Thoughts That Rock

In this episode, we talk with DAVID MEERMAN SCOTT, who is an internationally-acclaimed business strategist, entrepreneur, advisor to emerging companies, and public speaker. He is the bestselling author of 10 books, and his new book Fanocracy releases January 7th, 2020.

THOUGHT #1

Celebrate being fired

THOUGHT #2

I love to win; but I love to lose almost as much. I love the thrill of victory, and I also love the challenge of defeat - Lou Gehrig

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DAVID MEERMAN SCOTT'S BIO:

David Meerman Scott is an internationally acclaimed business strategist, entrepreneur, advisor to emerging companies, and public speaker.

He is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of ten previous books, including The New Rules of Marketing & PR (now in a 6th edition and available in 29 languages), Marketing Lessons from the Grateful Dead, and The New Rules of Sales & Service.

David’s new book, Fanocracy: Turning Fans into Customers and Customers into Fans, will release January 7, 2020. He wrote Fanocracy with his 26 year old daughter Reiko. The book is about fandom culture and how any business can grow by cultivating fans.  

In his spare time he surfs and travels around the world for great live music, having attended 790 live music events, starting when he was 15 (Aerosmith at Madison Square Garden).

Yes, he keeps a spreadsheet. 

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In this episode, we talk with “Marketing genius” and “Political guru", PHILLIP STUTTS, who is the Founder and CEO of Win Big Media.

THOUGHT #1

The quality of your life is in direct proportion to the amount of uncertainty you can comfortably tolerate

THOUGHT #2

You don’t have to see the whole staircase; just take the first step –  Martin Luther King Jr

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PHILLIP STUTT'S BIO:

Phillip Stutts comes from the cutthroat world of political marketing. Among his victories, has over two decades of experience working on campaigns with billions of dollars in political ad spend, and contributed to over 1,200 election victories, including hundreds of U.S. House campaigns, dozens of U.S. Senate campaigns, and even three U.S. Presidential victories. Phillip plays the game of political marketing on the highest level, battling it out with fierce competition, multi-billion-dollar budgets, and a win or die mentality.

Phillip's Story

Phillip Stutts is fighting a rare, incurable disease. Diagnosed in 2012 with the esophageal disease, Achalasia, he spent five years ignoring it. Frankly, he put his head in the sand, taking medications that did more harm than good, and waiting for the inevitable. Then he woke up and said no more. His mission today is to find a cure and pursue a life of constant growth and giving. And he’s making progress.

Phillip is also the best-selling author of Fire Them Now: The 7 Lies Digital Marketers Sell…, and one of the masterminds behind the curtain of political marketing. With more than 20 years of political and marketing experience, Stutts has worked with multiple Fortune 200 companies, has over two decades of experience working on campaigns with billions of dollars in political ad spend, and contributed to 1,273 election victories, including hundreds of U.S. House campaigns, dozens of U.S. Senate campaigns, and even three U.S. Presidential victories.

He is the founder and executive chairman of Go BIG Media (a political media firm) and the founder and CEO of Win BIG Media (a corporate marketing agency). Together, these companies have won more than 41 national awards for marketing and creative content.

In addition to being represented by Gary Vaynerchuk’s VaynerSpeakers and a keynote speaker for one of the country’s largest privately held speakers bureaus, Keppler Speakers, Phillip has made more than 260 national media appearances including CBS, ESPN, FOX NEWS, FOX BUSINESS, MSNBC, and CNN. He has also appeared on some of the world’s most popular podcasts including Gary Vaynerchuk’s The DailyVee, The James Altucher Show, The Adam Carolla Show, The Dr. Drew Podcast, Jay Abraham’s The Ultimate Entrepreneur, Big Questions with Cal Fussman, and The Dr. Gundry Podcast.

He has been lauded as a “marketing genius” by FOX BUSINESS, “the political guru” by ESPN, and “The Michael Jordan of Political Marketing…” by Mike Dillard.

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In this episode, we talk with ALAN STEIN JR., who is a massively successful business owner and veteran basketball performance coach, who spent 15 years working with the highest-performing athletes on the planet (including NBA superstars Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and Kobe Bryant).

THOUGHT #1

Self-awareness is THE key to everything we want in life

THOUGHT #2

Platinum Rule: Treat others the way THEY want to be treated.

