The Culture Matters Podcast

"Because I care, I encourage you: don't 'f' this up."Chief Victory Officer at the Center for Victory and Executive Coach and the Director of Learning and Development of Top Contractor School, Eric Guy, and entrepreneur, business coach, founder of legit.com and host of the "No Half Cakes" podcast Jim Sabellico are getting in on this New Year's Eve marathon podcasting session and we're being joined once again by the iron man himself, Mike Calhoun. What a group we've assembled for this chat and there is a lot to go over, so let's jump in. Eric, Jim, Mike, and Jay are discussing what the year 2024 looked like and what the words for the year were, the pressures around the "what if" question, and what the word of 2025 is or is going to be. This episode is chalk full of great conversation and revelations, so we hope enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."The founder and owner of Guardian Roofing and Siding Robert Frehafer is joining our New Year's Eve jubilee and continuing to show his endurance in this culture cavalcade as he's been rocking with us since 4 am is the founder of Board of Advisors, Mike Calhoun. These three gents are discussing the deep timbre of Mike's voice and some of the challenges it presented as a young man as well as a lengthy discussion on faith, the role it plays in day to day life, and the role they believe it should play in business and the lives of others. There's a lot to unpack during this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, so let's keep this New Year's Eve jubilee rig rolling.

"Life can only be understood backwards, but must be lived forwards." - Søren KierkegaardWe are keeping this NYE rig rolling with the founder of 20/20 Vision for Success and author of Finding Honor: The Journey to Truth, Christine Beckwith as well as mortgage industry titan Nathan Knottingham and Mike Calhoun is still rocking with us as this marathon is still underway! Christine, Nathan, Mike, and Jay are digging into some of the journey's that have gotten our distinguished guests to where they are are today, how some of the worst confrontations can come from places of helping, and how you should always follow your instincts. We hope you're enjoying this New Year's Jubilee!

"He who looks through his eyes sees little. He looks through his ears sees much." As we keep moving through this New Year's Ever podcasting marathon session, we are continuing to introduce the right people to the right people. Along with Mr. Endurance himself Mike Calhoun, we are talking with the founder of The Pavement Group, Top Contractor School, the host of "The Brian Hess Show", and a frequent guest on this show, Brian Hess, as well as the COO of the Hubert Vester Auto Group, creator of the "Faith. Family. Fulfillment." podcast, and the author of the book Answers From the Stairs, Chris Vester. This conversation goes a lot of places including keeping yourself honest, the fact that everyone is uniquely built with different skills and abilities, and what your responsibility is to how people react to things you tell them. We hope you enjoy this conversation on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"That's the only place you're going to learn: the bottom. That's when you're going to get focused."Advisor, consultant, and business and financial guru Matt McHale and transformative health and wellness expert and everyone's favorite medical professional Dr. David Yerkes are going Jay and Mike Calhoun for another leg of this New Year's Eve journey. This conversation bobs and weaves its way through how many different lenses we get to view other people and our own experiences through, how sometimes the most impactful moments come from the places you aren't expecting them to come from, and the fact that you decide how much time and energy you put into learning new things and improving upon yourself. There is a lot unpack on this episode as the New Year's Eve train keeps rolling along!

