The Leadership Podcast

Jeffrey Scheuer, an expert in media, politics, and now higher education. He's known for his insightful work in these fields. His latest book, "Inside the Liberal Arts, Critical Thinking and Citizenship," uniquely connects liberal arts with rational and critical thinking. He discussed the influence of the information ecosystem and the liberal arts' role in citizenship. He highlighted changes in journalism due to the internet and the need for new standards. Emphasizing media literacy and critical thinking, he showcased how disciplines like philosophy teach valuable critical thinking skills for leadership and diverse careers. Jeffrey stressed critical thinking and effective communication in business leadership. He also touched on civic knowledge, corporate citizenship, equitable education access, clear definitions in political and economic discussions, and the importance of liberal arts education for democracy. https://bit.ly/TLP-379 Key Takeaways [01:54] Jeffrey Scheuer, an acclaimed author and information ecosystem expert. He discusses the concept of the information ecosystem, explaining how it shapes our understanding of the world through media, education, and more. Jeffrey also talks about the unique role of the liberal arts in reinforcing civic, cultural, and economic citizenship. [05:17] Jeffrey Scheuer talks about how the internet has changed journalism, making it more decentralized. Jim and Jan then question the need for new standards in this evolving landscape. Jeffrey highlights the challenge of discerning reliable sources from opinions and conspiracy theories. He stresses the importance of media literacy and critical thinking. Ultimately, Jeffrey reminds us that we're both emotional and rational beings navigating the shifting world of information. [09:42] Then, Jeffrey explores the art of leadership and influence, focusing on the balance between critical thinking and storytelling. He discusses the challenge of defining truth in a complex world, particularly in fields like accounting, where subjectivity can influence facts. Jeffrey acknowledges the elusive nature of universal truth and emphasizes the role of critical thinking in navigating the complexities of differing viewpoints. Philosophy is celebrated as a foundational discipline that teaches us not just what to think but how to think, enhancing our critical thinking skills. [19:24] Jeffrey discusses the relevance of critical thinking in various career paths, including business. He also touches on how businesses value liberal arts majors for their critical thinking, communication skills, and adaptability. Afterwards, he explored the importance of effective communication and psychological awareness in business leadership. He emphasizes that being psychologically savvy can be more vital in a boardroom than discussing different forms of citizenship. Ultimately, critical thinking remains a valuable asset in navigating the evolving job landscape, regardless of the field. [23:37] Jeffrey talks about the significance of civic knowledge for being a responsible citizen and understanding the rules of governance. He also delves into the changing expectations of corporate citizenship and the evolving role of leaders in business. Education's role in shaping future citizens and the need for equitable access to quality education is also discussed. [33:11] Lastly, He touched on the significance of clear definitions about political and economic systems. He stressed the need for shared understanding of terms like socialism and capitalism to enable productive dialogue. As we conclude, we underscore the essential role of liberal arts education in upholding democracy. [36:25] Closing quote: And remember If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking. — George Patton Quotable Quotes "We're emotional creatures who are sometimes rational enough, not the other way around." "Liberal learning makes us better critical thinkers and better citizens." "Economics and business are rational processes in which maybe emotion doesn't play as big a role." "We're philosophers whatever we talk. We use philosophy and language all the time." "Business is a quintessentially rational enterprise, trying to maximize profit." "Education is what makes us or fails to make us good citizens." "Without liberal education, even if it's just at the high school level, even if it's just civics, we cannot have citizens and therefore we cannot have a democracy." "A calm, rational discussion that is between people who accept the fact that they're seeking the same outcome is the path forward." "I think what you need is to be psychologically smart about what people want and need and how to get them to hear you." Here are the books mentioned in this episode Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Jeffrey Scheuer Website | https://jeffreyscheuer.com/ Jeffrey Scheuer Facebook | Inside The Liberal Arts Jeffrey Scheuer LinkedIn | Jeffrey Scheuer

