The Wake Up Eager Podcast

Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Wake Up Eager Workforce podcast, host Suzie Price sits down with Chris Garner, Chief Sales Officer and longtime SEC college football official, to explore the surprising parallels between sports and leadership. Drawing on decades of experience from the football field to the boardroom, Chris shares how preparation, feedback, and accountability drive success in high-stakes environments.

From the pressure of making split-second calls on the field to coaching sales teams toward peak performance, Suzie and Chris unpack what it means to lead with courage, clarity, and commitment. Through candid stories and actionable wisdom, they reveal how consistent preparation and intentional listening can turn even the toughest challenges into opportunities for growth.

If you're a leader striving for excellence or someone eager to boost performance and build stronger relationships, this episode will give you the practical mindset tools to lead with heart and results.

Read the transcript for Episode 130 below to discover how showing up prepared—and human—can transform your leadership impact.

Takeaways of Episode #130 ---

• Preparation Isn't Optional—It's Everything From college football officiating to consulting and sales leadership, excellence comes from consistent, intentional preparation. Whether it's game film, client research, or daily practice, the takeaway is clear: the more you prepare, the more confident and effective you'll be in high-pressure moments. Preparation often takes longer than expected but sets the foundation for success. "Every sales call is practice for the next one." – Chris Garner.

• Leadership Begins with Listening and Empathy Chris's officiating experience sharpened his ability to stay calm, listen deeply, and handle conflict. Those same skills translate powerfully to business. When team members feel heard and understood, stress decreases, engagement rises, and performance improves. "When people feel heard, the room changes." – Chris Garner

• Gratitude and Accountability Create a Winning CultureStrong leaders own their outcomes and regularly show appreciation. Chris's leadership philosophy combines taking responsibility with showing sincere gratitude—whether it's through feedback, journaling, or one-on-one acknowledgments. That combo builds trust, drives motivation, and uplifts entire teams. "Accountability without gratitude leads to burnout. Gratitude without accountability lacks direction. You need both." – Suzie Price

Episode Recap:

Suzie Price sits down with Chris Garner, Vice President of Sales at TTI Success Insights, for a powerful conversation on authentic leadership, consistency, and what it takes to build a high-performance culture. Chris brings over two decades of leadership wisdom, and in this episode, he shares the core philosophies that have guided his approach to leading and developing others.

Through personal stories, practical insights, and what he calls his "Whistles of Wisdom," Chris highlights the importance of trust, relationships, and emotional intelligence in leadership. He and Suzie explore how showing up with consistency, caring personally, and knowing your people can be the difference between managing and truly leading.

Listeners will walk away with actionable takeaways on communication, feedback, and why creating psychological safety within teams is a must in today's fast-paced work environments. Chris shares how sales is not about being pushy—it's about being human, being prepared, and building connection.

The episode wraps with a Wellbeing 2.0 segment featuring Douglas White, CEO of Soul-Integrated Athletics, who reflects on the role of identity and presence in leading from a place of wholeness. His message is clear: the strongest leaders are those who lead with heart and intention.

In this episode:

[00:06:15] Chris Garner: "Imagine if every business task you were working on was watched by 100,000 people with cameras from every angle. That's what officiating feels like—it demands absolute preparation and presence."

[00:13:13] Chris Garner: "The accountability is extremely high in what we do. That's why I wrote the book—to share the leadership fundamentals we have to live every week when the world is watching."

[00:19:57] Chris Garner: "Here's what I've learned from getting yelled at by a coach—they don't want me to change the call. They just want to be heard. And that's what most people want, too."

[01:01:09] Suzie Price: "When we're trying to create something bigger than where we are, we're often in a fog. A good leader is the light at the edge—saying 'keep going.'"

[01:07:02] Chris Garner: "When you become a leader, you step onto a platform where you're willing to take full accountability for the team's success—or failure."

[01:14:28] Douglas White: "Something as simple as journaling—just saying 'I appreciated this today'—can completely shift your leadership and your life."

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Wake Up Eager Workforce podcast, host Suzie Price dives into the cutting-edge neuroscience behind high-performance leadership. Joined by Carissa Collazo and Dr. Ron Bonnstetter from the Mind Science Center, they explore how brain scans, emotional regulation, and self-awareness can radically improve decision-making and stress management.

