The Leadership Podcast

Co-hosts Jan Rutherford and Jim Vaselopulos interview Jacqueline Molnar, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at Western Union. Jacqueline has 20 years of experience as an attorney and compliance officer, focusing on AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism), sanctions, anti-bribery/corruption, consumer protection, fraud, and litigation defense. Her discussion with Jan and Jim unpacks Jacqueline's tools of leadership and lessons she has learned along the way. Jacqueline values the diversity and ability of her worldwide team, pushing them to play to their strengths, with camaraderie and fun, always following the company mission. Listen in to learn principles of fearless leadership, backed up with a balance of confidence and humility. Key Takeaways [3:23] Jacqueline found the last Crucible expedition in Moab, Utah to be personally transformational — she now makes it a point to get buy-in from her leadership team for big decisions. [5:15] The purpose of the Crucible is to find out how you show up as a leader, completely out of your comfort zone. The adverse environment brings out your core character. [10:32] How to recognize and model for everyone that you don't know what to do in every circumstance, that you're vulnerable, and you're learning. [15:20] Jacqueline suggests giving a strength evaluation to company leaders to figure out what they do best, and then letting them go toward their strengths. [17:29] How Jacqueline leads her team and advocates for them so that they can do what they need to do. [19:19] Why having a diverse staff, especially in an international corporation, is natural and crucial. [20:58] It's important to look at your organization and see where you have gaps in your diversity — Are you recruiting for people who think differently? [31:07] In order to lead you need to have a crystal-clear vision of where you're headed, and communicate that very simply and very often, and then be completely, utterly, fearless and relentless about getting there. [40:01] Why workplace camaraderie is critical and that playfulness is also a key leadership attribute. Books Mentioned on the Show The Littlest Green Beret: On Self-Reliant Leadership, book by Jan Rutherford Bio Jacqueline Molnar, SVP and Chief Compliance Officer at Western Union in Denver, has spent 20 years as an attorney and compliance officer. She has led large international teams and represented numerous Fortune 500 companies in complex legal and regulatory matters across the globe. Jacqueline has been an executive at major banks, served as general counsel for others, and has practiced law in Silicon Valley, in California. Jacqueline received her Doctor of Jurisprudence and her Bachelor of Education from the University of Hawaii and is a lecturer teaching AML Compliance Law at the William S. Richardson School of Law in Honolulu. Jacqueline clerked for the Honorable Harold Fong at the Federal District Court for the District of Hawaii and for the Honorable Chief Justice Ronald T.Y. Moon, Hawaii State Supreme Court. She is licensed to practice law in Hawaii and California. Prior to attending law school, Jacqueline received her PDP teaching credentials from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada, and served as a school teacher and principal in Canada and as a scuba diving teacher in Honolulu, Hawaii. LinkedIn: Jacqueline Molnar

Co-hosts Jan Rutherford and Jim Vaselopulos interview Dr. Christophe Morin, CEO and Chief Pain Officer at SalesBrain. With over 30 years of experience in marketing and business development, Christophe is passionate about understanding and predicting consumer behavior using neuroscience. He is an expert on the effect of advertising on the brains of adolescents and young adults. Christophe discusses with Jan and Jim the prime role of emotion in individual motivation, how neuromarketing draws upon the science of neurological testing, and the six factors you can stress to create emotion that works for your product. Listen in to learn principles of ethical neuromarketing, and steps you can take to become more effective in persuasion for the greater good. Key Takeaways [6:11] Neuroscience data doesn't rely on what customers say, but on the ability to read their nervous system and brain blood flow. Most of this information is not consciously available. [10:01] Dr. Morin explains how the System One brain system communicates with the System Two brain system and how that relates to advertising. [12:55] Find out about the up-and-coming field called neuroleadership. [16:17] How can neuromarketing improve the world? [20:55] What are the six ways to create the bottom-up effect? [35:22] The Neuromarketing Science and Business Association created a code of ethics, now used widely by the neuromarketing industry. [37:17] How neuromarketing is somewhat a natural progression of marketing. [43:55] People who are willing to show up, look at themselves, work, rehearse, and practice, are those who ultimately can acquire and perfect skills they may not have had when they began. [45:58] We're scratching the surface of this big question: What is the ultimate effect of media on us? Books Mentioned on the Show Thinking, Fast and Slow, book by Daniel Kahneman Selling to the Old Brain: How New Discoveries In Brain Research Empower You To Influence Any Audience, Anytime, book by Patrick Renvoise and Christophe Morin The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less, book by Barry Schwartz Bio Dr. Christophe Morin, CEO and Chief Pain Officer of SalesBrain, has over 30 years of marketing and business development experience. Before joining SalesBrain, Christophe was Chief Marketing Officer for rStar Networks, a public company that developed the largest private network ever deployed in U.S. schools. Previously, he was VP of Marketing and Corporate Training for Grocery Outlet Inc, the largest grocery remarketer in the world. Christophe has received multiple prestigious speaking awards from Vistage International and Great Mind Research Awards from the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF). Christophe holds a BA in Marketing, an MBA from Bowling Green State University, an MA and a PhD in Media Psychology from Fielding Graduate University. He is an adjunct faculty member of Fielding Graduate University where he teaches a Masters/PhD course he created called "The Psychology of Neuromarketing". He is also a board member of the Neuromarketing Science and Business Association (NMSBA) Website: www.salesbrain.com

