Mere Mortals Unite Podcast

Allison Pickens, COO at Gainsight, is an internationally known thought leader on driving subscription revenue growth and scaling teams. As the Chief Operating Officer, Allison is focused on generating excellence in company-wide strategy and execution, as well as new corporate development opportunities and evangelism. Allison was named one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women and a Top Customer Service Influencer.  She studied at Yale and Stanford so we know she is wicked smart.   Allison built and scaled Gainsight’s post-sales functions, including a global team of more than 180 team members across Customer Success Management, Professional Services, Support, Customer Marketing, Value Consulting, and Customer Engineering. She also built Gainsight’s Corporate Development (M&A) function and is General Manager of Gainsight PX, an acquired business. Before that, she built Gainsight's Sales Development and Business Operations teams. Gainsight understands that business success relies on customer success.  Their busin

Raphael Crawford Marks is the founder and CEO of Bonusly.  This program improves employee engagement and retention by providing a frictionless tool for employees to give meaningful praise and feedback.  Chobani and Survey Monkey are just a few of the companies that think this is the path to take.  Raphael shares the importance of engagement being, timely, frequent, specific, aligned with company core values, and inclusive.  It's not enough to tell people once a year that they are doing well.  And, connecting the benefit to the company with praise makes it more meaningful and long-lasting.  Engagement is strongest when company values are an integral piece of everything the company commits to.  The inclusive piece is for those giving and receiving praise.    In addition, we talk about the importance of purpose, progress and belonging.  At Bonusly, they live what they profess.  They are very clear that culture is a continuous journey that can get better and better with an open mind to new ideas.  In addition, th

Today I am thrilled to come to you and talk about one of my favorite topics, Communication. You might have heard that communication is a soft skill. I always wonder how that can be. Without good communication skills, how can you collaborate with your colleagues, sell your product or service or learn new ideas? Communication is an essential skill. When someone calls it a soft skill I personally let them know that by calling it that it diminishes its significance. And that’s where we begin. You first need to see the importance of communication so you can give it the attention it deserves. Communication is defined as a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. I am going to concentrate on word usage but don’t forget about your body language. It says a lot. Some people say up to 55% of the information we transmit is through our body language. Whether it is the choice of words we speak or how our face and body look, both of these aspects a

Jonathan Keyser used to be ruthless in the cut throat business of real estate.  He’s living proof that selfless service will transform a business to new successful heights.   His company, Keyser is the largest commercial real estate tenant representative firm in Arizona and one of the fastest growing in the country. Jonathan’s “selfless service” model resonates with corporations and individuals seeking a competitive edge to acquiring and maintaining clients.  Jonathan is a best-selling author of You Don’t Have to be Ruthless to Win: The Art of Badass Selfless Service. The book is about Jonathan’s journey and the success of changing your attitude and perspective. Jonathan is here to share his journey, mission, and “selfless service” model to empower each of us to succeed.   For more information about Jonathan: Jonathan's Website Follow Jonathan on Twitter Jonathan on LinkedIn Keyser Way on Facebook Book:  You Don't have to be Ruthless to Win 2 free months on Bonusly   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find

Today my guest is Christopher O’Donnell, Senior VP of Product at HubSpot.  HubSpot is a leader when it comes to inbound marketing and sales programs. Christopher was recently named one of the best product leaders of 2019.   HubSpot is a developer and marketer of software products for inbound marketing and sales. Its products and services aim to provide tools for social media marketing, content management, web analytics and search engine optimization. Christopher shares how HubSpot manages and evolves their customer driven internal culture.  When Christopher is not working, he is writing songs and playing guitar with his band, The Providers.     For more information about Christopher and HubSpot: HubSpot's Website HubSpot on Twitter Christopher on Twitter Christopher on LinkedIn HubSpot on LInkedIn   2 free months on Bonusly   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

What does it mean to you to be in a community?  Usually one aspect is that you have at least one common denominator.  The most familiar is location, like the neighborhood you live in.   What if you thought about your workplace as a neighborhood? Collaboration and Community create a sense of belonging. Humans have craved a sense of belonging ever since they lived in caves. Certainly, there are those who would rather be alone, but for the majority of us, there’s a comfort in being with others.   Working well with others and having the ability to collaborate, are skills you can learn and improve upon every day.   Being welcoming and willing are fundamental requirements for a well-functioning group.    For more information about Julie Ann: Julie Ann on Twitter Julie Ann on LinkedIn Julie Ann on Facebook   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

