Mere Mortals Unite Podcast

Lee Smith is the founder and CEO of SalesFuel.   When doing research on the company and Lee, I was intrigued by his philosophy that every member of a company has an impact on sales.  I couldn’t agree more. That enlightenment is essential for great leaders to succeed AND the power it has for every member of the workforce is amazing.  Lee clearly understands to make any long-lasting changes in his workforce, it must start with himself. In this episode Lee touches on all four attributes that create a thriving business culture; Listening Open to New Ideas Lifelong Learning Safe Environment   For more information about SalesFuel: Company Website Follow on Twitter Follow on LinkedIn Follow on Instagram   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

Shannon Adkins is a thought leader and CEO of this woman-owned, 100% employee-owned consulting company with a triple bottom line where people get to be themselves. After years of working for startups, tech companies, and in corporate America, getting her MBA, and starting a family, Shannon decided she wanted to work somewhere where she could be fully expressed as a mom, a volunteer, and a badass business woman.  The changes she initiated led to revenue doubling in 24 months, new offerings, new clients in new industries, new teams and leaders.  Shannon challenges herself to always ask “why,” and to make sure business solutions contribute to creating a world that works for everyone. Here is my favorite quote of Shannon’s, “That’s the thing about values. It’s not enough to believe in them, we have to take actions that support them every day.”   For more information about Future State: Company Website Future State on Twitter Future State on LinkedIn   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google

My guest today is Jim Estill, owner and CEO of Danby Appliances.  Jim’s has an intriguing program that I wanted to share with our audience because helping people get a new start in life is a gift.  Jim philanthropic work most recently involved sponsoring 60 Syrian Refugee families. In 2018 Jim received the Order of Canada, which recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.  Just the kind of person I want to have on my show. He partly attributes his success to understanding that he doesn’t always have the best solution and allowing people the ability to do the right thing.   For more information about Danby and Jim: Danby's Website Jim's Website for Video and Blog Danby on Facebook Jim on LinkedIn Danby's on Instagram   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

Michele McGough is the founder and CEO of Solutions4Networks(S4Nets).  Her past experience made her realize that the employees in the company she formed 20 years ago, needed to be happy and feel fulfilled.  She pays for her employee’s total health benefits, even a family and training is on her time and her dime. Collaboration is highly rated in her workplace where egos are left at the door.    For more information about Solutions4Networks and Michele: Company Website S4Nets on Twitter S4Nets on Facebook Michele on LinkedIn   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

Brian Cristiano is the founder and CEO of Bold Worldwide, an ad agency which accelerates growth by telling a company’s story.  Like many companies, Bold Worldwide has a standard set of core values. However, at Bold, these core values have been developed by leadership along with the employees.  The result is a shared mindset and vision. This is a big reason I invited Brian today. Learn how Brian lost half his workforce to create a place where people want to be their best selves, including Brian.     For more information about Brian and Bold Worldwide: Bold Worldwide Website Brian & Bold on Twitter Bold Worldwide on LinkedIn Bold Worldwide on YouTube Brian Talks about Success with Ed Mylett   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

In November 2015, Australian brothers, James and Tristan Swanwick launched their sleep company, Swanwick Sleep and its blue light blocking glasses. James and Tristan wore the glasses the last hour before they wanted to sleep. The lens blocked the blue light and they got sleepier, quicker. They slept the entire night. They woke up refreshed with lots of energy James Swanwick is an Australian-American investor, entrepreneur, speaker, former Sports Center anchor on ESPN, host of The James Swanwick Show podcast and the author of The 30 Day No Alcohol Challenge. Forbes listed James as one of 25 Professional Networking Experts to Watch. It’s not really unique but their daily scrum, otherwise known as a daily huddle or stand up, has been the single most influential thing they have introduced to create an engaged workplace. Every day at 11am from Monday to Friday every member of their team gets on a video call and is encouraged to shout out one of their teammates for a job well done.