Co-hosts Jan Rutherford and Jim Vaselopulos interview Colleen Abdoulah, former Chair and CEO of WOW! Colleen, who was the only female CEO at a top-ten cable operating company, is widely respected for her passionate focus on customer experience and company culture. In this episode, Colleen motivates young professionals to lead passionately with purpose, by first learning the history, then seeking and engaging existing organizations. Colleen maintains that everyone has gifts and passions, and when directed meaningfully, these strengths will help guide leaders to success. She encourages leaders to reflect each day by asking, "How did I show up? Was I an influence for positive or negative?" She discourages passive-aggressive behaviors, and promotes accountability and learning to confront differences with courtesy. Listen in to learn the value of individual accountability, the best use of the inherent gifts all people have, and why methods matter along the way to your goals. Key Takeaways [5:33] Colleen gained awareness as a teenager that women across the world have had to fight for rights. In her 20's, she was pulled to work for social justice and compassion towards the marginalized, especially women and children, and she continues those efforts today. [8:01] Colleen's advice to young professionals looking to help a cause is first to get some context, find out the history and background, and do their homework. She says some young women today don't even know what a suffragette was. [11:46] Colleen recalls being counseled that if we make a difference in one life, then what we're doing matters. [15:16] Ask yourself, "where can I contribute and be fed in the process?" Finding an enriching purpose makes the difference between a passion and an obligation. [17:15] When looking for a mentor, find people in your communities who have similar values to you, get their attention, share who you are. Your mentor's role is to listen, probe, draw out, and help guide and instruct you, not to advise you what to do. [20:38] There's diversity of lifestyle and ethnicity, but also diversity of mind. Many organizations make the mistake of finding people who think alike, because it's easier. Getting diversity right comes down to one basic thing — do I value it? [25:54] Regardless of our background, we all work with the basis that we're human beings who want to know, "Do I belong? Do I have something to contribute? And "A"m I valued and respected?" [31:03] How you love, how you interact, how you navigate through your career and your exchanges with others, differentiates you as a person. Books Mentioned on the Show How to Win Friends and Influence People, book by Dale Carnegie Bio Colleen Abdoulah, who was the only female CEO at a top-ten cable operating company, is widely respected for her passionate focus on customer experience and company culture. Currently the Chair of the Board at WOW!, Colleen guided Internet, cable and phone as CEO for 12 years. In those years, WOW! quadrupled the customer base, with revenues of over $1.2B, and earned multiple awards from J.D. Power and Associates, Consumer Reports, and PC Magazine Reader's' Choice. WOW! was named in the National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in 2012 and 2013. Before joining WOW!, Colleen worked at TCI as Assistant COO and EVP of Cable Operations. She serves on the boards of the American Cable Association and C-SPAN, and is a past Vice President of the Executive Board of Women in Cable and Telecommunications, and past Chairperson for the WICT Foundation. She is past Chair of the Board for the Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center, serves on the boards for The Women's College of the University of Denver, the Colorado Chapter of the International Women's Forum, and World Pulse. Colleen is a keynote speaker on customer experience and company culture, and gender-balanced management and leadership, delivering her messages and stories with humor. Colleen has a degree in Public Relations and Marketing from Mount Royal College in Calgary, and an MBA from the University of Denver. LinkedIn: Colleen Abdoulah Website: http://www.worldpulse.com

Co-hosts Jan Rutherford and Jim Vaselopulos interview Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Schmitt, as he transitions from special operations leadership to corporate advisor after 30 years of military service. Starting his career as an enlisted soldier at the age of 17, he understands the requirement to recruit great people while investing in their development and taking the time to explain the organization's why. He is excited about the future and the goodness he expects to bring to others in the corporate sector. On this episode, Chris discusses principles of military leadership, his participation in the upcoming Patagonia Crucible, and his plans moving forward to support corporate leaders to build high performing teams. Chris wants this next chapter of his life to be about increasing the capacity of purposeful teams, developing positive leadership and mentoring winners! Listen in to learn the value of trust in enabling your team members' individual growth and joint success. Key Takeaways [3:32] Perseverance and persistence are important virtues to pack in your ruck. [4:12] The experience of starting as an army private gives great perspective as an officer. [8:56] Adaptability and moving forward will not happen without trust. [9:10] Why is trust harder to develop in business than in the military - or is it? [10:32] To be a rockstar organizational leader you have to take a chance and give some of that trust to the people in your organization. [14:20] Provide a vision, and then allow people to just go and do it. [17:38] Always try to do what you can do well, and leverage your core competencies. [19:38] In order to excel in a new field, start by listening so that you can learn and understand the nuances in culture and language within that field. [26:23] From Simon Sinek on leadership: Start with the Why. Being kind is important. Allow people to adapt and change. Quotable Quotes "My purpose is to facilitate others' success, and to work toward continuing to help high performing teams succeed." "No matter how high you are up the chain...there's not a little magic box that gives you all the answers." "Not taking time to sit back and reflect — that's when you make small mistakes and difficulties." "Having genuine concern for people, pushing your purpose and sharing hardship are the things we need to continue to prepare our leaders for." "Being in charge is hard work." Books Mentioned on the Show Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World, book by General Stanley McChrystal Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, book by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't, book by Simon Sinek Jerry Kramer's Farewell to Football, book by Jerry Cramer Bio Christopher Schmitt has developed as a strong leader, coach and mentor over the past 30 years of military service. Starting his career as an enlisted soldier at the age of 17, he then applied to West Point U.S. Military Academy. Working his way up through the ranks after graduation from West Point, he learned the importance to build a core team around the organization's values and purpose. Over the past 18 years as an international project officer and change agent as a deployed Special Forces field grade officer, Chris experienced how to motivate high performing teams to accomplish national strategic agendas. With 14 years of service outside of the United States, from the destroyed Olympic City of Sarajevo to the dusty outposts of Timbuktu with trips to Afghanistan, as a Paratrooper, Ranger, and Green Beret, Chris has a rich appreciation for good leadership. He has a passion for interacting with leaders and helping them excel. He has a skill for building teams, mentoring their development and coaching them toward success. Chris has stuffed his rucksack with best practices necessary to motivate gifted individuals to perform as high-functioning organizations. Chris plans to transition his passion for building partner nation special operations teams to mentoring development of Corporate Leaders and their organizations. He can't wait to get started and begin making an impact. Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/christopherschmitt2 Instagram: chris_promegallc Website: http://www.promegallc.com/