Bob Tiede, a 52-year Crew veteran and creator of Leadingwithquestions.com, a blog followed by leaders in over 200 countries for the past 11 years. Bob shares a life-changing event from his early days, driven by his grandmother's belief in his destiny. Bob discusses the underutilization of questions in leadership, emphasizing the power of curiosity and his four favorite questions. He highlights the value of pausing when asking questions and how leaders who embrace this approach can be significantly more effective. Bob also emphasizes the simplicity of asking questions and their role in fostering collaboration and innovative problem-solving. Lastly, he explores the importance of asking open-ended questions during change and shares a moving question from Cheryl Batchelder's book, inviting listeners to join his book ambassador team for a free signed copy of "Leading with Questions." https://bit.ly/TLP-378 Key Takeaways [02:08] Bob Tiede, a 52-year Crew (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) veteran and the creator of Leadingwithquestions.com, a blog followed by leaders in 200 countries for 11 years. Bob shares about an event that changed his life. It began with his grandma's belief on the day he was born that he would "serve the Lord." This story, discovered at 22, still intrigues him. Another life-changing moment was joining a fraternity in his freshman year at the University of South Dakota, leading him to faith through Campus Crusade for Christ. [04:58] Bob discusses the underutilization of great questions in leadership. He shares that many leaders, including himself in the past, often saw leadership as telling people what to do rather than asking questions. This perspective changed when he discovered the book "Leading with Questions" by Dr. Michael Marquardt in 2006. Bob believes that leaders don't realize the value of questions because no one has shown them how effective questions can be. He introduces his four favorite questions, emphasizing their simplicity and power. Jim and Jan also discuss the fear of losing control when asking questions and the importance of embracing curiosity. [12:59] Now, the focus is on the power of leading with questions, a skill that can be learned in just 30 seconds. The conversation highlights the significance of pausing and patiently waiting for responses when asking questions. Research shows that people often rush after just 2 or 3 seconds of silence, missing out on deeper insights. Bob introduces the "eight-second rule" to emphasize the value of waiting for more meaningful answers. [15:36] Then, the conversation centers on the power of leaders who lead with questions. Bob explains that leaders who embrace this approach can be significantly more effective than those who simply give orders. He illustrates this with two questions: one about rowing a boat and another about leadership around a conference table. Leaders who ask questions and listen to their team's ideas create a collaborative atmosphere where better solutions emerge, and team members feel a sense of ownership. [20:03] Afterward, Bob discusses the power of asking questions and explains that it's not as difficult as people often think. Asking questions creates a collaborative atmosphere where team members feel valued and more ideas emerge. Bob also introduces two innovative problem-solving techniques: "guarantee failure brainstorming" and "question storming." Bob also highlights the power of using the word "might" in questions to make them more inviting and open-ended. [28:13] Bob discusses the challenges of clients undergoing significant change, particularly with new people taking on new roles. Bob emphasizes the importance of asking open-ended questions to better understand the situation. He suggests questions like "Can you please tell me more?" and "What's our destination?" to help leaders and clients gain clarity about their goals and current position. Bob also highlights the significance of having a clear destination and a well-defined plan to navigate change effectively. [33:12] Lastly, Bob shares a moving story about a question from Cheryl Batchelder's book, "Dare to Serve," which asks, "How well do you know your staff? Do you know the three or four events that have most shaped their lives?" This question led to a touching conversation with his colleague Neil. Bob encourages the audience to consider joining his book ambassador team to get a free signed copy of his latest book, "Leading with Questions." [39:39] Closing quote: Remember, judge a man by his questions rather than his answers. — Voltaire Quotable Quotes "The power of might is in your questioning. Take away the word should and put in might, which just makes it more inviting, more comfortable, more safe to give." "People support what they help create." "For leaders, so many of them have never seen the value of questions." "The longer the silence, the better the answer." "A leader who leads with questions will be ten times more effective than a leader who leads by telling." "What are the chances that a leader might hear an idea better than the one they had?" "When you empower your staff to go with their ideas, you're going to have his whole heart." "If you've never been asked that question before, how helpful will it be if I start talking again in two or three seconds?" Here are the books mentioned by Bob Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Bob Tiede Website | https://leadingwithquestions.com/ Bob Tiede LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/bobtiede Bob Tiede Twitter | @bobtiede