Although I would have had Scott McKain as a guest, just for his voice, he is a consummate speaker, thinker and author.  Scott is a globally recognized authority on how organizations and professionals create distinction to attract and retain customers — and stand out in a hyper-competitive marketplace. Scott talks about his four cornerstones of distinction: Clarity Creativity Communication Customer Experience Focus Scott also shares his expertise on how to respect and support a company’s customer.  Don’t forget your best customers are your workforce.    Scott McKain’s vast experience is a gift to you when you listen to this episode.  Scott’s recent book, ICONIC: How Organizations and Leaders Attain, Sustain, and Regain the Ultimate Level of Distinction,” was recently named on Forbes.com as a TOP TEN BEST BUSINESS BOOK for 2018.  The first edition of his book, “Create Distinction: What to Do When ‘Great’ Isn’t Good Enough to Grow Your Business” was named by thirty major newspapers (such as the Miami Herald) a

There just isn't enough celebration and recognition in our workplaces.  We spend way too much time thinking about what went wrong or what we can do better.  That’s important, but so is the other side.  You might think about how someone did a good job, but individuals don’t usually take the time to express it.  I think mainly because they just don’t think about it.  Like every subject I have been talking about, to change that behavior isn’t difficult, but it does take commitment and repetition.   Everyone wants a paycheck, but people also want to be acknowledged and feel they are valued. The research shows that to be true. Did you know loneliness has grown in epic proportions in our world and according to the Cigna U.S. loneliness index, Americans are the loneliest? There are many reasons for loneliness, but feeling invisible is a pathway to isolation both physically and emotionally. In the workplace, this is exasperated when companies don’t create an atmosphere for people to be recognized on a regular basis,

Karen Brown is CEO of Velocity Leadership Consulting.  She is an expert in the field of high performance and personal leadership.  Her mission is to work with leaders who are willing to conquer their limiting beliefs to grow themselves and their organizations.  She talks about the importance of whether leaders cast a shadow or shed light on their workforce.   Her belief is that the “Why” for team members must align with the company vision and mission. Unfortunately, many team members don't know they're why, and/or leaders perceptions of their knowledge is incorrect.  It is so important to have alignment.  That is what Karen Brown's expertise is all about.   This episode is chock full of valuable insights to propel your business forward.   Find out how to be a successful human being.   For more information about Karen and Velocity Leadership Consulting: Velocity Leadership Website Contact Karen Karen Brown on Twitter Karen on LinkedIn Velocity Leadership on InstagramBuy Unlimiting Your Beliefs Report a Good/Ba

Now I have the opportunity to speak to you about one of my favorite topics, attitude.  This is truly the one aspect of your life that you are entirely in control of. I highly suggest you utilize this personal power and accept it as a gift along with its responsibilities.  Once you realize you have expansive personal power over your attitude, then your feelings, your reactions, even your daily routines become a personal choice. If you’ve been living, as many of us do, allowing the rest of the world to shape your attitude, it can be a tough habit to change.  First, there’s acceptance of this pretty big superpower you have.   This may be your biggest hurdle.  So, don’t worry about it, it means you’re human.  It’s definitely going to take some time getting used to.  Taking control of your attitude is a life long journey.   Here are some questions to help you change your attitude to your advantage.  First of all, ask yourself whether you even pay attention to your attitude now.  If you do, think about how your att

Today my guest is Todd Hopkins founder and CEO of Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services.  I pride myself on finding different industries to have on this podcast to prove the point that it doesn’t matter what kind of business you are in or what size company you have….culture makes a difference in your success.   Todd understands that the people working for him have a life outside of their work and so his lunch and learn sessions are done to help his employees grow professionally and personally.  Dignity and respect are two key initiatives in their core values and he allows that to flourish by empowering his workforce to make decisions.   For more information about Todd and Office Pride: Office Pride Website Corporate Facebook Office Pride on Twitter Corporate on LinkedIn iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

Paying attention and focus is a part of life that people in general don’t even think about.   Parts of your life become so automatic you never think about taking the time to listen to and actually see your own words or thoughts or deeds.  This automatic behavior can be very disruptive. In this episode I talk about the importance of paying attention and how to create a better habit of doing it.     For more information about Julie Ann: Julie Ann on Twitter Julie Ann on LinkedIn Julie Ann on Facebook   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

