Manager Memo podcast

A fun time spent with one of my favorite BB players, Marcos Echevarria. While this pod is focused on successful business owners and entrepreneurs sharing their tips, I don't think it's a far stretch to hear the story of an All-American hoopster. Marcos was all "bizness" on the court. Significantly, he worked just as hard in the classroom. If you like basketball or sports, you'll love this pod.

Virginia Beach Counselling and Wellness was founded in 2014 by Natalie Wingfield, a young entrepreneur from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Initially a bare bone operation with Ms. Wingfield playing all the "instruments in the orchestra" her business has expanded to a vibrant mental health practice where more than 120 clients a week receive compassionate treatment across a diverse range of Evidence Based Counselling techniques. In this Pod, Natalie shares her start-up story, one that required a large investment of sweat equity and an equal measure of introverted Grit.

Abrahima Kourouma, a native of the west African nation of Guinea offers his thoughts on life success. In 2017 Kourouma was nominated as the Chief Information Officer for the Electronic & Information Agency of Guinea. In this role Abrahima supervises the integration of technology across governmental departments. Abrahima offers to put your ego aside and link your actions to the organization's vision. He explains his personal philosophy - "Sometimes, in order to jump further, you need to take a step back. You will enjoy Kourouma's quiet but inspiring message.

This week's podcast is an "academic rift" on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as applied to management. Using Abraham Maslow's (1943) theory of psychological health, the levels of the hierarchy are applied to business development and management of employees. Professor Len Samborowski suggests that there is money to be made and businesses to be designed across all levels of Maslow's intellectual construct. Labeling his ideas as Maslow Management, Dr. Sam addresses the physiological, Safety, Love/Belonging, Esteem and Self-Actualized level of the hierarchy. He concludes by stating you cannot expect level 5 efficiency if the bottom rungs of the hierarchy are dysfunctional. Note: there is no Vimeo video associated with this podcast.

Doctor Roxanne Simmons has lead a successful Pediatrics Practice in Lincoln, Rhode Island for over 25 years. She ensures her patients are "heard, cared for and comfortable." An entrepreneur who took the risk to establish her own practice, Children First is one of the leading health care providers for children and their parents in the Northeast. Doctor Simmons serves over 3,500 families from Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. An associated video for this podcast can be found on Vimeo from the hyperlink below. https://vimeo.com/221973632

Special guest, MG Gary W. Keefe. is the 43rd Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, part of a historical lineage that dates to 1636. In his role, MG Keefe is responsible for the health and welfare of the 9,000 members of the MANG and stewardship of a $450M operational budget. The General discusses his views on Leadership, motivation, organizational culture, social media, and the future of military operations in the Commonwealth. MG Keefe explains the "why" of U.S. military dominance – the professional Noncommissioned Officer Corps, the military version of middle management. He suggests that successful leaders are at best collaborative managers who manage by "walking around" and take care of their people as they "build their bench." MG Keefe states the need for constant vigilance because of a ubiquitous threat unlike other enemies of the past. He explains how strategic planning and constant readiness enables his Force to provide Homeland Security throughout New England as it executes operational security and combat missions across the globe. As an additional treat, Gary Keefe provides his prediction for the Boston sports franchises. An associated video can be viewed on VIMEO at https://vimeo.com/220136507

UPS is the most successful delivery company in the world. Established in 1907 by an ambitious 19-year-old entrepreneur, Jim Casey, UPS is rated as #48 on the Fortune 500 list for 2016. Today's podcast in an interview with a UPS driver, truly where the rubber meets the road in regards to delivery of the goods. Mr. Nate Way, a relatively new UPS employee (35 months), discusses his normal workday. Driving around the rural roads of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Nate relates about the structured, operational approach that UPS applies to his daily duties. Nate explains the DIAD (Delivery Information Acquisition Device) which serves as his workday assignment checklist. He explains the magic of Orion (On Road Integrated Optimization and Navigation), used to maximize truck flow and route optimization, and how he's accepted the worker/vehicle tracking environment known as telematics. Mr. Way and his job at UPS illustrates the omnipresence of Big Data in Big Business and how UPS has applied metrics analysis to a company that moves over 15,000,000 packages a day. An associated video can be found at the provided VIMEO hyperlink: https://vimeo.com/218982357

Gary Osbrey, owner and the "Big Voice" of WINY radio in Putnam, Connecticut, describes his childhood fascination with radio and how that passion grew into ownership of his own company, Osbrey Broadcasting. GaryO talks about radio's influence on his life – the ability to multitask and focus on what's next – and his influence on radio – to contribute to a sense of community. When he's on the air at 1350AM, he channels the force of Boston radio legend, Dale Dorman, to project positive energy throughout the quiet corner of Connecticut. GaryO offers that success walks hand-in-hand with determination and hard work. He suggests that strong businessmen don't oversell and maintain the long view. "Sell yourself first" and then your product. A proud citizen of Putnam, Gary offers that locals should support their town, because the local community is "the flavor of life." Tune in and learn from this special interview with a true gentleman of the broadcast industry. An associated video can be found at https://vimeo.com/216927578