Through engaging discussion and real-world examples, Suzie, Carissa, and Dr. Ron unpack how leaders can literally see their brain in action, and retrain it to respond with clarity rather than chaos. From building mental resilience to becoming the CEO of your own brain, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help leaders at every level transform from reactive to intentional.

Whether you're leading a team or simply aiming to lead yourself better, this conversation will help you train your brain and elevate your game.

Read the transcript for Episode 129 below to discover how science-backed coaching can help you master your mindset and lead with purpose.

Takeaways of Episode #129 ---

• See Your Brain to Change Your Brain Through a powerful three-step approach—see it, train it, change it—the Mind Science Center uses TTI assessments and EEG scans to make the invisible visible. Leaders can literally see how their brain responds to stress and emotion, allowing for highly customized coaching that strengthens mental clarity and emotional control.
• Emotional Regulation Is the New Superpower This program bridges neuroscience, coaching, and real-world leadership challenges to help individuals build the neural pathways that lead to better self-regulation. The result? Clearer decision-making, calmer reactions under pressure, and enhanced productivity—skills that define high-performing leaders today.
• Self-Awareness Fuels Sustainable SuccessWhether you're a CEO or an emerging leader, growth starts with understanding your emotional responses and biases. With measurable before-and-after brain scans, this approach provides tangible proof of progress, reinforcing that lasting change comes from the inside out—through self-reflection, personal responsibility, and deliberate mindset shifts.

Episode Recap:

Suzie Price explores the neuroscience of leadership with Carissa Collazo and Dr. Ron Bonnstetter from the Mind Science Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. Together, they reveal how brain imaging, emotional intelligence, and customized coaching are revolutionizing how leaders manage stress, make decisions, and show up with greater clarity.

Through their groundbreaking program, leaders literally see their brain activity using EEG scans, uncovering how stress and emotional triggers impact their performance. Carissa walks listeners through the Mind Science Center's three-step process—See Your Brain, Train Your Brain, Change Your Life—while Dr. Ron adds depth with stories from his decades of research and global neuroscience work.

Suzie, Carissa, and Dr. Ron dive into the science behind emotional regulation, the power of self-awareness, and how mindset coaching builds stronger neural pathways for better focus and resilience. They discuss how data-driven insights and reflection can transform how we lead ourselves and others.

The episode wraps up with a compelling Wellbeing 2.0 segment from Douglas White, CEO of Soul-Integrated Athletics, who reminds us that emotional mastery isn't about suppression—it's about awareness. His message echoes the episode's central theme: When you train your brain, you transform your game.

In this episode:

[00:13:56] Suzie Price: "Training your brain to take a different path requires repetition. You need specific focus and consistency—that's what helps rewire lifelong patterns."

[00:20:51] Dr. Ron Bonnstetter: "EEG scans let us see how the brain is operating in real time. Every frequency tells a story about how you're processing information."

[00:27:10] Dr. Ron Bonnstetter: "Our emotions control us up to 95% of the time. Most of our decisions are made emotionally—then rationalized later."

[00:29:40] Carissa Collazo: "Clients start leaning into these practices naturally. They realize they're navigating life differently—and that's when the transformation begins."

[00:48:57] Carissa Collazo: "We track our steps and sleep—now imagine doing the same for your brain. The future of intentional living is measurable."

[01:14:17] Douglas White: "There's wisdom in the body. That gut feeling? That's your intuition speaking. And learning to trust it is part of your leadership growth."

Episode Preview In this episode of the Wake Up Eager Workforce podcast, host Suzie Price explores how emotional intelligence, values, and self-awareness shape effective leadership. Joined by Advanced Master Axiologist Ron Oltmanns, they dive into the practical applications of Robert Hartman's Axiology—a science-based approach to decision-making and personal development.

Through thoughtful insights and real-world metaphors (including lessons from aviation), this conversation helps leaders understand how to stay fully engaged, prioritize what matters, and avoid becoming a "passenger in their own cockpit."

Whether you're an executive, team leader, or aspiring coach, this episode offers powerful strategies to lead with greater clarity, courage, and intention.

Tune in for key takeaways, including how to align leadership with purpose, tap into emotional insight, and create lasting impact—starting from within.