Co-hosts Jan Rutherford and Jim Vaselopulos interview Bruce Temkin, Customer Experience Transformist and Managing Partner of Temkin Group. Bruce is widely viewed as a customer experience visionary, helping large companies define and accelerate their customer experience journeys. He trains leaders the principles of purpose, brand value, employee engagement, and customer connectedness, helping them transform their organizations to provide a superior customer experience. Listen in to learn how to improve your organization with purposeful customer connections. Key Takeaways [3:35] Customer emotion drives loyalty. We've named 2016 as the year of emotion. [5:26] While in a small group, emotional intelligence is important, and in a big organization, it is even more important to convey a sense of purpose. [9:35] How to use immersive exercises in experiential design by thinking of it through the eyes of the customer, such as a grandmother who has never purchased online. [13:31] How people make a majority of decisions based on their intuitive subconscious mind. [18:13] Managing customer needs in concentric action loops with immediate response, corrective action, continuous improvement, and strategic change. [22:12] Why the biggest cause of catastrophe is failure in the feedback loop. [27:12] Is the issue that you don't have enough metrics on a system, or is it that you don't understand what's going on in the first place? [34:10] The customer experience you deliver is a reflection of your culture. Four elements define a customer-centric culture: Purposeful Leadership, Compelling Brand Values, Employee Engagement, and Customer Connectedness. [39:38] As a leader, the question is what do you have to do to align the direction and the perception of all the people who are following you? Resources Mentioned on the Show Thinking Fast and Slow, book by Daniel Kahneman The Power of Habit, book by Charles Duhigg How to Win Friends and Influence People, book by Dale Carnegie Intensify Emotion Bio Bruce Temkin holds a master's degree from the MIT Sloan School of Management, where he concentrated in business strategy and operations. He also holds an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Union College. As an executive officer and co-founder of two Internet start-ups, he led the development of the first purely Internet-based retail brokerage system and led operations in the US, China, Israel, and Japan. He also held management positions at General Electric, Fidelity Investments, and Stratus Computers. Prior to Temkin Group, Bruce spent 12 years with Forrester Research during which time he led the company's financial services, e-business, and customer experience practices. He authored many of Forrester's most popular research reports and was the most-read analyst for 13 consecutive quarters and created Forrester's Customer Experience Index. He is the Chairman Emeritus and co-founder of the Customer Experience Professionals Association. Bruce's research focuses on identifying current and emerging best practices. He has published seminal reports such as The ROI of Customer Experience, The Future of Customer Experience, and The Four Customer Experience Core Competencies. He uses this insight to advise companies on their customer experience journeys, and identifying opportunities for sustainable breakthrough performance. Bruce is the author of the blog Customer Experience Matters®, one of the most popular blogs on customer experience. He regularly posts insights on topics such as customer experience, corporate culture, branding, and leadership.

Co-hosts Jan Rutherford and Jim Vaselopulos interview Jason McCarthy, Founder and CEO of GORUCK, a company that makes rucksacks (also known as backpacks), and runs rucking events similar to the Special Forces selection process. Jason reveals why and how he started GORUCK, the obstacles he faced along the way, his mission for GORUCK, and his success in building leaders by overcoming adversity as a team. Jason also talks about building better Americans who serve their country and community, explaining the basis of community. He reminds us what freedom means, and how others can fulfill a duty in a variety of ways. Listen in to learn how you can turn adversity into team building within your organization. Key Takeaways [7:38] How the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC) or the Q Course forces you to lead. [8:32] There are always opportunities to lead, you have to seize them. There's always room for another great leader to step up. [13:24] It wasn't about the weight people were carrying, it was about the people carrying the weight. [13:41] What's really rewarding, is the impact you can make on people if you serve them. [14:34] GORUCK became this bridge for Jason, that he was building for people that showed up within the class, and yet he needed to be on that same bridge, as well. [18:29] Successful teams have got to be fun and it's got to be about building communities. [21:57] Americans represent one united community. Bake your neighbor a pie sometime, talk to the person next to you on the plane. We need someone to push us toward more service to each other - to build a better America. [25:41] To create a culture of leaders you have to trust the people around you, give them things they can do, and let them figure it out. [33:33] Go find a friend, go for a walk, put a backpack on, and talk to the person next to you. Connect with the people that are around you. Quotable Quotes "To lead is to do. You have to actually do it. You can't learn about it in a book." "To lead is to serve." "People need to like you to spend time with you." "Communication is always the glue." "Taking a walk with a ruck is officially called rucking." Books Mentioned or Referenced on the Show The LITTLEST Green Beret: On Self-Reliant Leadership, book by Jan Rutherford Bio Jason McCarthy Graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia in May 2001, without a set professional goal. Then came 9/11, which became a call-to-arms to him. Jason enlisted in Special Forces and served in Iraq as a Communication Sergeant in the Green Berets. He calls his experience there a leadership laboratory. Jason founded GORUCK in 2008 after his military service, seeing the need for a great civilian bag, and a way to help veterans bridge military and civilian life. This led to the GORUCK Challenge, where a Special Forces guy builds a team out of the participants who show up.

Co-hosts Jan Rutherford and Jim Vaselopulos interview Scott Page, Chief Executive Officer of Colorado Business Bank and Arizona Business Bank, on his experiences as a CEO, particularly regarding how the CEO position is distinct from all others. Scott covers the importance of preparation through education, accepting mentorship, and developing awareness and presence in the moment. Scott reveals pitfalls of inadequate leadership, and problems with letting an organization drift in unmanaged directions, as well as lessons learned through personal experience. He discusses the need for teams to hire and promote the right people a structure that provides autonomy, and the importance of performance accountability. He also discusses the power of humor in strengthening team relationships. Listen in to learn Scott's tips for transformative leadership in today's challenged and fast-paced global economy. Key Takeaways [4:24] We take our business very seriously, but we don't take ourselves very seriously―I really like people, and I like to have a little bit of fun. [7:29] I'm a huge proponent of teamwork. My senior team members partner up to solve problems and I don't even have to get involved. [9:59] The biggest surprise when I became CEO was the speed of things coming at me. [12:36] Put the right vertical structure and people in place. [20:57] You have to have this mentality of constant improvement. There's no room for people who retire on the job. [22:10] You can have a complex organization, but you have to have a very well-defined value proposition and mission. Then you have to message like crazy and support your messaging with the right activities. [24:14] Slow down to speed up. Adapt. To remain independent as a public company, you must provide superior results. [27:25] Mentor people--send them through programs and schools that prepare them to advance and maximize their talents in the organization. [41:19] Accountability has to start at the very top of an organization. Then it can be driven down into the organization. Books Mentioned or Referenced on the Show The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, by Patrick Lencioni Bio Scott Page learned the value of humor while growing up in an immigrant family in a disadvantaged area. Scott has more than 30 years of experience in the Colorado banking community. He has served as Chief Executive Officer of Colorado Business Bank and Arizona Business Bank, since early 2014. Scott joined Colorado Business Bank as market president in 2009. He previously served as Executive Vice President and Director of Community Banking for Vectra Bank Colorado, a unit of Zions Bancorporation, for eight years, and as Senior Vice President and Manager of US Banks Large Commercial Banking at Financial Institutions Group. Scott received his Bachelor Degree and MBA from the University of New Mexico and is a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Banking. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation and serves on the executive advisory board of Regis Graduate School of Business.

We're giving this episode out to the world at large today as an example of future Mastermind episodes. In the future, only those who subscribe to our email list will get access to the mastermind episodes… so please take the time to sign up on our website at – www.theleadershippodcast.com. Our guest, Mike Figliuolo – Managing Director of thoughtLEADERS LLC and Founder at Executive Insight 16 discusses the elusive ROI of leadership training. Key Takeaways [2:20] What's one of the biggest shortcomings you see in leadership development? People have to invest in themselves. [3:00] Is this an OD issue? It's about setting expectations. [6:20] Do most leaders try to grow their organization by growing their people? [7:55] The ROI of leadership training. Effective organizations establish a "standard," and apply it to real-world problems and opportunities. [9:30] Four levels of evaluating training: Reaction, Learning, Behavior and Results. Look for tangible indicators/behaviors. [11:00] Look for specific quantitative measurements – versus "false measurement dynamic." [13:50] What don't people invest? Is there a performance gap? If you were driving home and you had a flat tire, would you get it fixed? Of course! Why would you run with things that are broken? What's the opportunity cost? [15:45] Good options for stretching your people? Are mistakes OK? [21:00] Game theory – guessing if I do this you will do that… and if I do that, you will do this… [22:20] Key question when developing your team: What this a good use of your day? [25:00] Executive Insight 16 – Where Leaders Learn from Leaders [27:30] What to expect from the event in NYC? [32:00] What will be learned from this forum? Quotable Quotes "There is no leadership dilemma. Just reality." "The less power you have the more strategic you need to be." "Create space for yourself mentally to think strategically." Books & Events Mentioned or Referenced on the Show Leadership Development – A Profound Disconnect? The Elegant Pitch: Create a Compelling Recommendation, Build Broad Support, and Get it Approved One Piece of Paper: The Simple Approach to Powerful, Personal Leadership Lead Inside the Box: How Smart Leaders Guide Their Teams to Exceptional Results The Leadership Podcast - Episode 3 - Mike Figliuolo – A Thought Leader on Thought Leaders Bio Mike Figliuolo is the founder and managing director of thoughtLEADERS, LLC, a professional services firm specializing in leadership development. He is the author of One Piece of Paper: The Simple Approach to Powerful, Personal Leadership and is a nationally recognized speaker and blogger. Before founding his own company, he was a consultant at McKinsey & Co., and an executive at Capital One and Scotts Miracle-Gro.

Co-hosts Jan Rutherford and Jim Vaselopulos, discuss their upcoming expedition – the Crucible in Patagonia, Argentina. They explore the project's conception, purposes, technical and social challenges, and goals. They also describe the participants' unique backgrounds, and how they were selected for being selfless, adventurous, and possessing heroic aspirations to make a difference in the lives of others. The expedition has three goals: Help special operations warriors transition to the business world. Help executives "heard the unheard" as they step back and do a digital detox. Lastly, bring back the recipe for accelerating team development and the growth of leaders. Listen in to discover the plan and the tools they're using to predict the team's dynamic! Key Takeaways [3:20] There are things that happen out in the wilderness, from a leadership and a team perspective, that just take a long time to duplicate in the business world. [15:44] Create an A-Team with people that are selfless, adventurous, and who have heroic aspirations – people who are force multipliers. [20:17] What can we learn from the preparation of the Lewis and Clark Expedition? [23:42] Consider Sir Ernest Shackleton's legendary ad: Men wanted: for hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success. [29:43] A lot of companies hit a wall at $10 million. To break through the wall, think differently. [30:29] Don't just incrementally get out of your comfort zone. Get out of your comfort zone in an order of magnitude. [32:18] It's all about focus. [33:00] Accelerate team development: Form, Storm, Norm, and Perform － Bruce Tuckman. [39:51] In the end, we're going to find out that it's really simple, but very difficult. Quotable Quotes "I wasn't climbing those mountains for the view." "You've always got 40% left in the tank you didn't realize you had." "The tough times in an organization are the good times, actually." Books Mentioned or Referenced on the Show The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, by Patrick Lencioni Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West

Thea Polancic is a passionate advocate for the power of business as a force for good in the world. She is the Founder and Chair of the Chicago Chapter of Conscious Capitalism - a movement dedicated to elevating humanity through business, founded by John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market. The Chicago Chapter is the first in North America, and in less than 18 months it has grown to more than 1,100 members. Under her leadership, the Chicago Chapter produces programs for the general public and private events for senior executives who are committed to leading organizations that are both purposeful and unapologetically profit-driven. As a result of her efforts, the international Conscious Capitalism Annual Conference has taken place in Chicago for the past two years. Thea is also the Managing Partner of ClearSpace, LLC, a consulting firm that helps CEOs transform themselves, their teams and organizations to meet the challenges of the future and grow and thrive. Over the past 15 years, Thea has worked closely with many senior leadership teams to grow organizations with a higher purpose, creating value for all stakeholders, developing servant leaders, and having healthy, values-based cultures. Her firm's clients include organizations large and small across the country. She is a mentor to Chicago accelerators TechStars Chicago, Healthbox and The Impact Engine and the Conscious Venture Lab in Maryland. Thea is sought-after speaker on leadership and the future of business. Web - www.Clearspace.net Twitter - @tdpolancic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/theadurfeepolancic Summary & Ideas for Action In this interview, Thea covers the concept that consciousness and profit are compatible. Older executives may need to examine consciousness; younger executives may need to open their consciousness to embrace profit. Purpose is an intentional combination of consciousness and profit that necessitates a great business model, great leaders, and engaged stakeholders—the suppliers, the customers, the board, shareholders, and owners, and the employees of the organization. The growth is a journey, not an endpoint. The CEO is key to the purpose. Purpose spreads from the CEO down through the organization. If the CEO is not engaged in the purpose, the organization cannot prop it up. If the CEO sustains the purpose, then so may the organization. Key Takeaways [5:46] Will big business save the world? McDonald's is the largest employer of teenagers on the planet. To make a difference for teenagers, you should go talk to McDonald's. [6:58] My personal purpose is in the form of a promise: By the year 2030, business creates a world of beauty, prosperity, and happiness. [8:21] The world is a complex, ambiguous place. In uncertain, complex environments there is a specific kind of leadership that is more effective, which starts with a long-term perspective. [14:15] How do you teach that it's OK to be unapologetically capitalist and profit-driven? [17:27] The need for purpose is on the rise and is moving mainstream quickly. [22:05] This is a journey, not an endpoint. It starts with the CEO's internal work. A CEO who is not the authentic driver of the purpose will undermine it. [29:50] Leaders must match the intellectual valuing of mistakes, failure, and the challenges of the climb with the emotional capacity to be compassionate for themselves and their teammates, and create an environment of emotional safety inside of which risk taking can happen. Quotable Quotes "What we want is that caring and accountability." "Doing business in this way is ultimately one of the few remaining sources of competitive advantage that you're going to have." "Have a stakeholder value creation model, not just a shareholder or owner value creation model." Books Mentioned on the Show Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration Leaders Eat Last Mindset: The New Psychology for Success The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of The Learning Organization

