The Values Exchange Podcast

Struggling to have that tough conversation at work? You’re not alone.

In this episode of The Values Exchange, Mike Crews talks with executive coach Neil Katz about the importance of difficult conversations in leadership. Learn how avoiding hard talks can damage your team, lower productivity, and create a toxic workplace culture. Neil shares practical tips from over 25 years in HR and executive coaching, including how to prepare for tough conversations, rebuild trust, and become a more effective leader.

If you’re a business owner, team leader, or manager looking to improve your leadership skills, this episode is packed with real-world advice on how to stop avoiding—and start leading.

Have you ever wondered what happens to old airplanes? Dave Hall found a way to give them new life—and collectors around the world are hooked.

In this episode of The Values Exchange, we sit down with Dave Hall—CEO of Moto Art and the creative mind behind Plane Tags. Dave shares how his company transforms parts from retired aircraft into functional art and collectibles, preserving aviation history for future generations. With over 250 unique Plane Tags, various collaborations with major airlines and museums, and over two decades worth of aviation-inspired art, Dave’s story is a lesson in innovation, perseverance, and the value of preserving history.

What happens when you leave Earth and return with a clearer view of what really matters?

In this episode of The Values Exchange, Mike Crews welcomes Colonel Greg “Box” Johnson—retired NASA astronaut, test pilot, decorated Air Force Colonel and seasoned leader—to explore the life lessons that come from high-altitude missions, spaceflight, and years of service.

From piloting two Space Shuttle missions to navigating intense pressure and risk, Greg shares how those experiences shaped his perspective on humility, leadership, and purpose. He opens up about the awe of seeing Earth from orbit, the challenges of staying grounded in high-performance environments, and how the most meaningful moments often come from reflection—not recognition.

Whether you’re a leader, a lifelong learner, or someone seeking clarity in your own journey, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of someone who’s truly seen the bigger picture.

In this powerful episode of The Values Exchange Podcast, we explore the value of vulnerability with ultra-endurance athlete and super yacht chef, Helgi Olafson. Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at 19, Helgi refused to let a debilitating autoimmune disease define his limits. Instead, he embraced the mantra "Movement is Medicine", pushing through unimaginable challenges—including a fractured foot—to complete some of the world’s most grueling endurance races.

Join us as Helgi shares his journey from the galley to the Trans Triple Crown of 200s, a staggering 2,850-mile endurance challenge, and how vulnerability, resilience, and mental strength shaped his success. We’ll also dive into the making of his upcoming documentary, Sonoran Odyssey, his advocacy work for those battling chronic illness, and the life lessons he’s learned on and off the racecourse.

This episode is a testament to the power of taking risks, embracing challenges, and daring greatly—even when the odds seem impossible. Tune in and get inspired to push beyond your own perceived limits.

What is the real value of chasing your dreams? Dan Sima shares his remarkable story of leaving a corporate career to follow his passion for filmmaking. From his immigrant roots to producing his first feature film, Spider and Jessie, Dan offers invaluable lessons on discipline, perseverance, and the power of listening to your heart.

What You’ll Learn:

• The mindset shift needed to pivot careers
• The value of taking small, calculated risks
• How to stay resilient while pursuing your passion

Dan’s journey will inspire you to take that first step toward your aspirations and remind you of the value of chasing your dreams

In this episode of The Values Exchange, host Mike Crews welcomes Cody Meyers, certified fundraising executive and development officer at Children’s Health. They dive into the transformative $5 billion pediatric campus project in partnership with UT Southwestern, which aims to redefine children’s healthcare in Dallas for decades to come.

Cody shares her inspiring journey in nonprofit fundraising, his personal connection to Children’s Health, and the vision behind this monumental project. Learn how this initiative will enhance pediatric care, drive economic growth in North Texas, and ensure world-class healthcare is accessible to every child.

Join the conversation as they discuss how you can make an impact through time, talent, and treasure. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, fundraising, or learning more about this state-of-the-art campus, this episode has something for everyone passionate about making life better for children.

📍 Learn more and get involved:https://give.childrens.com

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay updated on upcoming episodes!

“With the 2024 election behind us, what lies ahead for the markets and the economy? In this episode of The Values Exchange Podcast, host Mike Crews, CEO of North Texas Wealth Management, sits down with Michael Arone, Chief Investment Strategist at State Street Global Advisors, to break down the economic outlook. From potential tax cuts and regulatory changes to sector winners and interest rate trends, Michael offers expert insights on what we might expect from the second Trump administration’s economic policies.

Key Topics Covered:

• Expected tax policies and their impact on profit margins

• Sectors likely to benefit, including financials, energy, and small caps

• The role of tariffs and trade policy on inflation and pricing

• Interest rate projections and the Fed’s next moves

• The importance of long-term, diversified investing

Don’t miss this deep dive into what’s next for the economy and the actionable advice for investors navigating post-election markets.

🔔 Subscribe for more insights on values-based financial planning and market trends.