Takeaways of Episode #128 ---

• Deepen Self-Awareness and Leadership Presence Understanding emotions, values, and priorities allows leaders to tune into what matters, stay grounded, and engage fully.
• Use Axiology to Make Better Decisions Formal Axiology provides a science-based framework for ethical decision-making, measuring how leaders think about people, tasks, and systems.
• Lead with Intention, Not AutopilotBeing present and open to feedback allows leaders to stay in control, adapt, and grow with purpose—both personally and professionally.

Episode Recap:

Suzie Price dives into the world of Axiology, guided by her guest Ron Oltmanns, co-founder of Leadskill and a longtime leadership coach and formal axiology practitioner. They discuss how Robert Hartman's work helps leaders measure what truly matters and align with their deeper values.

Ron shares stories from his global coaching experience and draws parallels between flight safety and executive leadership, urging leaders to "not be a passenger in your own cockpit." His insights emphasize the importance of showing up with full presence and being willing to be challenged.

Suzie and Ron explore topics like emotional intelligence, self-reflection, and the leadership value of prioritizing well-being. They also discuss how tools like the TriMetrix system and Workplace Motivators Assessment can bring clarity to how people think and behave in organizations.

Suzie introduces the mindfulness concepts of Segment Intending and Pre-Paving, which align beautifully with the theme of emotional awareness and intentional living.

The episode concludes with Douglas White's Wellbeing 2.0 segment, where Douglas, CEO of Soul-Integrated Athletics, reminds us that our emotions are guiding signals, not distractions. His message reinforces the episode's theme: How we feel matters—and it can elevate our performance when we pay attention. In this episode:

[00:15:38] Suzie Price: "The Structure of Value is a book about how Hartman created axiology. It gives us the framework to measure where we're balanced—or imbalanced—in both our personal and work life."

[00:23:16] Ron Oltmanns: "I told a client to visit a cemetery and think about how they wanted to be remembered. That moment stuck with them. We coach others through the same questions we often need to ask ourselves."

[00:35:32] Ron Oltmanns: "My goal is to help the real leaders—those with influence, not just titles—rise up in organizations and shape the culture and direction for the better."

[00:43:33] Ron Oltmanns: "Emotion is a hugely powerful energy force. It's information. Leaders can't afford to fly blind—emotion is part of judgment and decision-making."

[01:14:17] Douglas White: "There's wisdom in the body. When you feel something in your gut, it's worth interrogating. That's part of your intuition guiding you."

Episode Preview

In this episode of the Wake Up Eager Workforce podcast, host Suzie Price explores the connection between relaxation and productivity, inspired by David Allen's Getting Things Done methodology. Discover how a calm, focused mindset leads to greater efficiency, engagement, and overall success in the workplace.

Through expert insights and practical tools, learn how to reduce stress, improve decision-making, and create a high-performance work environment. Whether you're a leader, hiring manager, or employee, this episode provides actionable strategies to stay organized, energized, and productive without burnout.

Tune in for key takeaways, including the Wake Up Eager Productivity Framework, and start transforming the way you work today!

Takeaways of Episode #127 ---

• Reduce Stress and Increase Focus Matching employees to roles based on their natural motivators increases engagement, productivity, and retention. The Workplace Motivators Assessment helps leaders ensure the right fit.
• Use the Five Steps of GTD for Maximum Efficiency Master Capture, Clarify, Organize, Reflect, and Engage to streamline tasks and improve time management.
• Apply GTD Principles to Teamwork and LeadershipAligning tasks with priorities fosters high performance and workplace satisfaction.

Episode Recap:

Suzie Price breaks down David Allen's productivity system and how it aligns with the Wake Up Eager philosophy. She shares personal stories of implementing GTD and how it transformed her ability to stay focused, handle responsibilities, and reduce stress. Guest expert John Oman discusses GTD tools like the Nirvana app, which helps professionals capture and track tasks seamlessly. Grzegorz Godlewski introduces Simplido, a new GTD-inspired productivity tool designed for high performers. Suzie also explores Segment Intending and Pre-Paving, mindfulness techniques that align perfectly with GTD, helping individuals set intentions before each task for greater clarity and control. The episode concludes with Douglas White's Wellbeing 2.0 segment, reinforcing how emotional intelligence and self-awareness contribute to a more productive and fulfilling work life.

In this episode:

[00:08:25] John Oman: "GTD is about peace of mind. When everything is in a trusted system, you free up mental energy for what truly matters."

[00:16:42] Grzegorz Godlewski: "Getting Things Done isn't just a method—it's a lifestyle. A structured system helps people stay organized and thrive."

