Listen Now

Leaders are responsible for dealing with difficult times, but that doesn't mean every leader will find the best answers. Last year, a hard-times making machine put every leader's abilities to deal with adversity to the test.  Today's guest, Mike Choutka, President and CEO of Hensel Phelps, based his strategy to cope with tough times on momentum, the perpetual motion. He went to the fundamentals and succeeded with two simple principles. First, maintain the company's momentum. Fortify what's already working. And second, create new momentum, new ideas to trigger that impulse. He also shares his thoughts on what attributes a good leader should have and valuable advice from his more than 25 years of experience in the building industry.   If you want to know what is expected from a good leader, the relevance of having a well-balanced life and being well rounded, and much more, tune into Episode 264 of Becoming Your Best and listen to the story of this flawless leader.   Some questions I ask: What does it take to move up in an organization like this? (5:45) What would you say to someone who's looking for something positive to take into 2021? (9:24) If you had to share some advice with our listeners, one of your biggest lessons learned through life, what would you share? (19:17) If you had your kids in a room, and you could share with them one piece of advice, what would that be for them? (23:20)  In this episode, you will learn: The role of good fortune, opportunity, availability, and ability in Mike's career (6:08) Learning the lessons from hard times (11:15) Momentum will be key in 2021 (17:51) Empathetic leaders are the solution (19:17) How a balanced life affects people's productivity at work (26:00)  Connect with Mike: Linkedin  Resources: Hensel Phelps website Hensel Phelps Facebook Hensel Phelps Twitter Hensel Phelps Linkedin Hensel Phelps Instagram  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com  Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Last year we were forced to pivot from in-person meetings to more virtual gatherings, whether in our personal or our professional lives. People who weren’t familiar with video conferencing platforms had to adapt quickly and to learn the insides of this communication medium – which for many, it wasn’t an easy thing to do.   Our guest today – Kim Foley – quickly noticed a growing need for people to learn the proper etiquette for virtual meetings so that they can show up with more credibility in front of their listeners. She documented all the pain points people had when it came to being in front of a camera and she gathered them in her book, “Virtual Meetings with Power and Presence”. She shares her expertise gained in more than 25 years as an award-winning producer, media trainer, television stylist, as well as practices and practical guidelines for putting forth your personal best.   If you want to know how to deal with technical challenges such as poor internet connection or audio quality, how to frame and light yourself for an attractive presentation in less-than-ideal circumstances, and a lot more, then tune into Episode 263 of Becoming Your Best and find out all the tips and tricks that will make you a virtual meeting superstar!   Some questions I ask:  Can you, please, tell us your story and what led you to where you are today? (05:37) What are some things we need to be aware of when we think of virtual meeting etiquette? (10:33) What kind of equipment people should have for a really high-quality exchange in a virtual meeting? (15:28) If people don’t like how they look on camera, how can they fix that? (17:08) What are your thoughts on multitasking while you’re in a virtual meeting? (21:58) Do you have any final tips for our listeners? (24:15)  In this episode, you will learn:  The most important role a television stylist has. (06:39) The reason Kim wrote her book, “Virtual Meetings with Power and Presence”. (08:21) When you should turn your camera off in virtual meetings. (11:20) What your body language should be in virtual meetings. (12:56) How to look fantastic on camera by paying attention to lighting. (16:08) The colors you should wear when showing up on video. (19:14) How to interact with the camera when you’re talking in a virtual meeting. (22:50)  Connect with Kim:  Website LinkedIn Email: kimfoley@kimfoley.com Facebook Instagram Youtube Channel Book: Kim Foley - Virtual Meetings With Power And Presence: The Ultimate Guide To Online Meetings  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It is not uncommon for people, after they’ve suffered an accident or a traumatic injury, to end up addicted to painkillers. They can become your best friend because, as the name says, they numb your pain and make it go away. But at the same time, they can be your worst enemy, leading you to a downward spiral that can affect your entire life and relationships.   In today’s episode, Max shares his story of becoming addicted to opiates and he vividly details his rollercoaster journey, going from a successful quarterback career to the lowest point in his life and to where he is now, sober and happy.   Max Hall is a former American football quarterback. After playing college football for BYU, he was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played in a total of six games as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Arizona Cardinals. Max also spent the 2012 year as an assistant coach for BYU. After suffering some injuries on the playing field, his life took a hard turn when he became addicted to painkillers and opiates.   His story is full of ups and downs, and he’s overcome the addiction challenge after six years of fighting with it. Max is now sharing his experiences, in the hope that other people suffering from addiction will be inspired by his journey. So, tune in and listen to Episode 262 of Becoming Your Best, to find out some great lessons Max has learned throughout his life, that may inspire you to overcome the challenges in your journey.  