Together at the Top

In the latest episode of Together at the Top, Nick orchestrates a captivating roundtable discussion with three up-and-coming industry leaders: Jennifer Saha, Jason Moncada, and Brandon Collins. This engaging conversation unveils the transformative journey from emerging professionals to seasoned experts, underscoring the pivotal role of personal branding, networking, and unwavering determination in achieving remarkable success. Each guest emphasizes the significance of cultivating a robust personal brand, built on principles of honesty, transparency, and integrity, which serve as the foundation for their respective triumphs. Networking emerges as a driving force, not only for securing immediate deals but also for fostering enduring relationships within their industries, a testament to its crucial role in professional growth. Moreover, the episode delves into stress management strategies, revealing the impact of stress on professionals and their families, while shedding light on the benefits of business coaching and mentorship in attaining fresh perspectives, building confidence, and propelling personal and professional growth. 

As this enlightening discussion unfolds, it becomes abundantly clear that embracing challenges, taking calculated risks, and maintaining an insatiable drive are the cornerstones of perpetual success. A Managing Partner of Golden Bridge Strategies, Jennifer provides invaluable insights from the business-to-government sector in Sacramento, California, while engineer turned IT systems integration luminary, Jason, offers a glimpse into his remarkable journey scaling new heights. Meanwhile, Brandon, a real estate professional in Northern California, shares his secrets for outperforming the competition and delivering exceptional service to clients. Together, these accomplished guests offer a treasure trove of strategies and experiences to inspire the next generation of leaders. As the episode underscores the importance of networking, stress management, and the role of business coaching, it reinforces the notion that building relationships, seeking continuous learning, and embracing challenges are essential steps on the path to becoming perennial all-stars in any field.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

Quotes:

"Your personal brand is your company's brand, it's your team's brand, it's how you're perceived."

"People work with people that they like, that they trust."

"It's not just about who you know, but also about who you collaborate with to deliver the best solutions to clients."

"Networking is not just about growing your business, but also about staying informed, continuously improving, and building a supportive community within your industry."

"You're not a finished product; you're not done, and you still have growing to do."

"You can be successful at anything you put your mind to. It just takes work. You have to put one foot in front of the other and get it done."

"Challenge yourself, take the leap.”

“To have a business coach is like a therapist that is particularly trained in growing and building a business.”

"The best lessons in life are failures."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting

Together at the Top on YouTube

Golden Bridge Strategies

Jason Moncada's LinkedIn Page

Brandon Collins @ Realtor.com

In this engaging episode of "Together at the Top," host Nick Warner delves into the world of professional attire and its profound influence on personal brand and success. Joined by Tom Gangitano, a retail industry legend with 47 years of experience, their conversation unveils the secrets to thriving in the world of professional clothing. Tom's insights extend far beyond fashion, touching on critical principles that resonate with business professionals, including the importance of nurturing long-lasting customer relationships, the power of networking, and the pivotal role of empathy in building connections.

The themes explored in this enlightening discussion encompass a broad spectrum of topics crucial to professional achievement. Tom underscores the pivotal role of professional attire in shaping personal brands and highlights how clothing choices can dramatically influence perceptions in various settings. Beyond the surface, Tom and Nick explore the subtle yet potent subliminal messages conveyed through grooming and small details, and Tom also offers valuable insights into tailoring clothing choices to specific audiences and the impact of attire on personal confidence and perception. Regarding Tom’s own formidable business success, it becomes crystal clear that his commitment to understanding and enriching the lives of clients, as well his adherence to the principles of empathy, networking, and exceptional customer service are powerfully applicable to any industry. Brimming with wisdom regarding the worlds of fashion and retail, today’s episode is tailor-made for budding entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike looking to clothe themselves in even greater personal and professional success.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

Quotes:

"The smallest detail leaves the biggest impression."

"Dressing is part of that edge. Knowledge is very important, and the more knowledge you have in every aspect of your approach and in your business, you're going to have the advantage."

"You may never know how your attire shapes someone's opinion, but it's worth the attention."

"You don't have to like my style, but it has to be sharp, it can't be sloppy."

"Dressing professionally is a strategic tool for building and enhancing your personal brand."

"Every client that walked in the door and purchased something from us was gold, and we were going to nurture that gold."

"Networking is so important. People love it. They feel special, and that's what people want. They want that special event, that experience in anything they do in life."

"You have to have a partner who's going to support you.”

"Be a student of your profession. Do not set it and forget it."