My guest today is Fanny Krivoy Founder/Chief Creative Officer of Analogous.  The company is a mission-driven consultancy that uses inclusive design strategy to help teams build strong scalable connections with the broadest possible client base through their brands, digital products and experiences.  Fanny believes in using the power of inclusive design to bring ideas that matter to life, whether it is to create a brand, design a product or build a team. By making brands inclusive throughout the organization, you can ensure that everyone's contributions are considered and everyone feels appreciated.  This type of company fosters an environment of innovation. For more information about Studio Analogous: Company Website Studio Analogous on Twitter Studio Analogous on Instagram LinkedIn Connection   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

Josh Levine is an educator, designer, and best-selling author, but above all, he is on a mission to help organizations design a culture advantage. Josh is on a mission to help organizations design a culture advantage.  He helped create Culture LabX, which are global communities connecting like-minded individuals on the topic of the future of work.   Josh talks about rituals and how he utilizes them to help organizations build not only a great culture but one that is sustaining. Josh Levine’s new book, Great Mondays: How to Design a Company Culture Employees Love, presents the framework and tools business leaders need to understand, design, and manage their own culture.   For more information about Josh: Great Mondays Website Great Mondays on Twitter Great Mondays on Instagram   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

Our guest today is Brad Younggren, the Chief Medical Officer of 98point6, a company who delivers on-demand, text-based primary care.  From the battlefield to innovative approaches in primary care, Brad brings decades of experience to this organization. What is truly different about this organization is how they choose everyone in their company.  Whether you are a software engineer or a physician the process is the same. Your functionality includes being a contributing member of the entire company.   Their unique practices include bringing all their physicians into the corporate headquarters on a regular basis.  This allows discussions with the marketing team and the core developers so that everyone has a deep understanding of the company’s core values and how to live them.     For more information about Brad and 98point6: 98point6 Website 98point6 on Twitter Brad on LinkedIn 98point6 on Instagram   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

My guest today is Simone Morris.  Bright, articulate and downright nice human, Simone is a thought leader in Diversity and Inclusion and is a coach for returning service members. We talk about how inclusive networking can expand your success and the growth of your business.  Simone understands the difference between the diversity, the noun and inclusion, the verb. Her new book is called Achievement Unlocked – Strategies to Set Goals and Manifest Them.  As the title explains a goal is great, but manifesting them is better.   For more information about Simone: Simone's Website Simone on Facebook Simone on LinkedIn Simone on Instagram   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world’s largest HR professional society, representing 300,000 members in more than 165 countries. For nearly seven decades, the Society has been the leading provider of resources serving the needs of HR professionals and advancing the practice of human resource management. That is a huge responsibility.  Emily M. Dickens, SHRM’s Chief of Staff shares their Guiding Principles with us and a peek into the future of SHRM. SHRM Guiding Principles: Bold Purpose Excellence & Accountability Flexibility & Agility Smart & Curious Collaborative Openness   For more information about Emily & SHRM: SHRM's Website SHRM on Twitter Emily on LinkedIn SHRM on Facebook   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

Brian Moak is the owner of HEART Certified Auto Care.  HEART stands for Helping Everyone Achieve Reliable Transportation.  His way of doing business has earned him a 99% retention rate. Brian lives by the “two customer” mantra – one that walks through the front door, and one that walks through the back door to clock in. Their mission statement says it all, “Grow deliberately. Balance ambition with understanding. Revolutionize the norm. Embrace the unexpected. Always look beyond what you see. Never count on a silver bullet. Get involved. Listen to understand and share with transparency. Stay true to who you are. Inspire through integrity. Live your values – they are your foundation. Hold others accountable, and provide the necessary tools to thrive. Continuously adapt. Seek the honesty in hardship and learn from your mistakes. Own your actions. Trade expectations for appreciation. Believe. Lead from your heart.”   For more information about Brian and HEART: HEART Certified Auto Care website HEART on Facebook H

Sheila Anderson is an image and impression management expert.  Sheila is driven to empower corporate professionals across the globe on strategic visibility. Her exceptional talent benefits executives and notables at any level, polishing all facets of their personal brand. Through her own personal experience, Sheila Anderson was drawn to the influence of impression management. As a Certified Universal Style System Consultant, through Alyce Parson, Sheila has successfully cultivated her own unique style. She is the author of I.C.U., The Comprehensive Guide to Breathing Life Back Into Your Personal Brand.   For more information about Sheila Anderson: Sheila Anderson's WebsiteSheila on TwitterSheila on LinkedInSheila on Instagram iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

