The Culture Matters Podcast

"The snake which cannot cast its skin has to die. As well the minds which are prevented from changing their opinions; they cease to be mind." - Friedrich NietzscheU.S. military veteran and founder of Apex Site Solutions Kenny Blakeslee is making his debut on the show today and we're very excited to have him here with us. Kenny and Jay are digging into what it feels like to look back and reflect on the journey to success and the responsibility of having people in your employ, the cyclical nature of business, and the inspiration that comes from knowing that you and your business are going to continue to bring positive change and success to others in the future. We're unpacking an awful lot in this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

On this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, it is time for part 32 of our ongoing series where our very own Jay Doran discusses his book, Thirty Days of Thought, and goes through the process right alongside our listeners. Jay is taking a trip through some deep waters regarding goals on a micro, macro, and meta level and some of the consequences that arise from that kind of focus. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

On this edition of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is being interviewed by the founder and Chief Victory Officer at the Center for Victory and Executive Coach and the Director of Learning and Development of Top Contractor School Eric Guy about his work on The CEO Manual. This series is all about explaining some of the pertinent aspects of the manual and how it is designed to help change a founder into a CEO and that conversation continues today.

As 2024 is quickly coming to a close, it is time to start setting our sites on the future and what 2025 is going to be. If you've ever met Jay Doran, it should come as no surprise to you that he's looking to add intensity to his 2025. Despite shortcomings, negativity, things happening outside of your control, if you attack your goals with intensity and focus on what you can control, there is no doubt that 2025 is going to be your year.

Our guests today are the Head of Engagement and Outreach at American Business Media, Andrew Berman, and returning for the first time since season 1 and the Chief Marketing Officer of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Paul Lucido, and we've got these culture trailblazers back again for another discussion of Jay's book, Thirty Days of Thought. The conversation is focused on the chapter entitled "Mom" which gives these three gentlemen the opportunity to discuss the effect their mothers have had on their lives and beyond. Listen carefully, call your mom, and enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

Nothing is get rich quick; there is nothing get rich quick. It doesn't happen, I don't believe, in that way. It's get rich slow. Hard work, perseverance, and consistency. I can tell you with anything that if you stay consistent with anything over time it's going to grown and if you grow it with a strong foundation, it can't be stopped."Military veteran, former law enforcement officer and the founder of Showcase Remodels Sam DeMaio is making his inaugural appearance on our show and he's here to talk a little shop. Sam and Jay are digging into Sam's early journey to founding his company and what led to his entrepreneurial endeavors, some of the ins and outs of the remodeling business, and even a quick foray into Sam's time working as a corrections officer. Sam's unique perspective, his unique journey, and his tireless work ethic are what make him a perfect guest for The Culture Matters Podcast.

We've got Jay Doran bringing you another culture discussion today and our theme is education. Companies that encourage or, better yet, offer their employees the opportunity to become further educated are absolutely going to reap the benefits of higher rates of innovation. We're digging down a little deeper on today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

On today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, Jay Doran is discussing his experience within The Peterson Academy. This is a course conceptualized by Jordan B. Peterson and aimed at personal development. Jay is unpacking some of the courses he has taken, what the commitment to personal growth takes, and the benefits he has been reaping since starting this journey.

On this very special episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is being interviewed by the founder and Chief Victory Officer at the Center for Victory and Executive Coach and the Director of Learning and Development of Top Contractor School Eric Guy regarding Jay's work, The CEO Manual.

Jay Doran The Culture Man is here with another chance to chat about culture and the topic for the day is the correlation between a company's culture and its profits. If a company's culture is not in good shape, that is going to cause the employees to feel a certain type of way which is going to ultimately lead to poorer performances which is then going to lead to losing money. It seems pretty simple, but Jay is going to dive even deeper and get into how improving culture can improve the profits.

