Think. Live. Repeat.

It's another episode with amazing co-host Ken Rusk and we're exploring the concept of company culture, discussing its importance, signs of toxicity, and how to create a place where people actually want to show up. Enjoy!

Takeaways

• Culture is often misunderstood and dismissed by many employees.
• A toxic culture is characterized by infighting and blame.
• Understanding individual whys is crucial for building a strong culture.
• Timed pathways help align personal and organizational goals.
• Leaders must actively engage with employees to understand their needs.
• A positive culture fosters employee retention and productivity.
• Culture should be simple and straightforward, not theoretical.
• Listening to employees is key to preventing cultural decay.
• Creating a culture of support leads to better business outcomes.
• Leadership plays a vital role in shaping and maintaining culture.

Chapters

00:00
Defining Organizational Culture

03:02
The Importance of Culture in the Workplace

05:51
Signs of a Toxic Culture

08:55
Understanding Individual and Organizational Whys

11:47
Creating Timed Pathways for Success

14:46
Bridging Individual and Company Goals

17:58
Practical Steps to Improve Culture

20:47
The Role of Leadership in Culture

23:45
Conclusion and Call to Action

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)

keywords: organizational culture, workplace culture, toxic culture, employee engagement, leadership, company goals, individual goals, culture improvement, team dynamics, business success

New Season (Again), New Format (Again), New Co-Host (This Is a First). As faithful listeners know, I'm not afraid to try out new topics and formats. Heck, in some ways the first 100 episodes were one big experiment for Think.Live.Repeat.. Well, today I pull back the curtain on something that's been in the works for over a year. Maybe you'll love it, maybe you won't. Check it out and let Ken Rusk & I know! 

Takeaways

• The idea of 'Two Crappy Chairs' is to challenge the elite speaking circuit.
• The goal is to provide practical, actionable advice for listeners.
• Creating a positive workplace culture is essential for business success.
• Employees should feel empowered to voice their ideas and concerns.
• A toxic work environment often reflects a culture of zero-sum thinking.
• Understanding what employees want is key to improving culture.
• Agency in the workplace allows employees to take ownership of their roles.
• Culture should be defined and assessed regularly within organizations.
• A win for one should not come at the expense of another.
• The conversation encourages a cultural revolution in workplaces.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to the experiment

06:01
Relentlessly Practical: A Toolbox for Change

11:59
Empowering Employees: The Key to Success

18:13
Culture as a Reflection of Values

23:48
Conclusion and Call to Action

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)

keywords: experiment, Two Crappy Chairs, workplace culture, employee empowerment, practical advice, business success, toxic environments, agency, culture definition

Did you know your super power might actually be the reason you're still stuck in your destructive habits? Listen in as I unpack the superpower that we all have and how it can be used for tremendous good (i.e. growth) or damage (i.e. staying stuck). 

Takeaways

• We are all fantastic storytellers, often believing our own narratives.
• Behavior modification fails because it doesn't address core beliefs.
• Our identities shape our mindsets and actions.
• Core beliefs stem from our upbringing and experiences.
• We often play the victim in our own stories.
• Recognizing false narratives is crucial for personal growth.
• We have the power to rewrite our life stories.
• Constructive relationships can help us see the truth.
• Silence and reflection are important for self-awareness.
• Transforming our narratives can lead to meaningful change.

Chapters

00:00
The Power of Storytelling in Our Lives

02:00
Understanding Identity and Core Beliefs

05:30
The Fictional Narratives We Create

09:23
Transforming Your Narrative for Change

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)

keywords: storytelling, identity, core beliefs, behavior modification, personal growth, narrative, mindset, transformation, self-awareness, intentional living

Ever deal with a "my way or the highway" person? Maybe you work with someone like this, or worse, you're related to one. Regardless of your connection, it can be incredibly difficult to deal with someone who's certain about everything. I unpack some things on my mind around the idea of certainty, both how my upbringing has impacted it and how to get your head out from under crushing boulder of certainty. Hope you enjoy!

Chapters

00:00
Introduction: The Concept of Certainty

03:04
The Influence of Certainty on Faith & Business

06:37
The Dangers of Unquestionable Certainty

14:46
Certainty and its negative Impact

17:45
Conclusion: Embracing Alternative Perspectives

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)

keywords: certainty, black and white, alternative perspectives, core beliefs, open mind, growth, self-isolation

2 years and 104 episodes are in the book! I get real for a little while and reflect on the past episodes and give some hints for what's coming next. Enjoy!

Chapters

00:00
Reflecting on Two Years of the Think, Live, Repeat Podcast

02:41
Pausing Guest Episodes and Exploring Solo Episodes

04:34
Introducing a New Show Aligned with the Host's Business

06:27
Valuing Connections Made Through the Podcast

08:19
Embracing an Uncertain Future and Trusting the Process

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)

keywords podcast, journey, reflection, pause, solo episodes, new show, connections, gratitude, uncertain future

Warning: this episode will keep you riveted! Terrence Ogden shares his journey from a life of addiction and hardcore drug abuse to becoming a source of inspiration for others. He discusses his past struggles with drugs and his journey to recovery. He goes into emphasizes the importance of faith & camaraderie and having a support system in overcoming addiction. He also highlights the role of pushing oneself outside of their comfort zone and doing hard things as a means of personal growth and transformation. We dig into the formation of Project Grit, an organization that aims to help individuals overcome obstacles and build camaraderie through challenging events. He emphasizes the need compassion in a divided world and shares his vision for expanding Project Grit's impact.