Todd is the CEO and Founder of Bunker Labs, a national entrepreneurship organization dedicated to helping military veterans start and grow businesses. Announced in June 2014 at 1871, Chicago's Tech Entrepreneurship Hub, Bunker Labs has grown to locations in several other cities through a chapter affiliate model, with further expansion plans underway. Todd Connor is a former management consultant, U.S. Navy veteran, and has held many leadership roles in the public and private sector. He is a two-time entrepreneur and the founder of Flank 5 Academy. Todd holds a BA from Northwestern University, an MBA from the University of Chicago, previously served as a Senior Administrator at Chicago Public Schools, and is the author of two books on leadership and personal strategy. He is a Commissioner of the Cook County Commission on Human Rights, was honored as a 2015 Crain Chicago Business 40 Under 40, winner of the Chicago Inno 50 on Fire award, and is a 2016 Presidential Leadership Scholar. Web - www.BunkerLabs.org & http://bunkerinabox.org Twitter - @ToddConnor & @TheBunkerLabs Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thebunkerlabs/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddconnor Summary & Ideas for Action Todd Connor of Bunker Labs joins Jan and Jim in a lighthearted and educational conversation about the leadership qualities that turn veterans into entrepreneurs. Military men and women are required to perform at the highest level in demanding dynamic, complex, and uncertain environments. They are often given ambiguous missions and must rely on their training and foresight to know what must be done today, as well as tomorrow. This is the same for small business owners. When starting a small business there is no framework for guaranteed success a leader must execute and then adapt to the outcome. Todd also shares which great leaders he has learned from and what attributes he feels make them great leaders. Key Takeaways [4:47] Todd always wanted to connect with people who were different from him and to give back to the veteran community so he created Bunker Labs. [10:51] Becoming an entrepreneur is about executing, team building and knowing what to do today while looking towards the future. [12:41] Bunker Labs gives veterans leadership challenges and helps develop an adaptive mindset. [14:52] Todd shares his thoughts on leaders with big personalities. [19:32] What are the common attributes of entrepreneurs at Bunker Labs who find success? [23:14] What does Todd know now that he wished he had known when he started Bunker Labs? [28:31] Giving people opportunities to demonstrate success in small ways because that becomes a predictor of the outcome of bigger successes. Quotable Quotes "Veterans are ambitious people. They join the military when they are 18 because they want to be challenged." "The basic fundamentals of working hard are focus, adaptability and finding the right solution for the client." "If you want to get noticed start doing something people can not afford to ignore." Books Mentioned on the Show Mindset by Carol Dweck

Christian Anschuetz inspires the unconventional with a unique mix of strategic vision, adventurous spirit, bold action, and keen sense for calculated risk. He fuses these traits with executive business savvy and bleeding-edge technical knowledge to build high-performance organizations and solutions that enable transformative change. Mr. Anschuetz is an entrepreneur, business executive and veteran of the United States Marine Corps. His diverse background and interests have helped incubate successful companies, propelled him to the executive ranks of two leading firms, and most recently, inspired the launch of the innovative nonprofit startup, Project RELO. Christian currently serves as the CIO of UL (Underwriters Laboratories). He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Michigan, a Bachelor of Science in computer information science from Strayer University and is a graduate of Yale's Executive Leadership Program. Web - www.projectrelo.org LinkedIN - ProjectRELO Twitter - @projectrelo Facebook - www.facebook.com/projectrelo.org Recent article - www.linkedin.com/hp/update/6158834221000507392 Summary & Ideas for Action In this episode, Christian Anschuetz shares his intention-based leadership style, and how his military career influenced his leadership style, and helped him thrive in a corporate career. He also discusses how he aims to change the lives of veterans through his work with Project Relo. He talks about the need for leaders throughout the organization – regardless of title. He also discusses how "followership" is key. He defines effective leadership as one where an environment exists where people work outside their comfort zone, innovate, and work with a "spring in their step." Basically, effective leadership is when people follow willingly. As a leader, Christian creates teams of people who are innovative, support each other through risky situations, and help one another to eliminate the fear of failure. Key Takeaways [3:10] How has Christian's military experience impacted his role as a leader in the traditional corporate environment? [6:33] We need leaders throughout our entire organization. Anybody and everybody can lead and that is how you get high performance teams. [8:18] Christian paints a vision for people of what is expected of them and then follows with the intention behind the goal. [14:18] If you are going to fail, you are going to fail with your team members who will then propel you past the failure. [20:36] How to get past the fear of failure by moving into unsafe zones. [25:20] Project Relo highlights the abilities of veterans and focuses on leadership objectives. [31:33] When people are pushing themselves into unsafe areas and are innovative, that is when Christian knows he's being an effective leader. [39:34] Contact information for Christian and Project Relo. Quotable Quotes "Members of the Marine Corps are known to have a certain level of cockiness. It's because Marines believe they can do anything." "When you manage risk-to-zero, you simultaneously manage opportunity-to-zero." "In human relationships, technology is our enemy and not our friend." Points to Ponder How do you help people be confident, but not arrogant? How do you balance this with humility versus insecurity? Is visioning the role of the leader, or that of the team? Does your team know what extraordinary performance looks like? Is it OK in your environment to make mistakes and sometimes fail because that's where learning and growth take place? How can you stretch people to do more than they thought they could (beyond normal comfort zones)? What metrics do you have in place to know that your leadership is creating the right environment for people to follow you willingly?

