The Modern CEO Podcast

Part of my reason for rebranding the Modern CEO Podcast as the Right on Time Podcast is the vital importance of 'time' when it comes to running a successful business. I want to be there to offer you the support and guidance your business needs at every step of your business journey.

So, my question to you, my friend … where ARE you on that journey??

Growing a business is a little like raising a child -- as your child grows, they move through different stages of development and you nurture them throughout these stages of growth in different ways.

That is exactly what you should be doing with your business, so it's important to know which stage of growth you're currently in. A business at the start-up level will have very different needs than one at the scale-up level and your priorities as a business owner will look wildly different!

So, let's figure out where you are in your journey -- and what you need to focus on in order to nurture your business to its next amazing growth spurt!

In my latest podcast episode, you'll discover:

• The Modern CEO Must-Do List -- and how it can help your business thrive!
• The four levels of business growth and how to identify your current status!
• Why transitioning into a leadership phase is actually GOOD for your productivity!

Can't wait to find out where your business belongs in the Modern CEO Must-Do framework? Then press play and let's get started!

Remember to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher!

Highlights:

01:26 A quick quarantine catch-up!

05:53 What is the Modern CEO Must-Do List?

06:30 "If you add up the average To-Do list, it's more than 40 hours of work"

07:04 How does the Modern CEO Must-Do framework help you?

07:30 "Sometimes, we have a tendency to focus on things that are 4...5...6 steps ahead of where we are right now."

08:06 What SHOULD your priorities be, as a business owner?

09:11 The Modern CEO Must-Do framework: a quick breakdown

12:52 Signs that you might be at the 'Start-Up' level

13:25 Signs that you might be at the 'Ramp-Up' level

14:11 Signs that you might be at the 'Scale-Up' level

05:04 Signs that you might be at the 'CEO-Up' level

17:56 "What should you be focused on, according to your level of business?"

22:53 Transitioning into a stage of leadership & personal development

26:04 Coming up next episode: key mindset shifts you need to make!

Thank you for listening! Want more information and tips? Bookmark ambermccue.com/blog and follow Amber on Instagram: @AmberMcCue

Mentioned in this episode:

• START with Amber McCue

Highlights:

00:05 What is the Right On Time Minisode

00:22 Reminder that you don't have to apologize for being you

00:45 "Don't be hesitant to step away if they're not your people."

01:09 "It's time to do something different."

01:14 Harper's reminder: "If you are late for something, you are never actually late."

As someone who runs multiple businesses and has put out a LOT of content talking about how to boost productivity, I know that I probably seem like someone who is constantly on the go.

But I want to let you in on a little secret.

There are times that I just don't feel like doing ANYTHING ... let alone taking care of my businesses.

Working out? No way!

Preparing a presentation? Get out of here.

Playing games with the kids? Sometimes, I don't even want to do THAT!

And I know I'm not the only one. We all feel this way at times and that makes hard to take the steps that you need to take, to show up in your business and in your life.

Allergies … fatigue … seasonal depression …imposter syndrome ... there are a lot of reasons why your motivation may take a dip!

Believe me, my friend … I get it!

It can be REALLY HARD to get yourself in motion at these times. But, you may have noticed that once you DO get yourself back on track, you usually feel grateful and glad that you made the effort.

The trick is taking those first steps!

So, the question of the day is: how do you show up even when you don't feel like it??

In my latest podcast episode, you'll discover:

• Why embracing commitment is vital to cultivating discipline!
• 9 easy steps to get you back into your flow and making things happen!
• How to harness the 'Habit Loop' -- and use it to your greatest advantage!

Listen below!

Remember to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher!

Highlights:

02:13 "Sometimes, you need to show up and speak … even when you don't feel fully ready."

03:35 Don't be a commitment-phobe -- how commitment helps you move!

04:52 The power of forward-thinking & future-casting

07:52 Prioritization: how to decide what will go … and what will stay

08:53 Visualization: what is the difference between future you and present you?

10:16 The 'Try It On' strategy

13:39 Hal Hershfield, Merrill Edge, and the future self

17:16 My secret weapon for showing up: taking care of myself

18:50 "There is a reduced decision-making capacity when I'm not thinking of my future self"

19:14 Put accountability in place!

19:45 Make productivity fun and satisfying -- gameify it!