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ALAN STEIN JR. BIO:

Alan Stein, Jr. teaches proven strategies to improve organizational performance, create effective leadership, increase team cohesion and collaboration, and develop winning mindsets, rituals, and routines.

A successful business owner and veteran basketball performance coach, he spent 15 years working with the highest-performing athletes on the planet (including NBA superstars Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Kobe Bryant).

In his corporate keynote programs and workshops, Alan reveals how to utilize the same approaches in business that elite athletes use to perform at a world-class level. He delivers practical lessons that can be implemented immediately.

His clients include American Express, Pepsi, Sabra, Starbucks, Reeds Jewelers, FDA, Omnicell, and numerous college athletic programs.

The strategies from Alan’s book, Raise Your Game: High Performance Secrets from the Best of the Best, are implemented by corporate teams and sports teams around the country. His inspirational words are featured on 12-foot mural outside the Penn State Football Training Center, so that players run past it on the way to practice every day.

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In this episode, we talk with the President of Away From Home for Kellogg North America, WENDY DAVIDSON, who is responsible for leading a $1B business in growth channels from convenience stores & vending to other foodservice business-to-business operations, such as schools, restaurants, lodging and healthcare.

THOUGHT #1

Don't be afraid to color outside the lines

THOUGHT #2

The only limits to the possibilities in your life tomorrow are the buts you use today - Les Brown

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WENDY DAVIDSON'S BIO:

Wendy Davidson is a global executive with over 25 years of experience in the branded CPG, retail, and food away from home industries, with a record of accomplishment in innovation, turnaround and profitable growth of mature businesses.

As the President of Away From Home, Wendy is responsible for leading a $1.1B business in growth channels from small retail formats including convenience and vending to foodservice business-to-business operations such as schools, restaurants, lodging and healthcare as well as specialty ventures such as ecommerce direct-to-consumer.

She is a member of the Kellogg Global Leadership Team, the North American Leadership Team, the Kellogg Political Action Committee (PAC) Board, Board of Trustees for the Kellogg Company Fund, eighteen94 Venture Capital Fund Investment Committee, the K Pride & Allies (KPA) and Women of Kellogg (WOK) networks and Executive Sponsor for the company’s Young Professionals (YP) business/employee resource group.

Previously, Ms. Davidson worked as Vice President & General Manager for the US & Latin America for McCormick & Company and spent 16 years as a part of the executive team at Tyson Foods Inc. During her tenure, she held a variety of leadership roles including Senior Vice President and General Manager Prepared Foods; Group Vice President Food Service; and Senior Vice President and General Manager of the McDonald’s Global Business Unit.

A graduate of Luther College, Wendy serves as the Chair of the Board of Regents. She is a non-Executive Director on the Board of First Horizon National Corporation (NYSE: FHN) and a Trustee on the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Global Board. She is past board chair of Women’s Foodservice Forum, and a member of The Network of Executive Women, the International Women’s Forum, The Chicago Network, Commercial Club of Chicago, Economic Club of Chicago and serves on the Advisory Board of BRAVA Investments, a venture capital fund.

Ms. Davidson was awarded the National Diversity Council’s Top 15 Business Women in Illinois in 2017 and received the Luminary Award in 2016 from Girl Scouts of Chicago & NW Indiana. She was named to the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s “40 under 40” and “Diamond Decade”.

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In this episode, we talk with best-selling author and speaker, STEVE FARBER, who is also the Founder & CEO of The Extreme Leadership Institute. Named by Huffington Post as the #1 Business Speaker to See, Steve is also known as one of the Top 50 Leadership Experts in the U.S.

THOUGHT #1

When you get some tough feedback, whether you agree with it or not--assume that it's right and see where that takes you.

THOUGHT #2

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. - Winston Churchill.

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STEVE FARBER BIO:

Huffington Post has named Steve Farber as the #1 Business Speaker to See. Listed as one of Inc.’s global Top 50 Leadership and Management Experts, Farber is a Leadership Pioneer, Strategist, Keynote Speaker and Bestselling Author on Extreme Leadership.