#MarketOutlook #FinancialPlanning #PostElectionAnalysis #TheValuesExchange #MichaelArone #Investing #Economy”

In this episode of The Values Exchange, host Mike Crews sits down with Scott MacGregor, founder of Something New LLC and The Outlier Project, to explore the art of building meaningful and impactful connections. Scott shares his journey of relationship-building, emphasizing the importance of genuine curiosity, strategic networking, and the mindset of giving without expecting anything in return. Drawing from his extensive experience, Scott reveals practical tips for cultivating strong, authentic friendships and how being intentional about relationships can open doors to incredible opportunities. Tune in to learn why impactful relationships are always worth the work and how you can apply these principles to your personal and professional life.

PODCAST BREAKDOWN:
0:00 - 1:20 - Introduction

• Mike Crews introduces Scott MacGregor, highlighting his achievements and the focus of the conversation on building genuine, impactful relationships.
1:21 - 3:45 - Scott’s Background and Early Inspiration

• Scott shares his story of growing up curious and how that led to building connections with influential people from a young age.
3:46 - 6:30 - The Importance of Building Meaningful Connections

• Discussion on why meaningful relationships matter, particularly how influence and access can open doors to new opportunities.
6:31 - 9:10 - Networking vs. Genuine Relationship-Building

• Scott explains why he avoids the term “networking” and prefers to focus on forming authentic friendships rather than transactional relationships.
9:11 - 11:50 - The Role of Curiosity in Connecting with Others

• Insights on how genuine curiosity about people’s lives and stories helps build stronger, lasting relationships.
11:51 - 14:05 - Being Intentional: Doing Your Homework

• Scott emphasizes the importance of preparation before meeting new people, including researching and understanding their backgrounds.
14:06 - 16:45 - Mindset of Giving Without Expectation

• Scott shares his philosophy of giving to others without expecting anything in return, and how this approach fosters deeper connections.
16:46 - 19:30 - Practical Tips: The 20-People Exercise

• Scott discusses the exercise of listing 20 influential people you know and focusing on strengthening those relationships.
19:31 - 22:00 - Who’s Your Oprah Program

• Overview of Scott’s “Who’s Your Oprah” program, which teaches people how to build high-impact relationships through mindset and strategy.
22:01 - 24:20 - The Art of Thoughtful Gift Giving

• Discussion on the impact of personalized, thoughtful gifts versus expensive, impersonal ones, inspired by the principles of “Giftology.”
24:21 - 26:40 - Scott’s Books and Charitable Initiatives

• Mike and Scott talk about Scott’s book series, which shares life lessons from various contributors, with proceeds going to charity.
26:41 - 28:10 - Practical Steps to Start Building Better Connections

• Final advice on how to be intentional about forming relationships and the importance of investing time and effort in them.
28:11 - 29:00 - Conclusion and Closing Thoughts

• Mike wraps up the episode, thanking Scott for his insights and encouraging listeners to apply the lessons in their own lives.

In Episode 24 of The Values Exchange Podcast, we dive deep with Jason Day, a former Marine and current Richardson Police Department Academy Coordinator, as he shares his journey from the battlefield to the streets. Jason reveals the critical role of disciplined training in law enforcement and the importance of mental resilience in high-stress situations.

We explore how his military background shaped his approach to policing, the challenges of maintaining peak performance in a demanding career, and the misconceptions about police work that often arise in the public eye. Whether you’re interested in the military, law enforcement, or personal development, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of discipline and training.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations on values-driven leadership and community impact.

⏰ Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction to Jason Day

2:15 Transition from Marine Corps to Law Enforcement

8:30 The Importance of Disciplined Training

12:45 Managing Stress and Adrenaline in High-Stress Situations

22:00 The Reality vs. Perception of Police Work

30:40 Advice for Aspiring Police Officers

38:10 Conclusion

#LawEnforcement #PoliceAcademy #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Training #Podcast

In this episode we explore the transformative power of giving back through the inspiring story of a corporate professional who left the corporate world to make a significant impact in her community.

Join us as we delve into the pivotal moments that led to this remarkable career shift, uncovering how volunteering and community service reshaped her personal and professional life. 

Episode Highlights:
- (00:00): Introduction and welcome to the podcast
- (00:20): AJ Micheletto's background and career start
- (01:10): Transition to the West Coast and work at Starbucks
- (02:00): Involvement with a nonprofit for foster children
- (03:00): First board experience at age 23
- (03:50): Shift from corporate America to working with nonprofits
- (05:00): Current roles and organizations AJ works with
- (06:00): Love Life Foundation’s mission and impact
- (07:40): Challenges and rewards of nonprofit work
- (09:00): AJ's personal story and its influence on her career
- (11:00): Balancing single parenthood and community service
- (12:30): Importance of community support and collaboration
- (14:00): Advice for getting involved in nonprofit work
- (15:30): Personal reflections and the impact of giving back

Get Involved:
- Learn more about the Love Life Foundation: lovelifefoundation.com
- Participate in North Texas Giving Day: NorthTexasGivingDay.org

#TheValuesExchange #CommunityService #SuccessStories #GivingBack #Podcast #Inspiration #CareerTransformation #NonprofitWork #Volunteering