21:06 Shift your mojo with 'The Warm-Up' technique

21:58 Make things easier on yourself by creating hacks!

22:54 Charles Duhigg, The Power of Habit, and the 'Habit Loop'

26:41 "What are some of the cues you can leverage to get into flow and action?"

Thank you for listening! Want more information and tips? Bookmark ambermccue.com/blog and follow Amber on Instagram: @AmberMcCue

Mentioned in this episode:

• Hal Hershfield TEDTalk - How Can We Help Our Future Selves?
• Merrill Edge Face Retirement campaign
• The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

Hello, my friend.

Today's podcast episode is going to be a little bit different.

As you may have noticed, we've made the transition from the Modern CEO Podcast to the Right On Time Podcast recently. There were a few reasons for this change, and one of them is that I wanted to start touching on current events -- those topics that are affecting our lives and our businesses.

I think you can guess where I'm going with this.

Today, I want to talk about the biggest thing currently affecting you, me, and countless other people around the world: the COVID-19 epidemic.

But, unlike so many podcasts and websites out there, I don't want to focus on terrifying statistics.

Instead, this podcast episode is going to focus on the things that we can do, together and as individuals, to cope with the stress and overwhelm of living through a global pandemic.

Because it is scary out there!

My very, VERY special guest for this episode is Dr. Julie Merriman, an INCREDIBLE practicing therapist and a wonderful human being. Dr. Merriman has helped countless entrepreneurs (including me!) learn valuable techniques for managing stress.

I don't know where I'd be without her!

In my latest podcast episode, you'll discover:

• Dr. Merriman's very best advice for coping with the anxieties of the COVID-19 pandemic
• How to stay connected and supported while social distancing
• The importance of appreciating the positives while stressing about the negatives
• The most crucial first step for finding the perfect therapist -- and how to execute it effectively

I hope that the advice given in this episode helps you as much as it has helped me. Remember: we are all in this together. Please stay well and healthy.

Listen now!

Remember to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher!

You are right on time.

Highlights:

00:38 Why the shift from the Modern CEO podcast to Right on Time?

01:32 Introducing my guest, Dr. Julie Merriman

04:07 The first thing you should do in the face of stress, overwhelm & burnout

06:42 What does the act of grounding actually do for us?

08:35 "Mindfulness and presence really starts as we get ourselves grounded"

10:58 " we step into stressful moments, how do we balance the rational with the emotional?"

12:00 Limit your flight-or-flight response -- limit your exposure to the news

13:43 Practice the pause

17:58 Recognize the gifts we were given alongside the stress

20:34 Practice the power of mindfulness: meditate, journal, breathe

22:06 "The way to work through trauma and grief is consistency, nurturing, and lots of loving"

23:55 How to stay connected and supported while social distancing

28:40 The most important first step for finding the perfect therapist -- and how to execute it effectively

38:01 It's going to be okay

Thank you for listening! Want more information and tips? Bookmark ambermccue.com/blog and follow Amber on Instagram: @AmberMcCue

Mentioned in this episode:

• juliemerrimanphd.com
• The Empowered Energy Journal by Julie Merriman

Do you feel as though you deserve your success?

If you're like 70% of us, you probably feel as though you're a bit of a fraud. No matter how many awards … how much praise … and how many opportunities you're offered … there seems to always be a little voice in your head telling you that you don't deserve it.

That little voice wants you to believe that you've made it as far as you have based on luck alone. Not on your skills, achievements, or experience.

But let me tell you a little secret -- that little voice has been VERY busy.

It whispers in the ear of almost every super successful person you can think of!

The author you admire. The bad-ass CEO you look up to. The musician that keeps your booty shaking -- they all worry that they're imposters, too.

So you're in great company!

Since simply knowing that you aren't alone may not be enough to cut through the demoralizing voice of your Imposter Syndrome, I'd love to share some incredible resources and tips to help you recognize and combat this confidence-killing condition!

Let's get started!

In my latest podcast episode, you'll discover:

• How Imposter Syndrome works to attack your confidence -- and why it's effective
• The 7 telltale signs that can help you identify your own Imposter Syndrome
• My top 5 tips for stopping your Imposter Syndrome in its tracks … or at least taking it down a peg or two!

Ready to feel amazing about your accomplishments and know-how? Listen below!Remember to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher!

