I think we often look at the great needs in the world and see all the things we can’t do, which keeps us from doing the things we can do. —Brad Formsma

On Today’s Episode:

* Brad Formsma, author of I Like Giving, joins me on the podcast to talk about generosity

* The seven ways people can be generous

* What role Brad’s grandfather played in his journey

* Brad’s insights on today’s attention demands

* How Brad is modeling the way for his son

I hope today’s episode helped you identify different ways that you can be generous. If you’d like to connect with Brad, you can find him on Instagram @bradformsma, or on Twitter @bradformsma.

If you have any questions, comments or requests, feel free to drop me a line, email me direct via [email protected] or tweet me @ronkitchens. The podcast will be taking a break for the holidays, but I look forward to connecting again in 2020. Happiest of holiday wishes to you, whichever holiday you celebrate!

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: Which of Brad’s seven ways of generosity strikes you most?

The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.  —George Bernard Shaw

On Today’s Episode:

* Carla and I talk about effective communication between generations

* The number of generations currently in the workplace

* Why each generation has different expectations

* Tips for communicating more effectively

A study organized by Universum surveyed 18,000 people and found that Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z are largely motivated by the same three things: Money, a desire for leadership, and a desire for flexibility. Knowing the motivations of your staff is important so that you are able to tailor your communications with your teams accordingly. While one team member might desire more flexibility in their work hours or location, another may be wanting to move up to a role with more option for leadership. As I always say, communication is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Find out what works for you, and then be prepared to keep adapting and changing.

I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. If you have any questions, comments or requests, feel free to drop me a line, email me direct via [email protected] or tweet me @ronkitchens.

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: Do you know what motivates your team?

Do we want to shape the technology or let the technology shape us? —Erik Gerritsen

 

On Today’s Episode:

* Carla and I dive into the topic of digital wellness

* What is digital wellness?

* Why is it important?

* Tips to start improving digital wellness at home and at work

Digital health and wellness is moving past the phase of being a buzz-word and into the territory of being a necessity. In today’s age, we are contantly bombarded with technology. Accroding to a 2018 survey by Udemy, a whopping 70% of workers admit they feel distracted while on the job. This alone is costing companies millions of dollars each year.

It is not surprising we are so distracted. According to Bagby, 99% of people use their phone as an alarm clock, negatively affecting their sleep. And Harvard Business Review says the constant feel-good input from likes, texts and other notifications “has created a dopamine-driven desire for social validation.” There’s no better time than right now to start paying attention to how we use technology and what we can do to better our wellness in the digital world.

Today’s episode was eye-opening for me to talk about. If you have any questions, comments or requests, feel free to drop me a line, email me direct via [email protected] or tweet me @ronkitchens.

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: How can you start crafting better boundaries with technology and digital devices?

No man really becomes a fool until he stops asking questions. —Charles P. Steinmetz

 

On Today’s Episode:

* I answer questions that have been sent in by the listening audience

* How can I connect with leaders that hire based on talent?

* Can you tell a little more about your model of creating business and providing jobs?

* I see a lot of fellow entrepreneurs lose their steam and quit. How do you overcome lack of motivation and growth?

* How can I lead my team through uncertain times?

I hope you enjoy today’s episode, which covers a wide range of topics. If you have any other questions, feel free to drop me a line, email me direct via [email protected] or tweet me @ronkitchens.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and look forward to connecting again next week!

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: What are you doing for Thanksgiving this week? How can you make it extra special for your dear ones?

Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. —Steve Jobs

 

On Today’s Episode:

* I talk with Carla about tradition and innovation

* Making sure traditions are there for good reason

* The need for innovation

* Staying future-focused

The 2018 KPMG Global CEO Outlook found that 60% of CEOs believe that agility is the new currency of business. In order to compete in today’s market, the ability to pivot and respond to needs is more important than ever. It requires organizations to reexamine processes, including traditions. Do not be bound by risk aversion and heavy tradition. You may wonder, “but how can I balance the two?” Tune into today’s episode for more insight!

Did you like today’s episode? Do you have ideas for a topic? I woud love to hear from you! Simply drop me a line, email me direct via [email protected] or tweet me @ronkitchens.

