the benefits of adopting a proactive approach in various aspects of life. Learn about the importance of recognizing and overcoming competing commitments that can hinder progress and keep individuals trapped in a cycle of urgency and stress. Gain valuable insights on breaking free from reactive patterns and making intentional choices to invest in what truly matters for long-term success and fulfillment.

In this episode, Steve and Jason discuss:

• The Mindset of Not Having Enough
• Escaping the Trap of Urgency
• Overcoming Procrastination: Proactive vs. Reactive Approaches
• The Danger of Neglecting Important Tasks
• Uncovering the Competing Commitment to Comfort

Key Takeaways: 

• Prioritizing important tasks over urgent ones to break the cycle of constant urgency
• Understanding the significance of being proactive in various aspects of life can help avoid higher costs and adverse consequences
• Discover how small, proactive steps can lead to significant benefits over time through the compounding effect
• Recognizing and confronting the competing commitments between achieving goals and seeking comfort
• Grasping how the urgency wheel traps people in reactive patterns due to conflicting priorities

“If we don't deal with things now or proactively, we will end up dealing with them reactively. Typically, handling issues reactively costs more, takes more time, hurts more, is more dramatic, and is less convenient than addressing them proactively.”

 - Jason Abell

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. 

Ashley Stephenson is the Co-Founder and COO of Fire Capital Group. He is a financial executive with over 25 years of experience in the mortgage banking industry, specializing in loan servicing, sub-servicing, vendor, and legal sectors. Ashley has a comprehensive understanding of consumer and business loan servicing practices, as well as the regulatory and compliance requirements that govern them.

As an executive leader, he leads the expansion and scaling of companies that provide efficient, flexible, and strategic financial solutions to real estate investors, developers, and businesses. He is a forward-thinking leader with a proven track record in boosting revenue, mitigating losses, implementing cutting-edge technologies, and cultivating data-centric, high-performance cultures. He has successfully led large-scale transformation efforts, resulting in lasting and sustainable gains. His mission is to deliver personalized customer service and customized financial solutions that meet his clients' diverse and evolving needs.

In this episode, Jason and Ashley discuss:

• Leadership, Culture, and Wisdom
• Boosting Team Performance with Stack Ranking
• Empowering Teams through Measurement and Culture
• Fire Capital: A New Lending Venture
• Building a Purpose-Driven Private Lending Business

 Key Takeaways: 

• Creating a customer-centric culture and delivering exceptional service in the mortgage industry
• The importance of leadership in creating a positive organizational culture
• Implement stack ranking to motivate teams and foster a culture of proactive care and teamwork
• Prioritize measuring performance, fostering team culture, and providing exceptional customer service
• Amplify Fire Capital Group's focus on serving underserved areas in the private lending industry

“You don't manage what you don't measure. If you're not measuring it, it's managing you. I truly believe that if you measure it, what gets measured gets done. ”

 - Ashley Stephenson

Connect with Ashley Stephenson:

Website: https://firecapitalgrp.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleystephenson01/ 

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. 

Explore the pivotal role of mindset in leadership and the journey to success. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and insightful reflections, we can uncover how our thoughts and emotions serve as the driving force behind our actions and outcomes, much like the unseen bulk of an iceberg. Delve into the four essential keys to mindset leadership and begin to bring mindset to your leadership.

In this episode Jason and Steve discuss:

• The Hidden Part of the Iceberg & The Foundation of Success
• Four Keys to Mindset Leadership
• The Power of Self-Care
• Stance, Mission, Vision & Values
• Revitalizing Careers Through Finding Your Why

Key Takeaways: 

• Seize the opportunity to approach each day with an intentional and ready mindset, being proactive rather than reactive
• Gain an understanding of how mindset is crucial for staying focused and motivated, even when the desire to procrastinate arises
• Learn why self-care is the most important factor in becoming a better leader
• Realize that leaders who actively engage with their people are more successful in driving positive change
• Explore being intentional about your stance, like an athlete ready for action, and maintain clarity regarding your personal mission, vision, and values to sustain drive and purpose

“Leadership starts with self-leadership. And the better that you take care of yourself, the better that you will engage the challenges that you face as a leader.”

 - Jason Abell

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. 

Dave Bookbinder is the executive director of Haefele Flanagan with a focus on business and intellectual property valuation. Known as a collaborative adviser, he served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.

He's also on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise and to validate what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”

He is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals and The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.

He hosts the popular business talk show, Behind The Numbers. The show is enjoyed in more than 100 countries and ranks in the top 2.5% of all programs globally.

In this episode Jason and Dave discuss:

• The Importance of Business Valuation
• Unlocking Value Through Intellectual Capital
• The ROI of Investing in People
• Becoming a Go-Giver in Business
• Discovering The True Value of Business Showcases the Power of Giving Value

Key Takeaways: 

• Discover the importance of valuing people in business and its impact on financial performance
• Understand the crucial role of seeking expert guidance when valuing a business
• Recognize the significance of intellectual capital, including human capital, as a critical driver of value in modern businesses
• Embrace the concept of being a 'go-giver' in business and life, focusing on providing value and helping others
• Grasp the importance of proper planning, reliable financial statements, and a well-reasoned business plan to navigate potential exits or acquisitions

“It's all about the value that people contribute to an organization. And it's about culture, it's about leadership, it's about engagement, it's about aligning my core values with an organization's core values. ”

 - Dave Bookbinder

The Go-Giver: Bob Burg and John David Mann 

Go-Givers Sell More: Bob Burg and John David Mann

Connect with Dave Bookbinder:

Websites: https://newroi.com/ , https://hfco.com/ 

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

David’s Book: The New ROI

David’s Podcast: Behind The Numbers 

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. 

Brian is President and COO at FinLocker, a certified mortgage banker, and a financial data platform expert with over 28 years of executive experience in mortgage banking. He has a proven track record of leading and growing successful businesses, driving innovation and transformation, and delivering value to customers and stakeholders.

At FinLocker, he oversees the strategy, operations, and product development of the consumer-enabled financial data platform that streamlines the origination and underwriting processes for mortgages and other financial products. He is the co-author of the book Rethink Everything: You “Know” About Being a Next Gen Loan Officer. He also hosts Fintech Fridays, a podcast that showcases the latest trends and solutions in the financial services industry. His mission is to empower lenders with digital financial tools that attract, engage, and retain customers, while improving the consumer's financial well-being.

In this episode Jason and Brian discuss:

• Transforming the Mortgage Industry for Next-Gen Homebuyers
• Collaborating for Growth and Success
• Relationships in the Mortgage Industry
• Empowering Homebuyers with Digital Financial Tools
• From Illiteracy to Inspirational Impact

Key Takeaways: 

• Acknowledge the significance of showcasing lesser-known individuals to foster their network and business through collaboration and community support
• Explore Brian’s journey in the mortgage industry and the creation of a book to help lenders and loan officers rethink their approach to serving the next generation of homebuyers
• Recognize the benefits of collaboration among competitors in the mortgage industry to elevate individual brands and the industry as a whole
• Discover the importance of relationships in the mortgage industry and how they shape careers
• Learn about Finlocker's digital tools that help first-time homebuyers prepare financially for homeownership by aligning technology with loan officers' expertise

“We are arguably in one of the darkest times in the mortgage and housing finance business. And it's never been harder for lenders and their loan officers. We need to rethink everything about what it means to serve. Our primary focus is addressing what we believe is the biggest challenge: effectively impacting the next generation of homebuyers. ”

 - Brian Vieaux

Connect with Brian Vieaux:

Website: http://www.finlocker.com/ 

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

Brian’s BOOK: Rethink Everything You Know About Being A "Next Gen" Loan Officer

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. 

Patrick E. Donohue, an entrepreneur and valuation expert, embarked on his financial journey with a lemonade stand at age four and invested in Coca-Cola shares by age ten. Equipped with a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, Patrick has emerged as a reliable investor, adept stock analyst, and valuable advisor to various entrepreneurial endeavors. As the visionary founder of Hill Capital Corporation, a private investment fund supporting emerging growth companies, he brings a wealth of unique insights into the intricacies of finance and business dynamics.