"Because I care, I encourage you: don't 'f' this up." Musician, mortgage professional, host of the "Laugh, Lend, and Eat" podcast, and co- author of Leadership Matters Fobby Naghmi and Nathan Merril, our favorite philosopher and artisan contractor with Vision Stone and Tile, are joining the New Year's Ever podcasting extravaganza along with Mike Calhoun to keep this train rolling. These gentlemen are digging into 2024 and deciphering some of the bigger moments and revelations that came with it, why you need to be diligent about adopting new business practices and technology, and looking ahead to 2025 and what this brand new year could hold. It's another great New Year's Eve roundtable and we hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"When things go wrong, logic rarely prepares." - Yuri MitchellChristopher Tighe is a U.S. Navy and NCIS veteran as well as the founder of Elevation Construction and he's back again to share in the NYE Palooza festivities alongside Mike Calhoun and Vinnie Candelore who have been kind enough to stick around and contribute to another culture fueled conversation. Chris, Mike, Vinnie, and Jay are sharing about what proper motivation can help you accomplish, the effectiveness of great culture on a company regardless of what that company does, and the power of talking through things that may have been traumatic from your past. We are full speed ahead on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Art is a kind of innate drive that seizes a human being and makes them its instrument." - Carl JungArtist, entrepreneur, podcast host, and the Creative Director for 1Team Media Vinnie Candelore is back on the show to continue this NYE Palooza and the party has started to fill out nicely. Not only do we have Vinnie, but Mike Calhoun and Andrew Berman have decided to stick around for the third episode of Jay's podcasting marathon. Our cultural Fab Four are digging into deciding whether you are procrastinating or in your creative process, doing what you have to do in order to take care of your family, and what it feels like to drain your own tank while trying to fill up everyone else's. The old adage "the more the merrier" is certainly on display on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"This was decided for me before I was chosen. This is my destiny."Andrew Berman is an advisor, mentor, and the Head of Engagement and Outreach at American Business Media and he is our second guest for this cultural endurance trial today. Part of the fun of this NYE Palooza is getting to introduce good people to other good people and that is what is happening today as our guest from the last conversation, Mike Calhoun, is sticking around for a little while to get in on this conversation. Among other topics, Andrew, Mike, and Jay are getting into being on a solid routine as far as taking care of yourself goes, the importance of recognizing the skill sets of others, and the cause and effect of procrastinating on an organization. The NYE Palooza keeps trucking along on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction both are transformed." - Carl Gustav JungFounder of Board of Advisors, mentor, and coach Mike Calhoun is back on the program today as our very first guest for our New Year's Eve marathon podcast session and even though it is early in the morning, we are coming out hot straight out of the gate. Mike and Jay are discussing the value of creating meaningful relationships, putting your energy into high gear and focusing on improving, and making sure that you are someone that others will rally around even if you aren't there. The big takeaway from this conversation? Make sure your relationships are genuine, lasting, and create value for both of the involved parties. We hope you enjoy the first of several NYE Palooza podcasts!

"Life can only be understood backwards, but must be lived forwards." - Søren KierkegaardIt's that time of year again where our very own Jay Doran goes on a marathon podcasting session all day and into the night on New Year's Eve. In this introductory episode, Jay is going over the why, the what, and the how of why this cultural endurance test has become a tradition here at The Culture Matters Podcast. Throughout these conversations, we're going to be introducing some people and having totally off the cuff conversations about culture, so who knows where things are going to go? Keep an eye out in the next few days for all of the NYE Palooza you can handle!

"Who looks outside dreams. Who looks inside wakes." - Carl JungChief 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 again for another culturally charged conversation. On today's episode, Eric and Jay are getting into why it is important to find the source of disruption when it comes along, what exactly Community Vision Day is, and why you should always aim to make friends with the people who want what is best for you. Its always great to have Eric back on the show and today is no different on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

Recorded on this past Christmas Eve, our very own Jay Doran is bringing in another dose of culture content with the topic of the day being workplace relationships and the unspoken rules that exist therein. There is some discussion on sacrifice, value creation, and even a little bit of Quidditch. We hope you enjoy this roadmap to better workplace relationships on this edition of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"When you keep promises to the most important person on Earth, which is you, and combine it with the power of one more, you will stack up your wins, build your self-confidence, and set yourself up for one hell of an awesome life." - Ed MylettNational Account Executive with The Pavement Group and cohost of the "The Perks in Paving with Paige and Mark Perkins" podcast Mark Perkins is joining us on the show today and there is a lot to talk about, so we're not wasting any time. Mark and Jay are discussing not allowing the things that are going on in your universe to get in the way of you doing the job you have for the client at hand, being able to understand that you aren't going to know everything when you start a new position and you have to be willing to take the time to learn, and remembering that communication is always the leading factor to a good workplace dynamic. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"My goal in life is to live in a way that when people who know me show up at my funeral, they talk about how I was: a dedicated husband, an involved father, a trusted friend, a loyal teammate, a man of God."Director of Sales for BSI Paving Jeremy Kochis is making his long-awaited debut on the show and we are going to make the most of it. Jeremy and Jay take a deep dive into what culture means and the enormous purpose it serves within a company, why the culture and mission of BSI was such a perfect fit for Jeremy, and what the intensity level, however you choose to define the word, of 2025 is going to be. This is a really great chat with a guy who has a strong head on his shoulders and we think our listeners are going to benefit greatly from a wonderful conversation with Jeremy Kochis.