[00:31:16] Suzie Price: "The Two-Minute Rule is a game changer. If something takes less than two minutes, just do it immediately."

[00:37:21] Grzegorz Godlewski: "Simplido was built with GTD in mind. It helps high performers manage tasks effectively."

[00:47:03] John Oman: "The Nirvana app is a game changer for task management. It keeps everything in one place and reduces mental overload."

[00:57:19] Suzie Price: "With GTD, you can work efficiently, reduce stress, and wake up eager every day."

[01:00:25] Grzegorz Godlewski: "Mastering productivity is about aligning your actions with your priorities."

[01:15:24] Suzie Price: "Pre-Paving and Segment Intending are great ways to set the tone for your day."

[01:18:49] Douglas White: "The most successful people aren't the busiest. They're the ones who master focus and balance."

[01:23:04] Suzie Price: "Your ability to generate power is directly proportional to your ability to relax."

Episode PreviewLooking to improve employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture? In this episode of the Wake Up Eager Workforce podcast, host Suzie Price dives into Workplace Motivators, revealing how leaders can use them for better hiring, coaching, and team development. Discover how aligning employees' core motivators with their roles leads to higher job satisfaction, productivity, and retention.

Featuring expert insights from Sherry Hribar and Marc Simms, this episode offers actionable strategies to build a more engaged and motivated workforce. Subscribe now to stay ahead in leadership and talent development!

Takeaways of Episode #126

• Align Roles with Strengths to Boost Performance and Retention Matching employees to roles based on their natural motivators increases engagement, productivity, and retention. The Workplace Motivators Assessment helps leaders ensure the right fit.
• Build Stronger Relationships With Employees, Clients, and Colleagues Understanding what drives others fosters trust, teamwork, and loyalty. Leaders who recognize and communicate based on motivators create deeper, more effective connections.
• Create a Wake Up Eager Workforce by Valuing What Drives Others Employees thrive when their motivators are recognized and supported. Aligning work with their passions boosts morale, reduces turnover, and strengthens company culture.

Episode RecapSuzie Price delves into how workplace motivators play a crucial role in hiring and employee retention. She explains that when individuals' motivators align with their roles, they are more engaged, productive, and likely to stay with the company. The episode introduces key workplace motivators—Theoretical, Utilitarian, Aesthetic, Social Altruistic, Individualistic, and Traditional—and how they influence work preferences and job satisfaction.

Guest expert Sherry Hribar emphasizes the importance of identifying candidates' top motivators during the hiring process. She highlights common hiring mistakes, such as overlooking motivational alignment in sales roles, where strong Utilitarian and Individualistic motivators are often key to success. Marc Simms further discusses how leaders can use motivators to retain employees, reduce turnover, and create a self-motivated workforce.

Suzie also introduces practical tools like the Workplace Motivators Hiring Memory Jogger and the Talent Tracker, helping leaders align employees with roles that match their strengths. The episode concludes with Douglas White's Wellbeing 2.0 segment on emotional well-being, reinforcing how self-awareness and motivators contribute to a fulfilling career.

In this episode:

[00:00:00] Suzie Price: "Putting people in the right roles—where they can use their strengths—boosts engagement, effectiveness, and retention. It's about increasing the probability of success."

[00:10:31] Sherry Hribar: "If you want an engaged and productive employee, pay attention to what they expect from their job. Matching their motivation to the role is key to long-term success."

[00:15:15] Suzie Price: "Nobody works harder or happier than someone who loves what they do. When people enjoy their work, they bring energy, enthusiasm, and commitment every day."

[00:38:22] Marc Simms: "People are self-motivated. They do things for their reasons, not ours. Put them in a role where they are naturally driven, and they'll go the extra mile without being asked."

[00:42:39] Marc Simms: "Workplace motivators matter. When employees align with their roles, they perform better, stay longer, and drive more profit for the company."

[00:55:57] Douglas White: "All emotions are information. They guide us toward what we want and away from what we don't. Paying attention to them is key to career fulfillment."

[01:00:27] Suzie Price: "Understanding motivators is like unlocking a blueprint for success—when people do what energizes them, they perform at their best and feel more fulfilled."

[01:01:56] Suzie Price: "Every workplace can create a Wake Up Eager Workforce. The key is recognizing what drives people and aligning work with their strengths."