Michael Reddington, an expert at moving people from resistance to commitment. He is an executive resource, Certified Forensic Interviewer, President of InQuasive, Inc., and author of "The Disciplined Listening Method." He discusses coaching, effective communication, and his Disciplined Listening Method. This method emphasizes patience, outcome-focused thinking, and emotional control. The conversation also covers hiring for valuable traits like patience and empathy, and the importance of creating opportunities for employees to demonstrate these skills. Michael highlights that people often lie to protect themselves and suggests seeking more details when confronted with excuses to promote accountability. The challenges of virtual communication, distractions, and the importance of self-discipline and empathy in leadership are also addressed. https://bit.ly/TLP-377 Key Takeaways [02:33] Michael Reddington, a certified forensic interviewer, shares his unique passion for coaching youth sports, something not found in his public bio. He discusses the value of teaching and learning, even for seasoned professionals. Michael explains the role of a certified forensic interviewer in helping businesses tackle complex issues like theft, fraud, and harassment. He also touched on the Discipline Listening Method, a unique approach to uncovering the truth in business situations. [07:07] Michael Reddington introduces the Discipline Listening Method. This method goes beyond basic active listening and aims to solve common communication problems. [15:02] Michael Reddington discusses the balance between hiring for behaviors and teaching skills in business. He explores the importance of identifying and fostering traits like patience, empathy, and the ability to ask good questions. Michael highlights the need for strategic communication in leadership and suggests that leaders should create opportunities for employees to demonstrate these qualities. He also emphasizes the value of slowing down the perception of time in conversations to reduce defensiveness and improve information sharing. [25:12] Michael discusses the concept of lying and excuses. He suggests that people often lie to protect themselves and emphasizes the importance of trust in relationships. Michael differentiates between trust and faith, highlighting that trust is built through experience. He recommends handling excuses by asking for more details to promote accountability. The podcast challenges common beliefs about lying and excuses, focusing on trust and productive conversations. [33:09] Michael's discussion revolves around the challenges of effective communication in a world dominated by virtual meetings, distractions, and the changing landscape of interpersonal interactions. Michael also explores how the shift to remote work and the prevalence of online meetings have affected communication dynamics. [37:04] Michael delves into the concept of disciplined listening and leadership. Michael introduces a leadership test consisting of three questions: "Are you calm? Are you consistent? Are you making people better?" He explores the idea that effective leadership often requires self-discipline, empathy, and an understanding of how to approach emotional moments in interactions. [43:42] Closing quote: I remind myself every morning nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I'm going to learn, I must do it by listening. — Larry King Quotable Quotes "Patience allows the conversation to come to you. Be patient. Let it unfold." "Listening equals learning. If we're not learning, we're not listening." "Empathizing doesn't mean agreeing or thinking that they're right, just understanding that based on their experience and expectations, that is a valid perspective that they have." "If we're quiet long enough, you'll be surprised how many questions will get answered for you." "If you're going to hire for it, you better know how to ask for it, and you better know how to create experiential opportunities for people to demonstrate it." "If somebody lies to me, if somebody gives me an excuse, it's likely because they're trying to save face and avoid a consequence." "Excuses pave the highway to accountability." "The most unsettling person is the person who cannot be unsettled." "People in general will be surprised what other people will tell them and what other people will do for them when we prioritize our counterparts in our communication." Here are the books mentioned in this episode Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Michael Reddington LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/michaelreddingtoncfi Michael Reddington Website | https://michaelreddington.com/ InQuasive Website | https://inquasive.com/