Patrick’s dedication extends to serving on the boards of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization of Minnesota and the CFA Society of Minnesota, and he’s the driving force behind the creation of 1 Million Cups Eden Prairie. 

In this episode, Jason and Patrick discuss:

• Entrepreneurship Challenges
• The Power of Magnetic Vision and Exemplifying It
• Investing in 500 Businesses by 2040
• A Typical Scenario for Business Investment and Key Criteria for Investment
• The Power of Relationship Building and Abundance Mindset

Key Takeaways: 

• Learn effective ways to manage and grow your startup's finances
• Discover how to develop a compelling vision that attracts customers and partners
• Understand the critical importance of thorough research and analysis in forming successful business partnerships
• Uncover the key tactics to attract and secure vital funding for your startup
• Explore the art of using storytelling to engage customers and create authentic brand value

“It’s not slicing one pie up a million times; it’s about baking more pies. ” - Patrick Donohue

Mentioned in the Interview:

Mercury Mosaics: https://mercurymosaics.com/ 

1 Million Cups: https://www.1millioncups.com/s/ 

Connect with Patrick Donohue:

Websites: https://www.hillcapitalcorp.com/ , https://www.breakoutvaluation.com/ 

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

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. 

If you're feeling overwhelmed with trying to solve leadership challenges by focusing only on technical solutions and not seeing the results you want, then you are not alone! Are you constantly providing solutions to your team members without truly understanding their underlying emotions and adaptive needs? This approach may be preventing you from effectively addressing the root of the problem and achieving the desired outcomes. Let's explore a different perspective to improve your leadership effectiveness.

In this episode Jason and Steve discuss:

• The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
• The Concept of "Waitering" or "Waitressing"
• Being a Better Thermometer
• Adaptive Problem Solving vs. Technical Solutions
• Focusing on the Box vs. Focusing on the Person

Key Takeaways: 

• Master adaptive problem-solving to lead your team through any challenge
• Acquire effective techniques for coaching mindsets to inspire your team's success
• Enhance your leadership through the power of emotional intelligence
• Uncover inside-out leadership strategies for driving organizational growth
• Harness the benefits of appreciative inquiry to transform your management approach

 “Our people are our most valuable asset. Team members come first; the project, the problem, the things your people bring to that box day in and day out—if you're a leader and just focus on the box, there are only short-term wins. However, when you instead focus on the person first, that's a separator.” - Jason Abell 

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. 

Chrissy Brown is the Chief Operations Officer of Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group. With over 25 years of financial services lending experience, she has worked for large banks, regional banks, brokerages, and independent mortgage bankers. Her passion lies in creating an operational team and experience she always wished she had. She aims to help each team member reach their highest potential while improving their personal lives through balance and appreciation.

Now that she has the privilege of overseeing all of Operations, she feels even more blessed to have had the opportunity to work in different areas. She firmly believes that it makes a world of difference when management can empathize with their teams’ challenges and stresses. It is her honor to serve her staff, and she continues striving to create an environment for her team that gives them the tools and support they need to flourish more than they thought they could.

Chrissy was named the 2021 Women of Influence by Housing Wire, honored as one of the 2021 elite women in mortgage, and received the 2021 Hampton Roads Women in Business Award.

In this episode, Jason and Chrissy discuss:

• Empathy and Authenticity in Leadership
• Building Trust and Connection
• Taking Action on Employee Feedback
• Relationships, Productivity & Overcoming the "Grind" Mentality
• Human-Centered Leadership & Investing in People

Key Takeaways: 

• Mastering empathy for leadership success leads to stronger team connections and improved collaboration
• Building trust in remote work teams creates a cohesive and productive virtual work environment
• Effective stress management strategies enhance well-being and productivity in the workplace
• Navigating the career development jungle gym leads to personal growth and professional fulfillment
• Enhancing team productivity with relationships fosters a positive and supportive work culture

“Relationships equal efficiency. Bottom line. ” - Chrissy Brown

Connect with Chrissy Brown:

Website: https://www.atlanticbay.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissy-zotzmann/ 

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.