The Action Catalyst

Ron Alford, Executive Coach, Certified Trainer, Keynote Speaker, and Senior Partner with Southwestern Consulting, covers the principles and parables in his newly revised edition of "Redefining Possible", and talks about finding the joy in having his soul crushed, collecting “Ron's Rambles”, the importance of putting on blinders, truths vs. lies, diving into the data, but going with the gut, and why his pals call him “Switzerland”.Mentioned in this episode:Learn more at SouthwesternConsulting.com/Coaching/StudentsSouthwestern Student CoachingOrder today at RedefiningPossible.comRedefining Possible

Best-selling author, speaker, and podcast host Gretchen Rubin explains why rewards are dangerous (but treats are good) when creating habits.Hear Gretchen's full interview in Episode 83 of The Action Catalyst.

Overtime with Outland is Action Catalyst host Adam Outland's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Adam dissects Episode 462 with Chris Hunter, founder of several successful beverage brands, including the iconic Four Loko as well as the health-focused Koia, and the unique Not Your Father's Root Beer.

We’re going loko!  Chris Hunter, founder of several successful beverage brands, including the iconic Four Loko as well as the health-focused Koia, and the unique Not Your Father's Root Beer, shares insights from his memoir, “Blackout Punch: an Entrepreneur’s Journey from Chaos to Clarity”, including the gap in the market that he identified that led to the creation of Four Loko, what they SHOULD have done at the very beginning to avoid disaster later, how the role of Founder/CEO is ill-defined (and why that's a good thing), hunters vs. gatherers in sales, fighting the government to keep Four Loko legal, creating Not Your Father’s Root Beer, what success means as a younger man versus now, and the value of knowing you’re going to be wrong but taking the first step anyways.Mentioned in this episode:Learn more at SouthwesternConsulting.com/Coaching/StudentsSouthwestern Student Coaching

Matt Abrahams, host of the Think Fast, Talk Smart business show from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, as well as an acclaimed Strategic Communication lecturer, and author of the new book Think Faster, Talk Smarter, shares the secrets to spontaneous speaking, how to get out of a conversation you DON’T want to be in, and how to answer a question you DON'T have the answer to.Hear Matt's full interview in Episode 461 of The Action Catalyst.

Best-selling author, speaker, and podcast host Gretchen Rubin talks about why habits are superpowers, why rewards are dangerous (but treats are good), and how the easiest habits to change are the ones that are, well…the most habitual.

Entrepreneur, television personality, author and speaker Bill Rancic talks about becoming an entrepreneur at age 10, the 3 biggest lessons he learned from competing on (and winning) The Apprentice, and "The Mega-Brands That Built America”, airing on The History Channel.Hear Bill's full interview in Episode 460 of The Action Catalyst.

Matt Abrahams, host of the Think Fast, Talk Smart business show from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, as well as an acclaimed Strategic Communication lecturer, and author of the new book Think Faster, Talk Smarter, explains why his name, in some way, led to his life’s work, and shares the secrets to spontaneous speaking, the construction of conversation, speaking up without freaking out, controlling your actual BODY during discussion, how to get out of a conversation you DON’T want to be in and how to answer a question you don’t have the answer to, listening to what’s NOT said, daring to be dull and maximizing your mediocrity, finding the third side of a coin, and the role of martial arts in all of this.

Luis Báez, a Sales Enablement Strategist who has worked with tech giants like LinkedIn, Uber, Tesla, and Google, explains why LinkedIn is the best employment experience he’s ever had, how the same customers behave radically differently depending on the platform they're engaging with, creating a "water cooler" in a virtual setting, and how accepting messiness was important to his success.Hear Luis's full interview in Episode 459 of The Action Catalyst.

Overtime with Outland is Action Catalyst host Adam Outland's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Adam dissects Episode 460, with entrepreneur, television personality, author and speaker Bill Rancic.

Entrepreneur, television personality, author and speaker Bill Rancic talks about becoming an entrepreneur at age 10, the 3 biggest lessons he learned from competing on (and winning) The Apprentice, how he was treated by Trump, words of wisdom from Howie Mandel, breaking down goals into smaller victories, "The Mega-Brands That Built America” on The History Channel, the way fatherhood forced him to change both his personal and business mindset, and learning from Neil Armstrong if the moon landing was a hoax?Mentioned in this episode:Learn more at SouthwesternConsulting.com/Coaching/StudentsSouthwestern Student Coaching

Leadership speaker, best-selling author, and global influencer Jon Gordon explains how Steve Jobs taught his team to overcome limiting beliefs, and why being a realist can often be overrated, and ineffective. Hear Jon's full interview in Episode 192 of The Action Catalyst.