Executives John Harrington and Dave Pickhardt, both influenced by their experiences at Marion Laboratories, share insights on leadership and organizational culture. John, founder of the Mr. K Legacy Project, and Dave, co-founder of Fuel, discuss how Marion's personalized approach to recruitment, onboarding and development created a strong foundation for success. They highlight the importance of clear expectations and empowerment, coaching, and continuous learning in leadership roles. Drawing from their time under Mr. Kaufman's leadership, they stress the enduring value of appreciation, consistent practices, and creating an environment that fosters personal and professional growth. https://bit.ly/TLP-376 Key Takeaways [02:28] John and Dave share their Marion Labs stories: John's connection-focused recruitment and Dave's response to an ad, driven by values and growth. Different paths, both proud of Marion's unique culture. [10:33] John and Dave remember how Marion Laboratories' personalized training approach was more than just basic onboarding. It included mentorship, thorough training, and hands-on experience, building a strong bond with the company's values and culture. They highlight the importance of this kind of onboarding for lasting success and organizational greatness. [14:48] John and Dave uncover how Marion Laboratories achieved a balance between setting clear expectations and fostering empowerment. Charlie, a mentor, effectively communicated essential tasks and expectations, offering continuous guidance to newcomers like Dave. This approach empowered individuals to thrive independently, forming a winning formula for achieving success. [23:27] The conversation covers leadership preparation at Marion Laboratories. Dave's progression from sales to management involved learning from failures and developing skills, while John emphasizes early identification by managers and structured programs. Marion Laboratories valued leadership without micromanagement and prepared individuals through mentorship, assessment centers, and ongoing support. [29:51] John and Dave highlight the value of coaching in leadership. Coaching boosts productivity and teamwork, even though it's less common now. They emphasize that dedicating time to employees and integrating coaching into leadership is key. These coaching principles work across industries for success and growth. [41:27] John and Dave reflect on the enduring principles of leadership exemplified by Mr. K, the founder of their company. They emphasize the power of genuine appreciation, consistent leadership practices, and creating an environment where individuals feel valued. Their anecdotes showcase how Mr. K's legacy continues to inspire leadership based on care, trust, and the drive for achievement. [51:36 Closing quote: Remember, the more that you expect from people, the more they live up to your expectations. — Ewing Marion Kauffman Quotable Quotes "I think the workplace is not nearly as rich, it's not nearly as connected as it was years ago. And that leads to some of this displacement. This leads to some of why people leave organizations." "The more you can create clarity of direction and help people understand exactly what's expected, without being a micromanager, I think the better off you are." "You can't feel empowered if you're abandoned and if you're not coached." "It was a great combination of competition and collaboration, but, you know, people were there to help and support you and contribute to your development." "If you aspire to be in management, you're going to be somebody that not only knew what to do, but also knew how to do things as well." "The greatest source of motivation is sincere appreciation." "Anybody could do that if they sincerely appreciated people as their greatest asset." "The more that you expect from people, the more they live up to your expectations." Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Dave Pickhardt LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/davepickhardt= John Harrington LinkedIn | John Harrington

