Leaders Of Transformation

How do you scale your effectiveness as a CEO? In this enriching episode, we're joined by The CEO Project founder, Jim Schleckser, a seasoned advisor to CEOs and author of Great CEOs are Lazy: How Exceptional CEOs Do More in Less Time, to delve into the pivotal actions and philosophies driving successful leadership. Jim highlights the importance of focusing on your biggest points of constraint, leveraging effective delegation, and the power of CEO peer groups in propelling business growth. Jim's insights, drawn from extensive experience and research, emphasize the distinction between playing an operational role and truly leading as a CEO. With anecdotes and practical advice, he outlines the key patterns and behaviors that top executives need to adopt to optimize their influence and drive their organizations forward. Tune in for a dynamic conversation with Jim Schleckser and Nicole Jansen, as they explore the art and science of CEO leadership. Whether you're at the helm of a startup or steering a well-establis

What kind of impact can the right executive assistant have on your business? In this empowering episode we celebrate Administrative Professionals Month by inviting Joshua Washington, founder of Lee Malveaux, to dive deep into the world of executive assistants and the transformative power they wield within organizations. With his extensive experience and innovative approaches, Joshua uncovers the often-underestimated potential of administrative professionals and the difference they can make in the performance and culture of a business. Listen as Joshua shares personal stories, including the influence of his late grandmother on his journey, and discusses the evolution of the executive assistant's role in today's business landscape. Discover practical advice for both leaders and assistants, including the Five Commandments of a thriving assistant, and learn how to nurture the assistant-leader relationship for mutual and organizational success. What We Discuss in this Episode Joshua's personal inspiration and jou

How can transforming lives through education and employment initiatives lead to ending poverty? In this inspiring episode, we're joined by Lisa Rusyniak, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries for the Chesapeake, Inc., who shares their transformative work in ending poverty and helping individuals gain independence through employment. Lisa details the Goodwill Excel Center's impact in Baltimore, an adult education initiative that provides not just a GED, but a real high school diploma, opening doors to post-secondary education and middle-skilled jobs. Dive into Lisa's dedication to bridging the gap between disenfranchised populations and the job market, the innovative environmental projects undertaken by Goodwill, and the intricate balance between mission-driven work and the economic and regulatory challenges faced by such organizations. This episode is a testament to the power of transformation through education, employment, and environmental stewardship. Witness how one leader's vision is reshaping the lan

How do you advance your career in today's competitive job market? In this explorative episode, we're joined by Reno Perry, a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of Wiseful, a game-changing career advancement platform. With his seasoned background at Betterup and LinkedIn and his pioneering efforts in creating a list of over 20,000 laid-off employees to connect them with new job opportunities, Reno offers practical insights into the evolution of job networking and recruitment. As the job market tightens and traditional methods falter, Reno discusses scaling recruitment for companies while empowering candidates to unearth more paths to their dream roles. He introduces innovative strategies for companies to attract top talent by emphasizing culture, growth, and transparency, while urging job hunters to finesse their personal branding with authenticity and precision. Tune in as we explore the synergies between personal branding, modern networking, and a platform designed to harmonize the job-seeking journey fo

Could embracing AI and specialized knowledge be the game changer for today's financial advisors? In this power-packed episode, we're joined by Jason Pereira, a seasoned financial planner and technology advocate who passionately encourages advisors to harness the power of cutting-edge technology and specialized knowledge to stay on top. As we dive into Jason's expertise, we uncover the transformative impact of understanding not merely the financial landscape but also the behavioral sciences that significantly affect client success. Join us as we explore with Jason the importance of embracing technology, the power of niche markets, and the future of financial advice that transcends traditional investment management. Whether you're a financial advisor seeking to refine your practice or simply interested in the evolving landscape of financial services, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge from a true industry innovator. What We Discuss in this Episode The critical role of technology and business proficiency

How can you cultivate a thriving community without sacrificing authenticity for profitability? In this heartfelt episode, we are joined by Maruxa Murphy, an award-winning community experience designer, strategist, and entrepreneur. Known for her work with industry giants such as Facebook, Kajabi, and Netflix, Maruxa is a true visionary when it comes to creating and nurturing online and in-person communities. As we explore Maruxa's "transformed community paradigm," she unpacks the intricate layers of building a community that resonates on a deep and meaningful level. She delves into the power of voice, brand experience, and intentional design, and how these elements can create a welcoming atmosphere where people feel understood and appreciated. Listen in as Maruxa and host Nicole Jansen discuss the balance between fostering meaningful human connections and driving profitability, the pitfalls of the "microwave approach" to results, and the evolution of ethical standards in business leadership. This episode is p

Could the key to thriving in an AI-driven industry lie in human resilience and rituals? In this insightful episode, we invite Stacy Willis, the versatile COO of Playwire, to dive into the dynamic relationship between technology and leadership in the ad monetization world. Stacy manages to juggle her roles as a military wife, mom, and high-powered businesswoman, attributing her success to a mix of authenticity, adaptability, and daily rituals that keep her grounded and focused. Together with our host Nicole Jansen, we explore the critical importance of strategic human input in an AI-dominated landscape and the power of maintaining human-centric customer relationships. Stacy also sheds light on the challenge of balancing ad monetization ambitions with audience preferences and the influential role of SEO in this complex equation. Join us to understand the importance of owning your audience, the strategic shift from social media dependence to website authority, and how creators can leverage ad monetization to tur

