Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit. —Conrad Hilton

On Today’s Episode:

* Carla and I talk about how to keep going after a big win

* Coming down without burning out

* Why it’s so important to not make any rash decisions

* Using the momentum to propel you forward

Every year after Catalyst University, the Southwest Michigan First team has to deal with the challenge that sparked the idea for today’s podcast. I like to think we have gotten really good at keeping the momentum going, but only because we are very intentional about the process. Relishing the win and enjoying the feeling of accomplishment are two really important parts of that process. 

If you enjoyed today’s conversation or if you have ideas for a podcast or think someone is a great fit as a guest, I would love to hear from you: drop me a line or tweet me @ronkitchens.

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: When your team has a big win, what is your method of keeping everyone focused while still enjoying the accomplishment?

Don’t confuse feedback with hate mail. —Jon Acuff

On Today’s Episode:

* Carla is joined by Sarah Mansberger to talk about feedback and criticism

* How to deal with destructive criticism

* The role of emotional intelligence

* Be the water, not the gasoline

* Feedback is an investment in your success

Sarah and Carla’s conversation is really insightful and brings up many great questions to ask ourselves when dealing with criticism. They explore ways to navigate the uncomfortable feeling constructive feedback can provoke and how to mine for the good stuff. The truth is that feedback is uncomfortable; the proverbial growing pain in the growth process.

I’d love to hear your suggestions for future topics; just drop me a line or tweet me @ronkitchens.

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: What is your feedback process with your team?

It’s important what you feed your body and mind every day. Eat right, think right. —Sanjiv Munjal

On Today’s Episode:

* Carla and I dive into eating right for cognitive performance

* How to start listening to your body differently

* Keeping the brain fueled properly all day to think better, faster and clearer

* The best foods for boosting brain function

* Ally Glass of Ally G Cuisine and Whole-me-o-stasis shares tips on small additions and changes for big results

It is old news that eating right is important for your body, but it is equally vital to eat right in order to allow optimal brain performance. Did you know that the brain only represents about 2% of body weight, but it demands about 20% of total body glucose use?

I met Ally Glass of Ally G Cuisine while in Key West for vacation, and her insight on how food and executive performance are intrinsically linked blew me away. You can follow Ally on Instagram @ally_g_cuisine.

I’d love to hear your suggestions for future topics; just drop me a line or tweeting me @ronkitchens.

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: What is your go-to meal to prepare your body for a big meeting or event?

Success is not final, failure is not fatal. —Winston Churchill

On Today’s Episode:

* Carla and I talk about reinventing your leadership

* How to avoid becoming stagnant

* The ever-changing status quo and why reinvention is so important

* Learning from the competition

* The Olivia Pope question: “What do you want?”

* Navigating the pressure of not having enough time in a day.

I hope you enjoy today’s episode; talking about change and helping people reinvent themselves or their organization is a huge source of joy for me. If you’ve been mulling it over, take a few minutes this holiday weekend to jot down some ideas of how you can reinvent certain areas.

I’d love to hear your suggestions for future topics; just drop me a line or tweeting me @ronkitchens. Have an awesome Fourth of July holiday!

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: Are 

It’s not what you are going to do, but it’s what you are doing now that counts. —Napoleon Hill

On Today’s Episode:

* I talk with Jamie O’Kane, CPA and leadership podcaster at Abundant Beans

* Jamie’s most impactful leadership lessons learned

* Why helping people get unstuck and grow is a passion

* How all the noise in today’s world is a challenge

* What drove Jamie to start her own podcast

My conversation with Jamie is so thought-provoking. She’s dynamite; she has really great stories about how she carefully curated her own leadership style and why that is so important to her. Jamie’s thirst for knowledge is palpable and I hope you enjoy listening to this interview as much as I enjoyed recording it.

Do you have an idea for a future podcast or a person you would like me to interview? Please send me message or tweet me @ronkitchens. Make it an amazing week!

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: If you were going to start a podcast, what would it be about?

On Today’s Episode:

It’s a special Thursday edition of the Always Forward Leadership Podcast! Tune in while you get ready for Catalyst University, because Heather Baker, Kim Weishaar and I talk about all the things you can expect at today’s event. We explain the best routes to get to Wings Event Center (there is a map here), clarify concerns about parking, dish all about the line-up and Makers, and so much more.

New this year is the Catalyst YOU app, which is available for both iOS and Android. Don’t forget to download it before heading to the event; this app will be the ultimate tool in getting the most out of your Catalyst University experience. Search “Catalyst University” in the app store to download.

We cannot wait to see you at Wings Event Center bright and early. It is going to be an amazing day!

And don’t forget to tune in every Monday for the Always Forward Leadership Podcast for all things culture, team engagement, professional development and more.

Always Forward.

—Ron

To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift. —Steve Prefontaine

On Today’s Episode:

* Carla and I get all hyped up about Catalyst University!

* This Thursday is the big day, and we cannot wait

* Who we are most excited to hear from

* Who is competing in this year’s Maker’s Mart

* What to expect from this new summer-time Catalyst University

As you can tell from our conversation, we are beyond excited about this year’s line up and schedule. If you still need a ticket, email me at [email protected] or Carla at [email protected] and we’ll make it happen. See you on Thursday!

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: Who or what are you most excited for at Catalyst University?

The song is the sum of all the work you put in. —Neil Giraldo

On Today’s Episode:

* I talk with Neil Giraldo, musician and entrepreneur, who is joining us next week, June 20, at Catalyst University

* The value of recovering quickly from mistakes

* Neil’s thoughts on finding and documenting inspiration

* What drew Neil to start Three Chord Bourbon

* Why giving back is so important to Neil and Three Chord Bourbon

I am thrilled that Neil is joining us at Catalyst University next week so he can share even more insights with you all. Though it is coming up quick, it is not too late to secure a ticket! You can register here. To share any insights or ideas for future podcasts or people you’d like to be interviewed, send me message or tweet me @ronkitchens. Make it an amazing week!

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: Neil talks about the importance of giving back. How is your organization involved in giving back? What about you personally?

I’m a great Jon Acuff when I’m brave enough to just be that. —Jon Acuff

On Today’s Episode:

* Jon Acuff, bestselling author of the book Finish, joins me on today’s show

* What you can do to finish what you started

* How humor drives Jon to be productive

* What the hardest part of writing is for Jon

* What Jon’s tips are for goal-setting and achieving

* Listen and find out how you can win a signed copy of Jon’s book Finish with the hashtag #iamafinisher

I am so excited for Jon to share his humor and wisdom at Catalyst University on June 20! If you have not yet secured a ticket, you can register here. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, send me message or tweet me @ronkitchens. Have a great week!

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: What goal has been on your to-do list far too long? How can Jon’s advice help you finish it?

You can focus on things that are barriers or you can focus on scaling the wall or redefining the problem. —Tim Cook

On Today’s Episode:

* I talk with Carla about knocking down barriers

* How a pauper’s cemetery from the Great Depression inspired me

* Evaluating why barriers are present

* The importance of putting yourself in a spot to change your perspective

I hope you enjoy today’s episode, and I’d love to hear your suggestions for future topics by dropping me a line or tweeting me @ronkitchens. Make it a great week!

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: What is holding your or your organization or your community back? Why?