There comes a moment in the life of every leader when he or she stands at a crossroads and must ask, “What’s next?”  – Brad Lomenick

 

The countdown is on and only TEN days to go until Catalyst University 2017. This week’s podcast is dedicated to all things Catalyst University. From the faculty that will be joining us, to an inside look on a few of our surprises this podcast will be sure to peak your interest when it comes to the leadership development “unconference” of the year.

Creative director and Catalyst University emcee, Heather Smith Baker is with me on the episode to break down the details for attendees and non-attendees alike. If you have yet to grab your ticket I highly encourage you to grab it NOW! We have under 100 tickets left and you do not want to miss out.

I’ll see you January 26th for a time of intentional leadership development.

Always Forward

Ron

Question: What is your most impacting takeaway from a previous leadership event?

We don’t have a choice on whether we do social media, the question is how well we do it? ―Erik Qualman

I took a trip down to Tennessee to meet with Todd Adkins of LifeWay Leadership last year; I was featured on their podcast: 5 Leadership Questions in August, and now it is my turn to bring Todd to the Always Forward Leadership Podcast. Todd is remarkable at telling stories, a media genius and full of leadership gold. I am thrilled to have him with us.

Todd will walk us through his strategic thinking when it comes to social media and his process for finding and learning leadership lessons in the ordinary in an authentic and easy-to-understand way. All leaders need to hear what Todd has to share on the show! To learn more about Todd Adkins find him on twitter.

Always Forward

Ron

Question: Are the stories you are telling and tweeting authentic to you?

Process creates outcome. — Ron Kitchens

Today we are in for an amazing treat. We have Nick Riashi and Justine Griffin joining us in the studio for a podcast focused on goals. We won’t talk about New Year’s resolutions much because we know and believe in goal-setting at all times, and we want to encourage you in this New Year to begin goal-setting on a regular basis as well. I can’t wait for you all to hear from two incredible and different individuals. The insight and wisdom they bring to the Always Forward Leadership Podcast will recharge you and send you into the New Year on the right foot. I trust that this episode will move you forward in your goal setting and, in turn, your leadership.

Happy New Year! May 2017 be your year.

Always Forward

Ron

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead

I trust that you are all enjoying this wonderful holiday season, I know I am. It is a great time to relax, enjoy uninterrupted time with family and recharge for the year ahead. I urge you to take 20 minutes to grow your impact with today’s conversation. We have Nicole Baker Fulgham, former Catalyst University faculty, on the Always Forward Leadership Podcast. Nicole is a Michigan native with a heart for education and combating the inequalities and challenges plaguing public schools. She is the founder of The Expectations Project which mobilizes faith based advocates to bring systematic change. She has authored two books: Educating All God’s Children and Schools in Crisis. 

On the podcast today Bri and Nicole dive into a handful of topics: the importance of raising expectations, leadership styles, goal-setting, partnership creation and social entrepreneurship. Whether you are working directly in the realm of education, or in another sector, today’s conversation with Nicole will not disappoint. See you in the new year!

Always Forward

Ron

Question: What are you doing as a leader to create great change for the schools and education systems around you?

 

Moments matter. – Tim Terrentine

After 6 years on the Southwest Michigan First team, Tim Terrentine is onto his next great adventure. Our team celebrates Tim and his leadership and we are excited to see his impact in our community for years to come.

On today’s podcast Tim has the opportunity to share what he has learned during his time on our team. I am eager for you all to hear from him today. He shares great wisdom on leaving, learning and what great impact looks like. Tim knows the value of serving others and carries a “go get it” mentality. Please join us for the Always Forward Leadership Podcast to bid a farewell to Tim and to grow from his leadership. Looking to connect further with Tim? Find him at timterrentine.com.

Always Forward

Ron

Question: Are you making sure each moment matters? Are you learning and soaking up every possible thing?

A organization’s ability to learn, and translate that learning into action rapidly, is the ultimate competitive advantage. – Jack Welch

Some of you are shaking your heads and asking why is it important to embrace technology? Well, as point leaders it is important we recognize that we are living in a time that half of our team is disregarding technology all too quickly, while the other half has an innate understanding of technology and does not know how to operate without it. It is our job as leaders to discover a middle ground. What advances do we buy into as a team? What do we reject?

From medical devices to social media, our world is progressing rapidly. We are surrounded with technology and often times it is scoffed at, but when understood and used properly it has the capacity to make our lives incredibly easier. Today, Tim and I talk about the use of technology in the organizational world and how embracing the change will make your life, and organization, more relevant. We share a rich conversation uncovering ways to view technology as a tool, that when implemented well, can change the culture and dynamic of your organization for the better. Listen in now!