His expertise is in creating organizational cultures where leadership is not just an opportunity and obligation for those in authority, but for everyone at all levels. Former Vice President of the Tom Peters Company, Steve is the President of Extreme Leadership, Inc, and the founder of The Extreme Leadership Institute, organizations devoted to the cultivation and development of Extreme Leaders around the world. His accessible, deeply inspirational, and eminently practical Radical LEAP framework is widely used across the business, non-profit and education spectrum. Farber has been credited with redefining leadership in deeply personal yet practical terms and re-energizing thousands of people to make a significant difference in their businesses, lives, and the world around them. Steve is the author of the new book Love is Just Damn Good Business. His third book, Greater Than Yourself, was a Wall Street Journal® and USA Today® bestseller. His second book, The Radical Edge, was hailed as “a playbook for harnessing the power of the human spirit.” And his first book, The Radical Leap, is already considered a classic in the leadership field. It received Fast Company Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award and was recently named one of the 100 Best Business Books of All Time. His column, The Extreme Leadership Chronicles, runs frequently on Inc.com.

Steve has worked with Johns Hopkins, Cisco, Intel, TriNet, Hyatt and hundreds of other organizations large and small. He has spoken to or worked with virtually every industry there is--from the tech sector to financial services, manufacturing, health care, hospitality, entertainment, public education, retail, and government.

ORGANIZATIONS HIRE STEVE TO: Deliver practical, inspiring and entertaining keynote speeches Embed the practices of Extreme Leadership in the DNA of the organization Provide significant on-going leadership learning and development Create and amplify deep employee engagement Work personally with executives or teams as an Advisor, Coach, Guide & Confidant

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In this episode, we talk with MERRIL HOGE, former NFL running back, ESPN analyst and cancer survivor...now bestselling author and motivational speaker.

THOUGHT #1

Find a Way

THOUGHT #2

When things go wrong, don't go with them - Elvis Presley

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MERRIL HOGE'S BIO:

Find. A. Way.

Merril Hoge has proven that those three, simple words can be the most powerful words in the English language. Merril’s Find-A-Way philosophy helped him achieve his dream of becoming an NFL powerhouse and would later help him fight to live as he struggled to overcome cancer, open-heart surgery, and family tragedy.

As a speaker since 2005, Merril has taken the stage to deliver his message to hundreds of associations corporate audiences, such as Highmark Insurance, Equifax, and Verizon Wireless. He uses the tenacity of that simple phrase to help people realize their gifts and uncover the tools they need to find their way.

Best-Selling Author

In 2018, with the national discussion on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) at its peak, Merril released Brainwashed: The Bad Science Behind CTE and the Plot to Destroy Football. He collaborated on the project with board-certified forensic neuropathologist, Dr. Peter Cummings, to take an unbiased look at the facts surrounding this misunderstood pattern. Together, they conducted a provocative examination of the science, as well as the hysteria around CTE and how it is being manipulated to serve an agenda.

Merril’s first book, Find a Way: Three Words That Changed My Life, was released in 2010. It is a moving memoir in which he shares the simple philosophy that guides him to this day and has enabled him to overcome obstacles throughout his life.

NFL Football: The dream

Merril Hoge graduated from Idaho State University in 1987. As a four-year starter, he held 11 of the school’s football records, including single-season and career marks for rushing attempts, rushing yards, and all-purpose yards. Merril also scored 44 ISU touchdowns, a Big Sky Conference record, and still holds the record for the most receptions by an Idaho State running back (182).

After graduation, Merril achieved his dream of playing in the NFL, starting a successful eight-year run with the Pittsburgh Steelers. As a Steeler (1987-1993), Merril set the team record for most receptions by a running back (50 in 1988) and was one of only two Steelers to rush for more than 100 yards in back-to-back playoff games. After signing a three-year contract with the Chicago Bears, a series of concussions forced him into early retirement in 1995. By the end of his career, Merril had played in 122 consecutive games, the longest streak in the NFL at that time.

Broadcasting: The Second Career

Always one to find a way, the former NFL running back has transformed himself into a successful analyst for ESPN for 21 years:

Appears regularly on NFL Matchup, the network’s longest running show

Host of Fantasy Football for the show’s launch

Routinely offers his analysis on shows like NFL Live and NFL PrimeTime

A regular guest on LIVE SportsCenter over many years

Merril continues to provide analysis to ESPN’s annual Super Bowl and NFL Draft coverage and is a regular voice on ESPN Radio and ESPN.com. He also served as a game analyst and sideline reporter on ESPN2 for its college football coverage and made his way to the telecast booth to call games for the Arena Football League.