My guest today is Dom Perry, Vice President of PeopleWorks for Chili’s Grill & Bar. From talent acquisition to team member engagement, Dom leads the way to put their people first and foster a culture of family to over 60,000 team members.   Dom came up through the ranks starting as a Senior Training Specialist for the Parent company, Brinker International.  As he rose through the company his passion for acquiring and training Chiliheads, as they’re known, was apparent, which led to his current position.   I am eager to learn his secrets in keeping employees engaged in an industry that normally sees tremendous turnover.   For more information about Chili’s Grill & Bar: Chili's Website Chili's on Twitter Chili's on Instagram iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

Eddie Turner is known as The Leadership Excelerator™, and has been described as “The Consummate Friendly Professional.” I couldn’t agree more. I wanted to have Eddie as my guest today to talk about a skill he has that I think has been forgotten in the corporate world, the art of facilitation. I thought this would be a good time to talk about this and remind you that conversations like this assist teams to work together at a higher level.  From a culture standpoint, the positive benefits are many including higher engagement. Eddie discusses the process of facilitation and it’s benefits of PACE: Presence Assessment Communication, Control, Consistency Engagement For more information about Eddie: Eddie Turner's Website Eddie on LinkedIn Eddie on Twitter Eddie on Youtube 140 Simple Messages to Guide Emerging Leaders on Amazon iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

Lee Caraher is the CEO of Double Forte PR & Digital Marketing.  As an acclaimed communication strategist, she’s known for her practical solutions to big problems. Lee has a reputation for building cohesive, high producing teams who have fun together at the same time. She is a straight talker who doesn't hold too many punches, although she does her best to be pleasant about it. Her big laugh and sense of humor have gotten her out of a lot of trouble.   Her latest book, The Boomerang Principle is about how to inspire lifetime loyalty from your employees.  That concept is not only about their time with your company. That alone makes her a perfect fit for this podcast.   For more information about Double Forte and Lee Caraher: Double Forte Website Lee Caraher Website Lee Caraher on LinkedIn Lee Caraher on Twitter iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review

The Wall Street Journal ranks Daniel Goleman as one of the 10 most influential business thinkers.  His 1998 article, What Makes a Leader? remains one of the two most requested reprint in the history of Harvard Business Review.  In 2012, Daniel, wrote the #1 Bestseller, Emotional Intelligence. It introduced a whole new way to look at relationships and leadership. Daniel’s newest creation, along with some of his bright and gifted friends, is the Building Blocks of Emotional Intelligence.  These 12 primers are evidenced-based competencies for a unique type of leadership.   For more information about Daniel: Daniel's Website Daniel on Twitter Daniel on LinkedIn Daniel on Facebook Emotional Intelligence Coaching Certification Apply and receive Free Book Building Blocks of Emotional Intelligence   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

Meet Traci Fenton, President of WorldBlu.  Her philosophy for leaders is to live, lead and work in freedom instead of fear and control in the workplace.  Traci has developed the Freedom At Work method to assist companies to create a more adaptable, productive and award winning culture.  From Forbes to NPR she has made her presence known. She actually received an award for outstanding results in shaping the world.  Now she is on Businesses that Care sharing her entire method framework. For more information about Traci: WorldBlu Website Traci on Twitter WorldBlu on Twitter   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

CONRIC PR & Marketing provides companies with comprehensive marketing support.  The company is very community-minded and believes in service above self. Over the past 5-years they have donated $500,000 in services and dollars back to the community they serve.  Listen to how Connie and her team listen and stay aware of themselves and the world around them. For more information about Conric and Connie: Conric's website Conric on Twitter Connie on Twitter   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts

My guest is, Melissa Agnes.  Her brain is always finding ways to mitigate an issue.  She understands that to build brand invincibility you must be crisis ready.  She is a leading authority on crisis preparedness, reputation management and brand protection. The whole concept of being crisis ready is cultural. A culture that puts people above process and bottom line, that trains employees on how to proactively build trust, identify and assess real-time risk, and respond in a way that increases credibility in and brand equity for the organization. For more information about Melissa: Melissa's Website Melissa on LinkedIn Melissa on Twitter Melissa on Youtube Melissa's book on being Crisis Ready   iTunes - Subscribe, Rate and Review Find us on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts