Will I just be this efficient but not effective individual? – Inky Johnson

On today’s episode:

* What to do after a conference; creating sustainable action steps

* Building new partnerships through conferences

* Don’t go alone, take a team of people + debrief after

* A clip from Inky Johnson at Catalyst University 2017

* Will I be merely efficient or will I be effective in this life?

* Having a greater perspective of what is important

* Check out more from Inky: ESPN, Twitter, Facebook

Always Forward.

Ron

Question: How do you gauge your effectiveness as a leader? 

If you tell people that they have what it takes to succeed, they’ll prove you right. – Charles Duhigg

On today’s Episode:

* A behind-the-scenes interview at Catalyst University 2017 with Charles Duhigg

* Pulitzer prize-winning reporter at the New York Times

* Best-selling author of two books: The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better

* The power of story

* A glance into Charles’ journey to find his “calling” and encouragement for those in the pursuit of finding their own

* Productivity + leadership

* How to explain what is happening in our world + country

* Twitter: @cduhigg

Always Forward.

Ron

P.S. Do you like the new look? The colors have changed but I promise to still bring fresh leadership content each week.

 

Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success. —Henry Ford

On Today’ Episode:

* Forming partnerships.

* Be a fan of others.

* Enter to win a copy of the Curious Christian by Barnabas Piper by tweeting, “Always have an interest in others first. #Curiosity #Leadership #Partnership @ronkitchens” and check out Barnabas on the podcast to further your curiosity in others and life.

* Differentiating between a network-er and connector.

* Expand your knowledge and skill sets through partnerships.

* Eliminate transactional relationships.

* Collaboration is the core of partnerships.

* Developing fences and boundaries for partnerships.

* Want us to hit on a topic that is important to you? Email me!

Always Forward.

Ron

Question: In which areas could your organization use a partnership? What are you doing to foster one?

Only the curious survive. – Barnabas Piper

On Today’s Episode:

* Barnabas Piper

* Curate a group of people that fill your creative fuel tank.

* Fresh off the press: The Curious Christian (listen to find out how you can win your own free copy).

* Defining curiosity + all of its elements.

* Knowing what to do with your wonder.

* Building relationships through genuine curiosity.

* Allowing curiosity to take your leadership to the next level.

* Why a culture of curiosity is so critical.

* Simple ways of instituting curiosity in your life.

Always Forward

Ron

Question: How can you create a culture of curiosity in the workplace?

You must feed your mind with reading material, thoughts, and ideas that open you to new possibilities. – Oprah Winfrey

On Today’s Episode:

* The Curly Shuffle

* #BuyBriAMic

* Grab a pen and get a notebook out, we are going to name drop some of the best resources around.

* Podcasts are a free, brilliant learning resource.

* Try storing your podcasts on the Overcast app.

* Readers are leaders, grab a paper novel and let your brain relax.

* They Call Me Supermensch by Shep Gordon

* Who are you learning from? Find a great curator and follow their trail.

* Be open minded to learning from other perspectives + opinions.

Always Forward

Ron

Question: Are you allowing a diverse feed on your blogs and podcasts list? How can you incorporate a diversity of thought?

Creativity is, quite simply, a genuine interest combined with initiative. – Scott Belsky

On Today’s Episode:

* A mobile workforce; can your team remain great while working remotely?

* When you lead with empathy it transcends any geographic boundaries.

* A resource that aids in connecting remotely: Slack.

* In theory, a mobile employee should be more effective and reliable.

* Creativity or spreadsheets, you don’t have to choose.

* A trick to problem solving better.

* What inspires + energizes Scott Belsky.

* The cognitive costs of our political climate.

Always Forward

Ron

Question: What are the cognitive costs to the distractions you are facing today?

Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. –Martin Luther King

On Today’s Episode:

* Podcast-listening and note-taking – what is your style?

* Find your own Shinola notebook here to keep track of your ideas and inspiration.

* Cheerleading, how did we get here?

* We really do have a topic: Starting something new.

* Start with the end in mind.

* Check out one of our latest launches: 269 MAGAZINE ™

* Who to consult with when launching something new.

* Look fear in the face.

* Build a culture of open-minded, entrepreneurs that have a desire to foster things.

* Just start.

Always Forward

Ron

Question: Are you a finisher?

Analyzing humor is like trying to dissect a frog. You can do it, but the frog tends to die in the process.  – Mark Twain

 

On Today’s Episode:

*

Brad Lomenick is here to stay as co-host!

* Buy your own MEGA M&Ms so you can be the best boss too.

* Work hard, play hard.

* Creating a culture where people want to be.

* Fun has to have boundaries, never laugh at another’s expense.

* The different roles women and men play in workplace laughter.

* The perfect litmus test: Would you tell that joke to your grandma?

* Empower your organization’s “Chief Humor Officer.”

Always Forward

Ron

Question: What is your default as a leader? Do you bring joy and laughter? Do you lean toward nose in the books? How do you manage that?

 What do you want? – Olivia Pope

On Today’s Episode:

* Welcome Brad Lomenick – long time listener, first time caller; man of the people; right chair holder – to the Always Forward Leadership Podcast.

*

Catalyst University 2017 brought down the house in Kalamazoo, MI – 2,500 leaders building community.

* Release the audio: hear Ron’s kick-off talk from Catalyst University 2017.

* Are you interested in bringing Ron to you? Contact us about having Ron in your community.

* Get your FREE Truman’s Taco + Beer T-shirt by tweeting “I loved @ronkitchens‘ talk on the Always Forward Leadership Podcast – GOLD #TrumansTacos”

* Looking for more from Catalyst University? Join us in 2018 using the promo code ALWAYSFORWARD at checkout to get the best deal possible. If you are interested in bringing a group from your organization, let me help.

Always Forward

Ron

Question: What is fear holding you back from? How can you begin to overcome that fear?

 

The first step of change is not fearing it. – Gray Swoope

Today’s episode is an inside peek into the world of economic development consulting. Gray Swoope of VisionFirst Advisors is not only a great friend, but a remarkable leader. Gray operates at the intersection of economic development and private consulting. He joins us on the episode to draw from his well of leadership and economic development experiences. Gray has worked all across the southeast part of the nation to bring great change at the local level, regional level and especially to his own team. Whether he is drawing on his passion for economic development or guiding emerging leaders through change, you do not want to miss what Gray has to say.

Always Forward

Ron

Question: How do you manage change as a leader?