Highlights:

04:04 Introducing … the dreaded Imposter Syndrome!

07:04 Feel like a fraud? Take the Imposter Syndrome Quiz

09:30 Where does your quiver come from?

10:12 What is it to be an imposter?

10:34 "One study shows that 70% of successful people feel like an imposter at some point"

11:35 The signs that may reveal that you have Imposter Syndrome

14:09 How do we work through Imposter Syndrome?

15:00 Just-in-Time learning … and how it can help you

16:20 You don't have to do it all alone

17:57 Take time to review your resume of accomplishments

19:08 "How often do we stop to really look at our skills and qualifications?"

21:02 What you feel v. What you have done

22:50 "I invite you to embrace your strengths, talents, and skills … and OWN it"

24:50 "Oftentimes, REAL imposters don't experience or recognize Imposter Syndrome"

Thank you for listening! Want more information and tips? Bookmark ambermccue.com/blog and follow Amber on Instagram: @AmberMcCueMentioned in this episode:

• Amber McCue Facebook Group
• Imposter Syndrome Assessment
• HBR: Everyone Suffers From Imposter Syndrome - Here's How to Handle It
• Is Imposter Syndrome a Sign of Greatness?
• The Work of Byron Katie
• Choose Wonder Over Worry: Move Beyond Fear and Doubt to Unlock Your Full Potential by Amber Rae

Setting yourself up to live your best life in the new year isn't something reserved for New Year's Eve -- if you want the best chance of reaching your personal and professional goals after the ball drops, you need to start planning much earlier.

Think JULY. Well, for me it was July. ;)

If that seems daunting, have no fear! -- I'm here to tell you about some specific resources that you can use to take your planning to its ultimate potential. I'd also like to share with you my own annual planning schedule: when I start, what I focus on, and how I implement in order to get the results that I want to see! Let's go behind the scenes.

My secret? My planning process aligns with my company's core values -- this way, I can achieve big impact while staying true to my vision. What kind of impact do you want to make in the new year?

In my latest podcast episode, you'll discover:

• How to take advantage of the natural ebbs and flows of your business in order to build in periods of review and reflection
• Two incredibly effective programs that will help you take your planning to the next level and reap amazing rewards all year long
• The powerful results you can achieve when you embrace core values both inside and outside of your company

Listen below and get ready to plan for the best year of your life!

Remember to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher!

Highlights:

01:50 [+1:20] Why my new year planning starts in July, not December

03:30 [+1:20] The Planathon: the ULTIMATE annual planning event for entrepreneurs!

03:50 [+1:20] The Fresh Start Workbook

05:50 [+1:20] Case study: Three Boudoir

07:30 [+1:20] "Empowered women empower women, and we rise together"

11:07 [+1:20] What does it mean to embrace your core values inside and outside the company -- and base your planning on it?

13:24 [+1:20] Shift your thinking to IMPACT, instead of financials

16:50 [+1:20] Do all of your core values align? How do they impact how people see your company?

21:24 [+1:20] "To enable a vision, we have to align our values with our actions"

23:48 [+1:20] Why approach investors if you don't want an investment yet?

25:04 [+1:20] Transform your team members into brand ambassadors!

28:25 [+1:20] How to develop a well-rounded, versatile team

30:20 [+1:20] Reporting metrics help ensure business excellence -- how often should you check them?

33:41 [+1:20] "If we don't define the goal and we don't take action towards the goal, we will have no chance of reaching the goal … because results come to life when you get in action"

Thank you for listening! Want more information and tips? Bookmark ambermccue.com/blog and follow Amber on Instagram: @AmberMcCue

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Planathon
• The Fresh Start Workbook
• How to Clone Yourself

When it comes to hiring, choosing the perfect candidate isn't the happy ending. It's actually closer to a great first step.

Because after the hiring phase is over, that's when you need to step up with LEADERSHIP.

The How to Clone Yourself process isn't just about finding the right person to handle the right tasks in your business. It's also about onboarding them effectively and empowering them to take ownership of their work -- leaving YOU with more time to focus on bringing your own unique value to your brand!

Company culture is a huge part of this -- a healthy company culture not only makes your business a great place to work for your employees, but it actually improves the experience for your customers as well! Employees who feel valued and inspired will bring their best performance to the table, resulting in higher productivity, better customer care, and incredible levels of engagement.

