The Kris Lindahl Show

It’s natural to compare yourself to other people, but is it healthy—and are you comparing yourself to something real or fake? In this special “One on One” podcast, Kris talks about the growing dangers of comparing yourself to someone else’s social media-produced life. 

Have you ever had the rug pulled out from under you when you thought you were at the peak of success? Do you still wonder what you want to be when you grow up? Media Minefield founder and CEO Kristi Piehl has been there and done that. After being a successful reporter with a couple of Emmys on her shelf, she suddenly found herself unemployed in her mid-30s, trying to raise a family while figuring out a new career. The results speak for themselves, as Media Minefield has quickly become one of the country’s most innovative and fastest-growing PR firms. In this episode, learn the process Kristi used to arrive on her big idea, how she invented the term “newsability,” how she learned to get (and become) a mentor, and the one question she thinks you need to ask the people closest to you—even though the answer might scare you. Along the way, she also learned the importance of helping other women advance their careers, as well as how to deal with common insecurities like “Mom Guilt” and “Imposter Syndrome.” It’s a fascinating tale that applies to leadership no matter who you are or what industry you’re in. And you’ll learn the specific tactics Media Minefield uses to engage and energize its employees.

Think you work hard? Chances are, Business Journal Market President Kathy Robideau has you beat. Starting with her days slinging breadsticks at the Olive Garden as a kid, Kathy has always been willing to outwork people and earn everything she gets. But she’s also the type of leader who knows it’s about teamwork, not the individual. In this episode, you’ll hear Kathy’s amazing story of succeeding by always learning, creating groups of supportive like-minded people, and always gravitating toward the people you want to be. You’ll also get her insights on why she helped start the Women’s Leadership Council and the Women to Know Group, the importance of not surrounding yourself with “yes men” or “yes women,” the art of being calm in the storm, and how her father taught her a valuable lesson in accountability with one simple note. 

Do you want your eulogy to say you “made a lot of money” or “made a dent in the universe”? Do you think not having a college degree and coming from humble roots means you can’t succeed or lead? BombBomb President and Co-founder Darin Dawson explodes every myth about leadership, success, and culture in this fascinating interview. Learn how BombBomb’s incredible success actually started with a small painting business. Learn how Darin and his business partner take a bottom-up approach to leadership where no one is above doing any job, and how they actually look for failure as fuel. You’ll also learn about the difference between “cockroaches” and “unicorns,” the joy of helping other people win, and—most importantly—how BombBomb got its name! The Money Interview Quote: “What do you want your kids to think about you in the long run? I don’t want them to be like, ‘He founded a software company.’ I want them to say, ‘He cared about people and made an impact.’”

Is your life more about making money or making an impact? Do we all have a platform to change the world, or just the politicians and celebrities? African Community & Conservation Foundation CEO Brady Forseth joins us to talk about his amazing work with the ACCF, as well as the Starkey Foundation and other nonprofits he’s led and been a part of. In this episode, Brady talks about why he calls fundraising “friend-raising,” why he prefers “co-opetition” to competition, and why he believes that the best way to help people is to teach them how to fish instead of giving them a fish. You learn the power of being purposeful with the people you surround yourself with, approaching life with a team vs. individual mindset, and doing the right things for the right reasons. You’ll also hear the amazing story of how Brady helped bring peace to the Middle East, as well as how you can help support his efforts through this podcast!

What are you thankful for? How have you been blessed in your life? Kris expresses his gratitude to everyone that has supported him and the The Kris Lindahl Show podcast. Without the listeners, this podcast would be nothing. Happy Thanksgiving!

Does risk scare or excite you? When a crisis hits, is your instinct to panic or to look for opportunities? Innovative Office Solutions CEO Jennifer Smith and her husband, CFO Brooks Smith, have some amazing stories to tell about embracing risk and going against the grain. A key quote: “When you can’t provide the customer the experience you envision, then you know you’re in the wrong place.” In this episode, you’ll learn a ton of practical knowledge about hiring for culture, staying in a state of both learning and teaching, constantly reinventing yourself and your business, “inspiring smiles” and achieving ROL: Return on Luck. You’ll learn about the unique way that Jennifer and Brooks give back to the community and help young students. And you’ll learn the role tanning beds and toilet paper have played into their success. How’s that for a teaser? : ) 

Is there really a better way to sell T-shirts and mortgage titles? Yes! Starting with the T-shirt business he started in his college dorm room, rock star speaker and CloseSimple co-founder Bill Svoboda has learned that the secret to success is all about people. Learn about his “$150 Rule,” how he used chocolate to win a huge client, and why it was so important for him to “make time for Carl.” Bill’s story is a huge reminder that leadership is all about how you treat your neighbors, that the best leaders stay curious and never think they’ve got it all figured out, and that the best way to learn about yourself is to step outside your own ego and make a point of learning about others. 

What do you do when you’re successful but not fulfilled? What’s it like when a moment of inspiration takes on a life of its own? And how can (literally) opening doors for other people also open doors of opportunity for you? Josh Neumann reveals the fascinating story behind his lip balm product Kind Lips, and how a simple idea he had in a moment of self-reflection is now changing behavior, changing culture and changing lives every day. For anyone struggling to figure out what they’re passionate about and how to translate those passions into action, Josh is the perfect example of someone following their dream wherever it leads (even if he doesn’t always feel like he knows what he’s doing). Go “behind the lip balm” on this fascinating story of great leadership and entrepreneurship. 

Hear Kris’s impassioned 7-minute hot take on the most critical question you can ask yourself as a person and as a leader. It might sound basic, but it is most definitely not. And as Kris knows from personal experience, when you can answer this question—truly answer it—then suddenly everything gets clearer, more fulfilling and more fun.