Episode Overview In this episode of the Wake Up Eager Workforce podcast, host Suzie Price explores the power of the Workplace Motivators Assessment, a tool designed to help individuals understand their core interests and values to create fulfilling careers and lives. Suzie, along with industry experts, breaks down six workplace motivators and their impact on personal and professional fulfillment. The episode also features real-life insights from leaders and professionals who have leveraged these motivators for career alignment, employee engagement, and workplace synergy. Whether you're a leader, employee, or job seeker, this episode offers valuable strategies for thriving at work.

Takeaways of Episode #125 ---

• Discover six culture- and gender-neutral factors measured in the Workplace Motivators/Personal Interests Assessment—and why they are essential to both your personal and professional happiness.
• Learn how to interpret your unique scores from the WM assessment to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of yourself. By doing so, you'll reduce self-judgment, increase confidence in your choices, and foster stronger, more harmonious interactions with others—even when their priorities and passions differ from yours.
• Benefit from insights shared by me and experienced consulting colleagues, who collectively have over 90 years of expertise using this tool to help individuals across diverse industries worldwide. Additionally, hear from corporate executives as they reveal their own assessment results and share how this framework has impacted their professional journeys.

Episode Recap: Suzie Price introduces the concept of workplace motivators, a framework based on six key drivers that influence job satisfaction and engagement. These motivators—Theoretical (love for learning), Utilitarian (focus on results), Aesthetic (appreciation for beauty and balance), Social Altruistic (passion for service), Individualistic (desire for influence), and Traditional (preference for structure and rules)—help individuals align their work with their intrinsic values.

The episode features insights from experts like Krista Sheets and real-world professionals, including Rebecca Waits and Amy Lugar, who discuss how understanding their motivators has improved their career decisions and leadership effectiveness. Krista highlights how misalignment with one's motivators can lead to disengagement, while Rebecca and Amy share how they use motivators to create strong, purpose-driven workplaces.

Suzie emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in professional development and encourages listeners to reflect on their motivators. She offers practical tips on leveraging motivators for career growth, improving workplace relationships, and hiring strategies. The episode concludes with a segment on emotional well-being by Douglas White, reinforcing the importance of aligning work with personal excellence.

In this episode:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Workplace Motivators Suzie Price introduces the Workplace Motivators framework and how it helps individuals understand what drives their passion at work. She emphasizes how the assessment provides lifelong insights for self-improvement, career alignment, and hiring decisions.

[00:14:19] Rebecca Waits on Understanding Motivators in Leadership Rebecca, a Chief People Officer, shares how learning about her strongest motivator (Social Altruistic) helped her understand why she naturally takes on a nurturing leadership style. She explains how this insight improved her work with remote teams and leadership interactions.

[00:37:34] Krista Sheets on Career Alignment and MisalignmentKrista discusses how misalignment with motivators can cause dissatisfaction and even physical symptoms of stress. She shares real-world examples of professionals who shifted careers after realizing their motivators were unfulfilled in their previous roles.

[00:48:36] Amy Lugar on Finding the Right Organizational FitAmy shares how her workplace aligns with her top motivators, Utilitarian (ROI-focused) and Individualistic (leadership-driven). She describes how this alignment keeps her engaged and fulfilled, reinforcing the importance of value-based career decisions.

[00:56:49] Douglas White on Emotions as Career GuidanceDouglas introduces the concept of using emotions as a guidance system for career and life decisions. He explains how being aware of emotional responses to work tasks can help individuals make better professional choices and improve overall well-being.

[01:02:21] Suzie on Applying Motivators to Hiring and LeadershipSuzie previews Part Two, where she will explore how leaders can use motivators in hiring and team development. She emphasizes how recognizing motivators in employees can reduce workplace conflict, increase productivity, and create high-commitment, low-drama work environments.

Episode Intro: Join Suzie Price in this engaging episode of the Wake Up Eager Workforce Podcast, where she shares her simple and effective three-step process for planning a wake-up-eager year. Gain momentum for 2025 by reflecting on successes, focusing on what truly matters, and leveraging the insights of six inspiring past guests. From self-diagnosis to celebrating progress, this episode is packed with actionable tips, wisdom, and motivational stories that will leave you feeling energized and ready to tackle your goals.

