Kurt Reinhart is an author, consultant, teacher, and mentor, currently serving as the Vice President of Learning & Development for Russell Cellular, one of Verizon’s largest premier authorized dealers with over 700 stores across 43 states. In addition to this role, he leads Create Training & Consulting, LLC, a company he founded 17 years ago, dedicated to personal and leadership development.
With over 30 years of experience in learning, development, and training across North America and Europe, he has worked with organizations of all sizes. His expertise spans workshop facilitation, consultation, speeches, curriculum design, and offering insight as a trusted advisor.
At his core, Kurt is a servant leader who embraces a mindset of continuous learning, believing that growth and change are possible for everyone. His passion for encouraging others drives his work, and he lives by the motto: “Do what you love with a passion for growing others, and your reward will follow.”
In this episode Wendi and Kurt discuss:
- The deep fulfillment found in personal and leadership development
- Adapting business strategies and development programs in the ever-changing post-COVID labor market
- From ‘Great Resignation’ to ‘Great Realization’: The importance of investing in your people
- Challenges and nuances in measuring the ROI of behavioral-based training
- The cultural shift from “training” to holistic personal and professional growth
Key Takeaways:
- A profound sense of purpose and assisting others in their moment of realization transcends monetary rewards, offering a more substantial, enduring form of personal satisfaction.
- In the face of the great reshuffle, including the 'Great Resignation' and 'Great Regret,' businesses like Russell Cellular are compelled to embrace change and prioritize learning and development as a key retention strategy.
- Return on investment in learning and development presents a complex challenge, particularly when gauging the impact of experiential, people-focused programs. ROI is not always directly tied to revenue or a specific outcome.
- Leadership in adversity is not just about weathering the storm; it's recognizing that your daily routine and response to challenges craft your journey of personal growth and purpose. Often disruption and chaos propel leaders to lead better. Embrace and leverage the opportunities presented through change.
- Wendi and Kurt underscore the transformative power of surrendering control and cultivating gratitude, as life's unpredictable outcomes can lead to unexpected personal development and meaning.
- Know your why. If the why is in place and you believe it in your core, you will not get stuck and will continue to move forward.
“Every day, I strive to live by five principles. First, wake up with gratitude. Second, pray or meditate—find a moment of mindfulness to start the day. Third, always be learning; there's always something new to discover. Fourth, seek community—don't go through life alone, connect with others who offer truth and support. Lastly, surrender control; focus on your response and trust in something greater than yourself.” - Kurt Reinhart
Connect with Kurt Reinhart:
Website: https://russellcellular.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-reinhart-363202a/
Email: [email protected]
Connect with Wendi Swanson:
Website: etymongroup.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368
Email: [email protected]
Resources:
Kurt Reinhart. (2010) So you are the manager…Now what?
Marshall Goldsmith. (2007). What got you here won’t get you there. (Mark Reiter)
David Kolb. (1984). Experiential Learning Theory (ELT)
Simon Sinek. Start with why; golden circle.
Chip Heath & Dan Heath. (2007). Made to stick.
The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL). 70-20-10
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