Catherine Sanderson discusses her book, "The Positive Shift." The conversation spans diverse topics such as raising rescue puppies, hotel maids' mindset impacting well-being, the placebo effect's role in healing and leadership, and mindset's influence on workplace effectiveness. Strategies to counter negativity, balance work culture, and encourage open communication are explored. Catherine emphasizes the value of diverse perspectives, empathetic leadership, and the impact of ageism. The significance of fostering "flow" in an engaging workplace is also discussed, along with psychology's role in promoting well-being. https://bit.ly/TLP-375 Key Takeaways [01:56] Catherine Sanderson, psychologist and author of "The Positive Shift," discusses her book and its connections to her work. She shares her new interest in raising rescue puppies, linking it to positive psychology. The conversation covers a study about hotel maids and exercise, revealing the impact of mindset on well-being. The placebo effect's relevance to healing and leadership is also explored. [14:57] Catherine examines how mindset and attitudes influence workplace effectiveness. She shares personal insights on toxic environments, stress, and differing viewpoints. Strategies like reframing and behavior change are explored to counter negativity, along with the significance of balance for a thriving work culture. Catherine also discusses leadership impact and the role of nature in promoting workplace well-being. [26:30] Catherine discusses diversity in the workplace, the role of empathy in leadership, and age-related dynamics. She highlights the value of diverse perspectives, the impact of ageism, and the unifying power of empathy. [32:14] Catherine discusses the challenge of promoting open communication in workplaces, particularly when projects face issues. The bystander effect's impact on group dynamics and communication is explored. Strategies for encouraging open dialogue are emphasized, including creating a culture of valuing diverse opinions and ethical leadership. The use of rank-neutral communication, like fighter pilots' call signs, is highlighted for fostering honest conversations across hierarchies. [39:42] Catherine discusses fostering an engaging workplace that encourages a state of "flow" - deep engagement and productivity. Autonomy, mastery, and purpose are key factors for achieving this, along with providing tools and support. She also delves into psychology's impact on well-being, showcasing how deliberate actions can cultivate happiness, even for those without a naturally positive outlook. [44:34] Closing quote: Remember, surround yourself with good people, surround yourself with positivity and people who are going to challenge you to make you better. — Ali Krieger Quotable Quotes "The placebo effect might work because people actually change how they work." "If there's one takeaway, it's like just a small phrase or a sentence chosen carefully can have tremendous impacts." "If you know you have to spend time with somebody who is toxic, who is stressful, who creates this sort of negative energy, try to come up with strategies for immediately doing something after you spend time with that person." "Because the problem is that stress is contagious. Positivity is also contagious, but stress is contagious. Negativity is contagious and that disrupts our ability to actually do our best work." "Recognizing that different people see the world in different ways, and that's okay, maybe we don't want an office entirely of tiggers or entirely of EORS, right?" "We actually have an opportunity to give people space in order to perform their best work." "So changing your behavior can change your mindset. And probably those behaviors lead to a change in mindset." "Ethical leadership flows from the top, because if the leader on top doesn't encourage that sort of vigorous, courageous, vocal communication from the entire group, it doesn't happen." "Create a workplace in which people can experience flow, because flow feels great." These are the books mentioned in this episode Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Catherine Sanderson Website | sandersonspeaking.com Catherine Sanderson Facebook | www.facebook.com/SandersonSpeaking Catherine Sanderson LinkedIn | Catherine Sanderson Catherine Sanderson Twitter | @sandersonspeaks Catherine Sanderson Instagram | @sandersonspeaking

Don Bentley, renowned author of the Matt Drake series and Tom Clancy: A Jack Ryan Jr. Novel Book. From Apache pilot to FBI agent, his life story embodies resilience and diverse experiences. Explore his insights on failure, leadership, and trust-building, shaped by commanding military units, managing startups, and writing for prestigious franchises. Don candidly reflects on a defining day in his life, offering a glimpse into the struggles soldiers face on and off the battlefield. Don Bentley's story is a testament to the transformative power of challenges and the unwavering pursuit of growth and achievement. https://bit.ly/TLP-374 Key Takeaways [02:12] Don Bentley, a New York Times bestselling author known for the Matt Drake series and Tom Clancy Jack Ryan Jr. novels. From army Apache pilot to FBI agent, his journey is defined by resilience and diverse experiences. Don shares his unique perspective on the value of failure, the importance of supportive factors, and the enduring pursuit of meaningful achievements. [12:09] Don reflects on his experience of pursuing a pilot's license and navigating the unpredictable terrain of startups, valuable lessons emerge. The candid discussion touches upon the initial misconception of natural talent, the unexpected twists of startup endeavors, and the profound