Some Questions I ask:  What was it like being the quarterback at BYU? (02:05) What are some of your favorite memories of your time at BYU? (05:11) What was your experience like, going to Arizona Cardinals? (08:04) What led you back out of that addiction into where you are today? (17:23) What would be the biggest one or two life lessons or tips that you would share with someone? (32:46)  In this episode, you will learn:  The game that changed Max’s life trajectory. (10:46) How Max got addicted to painkillers and opiates. (13:34) The lowest point in Max’s life. (19:27) Max’s experience of getting sober in a rehab center. (23:40) The most important lesson people with an addiction need to learn. (27:29) How giving second chances can help turn someone’s life around. (28:37)  Connect with Max: Twitter Instagram  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This year has been a roller coaster full of unexpected turns. But 2020 is just about to end, and what we need to ask ourselves is, “How will I go into 2021 focused, ready, and aligned with my inner self so that it can be a great year, regardless of what comes?”   Focusing on what matters most empowers you because now your attention goes to the things that are within your control, your sphere of influence, instead of being taken aback by the unexpected events that are not in your power to change.  In this episode, the final one of 2020, we’re going to share with you the three habits that will make 2021 your best year. These habits are ever-green and they have proven time and again to be powerful for the people that constantly apply them. And you can see the results for yourself with a little discipline needed to follow our advice today.  So, listen to Episode 261 of Becoming Your Best, to learn how developing a vision, writing clear goals, and doing pre-week planning can help you stay laser-focused on doing what matters most. We guarantee you that they will improve your relationships, your professional life, as well as have a positive impact on your personal self.  In this episode, you will learn:  Why 85% of New Year’s resolutions are broken by January 15th. (01:36) The Five Predictors of Longevity. (05:25) How to develop a personal vision that focuses on what matters most to you. (06:09) The power of written goals. (10:48) How to word clear goals so that they last past January 15th. (11:54) The importance of pre-week planning. (16:36) The four steps of pre-week planning to correctly shift out of reactivity and into proactivity. (18:20) Our definition of ‘discipline’. (21:41) A couple of examples of people who’ve done the pre-week planning and how that impacted their life. (22:26)  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Christmas is a really special holiday and a wonderful time of year. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Bethlehem. What an extraordinary night! A gift unlike any other has been given to us - one that filled the earth with greater love, forgiveness, and eternal hope.   Throughout history, there have been many wonderful stories that have helped us understand the lasting impact Christmas has on each and every one of us, stories that teach us to be grateful for the acts of love and consideration that we receive, and in turn, to do small, quiet acts of kindness for others.   In this episode, we wanted to share with you two of these stories that happened in 1938 and 1914 – how Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was born, and the World War One Christmas Truce. Both of them show the true great meaning of Christmas and can serve as encouragement for us to do good this holiday season, in any way that we can.   Listen to Episode 260 of Becoming Your Best, to get your dose of happiness for the day. We wish you all a Merry Christmas!  In this episode, you will learn:  How stories of hope and encouragement make the world a better place. (01:50) The story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & the lessons we can learn from it. (03:40) The World War One Christmas Truce. (08:03) Steve’s message for everyone that’s listening. (14:38)  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world.” – Margaret Mead  Imagine what would happen if everyone did these four things: control what they can control, build and maintain trust, become better listeners and communicators, and last but not least, innovate through their imagination. How much more effective would they be? What impact would that have on our society?  Building these principles and practices into your life melts away frustration, distrust, anger, and hatred, and they replace those with vision, peace, hope, calmness, and love. In today’s episode, we are going to suggest four things that you can do to create greater trust, stronger relationships, and hope that produces permanent positive change.  Listen to Episode 259 of Becoming Your Best, to learn how you can start to apply these principles today and see an immediate effect on those around you. And remember! You CAN make a difference by focusing on what you can control and living a principled life.   In this episode, you will learn: The insights from David Brooks’ article, “America is Having a Moral Convulsion”. (02:03) The importance of focusing on what you can control. (13:08) How to build and maintain trust. (15:23) The two parts of being an effective listener and communicator. (18:20) The power to innovate through imagination. (21:37)  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As we go into the holiday season, especially this year with COVID-19 preventing us from getting together with our families, most people find that they’re experiencing higher stress levels than ever before.   