On the first episode of The Culture Matters Podcast of 2025, we are celebrating the beginning of the second quarter of the 21st century with a little culture content from our very own Jay Doran. Today's topic is why such a small percentage of employees feel connected to the culture of the company they work for. We're unpacking the why's of that disconnect and hopefully getting a good start to making the second quarter of the 21st century the best one yet.

"The thing that you don't want to do is holding you back to a wonderful life that you probably didn't even imagine. So, that thing you, 'oh, let me be ready"; you'll never be ready! So, just do it. Do it. It is actually better to do it imperfect because, if you think about it, perfection, perfect, is a trauma response. We are all imperfect people. Nobody's perfect, right? Right? So, guess what...but it is beautiful when people see your journey of transformation, so that thing, just do it, and build with your clients. Build with them together. Its beautiful. You create not only authority, but authenticity."Advisor, mentor, coach, best-selling author, and businessperson extraordinaire Juan Carlos Arzola is back again for a discussion on leadership, business, and all things in between. Juan Carlos and Jay are diving into what it means to not live in fear of what others say about the content you put into the world, some of the why as to why people react in certain situations, and the power of forgiveness and understanding brought on by compassion and shared experience. This is a really deep dive into some very strong topics and we're really glad to have Juan Carlos sharing his thoughts on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

On today's edition of culture content, our very own Jay Doran is here discussing getting the absolute most out completing your day-to-day tasks and beyond. Your goal should always be to attack the things you need to do with vigor with the intention of maximizing your effort and to get the most out of whatever you're doing. Jay has got some words of wisdom to share with that exact goal in mind on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.And a Happy New Year to all!

"A person who cannot imagine the future is a person who cannot contemplate the results of his actions. Some are thus paralyzed into inaction." - Alan LightmanChief Marketing Officer of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group Paul Lucido is our guest today and he is back today for his first solo appearance on the show since all the way back in episode 10 of season one! With all that time in between, we plan on taking full advantage of having Paul back with us. Paul and Jay dive into what sets PRMG apart from the competition and why they remain an industry leader year after year, authenticity being the cornerstone of your priority list, and how great leaders and great companies lead by example and let their results do the talking. We've got a true industry leader bringing the heat on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.Happy New Year...bring on 2025!

"Our love is for real estate, our fire is for one another."Real estate and business building advisors, founders of The Dream Team 1 Realty Group, and authors of the new book A.I. Unlocked: Beginning Prompts Bruno and Stacie Marcinkowski are coming aboard today to talk real estate, AI, and a plethora of other things so lets jump right in! Bruno, Stacy, and Jay are discussing the reality of AI usage in today's business world, the advantages that AI can bring both in time management and the speed at which tasks can be accomplished, and some of the ins and outs of the real estate market as we approach 2025. This power couple is dropping an awful lot of knowledge on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." - Nelson MandellaFounder of All Things Insurance Group and a leader in the industry Pete Fournier is back again for another go around with The Culture Man and today's conversation is going to center around Pete's company, ATIG. Pete and Jay are uncovering why Pete started All Things Insurance Group and the motivation behind his methods, the main reason why people get into the insurance business, and some of the methods that Pete used in order to get his team to be one of the top teams in the insurance game. There is a lot to learn today and we're happy that Pete has decided to share some of his knowledge on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"It is funny...I don't feel old enough to give advice, but with the advisors you trust, you'd better listen to them. It may be bad news, but that is the only way you're going to improve." - Ben HeppnerAssociate corporate attorney with Lex Nova and tax law aficionado Yuri Mitchell is taking his first swings on the show today and we are preparing for a very educational episode today, so make sure you are paying close attention! Yuri and Jay are uncovering the value of corporate law for entrepreneurs, why you need to heed the advice of your attorney but shouldn't let them run your business plan for you, and some of the things to look for when you are preparing to hire a corporate attorney like a level and trust and compatibility. This is a very important episode for our listeners in the entrepreneurial space because we're covering some things you might not have at the front of mind, but after this episode, we think you'll be giving it a lot of thought.