Episode Overview:

• Reflection Fuels Direction: Use the three step 'My Wake Up Eager Life Review Process' to celebrate your wins in 2024 and uncover what you want to focus on in 2025. This process will help you privately evaluate what worked, what didn't, and why set yourself up for a more decisive year ahead.
• Inspiration Through Shared Wisdom: Gain energy, motivation, and actionable insights from six past podcast guests and Suzie, when they share their top Mind, Body, and Spirit focus areas for 2025.
• Insights from the TriMetrix Assessment: Learn tips and insights about how the assessment reveals insights for your 2025 Wake Up Eager Plan.

Episode Preview In this episode of the Wake Up Eager Workforce podcast, host Suzie Price is joined by Douglas White, former MLB pitching coach and founder of Soul Integrated Athletics, to explore the powerful connection between emotional well-being and performance. Douglas shares how understanding and improving our emotional relationships with ourselves and our work can be a game-changer in achieving success. Drawing on his experiences in high-pressure professional sports and his coaching career, Douglas offers practical tools and inspiring insights into self-awareness, emotional maturity, and personal growth. He emphasizes that our emotions are feedback mechanisms, guiding us to adjust our mindset and actions for better outcomes. With compelling stories of athletes and professionals who transformed their lives through emotional shifts, this episode provides listeners with actionable steps to build resilience, enhance self-compassion, and unlock their full potential. A must-listen for anyone aiming to thrive in work and life.

Episode Overview 00:00 - Introduction to Emotional Well-Being Suzie introduces Douglas White, a former MLB pitching coach and emotional awareness consultant, and outlines the focus of the episode: understanding how emotions drive performance and personal growth.

05:01 - Self-Compassion and Personal Growth Suzie and Douglas discusses the link between self-compassion and personal growth, emphasizing that "you can't give others what you don't already have." He highlights the importance of self-awareness in fostering resilience and success.

10:08 - Shifting Perspectives on Challenges Douglas explains how success often hinges on changing the way we perceive challenges. "If you're not seeing it the way you want to, you won't get the results you desire."

21:44 - Building Better Relationships with Tasks Douglas introduces the concept of "relationships with tasks," highlighting how our feelings about specific actions influence outcomes. Suzie elaborates on how emotional awareness can transform professional and personal performance.

28:27 - Staying Curious Through Discovery Mode Douglas encourages listeners to remain in a constant state of curiosity and self-discovery. "Staying curious keeps your evolution going and life exciting."

36:57 - Ownership and Emotional Awareness Douglas emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of your emotional state. "You must know where you are to grow into where you want to be."

44:24 - Seven Days of Observation Practice Douglas shares a practical tool for self-awareness: spend seven days observing your emotions and reactions in various situations, noting patterns without judgment.

57:34 - Advice to His Younger Self Douglas reflects on what he would tell his 25-year-old self: "You're not doing anything wrong. Be kind to yourself and trust the process."

Episode 122 of Wake Up Eager Workforce, "Mental Health Mastery for Wake Up Eager Leaders," features a powerful conversation with Dr. Nicholas Samstag on building psychological fluency to improve workplace dynamics. Suzie Price and Dr. Samstag discuss how leaders can develop emotional awareness and use it to handle workplace challenges effectively. They explore how our responses to colleagues often replicate early family dynamics, leading to "proxy conversations" that can obscure underlying issues. Dr. Samstag emphasizes the importance of recognizing these patterns and understanding that emotions, even anger, are valid and informative.

The discussion also delves into handling narcissistic behavior in professional settings, describing how a distorted self-relationship can complicate interactions. Lastly, they cover the impact of trauma, encouraging leaders to support emotional well-being in their teams. With insights on how feelings shape our interactions, this episode is packed with practical advice for leaders and anyone interested in fostering a psychologically healthy workplace. Tune in to learn how mastering these concepts can lead to more authentic connections and a stronger, more resilient work environment.

In this episode:

04:22 - Integrating Mental Health Support in Organizations Suzie Price and Nicholas Samstag delve into the topic of integrating mental health support in organizations, exploring Nicholas's diverse background and expertise in the field. They emphasize the significance of virtual work and practical therapy application in high-stress environments, highlighting the relevance of Nicholas's approach for corporations seeking a practical approach to therapy.

10:24 - Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace Samstag highlights the need to differentiate between severe mental illness and the broader spectrum of mental health experiences in the workplace. He emphasizes the impact of early family dynamics on behavior within institutional settings and suggests that institutions replicate family dynamics. Samstag also proposes creating a psychologically informed environment in the workplace and advocates for leaders to have psychological fluency.