"You can't get this on Amazon."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting

Together at the Top on YouTube

Tom Gangitano's LinkedIn Page

Gene Hiller Menswear

In today’s illuminating episode, Nick engages in a compelling conversation with Marcie Frost, the CEO of CalPERS, the largest pension fund in the United States. Managing nearly $500 billion in assets and serving over 775,000 retirees, CalPERS plays a pivotal role in the financial security of public sector workers, and Marcie Frost's journey from humble beginnings to leading this financial behemoth highlights the power of inspirational leadership and personal growth. Her insights provide actionable strategies for effective leadership, fostering a thriving workplace culture, and retaining top talent. Themes of humility, relationships, and embracing discomfort emerge as key takeaways, reminding listeners of the value of continuous learning and the significance of creating a culture of trust and fearlessness.

Throughout this captivating conversation, Marcie and Nick delve into essential leadership principles. Marcie's emphasis on inspirational leadership and the "hate to lose" mindset underlines the importance of championing team success and turning failures into opportunities for growth. The concept of "high support and high accountability" emerges as a powerful strategy to empower team members while maintaining responsibility. Additionally, Marcie's proactive approach, including "Stay Interviews" and transparent communication, provides valuable tools for organizations navigating talent retention in a competitive job market. The overarching message is clear: leadership is about embracing change, cultivating humility, and nurturing a culture that encourages innovation and employee growth. Marcie Frost's journey and wisdom serve as an inspiring roadmap for anyone looking to excel in their career while staying committed to personal and professional development.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

Quotes:

“I followed a leader… who had been very supportive of me, given me opportunities to prove myself, put me in places that were uncomfortable at times to see if I could do it, and really gave me that opportunity to fail or succeed.”

"Feedback is a gift, but it's only a gift if you deliver it in a way that they receive it as one.”

"People can't give you their full self if they don't bring their full self into your company."

"You have this responsibility to rein it in even when you don't want to."

"I try to be very intentional about hiring people who have different experiences than I do."

"You can't have fear in your workplace. People will not take risks if they think they're going to get in trouble."

"What got you to this point will keep you there."

"Bridge the gap by studying up and surrounding yourself with smart people."

“I'm really supportive of people taking risks and making mistakes and learning from those mistakes… working for leaders who shared that same ideal or that same concept really helped me to stretch and grow.”

"It's not about me, it's not about the boss. It's about the team. The boss does well when the team does well."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting

Together at the Top on YouTube

Marcie Frost's LinkedIn

Welcome to the latest episode of Together at the Top where Nick engages in a fascinating conversation with Jon Zimmerman, the founder and CEO of ReadySpaces. As a pioneering storage and warehouse enterprise, with a footprint spanning over 30 locations across North America, ReadySpaces serves as a testament to Jon's journey from actor to dynamic entrepreneur. By identifying market gaps and embracing calculated risks, Jon’s story, as told here today, truly embodies the essence of business evolution. 

As you will hear, what originated as Jon’s quest to address his own storage needs has since blossomed into a revolutionary business endeavor. A unique fusion of self-storage and warehouse solutions, ReadySpace fills a crucial niche for small and mid-sized businesses seeking more comprehensive storage solutions. Jon's success journey underscores the value of strategic partnerships, leveraging each other's strengths, and embracing dynamic shifts within the business landscape. Through his insights and real-life experiences, a treasure trove of lessons awaits entrepreneurs and business leaders eager to navigate the complex world of business with a strategic outlook. Tune in today as Nick and Jon explore the world of ReadySpaces and prepare to take in a wealth of profound information and advice regarding the practice of approaching business with a strategic mindset, cultivating meaningful partnerships, embracing change, and, ultimately, finding fulfillment in both professional and personal pursuits.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

Quotes:

"I stuck with it and rode the ups and downs."

"Entrepreneurship is about finding brilliant people to implement and help."

"Business marriages are like personal marriages. You're going to have differences of opinion."

"ReadySpaces: Where self-storage meets the future of business storage."

"I'm really catering to the small business owner. I started looking at the marketplace and my self-storage facility led me to see a niche in the market."

"I found that dealing with businesses and entrepreneurs was actually much more exciting for me. The self-storage business is a wonderful cash cow, but you're not all that involved."

"I wanted to find something that could make money while I was sleeping... Risk it for the biscuit. And I've taken some big risks."

"I don't know if you count one facility in Canada as being an international business, but technically it is.”

"I tried to set up my life as a father to really be here for them. My tombstone will definitely say ‘He was around. He was a dad that was there and participated in all my kids' sports and extracurricular activities.’"

"My successes have always come in partnership.”

"Man, is it cool to have grown-up kids. It's really interesting to see what they've become and how they've evolved."