We've got another culture conversation coming to you today with our very own Jay Doran at the helm and today's topic is why people go job hunting. The answer shouldn't surprise you. 43% of people are seeking alternate employment due to, you guessed it, company culture! There is a lot to unpack in there and we're going to let The Culture Man break it down on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"I have had the pleasure of racing with some incredible people for four decades. People who impressed me. People who are iconic to this industry. In my day, I was a hell of a race car driver and in the pocket of a great market. I feel myself, still, in the cockpit of my own car, gripping the wheel, and leaning int the turns. I know today what it takes to get the car up to full speed and to keep it there. Throttling, racing, competing, and I know the sweet taste of victory. I wonder when I will no longer want to race or be around the buzz of the racers who are pulling out of the pits onto the tracks and chasing the checkered flags of their business worlds. Never. I love the sport of selling; thin threads or not. I am meant to race."The 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. Jay and Christine are digging into chapter four today, entitled "Thin Threads", which is all about high-functioning salespeople who thrive in environments where maybe they aren't set up to do so. This chapter, and this book in general, is all about seeing the sale, making the sale, and wanting more. The wheat get separated from the chaff in even the most perfect sales environments, but imagine doing it when you aren't supposed to succeed. We're getting into all that and more with the one and only Christine Beckwith.

On this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, it is time for part 31 of our ongoing series where our very own Jay Doran discusses his book, Thirty Days of Thought, and goes through the process right alongside our listeners. In this installment, Jay is getting into larger themes like confidence from the company, diversity amongst employees, and allowing our enemies to assess us. It's another deep dive on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

On this edition of culture content with Jay Doran, Jay is going over an innovative business strategy known as "Holacracy" or the practice of doing away with job titles in a workplace meant to promote more a team mentality and abolishing hierarchy. It was notably applied to Zappos by former CEO, the late, great Tony Hsieh in late 2014. During this discussion, Jay gives his thoughts on the concept as a whole, some of the positives and negatives of the system, and how it might affect businesses of different sizes. We haven't touched too much on business theory on this show, so we hope you enjoy dipping your toes in those waters on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Bosses are there to punish you and catch you in the act of doing something wrong. Mentors are there to encourage you and to catch you in the act of doing something good and you go to a mentor when you are struggling and you need help."Mentor, advisor, co-author of The Definitive Guide to TikTok Ads, and the CEO of BlitzMetrics Dennis Yu is making his first appearance on the program today and he is about to put on a technological clinic, so we hope you're ready! Dennis and Jay are diving into the difference in importance in being verified on social media versus a search engine, the role of AI and some of what we have to look forward to in the field, and why mentoring the next generation is always a good thing to do. Dennis is a true legend in the industry and we know you're going to learn more than a little on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

On today's look into culture content, our very own Jay Doran is sitting down to discuss a topic that is widely debated among even the most successful of business types: is the customer or the employee more important? Perhaps it is better to ask, who has the most impact on the business. It's possible that this is as close to a chicken and the egg situation as one can get in business, but Jay is going to break it down and cite the late, great Herb Kelleher along the way. You'll have to make up your own mind, but The Culture Man is here to lend his two cents.

On today's installment of a culture chat with Jay Doran, Jay is discussing why it is important to encourage people to take the grown-up road when conflicts or differences in opinion take place in the workplace and to confront the issues head on. One of the easiest ways for disagreements to escalate and to undermine the culture of an institution is to avoid dealing with them head on. The Culture Man is here to remind our listeners while respectful confrontation may not be the most pleasant thing in the world, nipping these things in the bud face-to-face is always the best way to go.

"A sacred respect to institutional law is the vital principle, the sustaining energy, of a free government." - Alexander HamiltonAdvisor, attorney, MBA holder, and all-around great person Chimuanya Osuoha of Lex Nova Law is making her debut on the show today and when a person of this magnitude drops by, we aren't going to waste any time and jump right into it. Chimuanya and Jay are digging into Chimuanya's journey to where she is today, her background and the background of her family, and how the entrepreneurial spirit exists in everyone. We're truly fortunate to have Chimuanya on the show today and we're extremely excited that she is sharing her story with our listeners on The Culture Matters Podcast.