Overcoming Challenges: Creating Victories

In 2003, Merril was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which he fought – and beat – using the same resolve he demonstrated on the football field. He received the Chairman’s Advocacy Award from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in 2004 and 2008 for his outstanding participation in driving awareness for LLS and its mission.

His doctors told Merril in the fall of 2015 that he was suffering from an enlarged aorta and would need to undergo open-heart surgery. That experience and the awareness he gained led to his on-going partnership with the American Heart Association in helping deliver their “Lifestyles for a Healthy Heart” message.

CTE: Common-Sense Advocacy

In the years since his career-ending head trauma, Merril has championed concussion research, resisted the hysteria surrounding the disease, and become an informed advocate in the prevention and treatment of brain injuries.

2009: Testified at a congressional hearing on football head injuries, challenging legislators to institute a head-trauma protocol for players ages 8-18

2010: Appointed in 2010 to the NFL MTBI Committee, which initiates research and advises the NFL on best practices for concussion prevention and management

2010: Named to the board of directors for USA Football, the sport’s national governing body on youth and amateur levels

2011: Invited by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to serve on the NFL’s Return-to-Play Subcommittee which deals with head, neck, and spine cases

2011: Met with senior officials at the Pentagon to discuss the military’s tough-guy culture and instilling the benefits of leaders suffering a concussive head injury to voluntarily remove themselves from a situation as the best course of action for the troops under their command

2011: Participated in the NFL-USO Tour to Afghanistan with Matt Millen and Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz, visiting troops overseas

2012: Helped launch Heads-up Football with USA Football

2014: Became an active part of the USA Football Advisory Committee

Refocused Efforts: New Frontiers

To help bring the focus back to football, Merril also worked with the NFL in developing its “Way to Play” program to celebrate athletes who play the game right. Throughout the season, the spotlight falls on players doing things well, with a weekly “Way to Play” winner who awards the $2,500 prize to their selected charity. Season winners receive the honor of being named to the Lott/Madden team during Pre-Superbowl week.

Merril’s life-long love of the game also helped launch a new kind of league in 2018—Your Call Football. YCD blends football and app technology enabling fans to call the play in real time. As head coach, Merrill took his team Power to 4-0 in the league’s inaugural season.

Helping Others: The Goal

As a believer in helping your community, Merrill serves as Chairman and a member of the board of the Highmark Caring Foundation. The group helps grieving children, adolescents and the families who lost loved ones and is particularly meaningful to Merril, who lost his mother when he was just 21 years old. There are currently four centers in Pennsylvania, in Erie, Harrisburg, and two in Pittsburgh.

With the Chuck Noll Hall of Fame Game for Life award, Merril was instrumental in developing a program that recognizes the youth football community in each state. Since 2017, the program, together with business partners Dicks, Riddell, and USA Football, has awarded recipients over $150,000.

Merril also joined forces with Hall of Famers John Madden and Ronnie Lott to help launch The NFL’s Way to Play program, spotlighting great ambassadors of the game. Each week throughout the season, one player is recognized for excellence in playing the game with skill and integrity and is awarded $2,500 to donate to any football program of his choice, along with a letter from the NFL commissioner.

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In this episode, we talk with DAVID BAILEY, the President of Southern States Material Handling, a Toyota Industries Company, that provides material handling solutions to its customers.

THOUGHT #1

Connect with your people; then connect them to each other.

THOUGHT #2

Working together without alignment is cooperation, not collaboration. – Alan Schaefer

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DAVID BAILEY BIO:

David is currently the President of Southern States Material Handling, a Toyota Industries Company, that provides material handling solutions to its customers. His organization has 300 associates spread over 9 locations in Georgia and Florida.

David has been with Toyota for 7 years since he transitioned from 22 years as an Army Officer. His leadership career in the military was leading aviation organizations including piloting scout helicopters. He served in several locations in the United States, Europe, and two years in the Middle East where he was awarded two Bronze Stars. Although he resides in Tampa, Florida, he still follows his home state Sooners on the gridiron.

David is a veracious learner, reading everything from Peter Drucker to the Bible, consistently improving his leadership abilities to better serve his associates, customers and company. He holds an MBA from the Whitman School of Management and a Master of Arts in Public Administration both from Syracuse University, which is also where he developed an allergy to cold weather.