Today my guest is Tevis Trower, founder and CEO of Balance Integration (BI).  She is truly a pioneer in the field of cultural transformation at work. Inspired by a deeper vision in which employees flourished at work, Trower humbly launched Balance Integration as a corporate yoga and mindfulness solution in 2002.  She has expanded Balance’s services into a broad spectrum of modalities to optimize humanity in the workplace. She helps shape thinking around the impact of culture on employee behavior and performance, and continues to change the landscape of corporate culture globally. At BI, their goal is to optimize humanity in the workplace.  Tevis has an uncanny way of integrating mindset with executive performance.   Her teams are currently serving clients across the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America.    For more information about Tevis and BI: Balance Integration Website Tevis on LinkedIn Balance Integration on Facebook   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play,

Julie Ann Sullivan here, your visionary leader for the day.  Today I am going to share with you ideas about how being more accountable creates more success.   Imagine what it would be like to work in an environment where no one did what they said they would do? Maybe you’ve worked in a place like that.  It’s pretty frustrating, right? Especially if you’re the responsible type.   Accountability is the willingness to accept responsibility for your actions.  You might think that this idea of accountability only comes into play when someone else doesn’t follow through on their commitment to you, or the team, or the company.  But what if you change your perspective and look at that word to be synonymous with responsibility. Then being accountable for outcomes gives you the opportunity to take credit for a job well done.     For more information about Julie Ann: Julie Ann on Twitter Julie Ann on LinkedIn Julie Ann on Facebook   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywher

My guest today is Michelle Hayward, CEO of Bluedog Design.  Bluedog Design is a business consulting firm focused on building company purpose, integrated strategy and innovation. The leadership team at Bluedog believes that they are in service to their employees and their culture. Their focus on their humans was a big reason I invited Michelle today.  Here are four ways that Bluedog supports their humans.  Curiosity U – funded learning programs because learning feels good! Parenting Support – Provide a guide and consultant to help with life’s everyday urgencies. Concierge – take away the pain of daily grinds like car washes, or dry-cleaning pickups and drop-offs Organization Navigation Tools – empower the individual to own their own growth journey by conquering known next steps in their progress   For more information about Michelle and Bluedog Design: Bluedog Design Website Bluedog on Twitter Bluedog on Facebook Michelle on LinkedIn iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotif

I was actually proud of myself from stepping back and taking my own advice I have given to so many others…which is; when you are full up and feeling burnout is very close, take some time to breathe.  If you miss what you were doing, go back, if you are relieved to have it behind you fill the void by taking another path.  I recently wrote to a friend, in business you are going to have a lot of brilliant ideas.  Some work, some don’t.  Some fill you up with masses of Joy and then one day they don’t.  They call that life.  Get used to it.  And here is the kicker, we can use that knowledge that we learn about ourselves to continue to be amazing instead of being stuck and falling into burnout.    For more information about Julie Ann: Julie Ann on Twitter Julie Ann on LinkedIn Julie Ann on Facebook   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

We haven’t fallen off the face of the earth.  Coming back September 4, 2019   For more information about Julie Ann: Julie Ann on Twitter Julie Ann on LinkedIn Julie Ann on Facebook   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

Our guest today is Dr. Nido Qubein.  Nido serves as the President of High Point University.  He came to this country with $50 and all of his success has been a process of education, fortitude and generosity.  My favorite quote of this episode is: when you train someone, you show them the how, when you educate someone you show them the why.  When you train someone, you show them what to do, when you educate someone you show them how to be. The factors that Nido uses at High Point University can be used in any business to build an amazing business culture.  Hear what his “Wow” experience is really like.   For more information about Sheila: High Point University Website Nido's Website Nido on Twitter   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

On this episode, I speak with Phil Cohen, founder and CEO of Cohen Architectural Woodworking.  His story is very different. His upbringing experience was filled with violence, suicide and drug and alcohol abuse.  Eventually, it grabbed him in. His journey to turn his life around, several times, created his unusual hiring practices and the creation of specific expectations of his workforce.  He has four D’s that can get you fired: drama, drugs, defects and dishonesty. Phil’s story is very different, which is why I invited him to join us.       For more information about Phil: Cohen Woodworking Website Godly Inspirations Company Facebook Page   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

Leslie Tayne is the founder and managing director of the Tayne Law Group.  They specialize in consumer and business financial debt related services. Her idea of an open workspace creates a special comradery among her workforce.  She is very aware of the heartaches of her clients and how it affects her employees. Leslie’s empathy for her clients is a model for her workforce as well.  But it’s puppies in the workplace that brought me to this organization today. She has found that the puppies give her employees a mental break. Leslie’s top priority is to create a culture where people want to come to work and do their best.     For more information about Leslie and her business: Company Website Tayne Law Group on Twitter Leslie on LinkedIn Company Facebook Page   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts