The Culture Matters Podcast

"Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced." - Søren KierkegaardWe've got our very own Jay Doran back again today with another look into a culture topic that is the bedrock of any business. That bedrock is building relationships with your customers and your teams. And what about those relationships should you always be aiming for? Making those relationships unbreakable. What would be better than one or two ways to ensure those bonds are lasting? How about three? That is exactly what Jay is bringing on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The higher we soar, the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly." - Friedrich NietzscheWe are back again with another episode based around our very own Jay Doran's work entitled Thirty Days of Thought. Today, Jay is reflecting on the section of the book entitled "Caterpillar to Butterfly" by looking at it metaphorically as a chance to grow and change within your business and everyday life. Whether it begins with correcting past mistakes, taking responsibility for repairing a damaged relationship, or simply expanding your horizons, the metamorphosis begins and ends with you. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"I say unto you, one must still have chaos in one's self to be able to give birth to a dancing star. I say unto you, you still have chaos in yourselves. Where is the lightning to lick you with its tongue. Where is the frenzy with which you should be inoculated. Behold, I give you the übermensch. He is this lightning. He is this frenzy." - Friedrich NietzscheWe've got our very own Jay Doran back again today with another look at a culture topic that is on his mind and that topic today is burnout. There are people who never seem to feel the effects, but not everyone can be that lucky. It is up to the individual to deal with the burnout symptoms as they come, but how can you even get started? How can you build a resilience to burnout to make sure that you can make it through to the other side and keep your business going? Let's talk it out on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"In the luxury business, you have to build on heritage." - Bernard ArnaultOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is back again to discuss another selection from the culture catalog. Jay is going down the business branding rabbit hole today and looking at some of the factors that go into creating memorable branding for a business. What part in your branding do your values need to play? Is there a family legacy involved or a brand new endeavor? Where do you even begin? We'll get into it on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The beautiful thing about podcasting is it's just talking. It can be funny or it can be terrifying. It can be sweet; it can be obnoxious. It almost has no definitive form. In that sense, it's one of the best ways to explore an idea and certainly much less limiting than trying to express the same idea in stand-up comedy. For some ideas, stand-up is best, but it's really, really nice to have podcasts as well." - Joe RoganCo-founder of GHA Marketing and co-host of the "Corporate Treasury 101" podcast Guillaume Jouvencal is making his inaugural appearance on the show today and in a true meta moment, we're talking podcasting. Guillaume and Jay are digging into the nitty gritty of podcasting and what makes them not only work, but why they have become such a popular source of entertainment and education. We're taking a look at numbers, the value of free-form conversation, and so much more from the world of podcasting on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"I would rather have an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep." - Alexander the GreatOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is here to take a look at another culture topic. This particular discussion is focusing on great leaders and their focus on vulnerability being something that separates the good ones from the great ones. And what better leader to focus on than Alexander the Great? Embrace your vulnerability on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"What is a founder? A founder is one who starts a business. What is a CEO? The Chief Executive Officer maintains, runs, and grows a founded business. Not all CEO's are founders, but every founder is a CEO."The Head of Engagement and Outreach at American Business Media as well as our good friend and frequent guest Andrew Berman is joining us again for a little chat about the structure of a business. Who is at the top of the organization? As we all know, it is usually the CEO, but what does that actually mean for the business? What are the responsibilities that come with the title and what is the difference between a CEO and a founder? Can they be the same person? Should they be the same person? We've got an awful lot to unpack today, so we hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things." - Peter DruckerWe've got another dose of culture content coming your way with our very own Jay Doran taking some time to discuss an important culture topic. That topic today is recognizing and solving silent conflicts in the workplace. This is obviously a difficult issue to spot and properly diagnose and can be even more difficult to handle appropriately. But we aren't here to shy away from the tough topics. After this episode, we hope that you are a little more comfortable when these things arise and can lead your business from the front.