20:48 - Understanding Proxy Conversations Samstag introduces the concept of proxy arguments and conversations, highlighting their prevalence in various relationships. He emphasizes the importance of understanding that these conversations are often triggered by deeper emotional issues and suggests that recognizing and engaging with them can lead to mutual benefit. Suzie also shares her perspective on the concept, expressing agreement with the idea of proxy statements and the detour method for addressing overreactions.

25:49 - Importance of Psychotherapy Samstag and Price share personal experiences and insights on the significance of psychotherapy, emphasizing its role in self-discovery and personal growth. They stress the importance of finding a trustworthy therapist and being open to discussing uncomfortable topics for deeper work.

32:15 - Discussion on Narcissism Price and Samstag engage in a detailed conversation about narcissism, delving into its historical roots and its manifestation in modern society. They highlight the importance of self-reflection and the impact of narcissism on relationships, business, and health, emphasizing the complexities of the diagnostic label and its implications.

38:16 - Dealing with Narcissism in the Workplace and Family Price and Samstag delve into the complexities of handling narcissistic individuals in professional and personal settings. They explore the challenges of questioning narcissists, the limited effectiveness of psychotherapy, and the potential scenarios in families where narcissistic individuals either dominate or face consequences for their behavior.

46:36 - Discussion on Trauma and Psychological Fluency Price and Samstag on the topic of trauma and its subjective nature, highlighting the significance of recognizing and addressing trauma in the workplace. They also discuss psychological fluency and the role of attributing feelings in making meaning, emphasizing the need for understanding individual experiences and emotions.

55:57 - Workplace Well-being and Leadership Price and Samstag delve into the significance of psychological well-being in the workplace, highlighting the role of leaders in fostering a supportive environment. They discuss the impact of leadership on employees' psychological awareness and the need for leaders to prioritize the holistic care of their teams.

Episode Description: In this episode of the Wake Up Eager Workforce podcast, Suzie Price sits down with Neil Smith, former general manager of the New York Rangers, and Allan Hamernick, founder of CoreFive Analytics, to discuss how TriMetrix and Axiology assessments are being used in NHL scouting and player development. Whether you're in sports or business, this episode offers fascinating insights into selecting top talent and reducing risk in decision-making.

Overview of Episode #121 ---

• Embracing New Approaches in Talent Scouting: The Application of Assessments in NHL Player Selection
• Analyzing Risk Attributes and Decision Making with the Axiology and Acumen Assessment to Make Better Decisions
• Reviewing Real-Life Case Studies and the Impact on the Sport, the Team, and Each Individual

In this episode:

[00:04:51 Suzie Price]: "Al uses this inventory of tools to help leaders understand who they're hiring, who they're scouting, and which draft picks to make by analyzing information you can't get just by watching them play."

[00:06:17 Allan Hamernick]: "The core five tools we use are DISC, Motivators, Competencies, Axiology, and EQ. They give us a comprehensive picture of a person, from how they communicate to how they manage themselves emotionally."

[00:18:40 Neil Smith]: "It's an unbelievably valuable tool for scouting in athletics. It adds a layer of insight that you just can't get from watching players or hearing their stories."

[00:21:51 Neil Smith]: "In the 1989 draft, we took five players, two of whom became Hockey Hall of Famers, and it set Detroit up for ten to twelve years as a team."

[00:25:29 Neil Smith]: "The more information I can get about a person, the better chance I have of making the right decision. That goes for employment in business as well as athletics."

[00:29:45 Allan Hamernick]: "One team asked us, can you tell us what this player will be like if we give him $3 million two years from now? What's he going to be like? And we were able to build an index for that."

[00:32:03 Allan Hamernick]: "We approach draft selection as risk management. You can't eliminate risk, but we help teams know what a player will need to work on and where they could potentially struggle."

[00:54:33 Suzie Price]: "We use these tools to reduce the risk in hiring and team decisions, but there's always a risk because humans are complex beings."

[01:02:35 Neil Smith]: "Leadership on a team, in a company, or anywhere is critical. If you have an idiot for a leader, your company is going to fail."

[01:03:31 Suzie Price]: "The fish rots from the head down. That's why the work you guys are doing is so important. It gives you such a competitive advantage."