Overtime with Outland is Action Catalyst host Adam Outland's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Adam dissects Episode 459, with Sales Enablement Strategist Luis Báez.

Luis Báez, a Sales Enablement Strategist who has worked with tech giants like LinkedIn, Uber, Tesla, and Google, explains why LinkedIn is the best employment experience he’s ever had, what parts of sales make him feel icky and why you don’t need them, the massive value of community, how the same customers behave radically differently depending on the platform they're engaging with, creating a "water cooler" in a virtual setting, thriving through intrapreneurship, and accepting messiness.Mentioned in this episode:Learn more at SouthwesternConsulting.com/Coaching/StudentsSouthwestern Student Coaching

Karin Hurt and David Dye, the CEO and President, respectively, of Let’s Grow Leaders, explain the 4 C's of how to resolve workplace conflict, as well as some key phrases for diffusing a heated argument and moving forward with a shared mission.Hear Karin and David's full interview in Episode 458 of The Action Catalyst.

Leadership speaker, best-selling author, and global influencer Jon Gordon shares tips for dealing with the "energy vampires" in your life.Hear Jon's full interview in Episode 40 of The Action Catalyst.

Leadership speaker, best-selling author, and global influencer Jon Gordon shares the 3 winning strategies of love, service, and caring, the importance of slowing down to produce MORE, the power of grace, being a resistor vs a conductor, tips for dealing with energy vampires, and how to become a love magnet.

Leadership speaker, best-selling author, and global influencer Jon Gordon explains why when it comes to employees, you’ve got to love ‘em up but hold them accountable, why to be demanding not demeaning and to start with the believers, how there IS such a thing as healthy delusion, and shares a story involving fellow Action Catalyst alum Donna Orender.

Gary Kusin, co-founder of GameStop, Laura Mercier Cosmetics, and former President and CEO of Kinko’s, tells the story of launching what would become GameStop, and how the catalyst for it's innovative business model was staring them in the face for so long.Hear Gary's full interview in Episode 457 of The Action Catalyst.

Karin Hurt and David Dye, the CEO and President, respectively, of Let’s Grow Leaders, dive into the findings of their book “Powerful Phrases For Dealing With Workplace Conflict”, including the REAL trends of workplace conflict and what’s driving it, the role of generational leadership styles, new world conflict vs old world conflicts, expectation violation, why silence is selfish, going with your G.O.A.T.s, scheduling the finish, having the courage to have the conversation, and contending with a "global staring contest with mortality".

Author, programmer, and entrepreneur Scott Young rejoins The Action Catalyst to talk about his book, "Get Better at Anything", including topics of discussion like what things it's NOT worth getting better at, what exactly IS "talent", the tension of learning, how these principles were on display during the Renaissance, the role of Tetris in all of this, and why monkey see is NOT monkey do.

Alex Neist, founder of Hostage Tape sleep enhancement tape, talks about the transition from professional football to business, the value of polarizing marketing, and how to target your T.A.M.Hear Alex's full interview in Episode 456 of The Action Catalyst.

You may have wondered, rightfully so, why The Action Catalyst doesn't have it's own upbeat 80s ballad yet. Well, wonder no more...T.A.C. is the place to be, Ignite inspiration, spark creativity, Top leaders bulldoze through complacency. Produced by Southwestern Family of Companies.With Adam Outland, and host supreme in Stephanie Maas, yeah she's a boss. With the biggest guests, yeah we've got 'em all, let's hear a roll call!Chip Gaines, Adam Grant, Kris Allen, Stephen Covey, Cal Newport, Dean Koontz, Dave Ramsey, Stedman Graham, governors, senators, Olympians, and more,Creating impact is what they're here for.In and out in 30 minutes or less, it's no wonder we've been named as the best. Subscribe and listen anywhere that you like, Always growing, there's no end in sight.T.A.C. is the place to be!