How do you transform a high-stress law firm into a culture of balance and shared values? In this refreshing episode, we engage with Brooke Boltz, an accomplished attorney who specializes in injury and insurance law. Brooke candidly shares her journey from working at a firm with a high-demand culture to founding her own firm where she prioritizes work-life balance, employee well-being, and the integration of faith into her business practices. Join us as our host Nicole Jansen and Brooke Boltz discuss how to create a business environment that values not just productivity, but also the personal happiness and fulfillment of its employees. They talk about the impact of firm culture on profitability, stress management, and employee retention, and how faith can play a role in guiding a company's ethos. Discover the actionable steps Brooke took to pivot her business approach, her strategies for time management, and her initiatives to foster community among Christian entrepreneurs through her Facebook groups and t

What does it take to navigate chaos and align your team's purpose with transformative growth? In this inspiring episode, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Gary Harpst, a seasoned entrepreneur and author who has made his mark by founding three successful businesses. With his latest venture, he takes a deep dive into the relationship between chaos, leadership, and purpose, sharing invaluable insights gleaned from his extensive experience and his faith.  Gary's discussion with host Nicole Jansen sheds light on the tangible ways leaders can foster engagement and the pivotal role of finding and aligning purpose at all levels within an organization. From discussing his book "Built to Beat Chaos" to exploring biblical principles in business leadership, Gary offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to become a transformative leader. Join us as we delve into the essential strategies for developing a successful leadership style that not only navigates the inherent chaos of business but also

Are you looking to amplify the impact of your social enterprise? In this inspiring episode, our host Nicole Jansen engages with Jackie Russell, a PR maven and founder of Teak Media + Communication, whose career journey has been dedicated to amplifying the voices of nonprofits and socially responsible companies. Jackie delves into the stories behind her path-changing conversations, like those with mentor Jerry Greenfield of Ben and Jerry's, and how these interactions shaped her mission. Listen in as Jackie shares her expertise on the significant impact of public relations in the B Corp movement and her firm's dedication to promoting critical social issues ranging from poverty to climate change. Discover the strategies Jackie employs to manage frustration and resistance in her field, the power of storytelling for nonprofits, and the importance of communal effort in driving transformational change. Join us for a captivating conversation that unravels the essential role of PR in standing out within the crowded ad

How does the way we dress shape the leader within us? In this insightful episode, we engage with Ellie Steinbrink, a stylist and personal brand coach who has mastered the art of authentic self-expression through clothing. With host Nicole Jansen, we dive into a profound conversation about the psychological impact of our attire and how being true to one's style can lead to transformational leadership. Ellie brings a refreshing perspective on how clothing affects our feelings and energy, while Nicole opens up about her journey of navigating corporate dress codes and finding her own unique style. With valuable exercises and an analysis of color psychology, this episode is more than a fashion discussion—it's a guide to harnessing your wardrobe as a tool for personal and professional empowerment. Listen in as we unravel the intricate connection between our clothes and our roles as leaders and learn how to make intentional choices that resonate with who we are and how we wish to be perceived in the world. What

Could unlocking our full potential be as simple as integrating play into our daily routines? Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve into the transformative power of play with guest Elizabeth Cushing, CEO of Playworks. Elizabeth shares invaluable insights on why creating safe and engaging environments for play is crucial for the development of children and how these principles can be applied to enhance creativity and productivity in the corporate world. From discussing traditional education challenges to exploring innovative strategies for bringing play into schools and workplaces, this episode is packed with actionable knowledge. Discover how play can foster human connections, encourage adaptive behaviors, and improve learning outcomes for children and adults alike. What We Discuss in this Episode The critical role of play in creating secure learning environments for kids. Overcoming the challenges of traditional education systems. Integrating play to cultivate human connection and workplace synerg

Could AI be the key to unlocking your business's full potential? In this enlightening episode, our host Nicole Jansen reconnects with Byron Torres, six years after his initial appearance on this show in Ep. 116, to explore the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the business world. With Byron's extensive experience incorporating AI into his ventures, we delve deep into the capabilities of AI, examining how it can be harnessed to not only streamline operations but also to benefit society at large. Together, we debate the pros and cons of AI, tackle the fears of it replacing human jobs, and discuss the crucial aspect of data privacy in an AI-driven ecosystem. Byron walks us through the pragmatic use of language models like ChatGPT, sharing how it aids in simplifying complex data and personalizing communication across different platforms and for varied audiences. This dialogue between Nicole and Byron invites you to consider the role of AI in your own business practices. They shine a light on how