impact of failure on personal development. He shares his journey of transitioning from the FBI to startups, revealing the intricate balance between narrow focus and diversification. [17:03] Don's expertise in building trust and leading in high-stakes situations takes the spotlight as he shares insights from commanding military units, managing startups, and writing for prestigious franchises. His approach, anchored in humility and authenticity, emphasizes the significance of servant leadership and the value of every individual's role. [27:49] Don opens up about a defining and haunting day in his life—June 20, 2005. Serving as an Air Cavalry troop commander in Afghanistan, he recounts the challenges and tragedies of that day when tasked with rescuing a compromised SEAL team. The emotional aftermath, combined with his transition back to civilian life, offers a glimpse into the struggles soldiers face both on the battlefield and within themselves. Through the camaraderie of fellow veterans, he finds healing and a new purpose, highlighting the resilience that shapes his ongoing journey. [41:42] Closing quote: Remember, you have to remember that the hard days are what make you stronger. The bad days make you realize what a good day is. If you never had any bad days, you would never have that sense of accomplishment. — Ali Raisman. Quotable Quotes "Once you get used to failing and you pick yourself up, then the next thing doesn't seem so difficult to try." "And I think being a good leader is very similar to that in that your actions should show that you're a caring leader, that you're willing to do what you're asking your subordinates to do as well, not your words." "The things that are worth having are not easy to get." "The hardest things in life are the ones that are worth having." "I know what my limitations are as a person and sometimes you can't figure that out when things succeed. You can only figure that out when things go sideways." "Leadership is taking an organization where it needs to go rather than where it wants to go." "Excellence has to be worked for because that's not the natural order of things." "When you're in the thick of it, you better be calm and competent." "What we all want is to be surrounded by people that have our backs no matter what we're doing and people that we can trust." These are the books mentioned by Don Ben Bentley Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Don Bentley Website | https://donbentleybooks.com/ Don Bentley Facebook | www.facebook.com/bentleydonb Don Benley Twitter | @bentleydonb

Mohammed Qahtani, a dynamic motivational speaker, shares his journey of overcoming severe stuttering. He emphasizes the impact of words and the importance of humor in public speaking. Mohammed discusses unlocking hidden talents in team members and fostering a positive work environment. He also advises on negotiation and cross-cultural leadership, perseverance, and learning from mistakes to achieve goals.

Robert Cialdini, Ph.D., a renowned expert on the psychology of influence and persuasion. Known as the "Godfather of influence," his book "INFLUENCE: The Psychology of Persuasion" is considered one of the best business books ever. He discusses the concept of unity as a lever of influence and how it differs from social proof and liking. Dr. Robert shares insights on "blue lies" and how tribalism can affect our behaviors. Dr. Robert also talked about his second edition of "Influence" and the goals of the Cialdini Institute. A fascinating conversation on understanding human behavior and increasing ethical influence. https://bit.ly/TLP-372 Key Takeaways [01:32] Dr. Robert, the "Godfather of influence," discussing his latest book "Influence" and the new concept of "unity" in persuasion. [11:02] Dr. Robert discusses "blue lies," a new form of lying that protects in-groups while harming outsiders. We explore the power of unity, the impact of social media on tribalism, and effective leadership tactics. [19:09] During this discussion, Dr. Robert delves into the concept of unity as a leadership principle and its potential impact on creating silos within organizations. We explore the role of influence in leadership and sales, emphasizing the importance of understanding human nature to achieve desirable behaviors. The conversation also touches on the evolution of language as a tool for persuasion and differentiation from other species. [25:09] We also explore the impact of dwindling attention spans and the six behavioral levers of influence. Dr. Cialdini highlights the power of triggers, such as a welcoming statement, in online interactions. He also discusses the launch of the Cialdini Institute, focusing on ethical influence and scaling up teaching programs. [34:37] Dr. Robert delves into the six behavioral levers of influence and their profound impact on marketers and digital media. He also talks about the future of artificial intelligence and how human connection will remain crucial in the age of technology. Dr. Cialdini