Gary Kusin, co-founder of GameStop, Laura Mercier Cosmetics, and former President and CEO of Kinko’s, unveils his new book Always Learning: Lessons on Leveling Up from GameStop to Laura Mercier and Beyond, and shares insights on alignment and accountability, respect, honesty, and integrity, continuous change, tackling toxicity, good reasons vs real reasons, only getting paid for the stuff you DON’T like, launching what would become GameStop, the delicate and sometimes dark nature of mentorship, the 4 most mission-critical things to look for when hiring, and not necessarily being driven to win, but refusing to lose.

Best-selling author, Hall of Fame speaker, and distinction expert Scott McKain explains what it means to be different vs. distinctive, and lays out the 4 cornerstones of setting yourself apart.Hear Scott's full interview in Episode 4 of The Action Catalyst.

Overtime with Outland is Action Catalyst host Adam Outland's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Adam dissects Episode 456, with former pro arena football quarterback, and now the founder of Hostage Tape sleep enhancement tape, Alex Neist.

Alex Neist, founder of Hostage Tape sleep enhancement tape, shares his first love of football and his time as a former professional quarterback in the arena football league, explains how dedication is just motivation over time, gives the story behind the name “Hostage Tape”, and talks about the importance of being polarizing, targeting your T.A.M., the TRUE definition of success, and finally making it on Rogan.Mentioned in this episode:Learn more at SouthwesternConsulting.com/Coaching/StudentsSouthwestern Student Coaching

Award-winning journalist and CNN Chief Climate Correspondent Bill Weir explains why reporting on climate includes reporting on EVERYTHING, and how storytelling is the thing that sets humans apart from everything else on the planet, and also, which brings us together.Hear Bill's full interview in Episode 455 of The Action Catalyst.

Best-selling author, Hall of Fame speaker, and distinction expert Scott McKain explains different vs. distinctive, pursuit vs. attraction, the 4 cornerstones of setting yourself apart, and how creating clarity often means saying “no”.

Best-selling author, leadership speaker, and entrepreneur Mark Sanborn covers how to maximize your potential by entering...dun dun dun...the Potential Matrix. (Not scary, we promise.)Hear Mark's full interview in Episode 202 of The Action Catalyst.

Best-selling author, leadership speaker, and entrepreneur Mark Sanborn talks about making a “signature difference” and practicing "A.B.C.D." to create an amazing experience for customers and others around you.Hear Mark's full interview in Episode 1 of The Action Catalyst.

Award-winning journalist and CNN Chief Climate Correspondent Bill Weir shares the story of his new book LIFE AS WE KNOW IT (CAN BE): Stories of People, Climate, and Hope in a Changing World, explains why reporting on climate includes reporting on EVERYTHING, the one thing that makes humans special from every other animal on the planet, advice from Mr. Rogers, the influence from his very unique upbringing, why there’s no climate change without culture change and why Earth repair is self-repair, and bonds with host Stephanie Maas over a mutual admiration of Taylor Swift.

John Hewitt, founder of both Jackson Hewitt as well as Liberty Tax Services, explains what makes the secret sauce of franchising, and why he might be the one person on Earth who thinks Berkshire Hathaway is doing something very wrong.Hear John's full interview in Episode 454 of The Action Catalyst.

Best-selling author, leadership speaker, and entrepreneur Mark Sanborn covers how you never really know your potential, but how to find out and maximize it with the Potential Matrix, the importance of disrupting yourself but refocusing after you do, and why being an author is a lot like fatherhood.Mentioned in this episode:Be extraordinary. Turn ordinary actions into remarkable results at MarkSanborn.com.Mark SanbornBe extraordinary. Turn ordinary actions into remarkable results at MarkSanborn.com.Mark Sanborn

Best-selling author, leadership speaker, and entrepreneur Mark Sanborn talks about the many Freds in his life, and covers topics like internalizing responsibility, making a “signature difference”, the tips to delivering an "elevated experience", practicing A.B.C.D., and how you can be seen as an absolute ARTIST, no matter what your job is.Mentioned in this episode:Be extraordinary. Turn ordinary actions into remarkable results at MarkSanborn.com.Mark SanbornBe extraordinary. Turn ordinary actions into remarkable results at MarkSanborn.com.Mark Sanborn

Best-selling author, international speaker, award-winning podcaster, and media personality Carrie Wilkerson breaks down what it means to be "playing to the invisible audience", and how it often holds people back, from kids all the way to adults, from doing what they really want.Hear Carrie's full interview in Episode 165 of The Action Catalyst.