That’s why, in today’s episode, we thought it would be great to have our dear friend, Jon Skidmore, with us to talk about some of the challenges that are associated with this time of year and how we can make a great experience out of this year’s Christmas time. We dive into what traditions mean to us in general and why the increased level of expectations can create additional stress in our lives, as well as why we need to set certain boundaries around some of the traditions that bring more anxiety than fulfillment. Jon stresses the importance of relationships and why we should prioritize them, and he describes how we can change our narrative by playing the ‘Yes, and’ game.   Jon Skidmore is a licensed psychologist, professor at Brigham Young University, therapist, and he’s had the chance to work with thousands of people over the years. Jon co-wrote a book with us, called ‘Conquer Anxiety’, and he has some amazing insight around this topic, especially now, when the holidays are knocking on our doors.   You are in for a treat today, so listen to Episode 258 of Becoming Your Best, to learn how you can better cope with the stress and anxiety caused by COVID-19 and 2020’s holiday season.   Some questions I ask: What are you seeing in the landscape right now, as far as stress and anxiety with the holidays coming up? (03:12) What are some of the things that people can specifically do to minimize anxiety and stress this month? (08:42) Any other thoughts on traditions? (17:04) Any final thoughts or tips that you have, as we go into the next three or four weeks of December here? (22:04)  In this episode, you will learn: The importance of prioritizing the relationships in our lives and staying connected with the people we care about. (05:43) How to rewrite the stories you tell yourself. (10:17) Why you should set boundaries around the traditions that are stressful to you. (11:58) The rule of thumb for this holiday season and the ones that follow. (15:27) The ‘Yes, and’ rule. (19:22) What the book “Conquer Anxiety” can teach you in terms of reducing the stress around this particular time. (22:56)  Connect with Jon: LinkedIn Website Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you ever thought about what part of your consumers’ brain you’re targeting through your marketing campaigns?   One thing that might be useful to you is knowing that most of the time, people buy based on their instincts and not their logic. To be more exact, up to 95% of the time, your consumers’ choice to buy is influenced by factors that they are not aware of. So, getting to the bottom of why they are buying and what drives their decisions, is what you really need to focus on, in order to get more people purchasing what you offer.  In today’s episode, we are joined by Felix Cao, the founder of Happy Buying Brain – a neuromarketing company. He is a neuromarketing and a business growth strategist and at his organization, he is combining his 15 years of business experience with his educational background in biological science and psychology to help businesses truly understand what makes their customers’ brains tick when it comes to better achieving customer brand loyalty over their competitors, through the power of implementing neuromarketing into their own marketing campaigns.   So, listen to Episode 257 of Becoming Your Best, to learn what neuromarketing is and what advantages it has over traditional marketing, as well as how you can understand and leverage how our consumers’ minds work.  Some questions I ask: What is your background? What are some turning points that have had a significant impact on you? (03:30) What is neuromarketing? (07:47) Can you give us a case study of an organization, a product, or a service that may be approached by a traditional marketing approach, and how would you transform it, making it neuromarketing? (09:27) How can neuromarketing – or at least having a strong understanding of neuroscience – help people become the best version of themselves? (11:47) Why should high performers learn about neuromarketing or neuroscience and the importance of understanding this primal brain and reaching new heights of success? (15:37) What are some distinct advantages that neuromarketing and neuroscience offer to help people adapt and evolve in this new environment that we’re in? (20:01) Any final tips you’d like to leave with our listeners today, Felix? (23:31)  In this episode, you will learn: How Happy Buying Brain was born. (06:10) The difference between traditional marketing and neuromarketing. (08:45) How neuromarketing addresses our primal brain. (10:12) How the fear of getting rejected prevents us from becoming the best versions of ourselves. (13:38) The resources you can use to learn about the different dimensions of the primal brain. (17:58) The role NLP plays in neuromarketing. (18:57) How to increase the effectiveness of brand messaging. (22:01)  Connect with Felix:  LinkedIn Website  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The fast pace of life tends to make us feel we need to rush through every moment so that we can keep up with it. If we let ourselves get caught up in this whirlwind, we might find out, near the end of our lives that we missed so many beautiful opportunities that could have helped us become our best.   One thing highly successful people and leaders do, is allowing themselves to take the time to pause, take a step back, and reflect upon their lives, their careers, their relationships, and their actions. Research shows that taking 15 minutes to reflect each day, improves your productivity by 22.8%.   So, instead of hustling day after day, wouldn’t it be easier to handle life with ease and grace? We sure like the second option, and that’s why, in today’s episode, we thought of sharing with you four steps that you can take, in order to have a quality reflection time. You will learn what is the impact reflection can have on your life, when should you best sit down and reflect, and some useful tools that can help you in this process.   