"I am a forest and a night of dark trees, but he who is not afraid of my darkness will find banks full of roses under my cypresses." - Friedrich NietzscheWe are back again with another episode based around our very own Jay Doran's work entitled Thirty Days of Thought. Today, Jay is speaking on the section called "Pulling Through" and taking the listeners through what this section means to him and what the book is meant to do. Thirty Days of Thought is meant to be a thought exercise for the reader and you are given plenty of space to write in the book and a lot of what Jay is discussing today is part of his own journey through the work. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The tyrant dies and his rule is over. The martyr dies and his rule begins." - Søren KierkegaardAs we continue to celebrate the life of our friend, Kevin DeLory, we have our friend and Kevin's, Jason Frazier, a strategy coach with 20/20 Vision for Success Coaching, to share some stories and insights brought on through a relationship with Kevin. From the values of love, honor, and respect through leadership skills and unwavering determination, Kevin truly had an impact on all those that he came into contact with. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast as we remember our friend, Kevin DeLory.

"The tyrant dies and his rule is over. The martyr dies and his rule begins." - Søren KierkegaardOur guest today is the Head of Engagement and Outreach at American Business Media, Andrew Berman, and we're continuing to celebrate the life of our friend, Kevin DeLory. Andrew and Jay are taking a look back at some of their early memories of Kevin and how his presence in their lives made an impact both personally and professionally. Kevin was a risk-taker and someone who believed in himself and that was something that translated to the people in his life. We hope you enjoy this look back at someone who was taken far too soon, Kevin DeLory.

"The tyrant dies and his rule is over. The martyr dies and his rule begins." - Søren KierkegaardOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, we are continuing to celebrate the life of our friend Kevin DeLory, with a conversation with someone who knew him well, Fobby Naghmi. Fobby and Jay are taking a look at the impact that Kevin had on both of their lives, while also getting into who Kevin was and what made him such an outstanding individual. He was truly one of a kind and it is our great honor to continue to honor the late, great Kevin DeLory.

"The tyrant dies and his rule is over. The martyr dies and his rule begins." - Søren KierkegaardAs we continue to celebrate the life of our friend Kevin DeLory, our guest today is someone who Kevin worked with closely for a long time: the founder and CEO of EPM Eddy Perez. Eddy and Jay are sharing experiences and and what made Kevin such an important part of each of their lives. His spirit, sense of humor, work ethic, and ability to truly connect with people is what made Kevin so special to so many people. We're truly grateful to have someone who knew him so well come on and share with us today on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The tyrant dies and his rule is over. The martyr dies and his rule begins." - Søren KierkegaardOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, we are paying tribute to a dear friend who left this world too soon. Kevin DeLory was a loving family man, a well-respected and trusted person both inside and outside of his professional life, a frequent guest and collaborator with Culture Matters, and someone who truly made those lucky enough to be around him better. He was a teacher and a friend and someone who put service to others above himself. Jay is taking some time today to honor this great man and share some of the wisdom Kevin brought into his life. We dedicate this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast to our friend, Kevin DeLory.

"In my whole life, I have known no wise people over a broad subject matter area who didn't read all the time. None. Zero. You'd be amazed at how much Warren reads; at how much I read. My children laugh at me. They think I'm a book with a couple of legs sticking out." - Charlie MungerThe Investor Series rolls on today, but with a bit of a different look and feel. Our good friend and usual co-host Aleck Arena will not be joining in on this conversation. Instead, our very own Jay Doran will be flying solo and discussing one of the great great minds of the modern investing world, Mr. Charles T. Munger. When it comes to investing, there are few voices that ring out louder and clearer and have had more of an impact in the space than Charlie Munger. You don't come to be Warren Buffet's right hand for decades without knowing a thing or two. Today, Jay is discussing some of the finer points of Mr. Munger's work and why he will always be remembered as a titan in his industry. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The two greatest warriors are patience and time." - Leo TolstoyOur guests today are the Head of Engagement and Outreach at American Business Media, Andrew Berman, and the Chief Marketing Officer of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Paul Lucido, and these three gents are continuing their journey through Thirty Days of Thought. Today, the lads are digging into exponential growth and what it means from not only a business standpoint, but from a personal one as well. To grow as human beings exponentially is to suffer through pain, learn from that hardship, and come out on the other side better for the experience. Its a deep concept from that point of view and not one of these guys is shying away from it on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world." - Arthur SchopenhauerOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is sitting down for a quick thought experiment regarding a healthy mindset. Understanding that not every day or situation is going to be a positive one and learning to work through those things is a key element to making sure that you're keeping your attitude and will to move forward in the right place. Now keeping it there...that is where the real work begins. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The integration of longevity science, the financial planning, isn't just an innovation. It's a necessity for modern wealth management."Author of Healthy Wealthy Longevity, entrepreneur, and founder of Longevity Financial Partners Jon Sabes is joining the show today and we're going down deep down the scientific rabbit hole. Jon and Jay are digging into some of the science behind expanding the human lifespan, the importance of your health in the pursuit of a longer life, and how we can tie our financial success to those endeavors as well. The concept of mortality and the pursuit of a longer life is a fascinating one and we're happy to be having this conversation with the one and only Jon Sabes.

"Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darkness of others."Chief Victory Officer at the Center for Victory and Executive Coach and the Director of Learning and Development of Top Contractor School Eric Guy is back on the program for a little look at the duality of man. Everyone has choices to make throughout their lives and different paths that can be taken. Choosing who you want to be and how you want to act is going to directly affect your relationships and knowing who you are or even who you want to be is going to directly affect you. It's a quick conversation today, but it's one worth having. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said." - Peter DruckerWe're keeping this culture train rolling down the tracks with some more content from our very own Jay Doran. Today, Jay is breaking down exactly what a leader's role is when it comes to the formation of the culture in their company. Should the leader be solely responsible for the culture and, once established, what is their role moving forward? What happens when the market changes or the employee perception changes? Leaders need to lead and Jay is going to get into it on today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The tyrant dies and his rule is over. A martyr dies and his rule begins." - Søren KierkegaardOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is taking a look at the impact on retention through the lens of Deloitte's core values. As one of the "big four" global accounting firms, Deloitte knows a thing or two about retention of not only customers, but of employees as well. Jay is going through their values and picking out why they work so well and where those values are truly coming into play. All this and more on today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world." - Arthur SchopenhauerContinuing our series on investing on The Culture Matters Podcast, we are welcoming back the founder of Arena Securities, Aleck Arena, to co-host the show with our very own Jay Doran and they are sitting down with Jordan Cvetanovski who is the Chairman, CIO, and Portfolio Manager with Pella Funds Management. During this conversation, these three gents are discussing Jordan's philosophies around investing, his journey from studying engineering and economics to the world of high-level investing, and some of the things he and his colleagues look at when making their investments. We're bringing you another true masterclass in the world of high finance on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.Disclaimer: The information contained in this episode is not personal financial product advice and has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. Culture Matters does not hold an Australian Financial Services License and is not authorised to provide general or personal financial product advice. Before making any investment decision, you should consult a licensed financial adviser. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Our guests today are the Head of Engagement and Outreach at American Business Media, Andrew Berman, and the Chief Marketing Officer of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Paul Lucido, and these three gents are continuing their journey through Thirty Days of Thought with today's topic: culture of pride. This is a wide-ranging and deep subject and there is no shortage of moments in today's episode. Where does a culture of pride stem from and who is ultimately responsible for it? Is it overtly negative or can pride be a good thing. We're getting down into it on today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The higher we soar, the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly." - Friedrich NietzscheFounder and CEO of The Indaba Africa Group and Retired United States Army Colonel Col. Chris Wyatt is making his first appearance on our show and we couldn't be happier to be diving into his long and illustrious career serving The United States of America. Col. Wyatt and Jay are digging into the higher than normal odds against the Colonel to make his rank based on his career path in military intelligence, the way the speed of technology and information sharing has changed the game both militarily speaking and within the civilian world, and what motivated Col. Wyatt to begin his new endeavors in his post-military life. There is so much jam-packed into this episode and we are very excited to share it on today's edition of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Pure self-reliance is a myth, but systemic change, without personal change, is hollow and dispiriting and ultimately cannot work. Its true that people need to act on their own behalf, but individuals do not developed such dogged self-determination until someone or some institution first helps them grasp that their effort is integral to achieving that goal. It is is this core conviction that allows them to endure as they encounter barriers along the way. This precondition is agency."Founder of Vertex Partnership Academies, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and author of Agency: The Four Point Plan (F.R.E.E.) for ALL Children to Overcome the Victimhood Narrative and Discover Their Pathway to Power Ian Rowe is our guest today and we are taking a deep dive into education. Ian and Jay are discussing how more and more kids are being told that the system is either rigged against them or they're at fault for not being able to overcome the system, how kids will start to believe those kinds of things if they hear it enough, and how it is the responsibility of the older generation to help the younger generation. Ian has dedicated his life to the service of education and we're grateful that he has chosen to share some of his journey with us on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The strength of a person's spirit would then be measured by how much truth he could tolerate; or, more precisely, to what extent he needs to have it diluted, disguised, sweetened, muted, falsified." - Friedrich NietzscheOur very own Jay Doran is taking a small break from interviewing the best and brightest the entrepreneurial world has to off and is flying solo for a little culture content. Today is all about the price of toxicity in the workplace. What does it cost individually and for the business at large? Is there a way to avoid paying that price? When company's talk about ridding themselves of toxic culture, are they being legit or just saying what people want to hear? All that and more on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"It all depends on the people involved in it. There are a million great ideas, but not everybody can turn a great idea into a successful idea."Co-founder of Hat World and LIDS International and the founder of Make My Cap Glenn Campbell is back again for his sophomore stop on our show and this go around is going to blow the lid off this podcast. Glenn and Jay are discussing how attention to detail ensures a positive experience across the board for your customers, the negative affects that social media has had in the working world, and how journaling can be reflective as well as a great way to capture a moment in time in your own words. Glenn has a wonderfully bright and thoughtful perspective and he's been around the block a time or two, so we hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"History never looks like history when you're living through it." - John W. GardnerWe've got our very own Jay Doran behind the microphone once again to discuss another culture topic and this time he's taking a look at the generation known as millennials. Millennials are the first generation to come up with the makings of modern technology making them a very unique demographic with a much different take on what is important than their predecessors. Jay is breaking down how technology and a much stronger desire for good culture make the millennial experience one that truly has no precedent. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Get the skills, build the network, find the problem."On a special episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, we are welcoming back the founder of Arena Securities, Aleck Arena, to co-host the show with our very own Jay Doran to discuss investing and the security industry with a former "shark" from Australia's version of Shark Tank, founder of River City Labs and TEN13 Steve Baxter. As one of Australia's most successful entrepreneurs, Steve has a unique perspective in this world and is a voice that can be trusted when it comes to investing and getting businesses started. If you're looking for an incredibly in-depth dive into investing from someone who has done and seen it all, then this is the episode for you.Disclaimer: The information contained in this episode is not personal financial product advice and has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. Culture Matters does not hold an Australian Financial Services License and is not authorised to provide general or personal financial product advice. Before making any investment decision, you should consult a licensed financial adviser. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