emphasizes the power of relationships and judgment in effective influence and negotiations. [42:11] Closing quote: Remember, character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion. — Aristotle Quotable Quotes "People say yes to those that they share a personal or professional identity with." "The idea of this connectedness, this unity of purpose, of effort and so on, those were the people who could really bring that to the surface and create the collaboration and the cooperation that you need to be a truly successful leader with a team that's dedicated to moving forward together." "If leaders in the middle management ranks start really applying the unity principle, we enforce these silos with even greater strength." "Attention spans are dwindling. And so what we need to know is those levers of influence that move people away from where they are now in the direction that we would like them to go." "Don't allow AI to be the whole package. Infuse it with connection, ways to connect statements of connection, get humanity into it, and you'll get both barrels now working in your favor." "Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion." (Aristotle) These are the books mentioned of Robert Cialdini Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Robert Cialdini, Ph.D. Website | www.robertcialdinibf.com Robert Cialdini, Ph.D. YouTube | www.youtube.com/@robertcialdinibf7193 Cialdini Institute Website | https://cialdini.com/ TLP158: Prioritize The Truth - Dr. Robert Cialdini

Megan Thatford, CEO of Elite Meet discusses her passion for military veterans, and her role in connecting veterans to resources during their transition. Elite Meet offers personalized support beyond networking events, helping veterans in various stages of their careers. Megan emphasizes the valuable skills of special operations veterans and encourages considering them for roles in consulting, project management, and sales. Collaboration between businesses and nonprofits is crucial for serving the veteran community effectively. Listen now and learn how to support veterans by offering connections and introductions. https://bit.ly/TLP-371 Key Takeaways [01:23] Megan's passion lies in warfighter health, a topic not widely known from her public bio. Over the years, she has been deeply involved with nonprofits, dedicated to raising awareness about healthcare outcomes for veterans and fostering connections to improve their overall wellness. This commitment to making a difference is rooted in Megan's outgoing nature and the influence of her father. Treating people as equals and finding value in every interaction is a belief that drives her networking efforts at Elite Meet. [05:52] As CEO of Elite Meet, Megan shares that the organization was founded by former Navy SEAL, John Allen, to support transitioning veterans through networking events. They expanded to conferences and virtual gatherings, adapting during COVID-19. Megan emphasizes their personalized approach in helping veterans succeed after leaving the military. Elite Meet's mission now extends to anyone going through life transitions, offering valuable career resources and connections. [12:02] Elite Meet acts as a crucial connection hub for individuals in transition. It educates veterans about various industries and facilitates networking with professionals from diverse fields. By encouraging personal growth and overcoming self-promotion challenges, Elite Meet empowers veterans to embark on successful post-military careers. The organization's support complements initiatives by The Honor Foundation and Commit Foundation, making the transition process smoother and more fruitful. [17:20] Megan explains how Elite Meet supports elite veterans in their transition to civilian jobs. Jan questions how elite veterans compare to elite business professionals. Megan highlights their shared core characteristics, but notes a gap in understanding veterans' value in the corporate world. She suggests roles like consulting, operations/project management, business development, and customer success as good fits for veterans. They also discuss the importance of understanding the value of relationship sales in the business world. [31:49] Megan highlights the importance of collaboration among nonprofits to better serve veterans. She encourages businesses to explore how they can support veterans and invites listeners to visit the Elite Meet website and be network generous by offering help to veterans in transition. [43:56] Closing quote: Remember, when you stop caring what people think, you lose your capacity for connection. When you're defined by it, you lose out on your capacity for vulnerability. — Brene Brown Quotable Quotes "Being a connector is really the way you view interactions with other humans and other individuals." "I truly believe that everyone you meet has the potential to be a connection for you at some point in your life down the road, tomorrow, today." "People are people. You're not a rank anymore. You're not a boss. If you look at others and interact with them on a human level, you're going to be much happier and much more successful." "Getting to the point where who you are today is not who you were yesterday. It's just a part of who you have become." "Consulting is a great space for anyone across the special operations community." "Skillbridge internships or fellowships are a fantastic way to do a try before you buy type experience." "Collaboration with businesses and nonprofits is the way forward." Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Megan Thatford's LinkedIn | Megan Thatford Elite Meet's Website | www.elitemeetus.org