“As an entrepreneur, if you're running your own business and you're not in partnership, it's hard to do it alone.”

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting

Together at the Top on YouTube

ReadySpaces

Nick welcomes the truly exceptional Mike Mazza, President of Moss Construction's dynamic operations in Mid-Florida, Texas, and California, and his 25+ years of industry expertise to the podcast here today. As Nick and Mike delve into the realms of leadership, company culture, and personal growth, they unravel the profound significance of caring for employees beyond their professional duties, the transformative power of networking with genuine curiosity, and the pivotal role of personal branding in shaping one's reputation. 

They also share a wealth of wisdom regarding the art of crafting a magnetic personal brand that resonates with your values and actions, and that will leave an indelible mark on others. Mike's visionary leadership philosophy, akin to a compassionate "camp counselor," will ignite your passion for helping others achieve their goals and fostering a thriving company culture. He and Nick go on to uncover the secrets of effective networking, emphasizing genuine curiosity and the willingness to learn from diverse perspectives. With invaluable insights on work-life integration, coaching and mentoring, setting expectations, and the power of feedback, today’s episode will empower you to redefine success, seize new opportunities, and embark on a transformative journey of growth and fulfillment.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

Quotes:

"If you care, everything else seems to fall into place. Everybody wants to feel cared for."

"Approach business challenges as more of a people challenge. Let's work together to figure out a solution that feels good to everybody."

"Listen, we help folks that have left us that aren't coming back when they have a career challenge. If you were part of the family and you're no longer here, you're still part of the family."

"Conflict without trust is just politics."

"Use travel as an opportunity to see a new city, explore new things, learn new things, and meet new people."

"Your brand speaks way before you ever speak. Somebody sees my name on the calendar invite, what are they thinking? What are they going to think about?"

"Brand can be anything that resonates with you. The worst thing is to try to create a brand that isn't authentic to you."

"The easiest way to learn what brand you'd like to have is to just watch other people's behaviors."

"You've got to know who you are and understand the environment you're in and what you're trying to get out of those exchanges.”

"Give feedback and take feedback. Ask for feedback, but do it in a productive way. The greatest gift you can be given is feedback."

"Being nice is caring about somebody enough to give them the feedback that says, 'You know, you're not making the grade, you're struggling here a little bit. Let's work together to figure out how we can make that situation better.'"

"You want more than one mentor. You want as many mentors as you can have."

"You’ve got to be authentic. What works for one may not work for you. And that's okay."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting

Together at the Top on YouTube

Mike Mazza's LinkedIn Page

Joining Nick on today's special “Nick Notes” episode of Together at the Top is the truly amazing Kathy Prizmich Kernan, Partner at Mosaic Solutions and Advocacy. With over 20 years of experience working in and with government agencies, Kathy has held numerous positions within the California state government including the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), California State University Northridge, and the California Department of General Services. In her most recent position before joining Mosaic, she served as the Vice President of Partnership Development for an international company focusing on national corrections and community reentry solutions for the justice involved population.

Together, Kathy and Nick delve into practical business issues and pursue the elusive secret sauce for success as they explore details of Kathy's extensive career, the transformative power of self-awareness, the art of asking probing questions, and the profound significance of timely actions. Emphasizing the practical application of knowledge and the indomitable force of curiosity and motivation, they highlight the enormous impact of coaching for executives and emerging leaders, having trust in personal growth, and the boundless benefits of seeking fresh perspectives. As the conversation unfolds, they effortlessly intertwine personal anecdotes and practical guidance, underscoring the importance of embracing change as well as the journey of continuous improvement. Prepare to take notes here today as Nick and Kathy embark on a profound exploration of mentorship and its practical application in achieving unprecedented success in both business and life.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

Quotes:

"I think the secret sauce is a little different for everyone, but there's a few things that kind of stand out. Right. You need to have self-awareness. Self-awareness is a big thing."

"Follow through. Do what you say you're going to do.”

"Timeliness, collaboration, bringing people together... I mean, there's no excuse for tardiness. None."

"Do not be crippled by 'I can't see the whole playing field. I don't know what to do.' It's a problem. It'll stop you in the mud."

"Managing up is building relationships, building trust and loyalty, understanding what the problems are that we're all trying to solve."

"You're not helping them if you're not giving them the truth. And sometimes being the messenger, you get your head chopped off. That's part of it."

"Trust is deliberate. If it's something that is a decision and it's a bad decision and it's a negative effect and they own it and they talk it through with you and you can have an honest conversation about it, that actually builds trust."

"You can provide someone all the training in the world and if they're not open to it, it falls on deaf ears. They have to be open to it."

"If you make a mistake, own it. Apologize and recognize. And don't make that same mistake twice, because we do make mistakes.”

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting

Together at the Top on YouTube

Kathy Prizmich Kernan's LinkedIn Page

Improving People’s Lives on the Road to the Top | Janus Norman, President of California Broadband and Video Association

Welcome to an exciting new episode of Together at The Top, as Nick enjoys the immense privilege of welcoming Janus Norman, President of the influential California Broadband and Video Association, also known as CalBroadband to the podcast. Janus shares his remarkable journey from landing influential positions at a young age, to navigating the realms of government, organized labor, and the private sector. Together, he and Nick delve deep into the power of mentorship, the importance of building relationships, and the strategies that have propelled Janus towards success.

Janus details his early days as an intern at AFSCME, as well as his involvement in the prestigious Jesse Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program, and reveals how these experiences shaped his perspective on decision-making and policy implementation. He also highlights the significant role that relationships, continuous learning, and embracing personal growth play in the journey along the road to leadership, and the episode culminates with Janus sharing powerful advice and thought-provoking insights for listeners seeking career progression. Listen in today to discover the art of strategic moves, the importance of considering options beyond your current organization, and the value of marinating in each role during your ascent as Janus Norman reveals the keys to unlocking your potential and becoming an exceptional leader.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

Quotes:

“It's very hard for people to block your entry into rooms and into sitting at tables where your skills demand that you should be in that room.”

"I've been really fortunate to have really good mentors and people that have looked out for my continued growth and development."

"You didn't need to be an absolute expert in every issue as long as you weren't afraid to ask for help and bring in people with expertise."

"My early on mistakes were usually because I was rushing... I just wanted to move on to the next activity, move on to the next assignment."

"Relationships matter. Relationships are paramount because relationships build trust."

"Being comfortable in your own skin, your own identity, that allows you to be able to captivate that room, is something that has benefited me."

"You can't learn those things from a book. Those are developed over time or, quite frankly, innate to different people's personalities."

"Every position I've taken has had an ability to improve people's lives in some form or fashion."

"You've got to have some outlets... family for me is the outlet."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting

Together at the Top on YouTube

Janus Norman on LinkedIn

Janus Norman on Twitter

Embracing Balance to Boost the Bottom Line | Ann Day, President at Praeses

Ann Day, President at the innovative software and services company, Praeses, joins Nick for yet another fascinating conversation here on the Together at the Top podcast. As Ann recounts her personal and professional journey that has brought her to her current role, she emphasizes the importance of collaboration in leadership and the need to surround yourself with smart individuals. The episode covers various themes, including Ann's background, the lessons she learned in her early career, the challenges she faced at Praeses, and the role of family in shaping her work ethic.

Throughout their conversation, Ann shares her personal experiences and insights, delving into topics such as managing teams in a post-COVID business landscape, and the value of both foundational skills and being well-rounded. She also stresses the need for discipline and recalibration, balancing personal and business goals, and recognizing and addressing shortcomings before they escalate. Emphasizing the importance of company culture, Ann notes that it is cultivated through clear core values, intentional hiring practices, and a commitment to honoring and living those values every day. She also acknowledges the challenges of recruiting and retaining top talent in a competitive job market, and highlights the value of communication, flexibility, and collaboration in creating a workplace where employees feel valued and engaged. Filled with valuable insights into building a successful career from someone who has been wildly successful in doing just that, today’s episode is one you simply can’t afford to miss.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

Quotes:

"Beyond anything else, it was hard work and training, and really mentorship."

"When you get to a certain level, it's like there's almost that expectation that you have to know it all or figure it out on your own. And it's one of the things I've just realized is false."

"It's family, it's mentors, it's colleagues. For me, my family, my support system, friends, mentors have been vital."

"Balancing school assignments and recitals is tough. And I've missed two birthdays while traveling, and I won't do it again."

"I said that if you ever are in a position where firing someone gets easy, you’ve got to go. You’ve got to change what you're doing."

"It doesn't have to be your final job, and you might not even know it at the time, but you took away some really important foundational skills and observations from that first job."

"Just because you're in a certain lane doesn't mean you have to stay there - ask the questions."

"Take care of your employees and you take care of your customers. The bottom line will work itself out."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting

Together at the Top on YouTube

Praeses

Ann's LinkedIn Page

Taking the Lead in an Evolving Industry | Riley Byrne, Founder of Podigy

In today’s episode of the Together at the Top podcast episode, Nick is joined by successful young entrepreneur Riley Byrne, the founder of Podigy, a company offering ‘best-in-class podcast production services for some, actionable podcast editing tips for all’. Together, they discuss Riley's journey in entrepreneurship, the power of podcasting as a business and social tool, and the current and future state of the podcasting industry. Riley's path to success, starting from a small town in Ontario to owning a major podcast production company, is highlighted as an example of how the podcasting industry is constantly evolving. He and Nick also delve into how AI tools and new technologies are contributing to this evolution in the audio space and presenting new opportunities for growth.

Throughout the podcast, Riley shares his experiences and insights, from providing high-quality audio editing services to building and managing a team, and scaling a business while maintaining quality service. He recounts the invaluable lessons he learned from his talented and compassionate mentor, and emphasizes the importance of constantly questioning and improving processes, being open-minded and curious, and protecting the business, clients, and family by making tough decisions. Nick and Riley also discuss the current and future state of the podcast industry, exploring topics such as the rise in popularity of podcasts, the challenges of producing high-quality content regularly, and the potential integration of podcasts with other media formats. They agree that podcasts are an effective sales tool and emphasize the importance of content marketing and engaging ad reads in building a successful podcast. A fascinating examination of an industry leader evolving in real time, today’s episode offers a unique insight into both a rapidly growing sector of the business landscape and one driven entrepreneur who is at the forefront of its development.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

Quotes:

"Everything about podcasting is so down and dirty and quick and not studio."

"There's a real opportunity here to become the person that, no matter what you send to us, you're going to get something of a certain standard back."

"I knew that turnaround times were a major issue for clients, and by offering faster delivery times, I was able to differentiate myself in the market."

"We can't write off any tool completely.You’ve just got to know that this new technology that comes out is never going to be a fix-all, but it's going to be this new tool to your tool belt that you can then use."

"I knew right then and there that before I hired anybody, I needed to make sure that the tools that we were using were the best."

"There's something to be learned from every mistake"

"Clients are great, and clients are doing the best that they can already to get what they can to us. So we need to take that and be able to deliver to a certain level."

"I also have a line of demarcation where I'm going to protect my business, my family, my clients.”

"You're great at something and you're probably mediocre to crappy at something else - get expert advice."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting

Together at the Top on YouTube

Podigy

Email Riley

Leadership through Empowering and Connecting People with Mayor Darrell Steinberg

Former President of the California State Senate and current Mayor of Sacramento, Darrell Steinberg, joins Nick on the podcast today to talk about his unique leadership style and philosophy which is characterized by his emphasis on the importance of people, relationships, humility, and the idea that leadership roles are temporary. Darrell shares his perspective on the power of positive change and the importance of organizing a team of talented people instead of slotting individuals into specific titles and responsibilities. Their discussion also explores how lessons in leadership from the public sector can be applied to building relationships and handling disagreements with dignity and mutual respect.

Together, Darrell and Nick emphasize the importance of building goodwill and understanding other people's perspectives, while still being able to fight and stand up for one's own beliefs. They discuss how to navigate through tough situations by depersonalizing disputes and approaching disagreements with kindness and understanding. Steinberg highlights the idea of being tough on issues and easy on people, emphasizing the possibility of being respectful while maintaining integrity. His insights on relationships and mediation underscore the importance of reputation and trust in building successful outcomes, as well as the challenge of balancing the need to move issues forward with the need to slow down and find a better balance in communication. Filled with sage advice borne out of extensive experience, today’s episode proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that leadership’s power to bring about positive change and success is deeply rooted in the consistent and deliberate act of empowering and connecting people.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

Quotes:

"It is a mistake to decide how you want to organize a team with specific titles and responsibilities and try to slot people into them, as opposed to trying to actually track a great team of talented people."

"I see the roles and the jobs that I have as very important. But it's always important to remember the difference because these jobs of leadership are by definition temporary and we're just people and we're not better than anybody."

"Leadership is about getting people to a better place than where they currently are."

"The beauty of leadership is that it is not just about the leader, it's about the team and the collective effort."

"The more people you connect with on a human level, the more successful you will be as a leader."

"Let's try to work this out. If we can't, then let's have a good fight here and see where it ends up."

"Power is a means of persuasion, not domination."

"You choose to invest yourself in serving the public. You are not going to have some of the flexibilities that you might want in terms of your family life."

"I believe my kids, in the end, gained a lot more than they lost because they see the importance of community and community service."

Links:

Nick Warner Consulting

Together at the Top on YouTube

Mayor Darrell Steinberg