Christopher Sandford, the Head of School, Woodstock Academy explains how he leads his staff and faculty to "keep it simple, understand the consequence of every action, recognize perspective, and strive to get better every day." Under Mr. Sandford's visionary leadership, Woodstock Academy has evolved into one of the top secondary day and boarding schools in the United States.

Jake, Dr. Green, England, lead singer, songwriter and fountain of energy for the Caballeros, a 60s-throwback band from Perth, Australia, explains the highs and lows of leading a band. Dr. Green walks us through the beginnings of playing as an underage musician on the club circuit to the management musts of running a band of creative artists. He speculates on the future of music and sees his band as filling a niche for high energy, party rock. A future where music is available and purchased, directly from the artist via bootleg tapes and sound tracks. Dr. G covers it all, linking his stories with tales of the early Sonics, to Motorhead, Eskimo Joe, David Bowie and Lorde. He leaves us with this wisdom – never forget to "Iron your Shirt!" This podcast is linked to a video at https://vimeo.com/210825962

Dan Brown, Harvard grad, former QB of the Parma Panthers (Italian Football League), former National Sales Manager of Xenith Sporting Goods, current Business Development Manager of Rubicon Builders explains how a good peer group is crucial for life success. Starting with advice to "find the fit" and "write things down" Dan offers that you can't be afraid to get in front of the right people and present the "big ask." How can I learn? What are your secrets to success? Can I get a job? Brown suggests that you have to be a little uncomfortable to experience personal growth. Notes from his Manager Memo include: "Think Big, Think Team." Dan recommends Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss) and The Compound Effect (Darren Hardy) for additions to the business bookshelf. The associated video of Dan's interview can be found on Vimeo at the hyperlink below. https://vimeo.com/208402950

Mr. Sam Scott, Senior Vice President and Regional Loan Administrator for BB&T shares wisdom garnered from over 40 years in the banking industry. Mr. Scott explains how face-to-face communications and development of context is critical to any business. First the "why" and then the "how." Technology may increase the speed and efficiency of finance but relationships still matter. Senior VP Scott's tips to future bankers – be curious about the mechanics of the process, listen to the customer, develop strong analytical skills (understand the implications of the numbers), and embrace process management. Recorded on location from the rooftop of the palatial Restoration Hotel in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. An associated video can be found at https://vimeo.com/204110199

Ken Doane shares his secret sauce on marketing a personal brand. Kenneth's passion for life has taken him around the globe as a Professional Wrestler and entertainer. His drive for perfection has yielded numerous awards and honors in fitness competition. His motto of "Believe and Achieve" has led to success as an author and scholar. Catch the enthusiasm, appreciate the positive vibes, kick-start your motivation meter . . . "Are you Ready?" to cheer for the Spirit Squad? The associated video for this podcast can be found at: https://vimeo.com/202092158

Cumberland (RI) High School Principal Alan Tenreiro shares tips for pedagogical success. Among the gems of wisdom on his Manager Memo: balancing expectations with capacity building, message consistency, the need for longevity in the principal "seat", measuring Learner Qualities Index, and creating and sustaining self-directed learners. Alan was selected as the 2016 National Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. As some of the audio is difficult to understand, watching the VIMEO video at the hyperlink below will enhance Principal Tenreiro's message. https://vimeo.com/198224642

Kevin Brassard, Chief Information Officer of Nichols College explains what it's like to work in a "Learning Organization." Tech is fun and exciting but the right "gadget" has to be applied properly to support and enhance education. Team based learning classrooms are explained as is the importance of process analysis, technology projections, and code efficiency.

Luanne Westerling, Associate Dean of Business, and Chair of the Emerging Leaders Program, Nichols College describes her career in business. Find the talent. Nurture the talent. Thank the talent!

Scott Zurowski describes the second 30 years (his father was responsible for the 1st 30) of ownership of a successful small business in Moosup, CT. A master marketing magnate Scott has injected social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) into the operations of Hank's Dairy Bar. Embracing technology and involving the community has significantly filled his coffers.

Henry Zurowski, original owner and founder of Hanks's Dairy Bar, a Moosup Connecticut landmark, shares his story of business development. Hank provides trip for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Dr. Alan Reinhardt, educator, manager, poet, and higher ed administrator for more than 35 years provides tips and advise for business leaders.