Check out what Terrence is doing here: https://officialprojectgrit.com/who-we-are

Takeaways

• Having a support system and camaraderie is crucial in overcoming addiction and making positive changes in life.
• Pushing oneself outside of their comfort zone and doing hard things can lead to personal growth and transformation.
• Developing a game plan and having set actions to take when faced with challenges or temptations is essential in maintaining sobriety.
• Asking for help and talking to others about inner struggles is important in the recovery process.
• Believing in something bigger than oneself and having faith can provide strength and motivation in the journey to recovery. Embracing discomfort can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.
• Doing hard things together can build camaraderie and unity.
• Project Grit aims to help individuals overcome obstacles and grow through challenging events.
• Unity and compassion are needed in a divided world.

keywords: addiction, recovery, camaraderie, support system, pushing boundaries, personal growth, discomfort, comfort zone, personal growth, Project Grit, obstacles, camaraderie, unity

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)

[NOTE: This was an especially transformational episode...Ryan is out there tackling one of today's biggest hot button issues and making a real difference. You're going to be inspired & challenged - I promise!]

Ever watch police body cam footage and wonder how you’d react? Here’s one thing for sure, it’s harder than it looks! The myriad of possibilities and outcomes officers  have to analyze in a matter of second is truly frightening. Oh, and they do it day after day. Crazy! We’re going to dig into that very topic with today’s guest,  Ryan Tillman and our conversation was truly transformational! Ryan is a police officer, author, speaker, podcast host creator, producer and so much more.

This episode will blow your mind, make sure you listen right to the end and prepare to be challenged to think outside your comfort zone and belief systems!

Order his book Happy Eyes today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9S3G64B?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

Check out his site and learn about his mission here: https://www.breakingbarriersunited.com/

Follow & interact with Ryan  on Instagram & YouTube:

• https://www.instagram.com/breaking_barriers_united/?igshid=MWNudjhxZXkwMnBtMw%3D%3D
• https://www.youtube.com/c/breakingbarriersunited

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

It's time to make the workplace suck less! Stephanie Kunkel is an entrepreneur, author, and speaker about mental health and wellness in the workplace. She shares her personal experience with depression and how it led her to the work she's doing today with the Perspective Shifters Hub. We discuss the lack of understanding and support for mental health in organizations and the importance of perspective and empathy. Stephanie also talks about her book, 'Perspectives Through Broken Glass,' which offers mantras and insights for navigating depression. We explore the idea of distance rather than conquering mental health challenges and the significance of small wins. We also highlight the disconnect between the C-suite and employees, with a focus on the importance of valuing and investing in employees.

You can order a copy of Stephanie's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Perspectives-Through-Broken-Stephanie-Kunkel/dp/1956353089

Check out the Perspective Shifters Hub here: https://www.perspectiveshifters.com/

Takeaways

• There is a lack of understanding and support for mental health in the corporate space.
• Perspective and empathy are crucial in addressing mental health challenges.
• Small wins and distance are more important than trying to conquer mental health issues.
• Crying and experiencing emotions are not bad; they are a natural part of being human. Create a safe space for employees to express their emotions.
• Understand the impact of actions on the team.
• Value and invest in employees.
• Listen to employees and conduct a gap analysis to identify areas for improvement.

keywords: mental health, depression, corporate space, perspective, empathy, support, understanding, book, mantras, small wins, emotions, mental health, workplace, leadership, employee engagement, turnover, gap analysis

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)

Tom Anderson, NYT Bestelling Author & founder and CEO of Anisova, shares his journey from wealth management to entrepreneurship and the creation of his financial technology companies. He discusses the value of debt and challenges the conventional wisdom that all forms of debt are bad. Tom emphasizes the importance of having a debt philosophy and optimizing debt to achieve financial goals. He also talks about teaching his children about money and the importance of empowering employees and creating a magnetic culture within organizations.

Takeaways

• Having a debt philosophy and optimizing debt can help achieve financial goals.
• Teaching children about money should include the value of debt and the importance of saving and building assets.
• Empowering employees and creating a magnetic culture involves giving them autonomy and trusting them to do their jobs.
• Balancing work and personal life requires setting boundaries and prioritizing time for family and self-care.
• The goal is to reduce financial stress and help people manage their money more effectively.

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)

Keywords

Tom Anderson, Anisova, wealth management, entrepreneurship, financial technology, debt, debt philosophy, financial goals, teaching children about money, empowering employees, magnetic culture

For the 100th episode of the show, I knew I had to find someone who would bring the energy & momentum of all conversations we've had on the show so far. The choice was clear, the incredible Ramon Ray joins us today and you will walk away inspired. If you feel burned out and like you're losing steam, let this powerful thought spur you back into action: "Who loses if you don't win?" It's not about succeeding for our own ego, it's about all the people counting on us to win!

To learn more about Ramon, check out his site: https://zoneofgenius.com/

Takeaways

• The value and impact of small business ownership and entrepreneurship.
• Insights on the impact of AI on small businesses and the importance of leveraging AI for growth.
• The significance of personal branding and public speaking in building a successful business.
• The power of seizing opportunities and taking bold actions to achieve goals.

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)