Solomon R.C. Ali is the Founder and CEO of Solomon RC Ali Corporation, and author of "Why Black Wealth Matters in White America." In this episode, he discusses his journey overcoming adversity, the influence of his military experience on leadership, and addressing racial wealth inequality. Solomon's Minority Business Access podcast offers valuable advice focusing on counting the cost, commitment, and following business principles and fundamentals. Solomon emphasizes learning from mistakes, treating others with respect, and the importance of a committed management team. https://bit.ly/TLP-370 Key Takeaways [01:39] Solomon, known for revolutionizing the doorbell home security industry with the Ring Doorbell, discusses overcoming adversity in his childhood and how it shaped his success as a leader. He emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and taking ownership of them. [10:40] Drawing from his military experience, Solomon explains how it influenced his leadership style and problem-solving abilities. He highlights trust, selflessness, and problem-solving as crucial in both military and business contexts. He addresses racial wealth inequality in the US, advocating for education, awareness, and financial literacy in marginalized communities. [23:18] Solomon's Minority Business Access podcast offers valuable advice applicable to everyone, focusing on counting the cost, commitment, and following business principles and fundamentals. He acknowledges the existence of racism but believes that most people act without personal bias or discrimination. [27:03] Treating others with respect and responsibility regardless of race is paramount to Solomon. He stresses the importance of making informed decisions based on reliable knowledge and past experiences. Solomon also values serving others, leaving a positive impact, and having a committed management team when evaluating companies. Coaching and teaching team members while empathizing with their struggles is crucial, as highlighted by Solomon. [41:36] Solomon mentions his book on black wealth, emphasizing its relevance to all readers. The book aims to provide awareness to consumers and business owners, emphasizing understanding customers and economic factors. He draws parallels between military strategy and efficient business operations, urging business owners to consider the contributions of every individual involved. [43:56] Closing quote: Remember, the world is full of people who have never since childhood met an open doorway with an open mind. — E.B. White Quotable Quotes "The leadership was basically having the faith and the confidence in knowing what it is that you're doing, being able to observe and understand." "You do the same in business. You're able to make greater and greater strides. It all comes down to being able to trust one another, to believe another." "What I found out in writing the book was that we had more ownership. People of color had more ownership in property and in businesses after slavery than they do today." "Your convictions must rule and guide you... You think about everyone else in your squad, everyone else in your platoon." "You have to count the cost... You have to understand what it is that you have to do, what it's going to require of you and others around you, and then you're going to have to be committed to that." "So in business, it doesn't matter if you're black or if you're white. It doesn't matter. You have certain principles and fundamentals that must be followed and adhered to." "You must be understanding and give respect in all situations." "Responsibility is a choice... We learn from the things that we have experienced in the past." "Leave a positive impact on someone else... make the world a better place." "You must coach and teach as you go... gently guide you in the correct direction." "Every person matters and makes a contribution." These are the books mentioned Resources Mentioned The Leadership Podcast | theleadershippodcast.com Sponsored by | www.darley.com Rafti Advisors. LLC | www.raftiadvisors.com Self-Reliant Leadership. LLC | selfreliantleadership.com Solomon R.C. Ali's Website | www.solomonrcali.com Solomon R.C. Ali's LinkedIn | Solomon R.C. Ali Solomon R.C. Ali's Facebook | www.facebook.com/SolomonRCAliCorp Solomon R.C. Ali's Twitter | @SolomonRCAli Solomon R.C. Ali's Instagram | @mrsolomonrcali