"In the sermon on the mount, Jesus said, 'Do not give what is holy to the dogs nor cast your pearls before a swine lest they trample them under their feet and turn and tear you in pieces.'" - Matthew 7:6On a special episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, Jay Doran is sitting down in a stand alone conversation concerning the "Yes Person Effect". We all know what "yes people" are and why they do what they do, but is there a broader effect at work? Does that effect affect the company at large or does it trickle up and down in isolated instances amongst individuals? Is there a positive place for "yes people" or are their motivations tainted and selfish? We have a lot to dig into today, so let's get to it.

On this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, it is time for part 30 of our ongoing series where our very own Jay Doran discusses his book, Thirty Days of Thought, and goes through the process right alongside our listeners. Jay talks about the growth that comes from embracing your pain from the past and that it derives from purpose along with learning to embrace the elements of your past that have made you who you are today. It's a deep dive into some heavy waters today, but we're looking to come out better on the other side of this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships." - Michael JordanOur dear friend and the founder and CEO of EPM Eddy Perez has made his way back to the show and this conversation is coming from the 2024 Mortgage Banking Association Annual. Eddy and Jay are discussing what the MBA Annual is and what makes it such a great event, why the only thing within your control is what you say and do, and why people claiming they're unable to afford to buy a house doesn't sit right with Eddy. It's been a little longer than we'd like since Eddy has been on the show and we're taking full advantage of his presence on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

Back again with some more food for your culture thoughts is our very own Jay Doran and today he's talking about the two pizza rule. What is the two pizza rule? Are we talking real pizzas and what kind of toppings are available? Sit tight and find out during this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

On this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, it is time for part 30 of our ongoing series where our very own Jay Doran discusses his book, Thirty Days of Thought, and goes through the process right alongside our listeners. Today, Jay is discussing the passion for intellectual pursuits and how that can affect other, sometimes more personal parts of one's life. There is a lot to unpack here and we're going to unpack it all on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The state of man's mind or the elementary phase of mind which he so far possesses conforms precisely to the state of the world as he so far views it." - George Wilhelm HegelAuthor, coach, consultant, and founder of Astranaut, and a soon-to-be leader in the civilian space game Shannon Graham is our guest today and we're going beyond Earth's gravity for this one. Shannon and Jay are discussing the rise in ability to send civilians to space and the rise in people's desires to go, what The Overview Effect is and how it can be more broadly applied to making the world a better place, and the relationship that develops when you hire a coach. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast because it truly is...out of this world.

On this show, we make it a point to discuss success and ways of finding success and how others have found it to help inspire our listeners to go and get it themselves. Today, we're taking a bit of a different approach and discussing failure. More specifically, how to take failure to improve yourself and your business which is, admittedly, not the easiest thing in the world to do. We might be talking about failure, but we hope you succeed in listening to this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Fear doesn't control us by dominating our emotions. It controls us by quietly convincing us that our comfort is more important than happiness. The only real risk is taking no risks. The only real failure is having no failures. The only real pain is the avoidance of pain." - Mark MunsonAuthor of Make Reinvention Your Superpower, advisor, business strategist, consultant, and founder of the Glenn Llopis Group Glenn Llopis is making his inaugural appearance on our show today and we have a big show in store for you today! Glenn and Jay are digging into why it is important for employees to feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves, intentionally seeking solutions to the issues that are going to arise, and making sure that your strategy is line with the capacity of your employees. We are truly grateful to have a man with Glenn's experience here today to share with our listeners on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

On this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, it is time for part 29 of our ongoing series where our very own Jay Doran discusses his book, Thirty Days of Thought, and goes through the process right alongside our listeners. Today, Jay is discussing the overwhelming information available to us at all times and the ways in which that can affect the mind and work ethic. In a world overladen with information, we've got a little more coming your way on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things." - Peter DruckerA little while back, our very own Jay Doran sat down with Eric Guy to discuss a work that Jay had produced called The CEO Manual (Season 49, Episode 582). In that interview, Eric and Jay discussed in broad strokes what the purpose of the manual is, where Jay's inspiration to write it came from, and how it can help founders and CEO's. Today, Jay is going to begin an introduction of The CEO Manual with a much finer point put onto it and discussing in greater detail how this manual works and what outcomes it was written to deliver.