I know you love the sound of that!

So let's take a peek into the anatomy of an amazing leader!

In my latest podcast episode, you'll discover:

• Why society pushes the 'hustle' mindset so hard -- and how much you benefit from opting out
• The key differences that set leaders apart from managers -- and how they affect employee engagement
• Why your business's culture is SO important -- and how you can create a healthy, amazing, and productive employee experience!

Ready to build a better brand for you, your team, and your customers? Listen below!

Remember to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher!

Highlights:

03:11 "As your business evolves, you might start to wonder 'what do I do again??'"

03:50 'Hustle' is ingrained in our culture -- why do we chase that productivity high?

05:00 "What do you need to do when you step into a leadership role?"

05:20 How does our culture prepare us for the workforce? And what's left out?

06:35 What is the difference between a manager and a leader?

08:58 "True leadership inspires and transforms the people it touches"

09:20 Case study: Three Boudoir

11:10 "If you want your team members, contractors, and employees to be ambassadors of your company … you have to enroll and engage people."

13:04 Case study: Parent Community Organization

13:59 Culture is one of your biggest jobs as a leader -- how can you excel?

16:20 "You've got to create lots of white space in your schedule for thinking about the bigger picture for your business … how will you grow? What will you sell to 5x your business?"

19:00 "Culture can make or break a lot of things. Have you ever been part of a community, organization, team, or company that just didn't feel healthy?"

23:00 Leadership is bigger than you -- Who do you need to be when you step further into the leadership role?

24:33 What should you be focusing on right now?

28:20 "These shifts are what is allowing me to have freedom and flexibility in my schedule and in my life"

Thank you for listening! Want more information and tips? Bookmark ambermccue.com/blog and follow Amber on Instagram: @AmberMcCue

Mentioned in this episode:

• How to Clone Yourself

When you're looking to hire a new partner-in-crime for your business, you need to do more than just write the perfect job listing and choose the most promising resumes.

You need to ROCK the interview process by not only asking the right questions, but giving the right answers. That's right, it's actually a two-way street!

The hiring process can be a grueling trial full of potential pitfalls. Believe me, I've been there -- I worked in recruitment back during my corporate days! (Let me tell you, I did not enjoy it one bit!)

But if you know how (and when) to prepare for your hiring needs, it can be surprisingly easy … and even fun!

I've taken what I've learned from my corporate hiring days, improved on that knowledge through my experience as a CEO, threw in some insights I've gained through working with my amazing clients, and created a revamped guide to modern hiring -- one that I've been dying to share with you!

And today is the day!

In this podcast episode, I'm going to reveal:

• How to do your due diligence and avoid hiring misfires
• Why an interview is also a branding exercise -- and how that realization will help you select the perfect candidate for your company!
• The secret to bringing objective measures into a subjective process -- and why it's SO important!

Make your next hire the most amazing addition to your team!Remember to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher!

Highlights:4:56 Hiring isn't as easy as you think -- why due diligence is crucial!

07:20 Trust … but verify

08:42 "You want candidates to leave an interview excited about you, your business, and the prospect of creating something incredible with you"

09:24 Case study: Three Boudoir

12:00 "You are not alone if things feel messy for you right now. New levels of growth and success in your business can get messy!"

12:48 "We're going to have a better chance of hiring a satisfied partner-in-crime who is set up for success if we are transparent"

14:20 Be realistic and encourage realistic expectations

15:10 Referrals aren't the be-all, end-all -- you still need a proper interview process!

16:00 "Give your candidates the opportunity to explain why they are a great fit for you and your business"

17:07 Why interviewing is the key to the hiring process -- and how website forms can make the process easier!

19:02 How to make a subjective process more objective

19:18 Top strategies for streamlining your interview process

22:23 Behaviorial-based interview style quiz

Thank you for listening! Want more information and tips? Bookmark ambermccue.com/blog and follow Amber on Instagram: @AmberMcCue

If you've been a part of our world for a while, you know that I used to have a VERY different lifestyle.

That's right - I lived the CORPORATE life.

I did the whole nine yards: 14 hour days, locked up in an office, travel, feeling WAY too much stress about everything that came across my desk. So much stress, I thought I was having stress related chest pains. (Turns out it was just a garlic allergy).

