The Next 24 Hours

You're in the in-between. You've decided to leave your current job, or maybe you've been laid off, and it's time to write the next chapter. My next guest, Grady Lenski is a giant of the optical industry who recently reinvented himself and went from a corporate role to a consulting/entrepreneurial one. His mindset and perspectives on being in the in-between will empower you to claim agency in your career and write a next chapter that's even better than your last. Listen in!

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Connect with Grady on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gradylenski/

The quality of a child's education can determine the quality of their life—and we live in a country of vast educational inequality. Virginia Walden Ford, my guest today, was a mother in D.C. who feared that she would lose her son to the streets unless he had better educational opportunity. Her journey to give him the schooling he needed led to a lifelong calling to give all parents and students the power to choose a school that meets their needs. She's the subject of the 2019 film, Miss Virginia, and I'm so honored to have her on the show so that you can hear her story. In this episode, she shares universal lessons about the power of getting uncomfortable, how to mobilize large-scale change, overcome fear, and create a life of profound impact.

To learn more about the virtual program I've created to serve educators and students in this time, click here: https://curtiszimmerman.com/virtual-school-assembly/

To learn more about Virginia Walden Ford, visit her website: https://www.virginiawaldenford.com/

Can you see opportunity and purpose within the changes that are taking place? My next guest is an inspirational example of turning crisis into connection and pain points into purpose. Her name is Stacy Vorhees, and she's the owner/operator of four McDonald's restaurants. Whatever you thought about McDonald's going into this podcast, Stacy is going to give you a new perspective on why their business model is such a success (especially in the midst of the pandemic), and how you can embrace passion and purpose in your own life and business too.

Learn more about our work with McDonald's: https://curtiszimmerman.com/mcdonalds/

How do we support teachers, protect students and provide quality education as the pandemic and back-to-school season collide? Today's guests are going to help answer those questions. I'm interviewing Liz Dreckman and Dr. Barbara Duncan of School Choice Arizona, an organization that helps families find the best educational options for their kids and supports a network of over 450 schools. They're sharing what we can expect for the upcoming school year, how we can better equip our families for remote learning, and what we need to know if our kids go back to the classroom. I've been in awe of Liz and Barbara's hearts for children and the impact they've made since I've spoken at School Choice events for the past couple of years, and I'm so excited for you to hear their insights.

Ten strategies to Maintain Sanity During Family Quarantine: https://curtiszimmerman.com/10-strategies-to-maintain-sanity-during-family-quarantine/

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Learn more about School Choice AZ: https://schoolchoicearizona.org/

The number one thing that holds people back from their goals is the fear of failure—either the fear that their past failure defines them or that their future failure will. On today's episode, I'm sharing everything I know about leaving behind old-scripts, putting down what you shouldn't be carrying and living in the present so that you can step into the life that you deserve.

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Learn more about what I do: curtiszimmerman.com

How do you surprise and delight customers in a world where in-person experiences are off the table? What does employee engagement even mean when Zoom calls are the new norm? I know that if you're a marketer or leader, you're asking these questions. That's why I'm thrilled to be interviewing Brad Pappas, an experiential marketing guru who I like to think of as the Willy Wonka of marketing. He is sharing the secrets to making consumers smile, coming up with fresh creative ideas, and bringing new life to brands—even during a pandemic.

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Learn more about what Brad does: https://instigatormk.com/

Learn more about me: https://curtiszimmerman.com/

It keeps you stuck. It makes the big changes thrown your way harder to survive, and it drains your productivity. It's what is halting progress in today's world, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you've been feeling frustrated by other people, powerless, or overwhelmed by change—this episode is for you. I'm walking you through the phenomenon that I call "The Blame Game," and I'm giving you a new mindset for emerging from challenging situations empowered, rather than discouraged. Don't miss this one!

Get access to my free VIP Experience, including the free audiobook: https://bit.ly/CZVIPFREE

Well, this is a first! On today's episode, I'm interviewing my three teenagers: Noah, who's in college and Mirabelle and Oliver who are in high school. You'll get to hear their take on online learning, what it was like to be quarantined as a family for three months, and how they're processing the pandemic. I learned some new things by sitting down to talk to them—what the three positives and negatives were of quarantine, what they really thought of online learning, and what they're most looking forward to doing outside the house. My hope is that this episode will inspire you with questions to ask your friends and family members and give you insight into a teen's experience of COVID-19.

Get access to my free VIP Experience, including the free audiobook here: https://bit.ly/CZVIPFREE

Has a sudden change taken away everything you knew? You're not alone: I've had many conversations with people over the last few months who have been forced into major change during COVID, and I want to share what I tell them with you. Whether you've gotten laid off, been diagnosed with an illness or are grappling with a loss, this episode will help you reframe your outlook when a change you didn't choose comes out of the blue and into your world. I'm walking you through the difference between shock and wonder, how you can have more of the latter, rebuild your confidence, and get where you want to go faster.

Get access to my free VIP Experience, including the free audiobook: https://bit.ly/CZVIPFREE

Learn more about me: https://curtiszimmerman.com/

So you want to be the best boss ever—but where do you start? My guest Don Frericks is a leadership expert and author of the book "Best Boss Ever" who has spent his career interviewing and coaching top corporate leaders, and he's graciously sharing some amazing takeaways that will help you understand the difference between leadership and influence, the five steps of the rapid leadership development process, and how to dig deep and build on your strengths. His wisdom is foundational for leading and living with integrity, whether you're a manager or a CEO. Join us for this transformational conversation!

Get access to my free VIP Experience, including the free audiobook: https://bit.ly/CZVIPFREE

Learn more about Don: https://donfrericks.com/

Learn more about me: https://curtiszimmerman.com/