For most people, stepping out of their comfort zone requires more risk than they are willing to take. In Scott Kinder's book, The Hill, he points out that the first step in overcoming fear is to identify it as fear, then accept it for what it is and move past it. Scott is a natural born teacher who is determined to assist civilians and businesses in forming high-performance teams. He translates his skills, learned in the U.S. Army Special Forces, to educate and empower business leaders on how to effectively weaponize their communication skills. Key Takeaways: [2:13] Scott's book, The Hill, addresses the methodology of identifying fear, accepting it for what it is and overcoming it. [8:00] The See and Act model is all about selecting, education and empowering your staff and then analyzing, communicating and trusting in the results. [12:16] People need to be willing to adopt the mindset that they will be the force multiplier in their team. [14:50] Business leaders learn to weaponize skills, so they can utilize their non-verbal and kinesthetic communications appropriately. [24:16] Instilling the right lessons in his children is a source of pride for Scott. [26:09] What tools effectively measure leaders? [30:36] Don't quit. Mentioned in This Episode: The Leadership Podcast @westudyleaders on Twitter The Leadership Podcast on Facebook Scott C. Kinder on LinkedIn @scottckinder on Twitter The Hill: Invictus Series Book One: Overcoming Fear and Learning to Embrace an Elite Mindset Leadership BS by Jeffrey Pfeffer

As the Executive Director for the non-profit startup, Team Red, White and Blue (RWB), Blayne Smith feels a deep sense of purpose and believes he is making the world a better place. His goal is to bring veterans out of their houses and into communities where their skills and talents can be recognized and utilized. Veterans are uniquely gifted with the extensive experience of being part of a team, working through abstract situations and solving problems through creativity to enhance the lives of people within their communities. Free workouts and Leadership Athletic Camps are essential parts of the initiative, which brings people together through physical activity. Key Takeaways: [2:18] Team Red, White and Blue was founded as a way for veterans to connect with people in their local communities. [6:09] What makes this program authentic is that everybody gains and everybody gives. [12:50] We use technology as tools to keep us connected but the real relationships are forged at our Leadership Athletic Camps. [15:29] What are the most underutilized characteristics veterans possess? [19:01] High-performers want to be led and to have their efforts reinforced by positive feedback. [26:02] Team RWB encourages people to get out of their house and connect with their communities, but veterans are responsible for sharing what they have to offer. [29:18] Many companies haven't fully embraced the power of building strong teams who trust each other. [31:53] How to get involved in Team Red, White and Blue. Mentioned in This Episode: The Leadership Podcast @westudyleaders on Twitter The Leadership Podcast on Facebook Team Red, White and Blue Team RWB Podcast Team RWB on Twitter The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Bios While a Board Member of Prime Health and a Senior Advisor to 10.10.10, health-tech entrepreneur Mike Biselli witnessed firsthand the tremendous power that a determined community of clinicians, technologists, and investors could wield, and realized just how much more could be accomplished if that power were harnessed. Over the next few years, Mike began developing the industry integrator concept, an entirely new feature of the innovation economy that would allow the healthcare industry to be integrated at the point of innovation by housing an entire health-tech ecosystem in a single location. Now, in partnership with governmental, academic, non-profit, and commercial organizations, Mike Biselli is developing Catalyst HTI, a first-of-its-kind industry integrator in Denver's River North District (RiNo) that will bring together health-tech startups and Fortune 20s alike in the race to fix American healthcare. Catalyst site: http://catalysthealthtech.com Personal website: http://mikebiselli.com Twitter: @mikebiselli Summary & Ideas for Action Mike Biselli brings his dedication, enthusiasm and servant leadership style to digital health innovation as a community leader and collaborator. His character building and leadership journey started early in his life, with athletics playing a huge role. He was awarded a college scholarship for football, which led him to being named 1st Team All PAC-10 kicker in 1999. He now brings those same qualities along with his passion to his business ventures through his industry integrator concept. He believes that through collaboration, diversity and innovation, we will be able to save the U.S. from the financial crisis that exists in our healthcare system. Key Takeaways [3:00] Unpacking Mike's visionary quote about the looming crisis in the U.S. healthcare system. [7:45] Prime Health is a business ecosystem of collaborators working to extend its vision around the nation. [11:09] Mike firmly believes in 'give of yourself first' as a foundation for his servant leadership style. [15:02] A football memory: Long-term dedication enabled Mike to gain the trust needed to perform a surprise onside kick. [20:16] The role athletics played in Mike's success as a leader. [27:46] The true measure of leadership effectiveness is to see how many new leaders are created by an existing leader. [30:40] How to contact Mike, see him speak, and get your hands on his forthcoming book. Quotable Quotes "To empower people and to let them grow and develop, a leader must give up power." "If we are going to re-imagine this broken healthcare industry, Fortune 100's need to work with entrepreneurs." "Homogeneity squashes innovation, inspiration and opportunity to make something bigger of ourselves." Mentioned on the Show Prime Health - http://primehealthco.com Points to Ponder Regarding Mike's vision for Catalyst, what are ways you can bring very diverse groups together with common interests to meet today's challenges? How do you "give of yourself first' as a servant leaders? When people stay at organizations for a very short time these days, how do you inspire people to long-term dedication? Sports analogies are used a lot as metaphors – what other examples can you use that are inclusive? Do you agree with Mike that the true measure of leadership effectiveness is to see how many new leaders are created by an existing leader?