"Life can only be understood backwards, but must be lived forwards." - Søren KierkegaardOur guests today are the Head of Engagement and Outreach at American Business Media, Andrew Berman, and the Chief Marketing Officer of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Paul Lucido, and we have them back on to discuss the concept of free will as it pertains to Thirty Days of Thought. Today's topic is all about the formative years of a person's life and the ups and downs that childhood has to offer. No one experiences childhood the same way and as we grow and some of us become parents ourselves, we gain a whole new perspective on that period of life. We're taking a personal look back on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Remember, before you can be great, you've got to be good. Before you can be good, you've got to be bad. But before you can even be bad, you've got to try." - Art WilliamsFinancial coach and investment advisor representative with Primerica Financial Services Chris Crail has made it to the show for the first time and we are going down that financial rabbit hole with someone who truly knows their stuff. Chris and Jay are digging into the desire to understand the everyday concerns of people trying to obtain financial stability, learning the peaks and valleys of investing from the generations who have come before, and why it is so important to create better habits and even more important to stick to them. It's a financial master class on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." - AristotleOur very own Jay Doran is back again with some discussion on culture and since it has been a little bit since we've done one of these, we decided to swing for the fences. Today, Jay is looking into the psychological formula employed by one of the largest company's on the planet: Google. Accountability and psychological safety are playing a big role in today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"It is incumbent upon each of us to improve spending and saving practices to ensure our own individual financial security and preserve the collective economic well-being of our great society." - Ron LewisPublic speaker, coach, financial advisor, founder of All Things Insurance Group, and a leader in his industry Pete Fournier is back again and we have an awful lot to get into so let's jump in. If you've ever wondered about annuities or even what an annuity is then you have wandered into the right place. Pete and Jay are digging into all things annuities today and by the end of the episode, you will have learned from one of the best in the business. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"You can't just rely on the point of sale. You have to get to the point of thought."Mortgage specialist, author, and President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Vieaux has made his way onto The Culture Matters Podcast for the very first time and we are going to use this time to its fullest. Brian and Jay are getting into Brian's journey in the game from college to President of the company, the process of writing his book (Rethink Everything You "Know" About Being a Next Gen Loan Officer) with fellow CMP alumni Kyle Draper, and a little advice on how to develop and maintain meaningful relationships in the business world. This is some next level stuff from Brian and we're glad he decided to share it on The Culture Matters Podcast.