We've got Jay Doran back again for another culture chat and today The Culture Man is discussing fostering a strong company culture. There are many steps that need to be taken to get your company to a strong strong, but you need to start with just one step. All great things start with the first step. Do you have what it takes to take that first step? We here at The Culture Matters Podcast think you do.

On this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, it is time for part 29 of our ongoing series where our very own Jay Doran discusses his book, Thirty Days of Thought, and goes through the process right alongside our listeners. Today, Jay is discussing keeping a straight head in the face of adversity and not freaking out. We're going quick and to the point on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The value of a thing sometimes lies not in what one attains with it, but in what one pays for it; what it costs us." - Friedrich NietzscheFounder of Board of Advisors, mentor, and coach Mike Calhoun is back again and for this go around we are talking about values. What are values? How do we discern what our values are and have them make an impact to ourselves and to our company culture? How do we lend meaning and purpose to our values? How do we instill our values into our teams so that they will carry them throughout our company? All these questions and many more are being tackled on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

We've got another culture chat on the show today lead by our very own Jay Doran. The conversation today is about employee retention and several mistakes that a lot of employers make with what should be one of the most important parts of a business. If you're looking to make sure you're not just keeping your employees, but keeping the right employees, then this is the episode for you.

On this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, it is time for part 28 of our ongoing series where our very own Jay Doran discusses his book, Thirty Days of Thought, and goes through the process right alongside our listeners. Today, Jay is discussing why the concept of people "policing" one another or themselves is as abstract and complicated as any other. Whether conflicts arise from a physical, mental, or emotional place, they are going to arise and the questions is, are we, as human beings, equipped to handle them and how does this translate to a business? That's what this episode is all about.

"From my experience, the best advisors help in three ways: encourage you to look at the problem or opportunity from multiple angles, help you balance the tug of the short-term with important long-term priorities, and ask the tough questions you need to know to reach the best solution." - Margo GeorgiadisAdvisor and expert attorney in all things business with Lex Nova Law Peter Spirgel is our guest on the show today and we are going deep diving! Peter and Jay dig into defending your business from within, some of the comings and goings of buying and selling existing businesses, and making sure that your priorities are in order outside of the workplace. Peter is one of the best of the business and it is on full display on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

We've got some more culture content coming your way on today's episode and our very own Jay Doran is here to discuss your mind and your mindset as it relates to your success. It is the responsibility of the entrepreneur to move their company forward and it is important that the mind is sharp and ready to make decisions. Let's talk about the mind on today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Economy does not consist in saving coal, but in using the time while it burns." - Ralph Waldo EmersonEconomist extraordinaire, mortgage expert, and the Chief Revenue Officer of Highway Dan Habib is making his debut on the show and he is taking into another gear today for a discussion about the economy, mortgages, and a slew of other things. Dan and Jay are really digging into the reasons rates go up and down, why some of those "facts and figures" that effect mortgage rates aren't always on the up and up, and the juxtaposition between really hard times and really good times. We're not staying too long in any one spot today, so put on your grown-up pants and enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

On today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, Jay Doran is bringing some more culture heat by talking about continuous improvement. Your company culture needs to be operating at such a level that everything and everyone should be constantly getting better culturally speaking. The Culture Man is here to give a few words of advice to make sure that that is the direction your company is going.

Jay Doran is back behind the mic for another chat about culture and we're taking a look at a very important of company culture and that is interpersonal relationships. This can be a tricky line to walk from time to time, but it doesn't have to be. Jay is here to break down some ways to to view the workplace dynamic and to make sure your people are getting along and thriving.

Our guests today are the Head of Engagement and Outreach at American Business Media, Andrew Berman, and returning for the first time since season 1 and the Chief Marketing Officer of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Paul Lucido, and they're back on the show to discuss the second chapter of Thirty Days of Thought, "Labels Limit". The conversation is dotted with points about rebelliousness emanating from labels, making decisions and sticking to them, and the power of a mentor. This series is really starting to heat up and we think you'll agree after this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Most people take the limit of their vision to be the limits of the world." - Arthur SchopenhauerWe have a very special episode of The Culture Matters Podcast today as we have invited two returning guests to discuss our very own Jay Doran's book, Thirty Days of Thought, with The Culture Man himself. Our guests today are the Head of Engagement and Outreach at American Business Media, Andrew Berman, and returning for the first time since season 1 and the Chief Marketing Officer of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Paul Lucido. These three colossuses of culture are having a round-table discussion on Thirty Days of Thought and how going through this process has helped them and how it can help others. There is a lot going on today, so listen carefully and enjoy this discussion with Andrew Berman and Paul Lucido.