On this 6th episode of the Leadership Podcast, your hosts Jim Vaselopulos and Jan Rutherford will be sharing the how, what and why behind this enterprise. Jim and Jan both ardently believe that a person's family is their most important legacy. These C-Level executives have very different backgrounds but similar aspirations. They joined forces to accomplish their goal of creating a place for young professionals to build character through mentorship and a habitat for companies to find inspiration from proven and effective leaders. Through this medium, they have the unique opportunity to study the minds and practices of leaders who excel at what they do. Key Takeaways: [1:37] Get to know your podcast hosts Jim and Jan, on a professional and personal level. [8:15] What drives Jim to help young professionals learn to be leaders? [13:50] The non-traditional ways Jan teaches executives to purge during a Digital Detox. [17:42] Upcoming episodes will include the #1 doctor in the world, authors, business leaders, and those who embody a growth mindset. [22:42] Moving forward with the intention of getting in the heads of those who have done great things. [27:49] How is leader effectiveness measured? Sponsors: Class Act Leadership Training The Littlest Green Beret Book Mentioned in This Episode: The Leadership Podcast @westudyleaders on Twitter The Leadership Podcast on Facebook PSC Group Rafti Advisors Self-Reliant Leadership LLC

Colonel Jill Morgenthaler spoke to her experience trailblazing as one of the first women in the direct military chain of command. She outlined her many firsts, told great stories of the adjustments she had to make and what gave her the strength to persevere. She spoke of courage, what it means to fake it 'till you make it and why you want to "stop the stupid." She spoke how adversity is your opportunity to show the world all you're worth and how your view of who you are is more important than how the world views you. Her view on how humility and that demonstrating respect is how you earn respect is colorfully told through some great stories. Col. Jill's viewpoints on women in the military and in leadership positions is informed by her tremendous experience. Her background in the Korean DMZ, in Serbia and with Saddam Hussein makes for a career worthy of a movie! Visit: www.theleadershippodcast.com Email: [email protected] The Leadership Podcast on Twitter The Leadership Podcast on Facebook

Joe demonstrated how leaders, especially thought leaders, have a voracious appetite for information. The conversation addressed how leaders have to manage today and tomorrow; and that leaders have a way of noticing what is already happening, but nobody may have noticed yet. This skill of seeing the unseen or noticing the unnoticed is something Joe has been doing for years. In speaking to his latest book, Infinite Possibility, Joe spoke about digital transformations and how they are having dramatic impacts on the business landscape and assumptions we take for granted. Leaders who are strategizing for tomorrow need to take notice of these trends in order to keep their organizations fresh and free from the paradigms that often cripple great organizations. Joe also spoke to the importance of instilling purpose as the key contribution of a leader. Visit: www.theleadershippodcast.com Email: [email protected] The Leadership Podcast on Twitter The Leadership Podcast on Facebook

Mike used the power of story to cover a key leadership areas in an informative interview. He spoke emphatically about the measure of a leader is the ability to attract talent. He also spoke about the need to invest in the growth and development of people, and that leaders are teachers. Mike shared his stories from being a young platoon leader in the army, and how screwing up once provided one of the most valuable lessons – and examples of a leader who didn't let a crisis go to waste. Mike concluded with sharing an event he and his team are running. It's a leadership conference called Executive Insight 16, and it will be held November 10-11, 2016 in NYC. Visit: www.theleadershippodcast.com Email: [email protected] The Leadership Podcast on Twitter The Leadership Podcast on Facebook

Tom asks us to take a break and think – and know yourself. He views philosophy as a mirror to understand one's true values and beliefs. Being self-reflective is not to slow you down, but make you better. He also said that sometimes, "Talking is a form of thinking – not just communicating." Great people and great leaders create great relationships, and these same people know that you have to grow people to have great results. He went on to say the most common mistake is "assumptions," and thinking that everyone is clear on their goals. He talked about the need to balance Nobility and Humility and that you must allow yourself to be vulnerable. Lastly, he believes the centerpiece of culture in an effective organization is where leaders develop people in every aspect of their lives. Visit: www.theleadershippodcast.com Email: [email protected] The Leadership Podcast on Twitter The Leadership Podcast on Facebook

Preston touched on a number of leadership areas in this high-energy interview. For example, the need to stay relevant, and leverage technology as a tool for communicating and measuring more effectively. He also hit on the Law of Reciprocity when it comes to all relationships – boss, peer and direct reports. Preston shared some great stories of courage and leaders he's learned from with self-deprecating humility. He's concluded from studying highly successful leaders (and billionaires) that they all share one specific attribute: They're all voracious readers. Visit: www.theleadershippodcast.com Email: [email protected] The Leadership Podcast on Twitter The Leadership Podcast on Facebook