"I learn from everybody, even if is what not to do." - Abraham LincolnSpeaker, author, body language expert, and host of "In the Driver's Seat" Janine Driver is back on the show for the first time since season one, episode three! We have a lot of time to make up and we are planning on squeezing everything we can out of this conversation. Janine and Jay are unpacking (obviously) some of the intricacies of body language and what affects those subtle things can have on a business, the difference what communication means in the context of intention and reception, and keeping the rig rolling through the harder times and decisions. Janine is a true expert and we are very grateful that she chose to share some of her unbelievable wisdom on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Love is the expression of the one who loves, not of the one who is loved." - Søren KierkegaardOur favorite philosopher and artisan contractor with Vision Stone and Tile Nathan Merrill is back and if there is one thing you can count on when Nathan drops by the show it is that the conversation is going to be deep. And since we are not in the business of disappointing, today is following suit. Nathan and Jay are digging into the different experiences at the different heights of the ferris wheel (metaphorically speaking), why it makes absolutely no sense to fight fire with fire, and the thought that everything we do is an abstract notion. Buckle up, Culture Matters fans, because we are bringing the heat as always with the one and only Nathan Merrill.

"God creates out of nothing. Wonderful you say. Yes, to be sure, but he does what is still more wonderful: he creates saints out of sinners" - Søren KierkegaardJonathon Haddad is the president of Next Door Lending and the Chairman and CEO of The Association of Independent Mortgage Experts and we've got him back on the show today for a wide-ranging conversation about a plethora of topics. Jonathon and Jay are unpacking the thought that even though we've explored so much of the world around us, we are still seeking proof for unproven theories and making new discoveries, how much easier it is to control what you have to deal as long as you are dialed in to the task at hand, and how the framework of male bonding is made up of teasing one another. We're taking a long walk in a lot different directions for this episode and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did with the one and only Jonathon Haddad.

On this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, we're bringing you yet another installment of our series on Thirty Days of Thought by our very own Jay Doran. Today, Jay is discussing the section dedicated to the give and take of life. You have to be able to strike a solid balance between the two so as not to be taken advantage of by those who would look to do so. And at the same time, you need to be able to give to others while you can as some would argue that nothing is more important that helping those around you. Its a thin line to walk, but we're trying to make it a little broader on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat." - Sir Winston ChurchillAustin Duchaine is the founder of AD&C Construction and he has made his way back to the show for his sophomore appearance on The Culture Matters Podcast. For this conversation, Austin and Jay are getting into benefits of putting yourself in situations where intentional growth is the goal, how the hard conversations are always going to be hard, and whether or not we should accept people back into the company who have left us for alternative opportunities. We hope you enjoy this conversation with the one and only Austin Duchaine.

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." - Sir Winston ChurchillMortgage Sales Manager with Fulton Bank Jeff Vilk is making his first appearance on the show and today we are talking real estate, mortgages, culture, and all things in between. Jeff and Jay are digging into making the right choices about the little things during the day, the thought processes people go through while trying to put an offer down on a new house, and what working with the right realtor can do for someone in the market. We've got a true pro on the podcast today, so make sure you're paying close attention to this conversation with Jeff Vilk.

"Small, smart choices plus consistency plus time equals radical difference." - Darren HardyExecutive Coach and Director of Member Strategy with Top Contractor School Jim Williams is making his first appearance on the show and we are planning on making the most of it. Jim and Jay are digging into what it truly means to be a community and what goes along with building one, trying to understand the underlying challenges others may be facing, and how gathering as much information as you can is only going to make you a more trusted advisor to others. If you wanted a conversation about community, sales, and leadership, then this is the episode for you.