For a brief time during my corporate life, I worked in recruiting. Why brief? Because recruiting is an ONEROUS process! It takes a lot of connection and interaction with a LOT of people in order to track down just the right candidate.

You know me, I love connecting with people! But I'm not gonna lie, that was next level!

Even though I didn't enjoy the recruiting process back then, I still need to hire for my business -- and so do my clients.

So, I've revamped my hiring process to make it easier and more enjoyable to hire the right candidate, for the right job … right on time. Now, recruiting is a process that is filled with complete joy for me and my clients.

And I want to share it with YOU.

In my latest podcast episode, you'll discover:

• How to actually be READY to hire when you're ready to hire (hint: it takes more planning than you think!)
• Why you should take a marketing approach to your recruitment ads -- and how it'll help you get higher quality candidates!
• How to put together an attractive benefit and compensation package -- no matter your budget!

Listen below!Remember to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play and Stitcher!

Highlights:

03:20 Recruitment is an onerous process

04:10 "It's not technology, it's not lead pages, it's not a Facebook post that is going to make or break your company -- it is a team of incredible people that brings strategy to life"

05:11 I'm currently using this hiring process in BOTH of my businesses!

05:56 "Great talent does not wait around. Great talent has options"

06:13 Start building relationships as far out from your hiring needs as you can

07:30 Where do you look to find your clone? How do you find great talent?

09:26 How to work effectively with interns and turn them into superstars

12:00 From Monster to Indeed: the ins and outs of listing

13:20 Why you should look at your job postings as advertisements

14:20 Hiring through your network -- the beauty of referrals!

15:34 Look for the win/win -- find a candidate whose work style and skill set align with your needs (and vice versa!)

16:41 Be prepared for the 'benefits & compensation' conversation (and learn how to love up your team!)

29:01 "Be really mindful about your budget and about being fair to the work that is done and the person that is in that role. When we invest in each other, we 100% grow together"

31:05 Full-time v. part-time v. contractor

Next week, we're going to dig deep into the interview process and this episode will give you the preparation you need to slide into that process confident, knowledgeable, and prepared! Check it out!

Thank you for listening! Want more information and tips? Bookmark ambermccue.com/blog and follow Amber on Instagram: @AmberMcCueMentioned in this episode:

• How to Clone Yourself

In our Planathon Group - oh yes, our annual Planathon is coming soon!!! - one of the questions that recently came up is the question of: how do I know if it is time to hire.

I'm coming at you from Addis Ababa Ethiopia and sharing: 4 signs that it might be time for you to hire.

First, we'll go back in time to 2011 when I made my first hire in my business. Then we'll slowly journey back to present day as we explore:

• Signs that it may be time for you to hire
• How to differentiate between leading your business and running your business
• What it is to be a visionary
• How to communicate work with team members (and maybe even husbands… ;)) to bring the vision to life
• If you are stuck in a middle-class mindset around hiring
• What self-made millionaires and billionaires know about hiring that you may want to tap into!

Highlights:

02:34 Do you DIY everything?

02:59 The Trap of DIY Mode

03:17 Lead vs. Running the business

03:28 Great companies are made up of great people

04:00 Middle Class versus Self Made Millionaire's and Billionaire's perspectives on Hiring

05:00 How I stepped into the visionary role with my family too

07:28 My job as CEO and visionary

09:38 Why you might not want a Clone after all

12:06 Multiply your efforts and get more done

12:27 Is it the right time for me to hire?

13:30 The first sign you need to hire someone

19:00 I can't outsource this - I have to do it...Or do you?

20:36 Buried in details and need to focus on revenue

22:00 How my partnership with my business partner actually works + problem solving

22:43 How can you serve more people, 1,000s more

25:53 Our first full time hire at ambermccue.com

26:00 CEO and Visionary vs COO and running the business (integrator)

29:30 What is the first step you need to take when you decide to hire.

31:00 The importance of culture and values

31:50 How to detail the core responsibilities

32:30 Measures of success

35:00 Tactical elements of hiring, pay, compensation, leadership, and what's next

Thank you for listening! Want more team building and hiring strategies? Bookmark ambermccue.com/blog and follow Amber on Instagram: @AmberMcCueMentioned in this episode:

• Business Brilliant by Lewis Shift
• How to Clone Yourself
• The Planathon