On today's edition of The Culture Matters Podcast, Jay Doran is here to talk about the big secret to succeeding in business. What's that big secret, you may be asking? It's understanding the people you're serving. Keep your ears open to this special culture chat with The Culture Man.

"You can always pass on jewelry to ensure the memories and significance of the piece last forever. The memories don't have to end with you."Partner at House of Milner and jeweler extraordinaire Brett Sandler is making his first appearance on the show today and we couldn't be more excited about it. Brett and Jay are digging into the power of in-person sales as opposed to doing everything online, what leaving a legacy truly means and allowing the next generation to leave their own, and allowing yourself to celebrate your success. We really hope you enjoy this gem (pun intended) of a conversation with the one and only Brett Sandler.

On today's trek down the culture road, our very own Jay Doran is giving his take on planning ahead and how best to start looking ahead to your future. Whether you're looking to situate yourself for the foreseeable future or a couple of decades down the road, it's never too early to start preparing. After listening to today's episode, we hope you'll get to planning right away!

On this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, it is time for part 27 of our ongoing series where our very own Jay Doran discusses his book, Thirty Days of Thought, and goes through the process right alongside our listeners. In this installment, Jay is talking about how going through this process should be looked at as a call to action to get the reader motivated to go out and be the best version of themself that they can be. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all." - Peter DruckerAdvisor and Executive Vice President of Sales at rate.com Shant Banosian is on the program today and we've got a lot of culture, leadership, and business to discuss. Shant and Jay are digging into things that some of the most successful people in the world have in common, the difference between achieving success on an individual level and achieving it with a team, and how priorities and lifestyles change as a career possesses. We have truly one of the best in the business with us today and we're happy that Shant decided to share his knowledge on The Culture Matters Podcast.

We've got another culture chat coming down the pike from the one and only Jay Doran and today we're looking at hacks to improve your workplace. Jay is coming in hot with not one, not two, but three ways to transform your workplace. Of course, its not as simple as all of that, but this is a really good place to start.

On today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is back to talk about a culture theme that no one really enjoys and that is negative feedback. Just because someone gives you negative feedback on something doesn't mean that what you are working on or the direction you are going needs to come to a halt. Use that feedback to fuel your growth not just in what you are working on, but in your personal growth as well. Learn to listen and act accordingly.

"Out of every 100 men, 10 of them shouldn't even be here. 80 are nothing but targets. Nine of them are real fighters and we are lucky to have them for they make the battle. Ah, but one. One is a warrior and he will bring the others back." - HeraclitusMichael Melicia is the CEO of CPEX and owner and president of Coastal Paving & Excavating is back for his second appearance on the show and we are ready to dig right in. Michael and Jay are unpacking what intuition is and how everyone can see it but not everyone can explain, how once a company reaches a certain point you have to start depending on others to uphold their end of the bargain, and being in-tune with yourself to be able to acknowledge your flaws and shortcomings and still be as affective as possible. Let's put another great conversation with Michael Melicia in the books.

On this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, it is time for part 26 of our ongoing series where our very own Jay Doran discusses his book, Thirty Days of Thought, and goes through the process right alongside our listeners. Today, Jay is getting into what this unprecedented age of technological advancement has meant to the business world, but also to him and his business personally. Our ability to connect and put our message out into the world is truly something to be revered and one can only begin to speculate what those advancements will look like in the future.

Our very own Jay Doran is back again with another deep thought on culture. Today, Jay is breaking down how best to get your assembled team behind your vision for your company. This is one of the most important things an entrepreneur can do because if the team isn't aligning with what you see for the future of your business, then you are going to have a hard time moving that business forward.