"Even a fool with a tool is still a fool."One of the world's leading authorities on customer satisfaction, experience, and engagement, founder of the Strativity Group, and author of several books including his newest release Dare to Author!, Lior Arussy is joining the show today and we are in store for a true master class, so make sure you're paying attention! Lior and Jay dive into an employer's inability to make an employee genuinely smile or care or lead and the only way to truly accomplish that is through outstanding company culture, the importance of passion alignment within a company, and how the evolution of tools and technology within a company change how things are done and should improve productivity when introduced properly. We are truly fortunate to have a person of Lior's experience and prestige on the show and can't stress the value enough of this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"I understand that there's going to come a time when I'm not going to be there for these kids and I want them to understand the values of values; the importance of being who you are, the importance of being a leader not a follower because I send those kids off to school every day and they're out in the world."Entrepreneur, business coach, founder of legit.com and host of the "No Half Cakes" podcast Jim Sabellico is back on the show for his sophomore appearance and we have got a ton to cover today, so we're just going to get right into it. Jim and Jay are unpacking the need to be diligent and purposeful with the time that you have, not worrying so much about the praise and "likes" from the outside world and living your authentic existence, and understanding that you can't be everything to everyone all the time. We've got a great conversation about leadership today with the one and only Jim Sabellico.

We're back again today with another helping of culture content with our very own Jay Doran taking a look at building culture around a sales team. When discussing culture surrounding a sales team, it's important to know where it needs to start in order to make its way to the members of the team. As with most things, it starts at the top and leadership is responsible for making sure that the values of the company are exemplified by the sales team. There is a lot to unpack and The Culture Man is here to help get through it on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.And for all those that celebrate, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

"Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution. It represents the wise choice of many alternatives. Choice, not chance, determines your destiny." - AristotleNational Director of Sales at The Pavement Group and long-time friend of Culture Matters Eli Stoehr is making his long-awaited debut on the show today and we couldn't be more excited to dive in with such a hard-working individual. Eli and Jay are digging into Eli's nothing to lose mentality in his first few months with The Pavement Group, having a work ethic that keeps you coming in early and staying late, and why it is so important to continually build trust through communication with the people on your team. The best conversations are always the ones that come when you're in good company and that is proven to be true on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"I think that we way underestimate what we can actually do and I think that we take it from such a macro level because, if you look at my life today, you would think its crazy. It's impossible to do that." - Brian HessFounder 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 the first time in far too long and we are taking advantage of the time we've got! John and Jay are unpacking what feelings might come about after you've quit "28 days later", learning to prepare more so that you can worry less, and thinking about whether or not you're doing the right things in business and in life even when nobody is watching you. There is never a dull moment when we welcome back the one and only John Duffin.

We're back again with our very own Jay Doran dropping a little more culture content and on today's plate we're digging in with our HR leaders. There is a direct correlation between great culture and a company's success and 98% of HR leaders agree and when 98% of people agree on something, there must be something to it. See what you think after this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

We've got our very own Jay Doran back again with another edition of culture content and our topic today deals with the correlation between strong company culture and revenue growth. We've talked a lot during these episodes about how culture affects productivity and the workplace attitude and all manner of things like that, but today we are putting it in terms of dollars and cents. Do you want your revenue to increase? Make sure you are putting in the proper time on your culture and watch those numbers rise!

"When you think you have done your best, go one step further to make sure."Partner with RE Financial Services Kimber White is making his baffling first appearance on the show today and we are going to make the most of having a true mortgage guru on the program. Kimber and Jay are digging into a little of Kimber's history and what got him to where he is today, why you should treat every deal like "a dog with a bone" and make sure you do everything you possibly can to make it work, and the big difference between liking someone and respecting them, especially when it comes to getting deals done. We've got a real deal mortgage master on our hands today and we hope you take full advantage of this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The planet is fine. The people are fucked." - George CarlinJoseph Iredell and Ken Jordan are the creators and hosts of the "Selling The Dream" podcast are back on the show today and we're hitting some pretty poignant topics on this go around. Joseph, Ken, and Jay are diving into why working as hard as you possibly can is a worthwhile endeavor, the power dynamic that Jeffery Epstein created through nefarious practices, and the responsibility of individual liberty and the choices we make based around our values. We aren't running from hot-button topics on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"There's only one CEO. There's only one leader and the best organizations are ones where there's an integration of leadership and a breaking up of the responsibilities. One person can't do everything. It's impossible...it's impossible. Whether its scaling or whether its reorganizing...whether its just running the business...its impossible."CPA, former Chairman and CEO of Baker Tilly US, and business strategist Alan D. Whitman is back on the program today and we're diving into some topics today that are as relevant for small business owners as they are for the CEOs of major companies. Alan and Jay are digging into whether or not its a good idea to turn your business brain off for a little bit around the holidays, making sure that you are spending time with your leaders, and why delegating is important so that things don't get missed and you don't get overwhelmed. If you do want to turn your business brain off for a bit, we highly recommend you do it after you've listened to this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