How can we use music as a catalyst for healing and lasting transformation? In this enlightening episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Andrew Sossin, the innovative founder of Recovery Unplugged, to discuss how the infusion of music into traditional therapy methods is revolutionizing the treatment of addiction and mental health issues. Drawing from his own experiences and the success stories of Recovery Unplugged's comprehensive approach, Andrew shares insights into the transformative power of music and sound. With their evidence-based, yet creatively infused treatment plans, they've seen a success rate of over 50%. Listen in as we uncover the symphony of healing that Recovery Unplugged orchestrates for its clients and beyond. What We Cover in This Episode Introduction to Recovery Unplugged Andrew Sossin's inspiration for starting Recovery Unplugged Unique integration of music with evidence-based addiction treatment Success rates and therapeutic outcomes of Recovery Unplugged's approach The Role of Music in

How do your core values inform your financial decisions as a small business owner?  Step into an engaging discussion with Danielle Hayden, an ex-corporate CFO turned CEO, dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs through financial literacy and management. With a decade-long stint in corporate finance, Danielle now leads Kickstart Accounting, Inc., offering expertise in bookkeeping, financial analysis, and education. Her acclaimed Profit Planner book series reflects her mission to instill financial confidence in female business owners. In this conversation, we explore transformative strategies to revamp your money mindset, re-establish your core values, and recession-proof your business. From transitioning to a visionary founder mindset to simplifying financial fluency, Danielle unpacks crucial steps to own your entrepreneurial success. Discover the power of financial dashboards and the impact of cultivating atomic habits for lasting business growth. This episode isn't just for seasoned CEOs—it's a goldmine

How do you navigate tension within your company and use it to create positive shifts?   Join us for an insightful conversation with Dan Tocchini, a leader with over 35 years of experience transforming teams across various industries. From working with big names like Interstate Batteries and ESPN to non-profits like Homeboy Industries, Dan's approach isn't about magic fixes. He believes in practical leadership, resolving conflicts creatively, and focusing on what truly matters. In this episode, Nicole sits down with Dan to explore what it means to be an effective leader and how to have the real conversations that create resolution and transformation. Discover how Dan's own experiences have shaped his views on human behavior and leadership, including facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, and confronting the barriers hindering organizational change. Get ready for a deep dive into the world of transformation. Learn about identifying common traits in us all, understanding why conflict can actually benefit or

How can prioritizing your mental health be a catalyst for scaling your business growth? According to recent studies, 72% of entrepreneurs grapple with mental health issues. In this episode, Chase Damiano, founder of Human at Scale shares profound insights into the challenges entrepreneurs often face with mental health. He walks us through the realities that many founders and leaders in the entrepreneurial world encounter, shedding light on why mental health is such an important topic, and helps us understand the signs that indicate potential struggles ahead. But it's not just about identifying the problem; Chase brings actionable solutions to the table. From addressing imposter syndrome to embracing the changing dynamics brought by technology, specifically AI, Chase's expertise opens doors to new perspectives.  His personal stories add a relatable touch, making the journey from working solo to leading a successful team a more tangible and achievable path. This conversation isn't just for entrepreneurs; it's f

How can you prepare yourself and your team for the next global crisis? In this transformative episode, we delve into the wisdom of James Burstall, the visionary CEO of Argonon Group, an award-winning independent TV production company headquartered in London, New York, and Los Angeles.  From producing hits like House Hunters International, Mysteries of the Abandoned, Lost Treasures of Egypt, Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard, to The Masked Singer, Burstall's leadership journey unfolds.  Amid crises, James shares invaluable insights from his book The Flexible Method, guiding us through the art of crisis navigation while prioritizing people, safety, and well-being.  Through transparent communication and an emergency team, Argonon Group weathered the storm of the pandemic, taking a modest hit compared to the industry. Burstall's mastery in leadership resilience offers a captivating narrative, intertwining resilience, innovation, and success. Don't miss this episode as Burstall's journey reveals triumph in ad

What if your greatest growth strategies are hidden within your team already? In this power-packed episode, we sit down with Kurt Uhlir, a highly respected figure in the business world renowned for elevating companies from their startup phase to generating over $500 million in annual revenue. What sets Kurt apart is his steadfast dedication to servant leadership, a guiding philosophy that forms the bedrock of his revolutionary growth strategies.  As Kurt takes us through his remarkable journey, recounting his experiences in building global teams and contributing to an $880 million IPO, he provides unprecedented insights into the process of scaling businesses while placing people at the forefront. Explore the core principles of servant leadership with Kurt and gain exclusive insights into the common misconceptions that leaders often harbor about their businesses. Delve into the complexities of hiring the right talent, navigating personnel changes, and understand the pivotal role that marketing plays in achievin

Who are the most important people in your life and how do you grow your community? Our guest this week is Florence Ann Romano, an accomplished author, childcare advocate, and champion of family support. In this episode, we explore the profound influence of Florence Ann's grandparents, who instilled a deep understanding of the importance of fostering connections. They imparted the invaluable lesson that building strong connections and inviting others into our hearts is a source of strength rather than weakness. With over 15 years of experience as a nanny, Florence Ann has not only authored books and advocated for childcare but has also been actively involved in organizations supporting pediatric research and childhood education. As a founding member of Sesame Street's Leadership Council, Florence Ann is affectionately known as "Auntie Lo" to the honorary kids in her life.  She is also the author of the new book, Build Your Village, which she wrote after the COVID pandemic, when it became evident that nearl