Overtime with Outland is Action Catalyst host Adam Outland's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Adam dissects Episode 454, with John Hewitt, founder of both Jackson Hewitt as well as Liberty Tax Services, author, and CEO of Loyalty Brands.

John Hewitt, founder of both Jackson Hewitt as well as Liberty Tax Services, talks about being a world traveler without ever leaving the USA, fighting with his father while also making business history, the secret sauce of franchising, the biggest lesson from almost facing bankruptcy, competing against his own software and systems (and winning), why he might be the one person on Earth who thinks Berkshire Hathaway is doing something wrong, the pain of change, and practicing extreme brevity.  And listen to the end to find out how Action Catalyst fans can get his book for free!Mentioned in this episode:Learn more at SouthwesternConsulting.com/Coaching/StudentsSouthwestern Student Coaching

Digital media executive Louis Gump, with time spent at CNN, the Weather Channel, Cox Media, and more, breaks down the 5 main characteristics of an intrapreneur, and the overlap between intra- and entrepreneurs.Hear Louis's full interview in Episode 453 of The Action Catalyst.

Best-selling author, international speaker, award-winning podcaster, and media personality Carrie Wilkerson breaks down the biggest productivity mistakes people make, why balance is in the eye of the beholder and comparison is "suicide on an installment plan", talks about playing to the "invisible audience", and explains how you REALLY ARE the person in your photographs.

Author, CEO of Ziglar, Inc, and son of legendary speaker and salesman Zig Ziglar, Tom Ziglar, explains how intentional = meaningful, with a very personal story about a very intimate moment between he and his father.Hear Tom's full interview in Episode 38 of The Action Catalyst.

Digital media executive Louis Gump, with time spent at CNN, the Weather Channel, Cox Media, and more, talks about breaking early ground in the mobile space, the 5 main characteristics of an intrapreneur, not putting efficiency over optimization, the symbiotic relationship between intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs, the genesis of innovation, and more.

Digital strategist, author, and entertainment industry veteran Chris Hood explains why all businesses are really the same business at their core, and how entertainment, regardless of where you get it, is entertainment.Hear Chris's full interview in Episode 452 of The Action Catalyst.

Author, CEO of Ziglar, Inc, and son of legendary speaker and salesman Zig Ziglar, Tom Ziglar, explains how intentional = meaningful and the importance of getting a check-up from the neck up, and shares some of Zig’s favorite foods and activities, what he was like offstage, and why to “be, do, have”, in that order.

Rusty Shelton, Founder/Chairman of Zilker Media, and Barbara Henricks, Founder, President & CEO of Cave Henricks Communications, explain the 3 types of media, and how to best position yourself between them to promote your brand, your product, and yourself.Hear Rusty and Barbara's full interview in Episode 132 of The Action Catalyst.

Overtime with Outland is Action Catalyst host Adam Outland's reflections and commentary on discussions with each of his esteemed and accomplished guests. In this segment, Adam dissects Episode 452, with digital strategist, speaker, and author Chris Hood.

Digital strategist, author, and entertainment industry veteran Chris Hood talks about his award-winning work with films like Jurassic Park and Apollo 13, one HUGE missed opportunity with the Power Rangers, why even the worst leaders you know can be mentors, using the cloud before the cloud existed to develop the first known music streaming platform, why all businesses are the same business, the overhype of AI, the evolution of streaming versus cable, the fastest way to identify your target audience, and why entertainment is entertainment.Mentioned in this episode:Learn more at SouthwesternConsulting.com/Coaching/StudentsSouthwestern Student Coaching

Alden Mills, CEO of Perfect Fitness and Founder/CEO of GoalBud talks about how keeping a positive mindset is like building a muscle; you gotta hit the positivity gym, plus, why the greatest successes only follow the greatest failures, even for Edison.Hear Alden's full interview in Episode 451 of The Action Catalyst.

Rusty Shelton, Founder/Chairman of Zilker Media, and Barbara Henricks, Founder, President & CEO of Cave Henricks Communications, tag-team a fascinating talk on the "micromedia mindset", the 3 types of media, the power of perception, why you should prescribe, not sell, and the trick to being discoverable.

Author, speaker, entrepreneur, and veteran basketball performance coach Alan Stein Jr. explains the importance of always keeping the spotlight of accountability on yourself, and why it’s what you do in the "unseen hours" that counts the most.Hear Alan's full interview in Episode 221 of The Action Catalyst.