After a short reprieve, our very own Jay Doran is back with another edition of culture content and our topic today is setting intentions. In order to create value, it is important to remember our values and in order to make sure that those values are being lived out, being intentional with our actions and time is paramount to success. Living intentionally and making sure that you are setting those intentions regularly is a good first step to fulfilling your goals and aspirations. Jay is going to break it all down on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Successful investors tend to be unemotional, allowing the greed and fear of others to play into their hands." - Seth A. KlarmanOn a special episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, we are welcoming back the founder of Arena Securities, Aleck Arena, back to co-host the show with our very own Jay Doran to discuss investing with microcap investing expert Luke Winchester. During today's conversation, Luke, Aleck, and Jay are digging into some of the specifics of microcap investing, how tax incentives are used in Australia to motivate people to stay in their homes, and how even small percentage differences can change the entire outlook of an investment. There is an awful lot to unpack in today's episode and we're truly grateful to have such investment gurus on the show to lend a hand in understanding 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.

"At the end of the day, when you're in these interviews, especially if you're going for a sales role, if you can't sell yourself, you absolutely aren't giving them confidence that you can sell their product. So, be confident and be prepared. Practice those interviews."Lyndsey Cohen is a job acquisition coach who helps people learn the skill set to build their résumé and interview efficiently to secure a job in today’s economy and she is back on the show today to share some knowledge on that very topic. Lyndsey and Jay are digging into the importance of social media in today's business climate, making sure that you aren't afraid to ask the right questions, and why making some extra income every month is going to make a world difference. Lyndsey is a true professional who really knows her stuff, so if you're in the market for a new position (or even if you aren't), make sure to pay close attention to this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"THe higher we soar, the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly." - Friedrich NietzscheOur guest today is an earlier supporter Culture Matters and Senior Loan Officer with NJ Lenders Corp., Jeff Winick. This episode is a long time in coming, so we're going to make the most of it! Jeff and Jay are digging into Jeff's mentality and approach when it comes to the mortgage industry, how much the cost of living has exploded of the last couple of decades, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with getting a job done for a client even if it looks like the job can't get done. We've got a true master class in leadership, culture, and professionalism on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

Back like he never left is our very own Jay Doran here with another edition of culture content and today's topic recognition. A better way to put it would be the lack of recognition that can send employees out into the world to seek alternate employment opportunities. We all want to feel appreciated and that the work we are doing not only matters, but is something we should be proud of. Sometimes all it takes is a kind word and that is exactly what Jay is talking about on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm." - Henry David ThoreauMarvin Joles is the owner of Wis-Coat Asphalt Maintenance and the creator of the "Blacktop Banter" podcast and we've got him back on the program today to get into all kinds of leadership and culture topics. Marvin and Jay are digging into the transformation Marvin underwent in 2024 and the circumstances that led to those changes, some of the health challenges Marvin faced over the last year, and even a little Good Will Hunting near the end. We're very happy to have Marvin back on the show and we think you will be too after this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"I think when you're discipline, fear dissipates."Charlie Cina is an author, speaker, consultant and the founder CEO of OneTapConnect and he is back on the show today after far too long an absence and we are going to make the most of it. Charlie and Jay are digging into why discipline and commitment are the cornerstones for success, why life wasn't meant to be and doesn't have to be as complex as it is made out to be, and how OneTapConect is making it easier for people in business to get connected and stay connected with the right people. We've got a great conversation on leadership and professionalism today on The Culture Matters Podcast.

"It is not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog." - Mark TwainCustomer Experience and Project Consultant at G. Fedale Christopher Shelly is here making his debut appearance on the show and we are excited to chat with him about what is going on with him when he isn't sending other wonderful guests our way. Chris and Jay are digging into why customer experience plays such an important role in successful businesses as well as ways to improve those experiences, why comfortability can stymy ambition and success, and why doing the right thing will make you a positive example for both the people who know you and the people who don't who just see you existing. We're getting into some very real places today on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Your target market and their demographics realistically need to be in alignment with your own beliefs and morals or you may have trouble reaching out to them or keeping them once others have entered the market." - Michael GerberReal estate leader and founder and CEO of The Align Team Brett Sikora is making his very first appearance on the show today and we are extremely excited to have a man with such a background and knowledge sharing with us today. Brett and Jay are diving into Brett's background in real estate and how he went from being a top producer on another real estate team to forming his own company, Brett's affinity for the landscaping business, and why, post-election, we are seeing consumer's purchasing confidence returning to the market. It's a real estate and leadership master class today with the one and only Brett Sikora.