Always Forward
Ron

Question: How do you check whether or not technological advances, whether a new social media platform or computer system, will be a good fit for your organization or not?

As I gain access, I never want to forget my responsibility to forge pathways of access for others. – Jeff Shinabarger

Jeff Shinabarger is a social entrepreneur and the author of More or Less and Yes or No. Jeff is Executive Director of Plywood People and has a vision to make Atlanta a center for social innovation, while personally engaging in over 100 problem solving start-ups. I am truly delighted to have Jeff with us on The Always Forward Leadership Podcast.

Today’s conversation is rich in practical tools and profound insight all leaders should hear. Jeff begins by tackling the art of decision making, specifically in moments of transition and moments of tension. He also talks about what self-care looks like for a leader and is it even possible? The next twenty minutes you spend listening to this episode will sow great reward in your personal leadership that will, in turn, impact many.

Always Forward

Ron

Question: Who would you put at your board room table?

Am I protecting the past or innovating the future? – Jon Acuff

Jon Acuff is the New York Times Bestselling author of five books including his most recent, Do Over: Rescue Monday, Reinvent Your Work and Never Get Stuck. Also voted one of the best speakers in 2015 by the Meeting & Convention Planners.

For 18 years he’s helped some of the biggest brands in the world tell their story, including The Home Depot, Bose, Staples and the Dave Ramsey Team. Most recently he’s spoken to hundreds of thousands of people across the country at events for companies such as Microsoft, Whirlpool, and Comedy Central. Featured regularly on national media, Jon has been seen on CNN, Fox News, Good Day LA and several other key outlets. He’s also written for TIME, the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Reader’s Digest and MSNBC.

In addition, Jon is also a big proponent of social media with blogs that have been read by 4 million people and more than 265,000 Twitter followers. In 2010, he used his influence with his tribe to build two kindergartens in Vietnam. Jon lives with his wife Jenny and two daughters in Franklin, TN.

Always Forward

Ron

Question: What are you doing as a leader to intentionally develop yourself?

Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be. – John Wooden

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Thank you for tuning into today’s Always Forward Leadership Podcast. In light of the holiday week, I want to thank you, the listening audience, for your support and efforts in bettering yourself, your company and your community through a deep commitment to leadership and growth.

On today’s episode, Tim and I have a conversation focused on failure, this may seem incongruent with our approaching holiday, but with a shift in perspective we learn how we can be grateful for the failures we have faced, and will face, in business and life. Join us as we dive into the thick of how to handle failures, talk about failures, move past failures and learn from failures, because as leaders we have to discover the art of failing forward.

Always Forward
Ron
Question: As a leader how can you better handle failures?

Looking for more on failure and leadership? Read a recent blog post of mine: An Inside Look: Why Leaders Fail. 

People would rather follow a leader who is always real versus a leader who is always right. Don’t try to be a perfect leader, just work on being an authentic one. –Brad Lomenick

Brad Lomenick is the author of the recently released book H3 Leadership: Be Humble, Stay Hungry, Always Hustle.

Brad is a renowned speaker, sought-after leadership consultant, author, advisor and for over 10 years was president of Catalyst, a conference movement for next generation leaders. Lomenick has more than two decades of experience in producing events like Catalyst and the Maximum Impact Simulcast, as well as working alongside thought-leaders, Fortune 500 CEOs, non-profit executives, and start-up entrepreneurs alike.

In 2013, he published his first book, The Catalyst Leader: 8 Essentials for Becoming a Change Maker. Additionally, he frequently blogs about leadership, the next generation, creativity, innovation, social media, teamwork, personal growth and more on his website, as well as speaking at conferences around the world. He has been featured in TIME, Washington Post, Fast Company, Business Insider, CNN.com, INC, Fox News, Relevant, Religion News Service, and others.

What you may not know – for several years he rode horses and was a ranch foreman in the mountains of Colorado, has played American football in Australia and New Zealand, was once in a rap group and hopes to one day play golf on the Senior PGA tour and have his own leadership-focused hunting show on TV. He loves Oklahoma Sooners football and would prefer to start most mornings in a duck blind or at the top of the ski slopes.

For more information, visit bradlomenick.com.

Join Brad Lomenick and me on January 26 in Kalamazoo, Michigan for Catalyst University!

Always Forward

Ron

Question: Are you choosing an attitude of humility?