"Big elephants take bigger guns."Founder of Duffin Media and Duffin Coaching, host of the "Your Message Received" podcast, and a frequent and favorite returning guest of the show John Duffin is back for what promises to be another in a long line of great conversations. John and Jay are discussing the benefits to a creative way of thinking while attempting to figure out solutions, the disproportionate amount of people who leaving the podcasting game every day, and the power of positive energy. We hope you enjoy this discussion with the man with the golden voice, John Duffin.

"If money is not thy servant, it will be thy master."Founder of Upkeeping and an all-star in the accounting world Erin Pohan is making her first appearance on the show today and we are going deep into the world of accounting with one of the best in the business. Erin and Jay are uncovering how the accounting landscape is changing through innovation and technology, the expenses that can rack up without your knowledge, and the importance of not only listening, but also hearing the words and advice that others may provide. A true master of her craft, we are extremely excited to share this conversation with the one and only Erin Pohan.

"I will not be triumphed over." - CleopatraCEO and President of Rockstar Closers Nicole Malcolm is joining us on the show for the fist time and we couldn't be more pleased to have her here to share her experience and wisdom with our listeners. Nicole and Jay are unpacking the worth of going the extra mile and doing your research to improve your business, how things have changed in the way business gets done over the years, and the importance of a work-life balance. Today is a wonderful conversation with a lot of great tips and information on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Passion, to me, is the the thing. It's the impetus, the catalyst, to get you to truly indulge in something."Chief Marketing Officer of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group Paul Lucido and we've got him back on the show for yet another discussion on our very own Jay Doran's work, Thirty Days of Thought. The focus of today's discussion is exponential growth. Everyone is trying to obtain it, but is everyone going about it the right way? How can you be a good influence of culture within your company and still constantly be reaching for that goal? Are you practicing gratitude? We have all this and more on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The most painful state of being is remembering the future, particularly the one you'll never have." - Søren KierkegaardAnthony Mirarchi is one of the principle owners of JM Patent Associates and has made his way back to the show to cut it up about culture once again. Anthony and Jay are taking a look back at 2024 and reflecting on the wins and losses that it brought, discussing the fact that it can be scary when you're trying to find success, and how it takes a certain and not-easy-to-achieve level of discipline to make it to the upper echelon of success. It's always a treat to have Anthony on the program and that streak continues on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him, all things were made. Without Him, nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life; and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:1-5The founder of Swink's Creations Mark Swink is back with us today and this discussion is going to be taking a long, hard look at faith. Mark and Jay are discussing scripture out of the Bible, living a good and faith-driven life, and the struggles that can come with that faith. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Learn what is to be taken seriously and laugh at the rest." - Herman HesseWe have a very special guest on the show in the form of the founder of J&R Group and Jay's own father-in-law Jerry Silverman making his first appearance on the podcast and we're very excited to be keeping it in the family for this one. Jerry and Jay are digging into Jerry's business journey and how he got to where he is today, understanding your value and not being afraid to take the leap toward what you want, and why time is one of your most precious commodities in the sales game. Jerry is a one-of-a-kind guy with a one-of-a-kind outlook and we're excited to share it with our listeners on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"If you're going through hell, keep going." - Sir Winston ChurchillBusiness strategist and real estate jack-of-all-trades Bill Foss has returned for a second appearance on the show and today we are getting personal. Bill and Jay are digging into Bill's fight against cancer and some of the things that journey has brought to the forefront of his mind, the way social media can act as a place to find a healing community but can also act as a place of unbridled negativity, and how it is up to every individual to deal with the circumstances they are presented with and they can either adjust or attempt to keep the status quo. Bill is a pillar of strength and fortitude and that truly comes through on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking our potential." - Sir Winston ChurchillPublic speaker, coach, financial advisor, founder of All Things Insurance Group, and a leader in his industry Pete Fournier has made his way back to the show and we couldn't be more excited for another culture conversation with someone who truly gets it. Pete and Jay are discussing Pete's desire to be everything to have everything his clients might need under one roof, how working backward on a plan you have in place can ensure that nothing gets missed, and how, at the end of the day, if you want to get better and level yourself up, it is on no one but you to make it happen. If there is one thing you can depend on when Pete comes on the show, it is that there is going to be a great conversation and today is no exception on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.