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert EinsteinFounder of Solid Value Contracting, member of Top Contractor School, author Jesse Miller is making his inaugural appearance on the show and we're here to talk about leadership, culture, and all things in between. Jesse and Jay are diving into Jesse's passion for service and how he has grown his company based on his reputation for quality among his clients, Jesse's decision to read and study and to make himself the most knowledgeable version of himself that he could, and Jesse's foray into the self-development space and how his message and way of thinking inspired him to write his book.

"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer." - Ralph Waldo EmersonIf you have been listening to the show for a little while, then our guest today is no stranger to you. The founder and owner of Guardian Roofing and Siding Robert Frehafer is back on the program after a little time away and we couldn't be happier to have him back. We are continuing with our theme of the end of 2024 and taking some time with Robert to take a look back at the year and receive an update on what has transpired at Guardian over the last 12 months. Moreover, Robert and Jay are digging into the general ease of recapping when the year has been kind, clarifying external and internal distractions, and keeping yourself focused on the task in front of you. Robert is always good for deep and meaningful conversation and he keeps that reputation in tact on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The higher we soar the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly." - Friedrich NietzscheThe founder of 20/20 Vision for Success and author of Finding Honor: The Journey to Truth, Christine Beckwith, is back on the show today talking about her new book, High - Selling is a Drug. Today's discussion is focusing on chapter five, "Upper Limits", and we are diving real deep. Christine and Jay are digging into what it's like when a group of employees feeds off of one another's work, how much easier it is to be a good leader when times aren't tough, and the enthusiasm of youth vs. the wisdom of experience. There is a lot going on in this chapter and we're excited to dig into it all on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

With 2024 quickly approaching its end and 2025 just over the horizon, our very own Jay Doran thought it might be a good idea to start looking ahead. Every new year is an opportunity to press the reset button on the previous year and get a fresh start on the next 12 months. However, some people find it difficult to do just that. Jay is here to offer a little encouragement and a few helpful tips to make sure that reset button is good and pressed as we approach the latest quarter century mark.

"Pride goes before destruction; a haughty spirit before a fall." - Proverbs 16:18The founder of Swink's Creations Mark Swink is making his second solo appearance on the show today and we're taking a little trip down memory lane to kick things off. Mark and Jay are unpacking what has kept Mark in business and successful for over 40 years, the joy and overwhelming sense of right that comes from helping a child by being a foster parent, and we're taking some time to discuss Mark's very strong faith and the paths that has led him down throughout his life. We've got some real inspirational stuff happening today on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

Coming down the pike today is another edition of culture content with our very own Jay Doran and today's topic is that of builders and breakers. Theoretically, people should want to be closer to the people that build them up as opposed to being closer to the people who break them down. But what if that is backwards? What if being closer to the people that break you down is a way of strengthening your resolve and becoming a stronger and more empowered leader because of the constant need to build yourself up? Jay is here to debate that very question on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

On one of our most reflective episodes to date, our very own Jay Doran is pulling back the curtain a bit to discuss the what and why of The Culture Matters Podcast. It might be easy to say that the purpose of this show is to discuss culture and business and real estate and entrepreneurial endeavors with interesting and influential people, but there is so much more to it than that. Jay is going to dig into what has kept this show going through 731 episodes and why that's just the tip of the iceberg.

"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." - Heracles Great friends of The Culture Matters Podcast and co-authors of the new book Leadership Matters Ginger Bell and Fobby Naghmi joining us today to discuss their work. Based around enhancing leadership skills, particularly within the mortgage and real estate spaces, Leadership Matters aims to help anyone in a leadership role or aspiring to achieve a leadership role with motivation, inspiration, and strategies to become the leader you want to be. We feel extremely fortunate to have Ginger and Fobby on the show to give us a firsthand account of this amazing book.

We're taking a quick break from our regularly scheduled programming to bring you a quick chat from our very own Jay Doran and, today, Jay is talking about building company culture. But it isn't just about company culture. It's about company culture that people actually want to be involved with. Every company, whether they are trying or not, is going to have some sort of culture within its structure. The key is to effectively build that culture into something that current employees are excited to be a part of and potential employees are clamoring to get in on. If you build it the right way, they will come and they will stay.