Dave and his Wife merged their bands 6 years ago creating household of six kids, a live-in Grandma, two miniature schnauzers and a Beta fish named Blueberry. Although two kids are out on their own, the youngest two have filled up his spare time with travel baseball.

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In this episode, we talk with STEPH GRANT, who is the owner of Steph Grant Studios, a digital agency operated by a powerhouse team of female creative, specializing in executive media shots and conferences and the Founder of the Promote Love Movement.

THOUGHT #1

With a large following comes great responsibility; use your platform for good.

THOUGHT #2

Give without expectation - Gary Vaynerchuk

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STEPH GRANT’S BIO:

Steph Grant is the owner of Steph Grant Studios, a digital agency operated by a powerhouse team of female creative, specializing in executive media shots and conferences and the Founder of the Promote Love Movement (a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community raised in a religious environment to connect and share their stories).

Steph believes in the importance of being visible and vocal for those in our community who cannot.

“Sharing our stories can change minds and softens hearts. I have experienced this firsthand through my work as a photographer and during my own coming out process. It’s so rewarding to have complete strangers say that they felt like they had a front row seat at the weddings that I have shot or that after seeing my images and stories they can no longer support their stance against the LGBTQ+ community.”

 As an out lesbian photographer, Steph’s primary focus is to make people feel comfortable so that their personalities and love are captured in every wedding photograph.

“I love every second of my job. I have worked very hard to be exactly where I am…and that is right here in this moment with you. My goal is to get to know your love story & to tell it with my images.”

 Some highlights from Steph Grant’s amazing career:

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This episode is going to be a bit different. You’re still going to get an awesome piece of advice, but it’s going to be delivered in the natural human phenomenon known as ASMR, which stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. (HEADPHONES ARE A MUST)

Caution: This episode may cause a low-grade sensation of euphoria. 

THOUGHT #1

Some people will believe anything if you whisper it to them - Miguel de Unamuno

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PODCAST BIO:

Have you ever been given a piece of advice so incredible that it rocked your world? Brant Menswar and Jim Knight, two of the country's most sought after speakers, discuss bite-sized, specific and compelling thoughts (shared with a rockstar guest) that have changed the course of people’s lives. 

Whether you’re searching for inspiration, long for change or just enjoy powerful conversation, this weekly, edu-taining podcast will be music to your ears...this week, just a little bit more softly. SSSHHHHHH

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In this episode, we talk with a total rock star in the philanthropic world, BILL SHORE, the Co-Founder and Executive Chair of Share Our Strength, which is the parent company of campaigns like No Kid Hungry & Cooking Matters; Billy chats with us about picking the right battles.

THOUGHT #1

Pick battles that are big enough to matter but small enough to win - Jonathan Kozol

THOUGHT #2

We are kept keen on the grindstone of pain and necessity – HG Wells

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BILL SHORE'S BIO:

Billy Shore is the executive chair of Share Our Strength, which through proven, effective campaigns like No Kid Hungry and Cooking Matters, connects people who care to ideas that work. Since founding Share Our Strength in 1984 with his sister Debbie, Billy has led the organization in raising more than $600 million to fight hunger and poverty, and has won the support of national leaders in business, government, health and education, sports and entertainment.

Billy is also the chair of Community Wealth Partners, Share Our Strength’s for-profit consulting firm that helps leaders and communities solve social problems.

Before founding Share Our Strength, served on the senatorial and presidential campaign staffs for former U.S. Senator Gary Hart and as chief of staff to former U.S. Senator Robert Kerrey. In 2014, congressional leaders appointed him to the National Commission on Hunger, a group tasked with finding innovative ways to end hunger in America.

In addition to his work with Share Our Strength, Billy is a leading voice in the national conversation on hunger and poverty. He is the author of four books focused on social change, including “Revolution of the Heart” (Riverhead Press, 1995), “The Cathedral Within” (Random House, 1999), “The Light of Conscience” (Random House, 2004) and most recently, “The Imaginations of Unreasonable Men” (Public Affairs, 2010). He also hosts Add Passion and Stir, a weekly podcast that brings together high-profile chefs and change-makers to talk about the central role food plays in social justice.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Billy earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Pennsylvania and his law degree from George Washington University in Washington, DC. He has been an adjunct professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business and an advisor at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. From 2001 to 2011, he served as a director of The Timberland Company.

Billy was named one of America’s Best Leaders by US News & World Report.

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