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: Are there heavy traditions in your organization? What can you do to become more lean?

To be really happy and really safe, one ought to have at least two or three hobbies, and they must all be real. —Winston Churchill

 

On Today’s Episode:

* Carla and I talk about the need for hobbies and civic engagement

* The sweeping decline in civic engagement

* Why many people falsely believe they’re too busy for hobbies

* The benefits of hobbies

In today’s world, the phrase “I’m too busy” has almost become a badge of honor. But, if you stop to think about it, how much time do you waste on frivolous media like Netflix or Instagram? Think of all those hours put toward something far more enjoyable for you. You can learn a new skill or participate in a sport, I promise. You have the time. You have just misplaced it.

In a few weeks, we will be doing a podcast filled with answering guest questions. Now is a great time to ask me anything that’s been on your mind: drop me a line, email me direct via [email protected] or tweet me @ronkitchens.

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: What are you searching for in a hobby?

As much as we thirst for approval we dread condemnation. —Hans Selye

 

On Today’s Episode:

* Carla and I talk about the constant need for approval

* The problem with false validation

* How social media can exacerbate the problem

* Ways to tell whether you are stuck in an approval-seeking pattern

Everyone needs approval from time to time; it is a very normal human behavior that provides feelings of security and love. But sometimes, we can get stuck in a cul-de-sac of a constant need for validation that can turn self-destructive quickly. On today’s podcast, Carla and I talk about how to recognize whether you are stuck in this cycle and, most importantly, how to get out of it.

In a few weeks, we will be doing a podcast filled with answering guest questions. Now is a great time to ask me anything that’s been on your mind: drop me a line, email me direct via [email protected] or tweet me @ronkitchens.

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: How can you help your team avoid getting stuck in the approval cycle?

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. —Anne Frank

 

On Today’s Episode:

* Carla and I talk about having love for Mondays

* The research that confirms Sunday Scaries are a real thing

* No better time than right now to find the job of your dreams

* Switching your mindset (and routine) to start loving Mondays

Most people do not like Mondays, yet it is my favorite day of the week. Of course, you cannot begin to enjoy Mondays until you have a job that you love. But, taking it further, there are so many things you can do to make the start of the week more enjoyable. Carla and I touch on ways to change up your routine and reframing your mindset on today’s podcast.

In a few weeks, I will be doing a podcast filled with answering guest questions. Now is a great time to ask me anything that’s been on your mind: drop me a line, email me direct via [email protected] or tweet me @ronkitchens.

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: Do you love Mondays? Why or why not? 

Our perception could either be our path to nirvana or an invisible cage that bottles us up. —Pawan Mishra

 

On Today’s Episode:

* I talk with Carla about entrepreneurial thinking

* To stay relevant, an entrepreneurial mind set is key

* Always challenging and changing your best

* Being boundlessly curious and also being ready to execute

At Southwest Michigan First, we are serious about entrepreneurial thinking. Characteristics like adaptability and staying lean enough to pivot on-the-fly are more common in smaller organizations, but even if you have a job at a large institution you can implement entrepreneurial thinking in your own role. For example, small things like asking the right questions can spark change. Tune in to today’s podcast to find out more.

As always, I love hearing from the listening audience! Drop me a line or tweet me @ronkitchens if you have any questions, ideas, or comments.

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: Which piece of advice on overcoming blind spots would be most impactful for your leadership? 

Our perception could either be our path to nirvana or an invisible cage that bottles us up. —Pawan Mishra

 

On Today’s Episode:

* Carla and I dive into leadership blind spots

* What are blind spots?

* How to identify and overcome your own

* Keeping yourself in a positive building pattern

I recently  learned that emotional intelligence plays a big part in leadership blind spots. Emotional intelligence scores climb with titles from the bottom of a corporate ladder upward to middle management, where the scores tend to top out. After middle management, scores decline again. This makes sense; while middle management needs to lead up as well as down, upper management is less likely to have someone calling out their blind spots. Tune in to find out how to prevent this from happening to you.

I love hearing from the listening audience! Drop me a line or tweet me @ronkitchens if you have any questions, ideas, or comments.

Always Forward.

—Ron

Question: Which piece of advice on overcoming blind spots would be most impactful for your leadership?