So, listen to Episode 256 of Becoming Your Best, to learn how to leverage the power of reflection!  In this episode, you will learn:  How taking the time to reflect upon your life helps you in the process of becoming your best. (01:50) Some use cases that prove the power reflection has in our lives. (03:48) How the 52-Week Success Rhythm program offers great perspective and time to reflect. (05:50) Some suggestions on when to take the time to reflect upon the past, present, and future. (07:11) The importance of maintaining a positive upbeat outlook when you’re reflecting. (11:30) How writing down your thoughts gives you great insights into your life. (12:23) How to begin to take action after you’ve paused and reflected. (13:48) The impact of regularly taking time to reflect. (15:01)    Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

 The firefighter departments in our country have been dealing with inclusivity and diversion issues for such a long time! Throughout decades, the average number of black people or women joining the forces has been on the low side of the scale, but things are starting to change!   Our guest today, Russell Grant Hayden - the Founder and President of the Firefighter’s ABC’s- although his initial life trajectory didn’t point to being a firefighter, has been given the chance to join this world in the late ‘60s, and became the first Black hired by the Los Altos Fire Department. Since then, he’s helped countless young people of all backgrounds join the endless fight against fires.   His motto is “Reach out and touch someone else” and he encourages everyone to help others in need because the ripple effect of every small act of kindness toward one person can make a difference on thousands of other individuals!   Listen to Episode 255 of Becoming Your Best to find out his background story – which is one full of hope for many individuals that find themselves in rough places – as well as to learn what Firefighter’s ABC’s is all about and how you can join their cause of bringing more diversity into this amazing and noble field.  Some questions I ask:  Grant, tell us about your background – what led you to where you are today? (04:15) What are some of the experiences you’ve had, that have been inspirational for you, where you’ve seen real progress? (05:46) What are some tips you could give us, to be more successful and to make a difference? (13:47)  In this episode, you will learn:  The diversity & inclusion issues within the firefighter departments throughout the country. (05:46)  How one person changed Grant’s life by introducing him to the Student Firefighter Program. (06:31) The ripple effect of small acts of kindness. (08:37) The struggles Grant had to go through, as the only black man in his firefighter department & His motto in life. (10:38) How Firefighter’s ABC’s is preparing the youth to become more well-rounded and able to deal with life. (11:48) How you can join the Firefighter’s ABC’s. (16:13)  Connect with Grant:  Firefighter’s ABC’s Website LinkedIn Facebook Page Instagram Twitter  Youtube Channel  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It’s amazing what a business can do for its clients when it has a clear vision, a purpose, and a why! But keeping tabs on everything that’s going on in a company is pretty difficult! That’s why it’s crucial to learn easy but yet quite significant tactics that help you stay focused on your end goal.   Today, we have a delightful guest with us - Jennifer Goldman. With over 30 years of experience in transforming small and mid-sized businesses, she coaches leaders on business management techniques and consults on operations infrastructure improvements that boost people, productivity, profitability, and growth. She is going to share with us some of her tips that she uses both in her life, and with her clients also, that have proven to be successful for any individual or company.   Jennifer has been published in Inc. Magazine, Tech Tools for Today, Liberated CEO, and several other magazines, and has taught workshops and spoken at several national conferences. Her love is helping businesses thrive and embrace operational changes so that they can help more consumers. As a volunteer, she advocates for public schools, and in her personal life, she is a loving wife, and mother of two teenagers.  Listen to Episode 254 of Becoming Your Best, to learn more about ways to prioritize your improvements, protect your time, and boost your growth in your personal and professional life.   Some questions I ask:  What is your story? And what are some turning points in your life that have had a significant impact on what you’re doing today? (03:30) How do you help prioritize all possible business improvements to create the biggest impact? (06:12) How have you found the best way to say no? (12:43) Do you have any advice on how to be the best leader for your team during the pandemic? (15:58) What role does modern technology play for a leader? (17:22) How do you help businesses to boost their growth? (21:04)  In this episode, you will learn:  How Jennifer switched from being a financial planner to business owners to becoming a business owner and consulting other people. (05:09) How to determine what your priorities are. (07:23) The importance of having a plan written down. (09:41) The art of saying no and protecting your time. (11:36) The IDEOS mantra that helps you reduce your workload and free up your time. (14:08) Why you should have a scheduling system & the tools that can help you. (19:35) The importance of focusing on your niche and finding your audience. (22:25)  Connect with Jennifer:  LinkedIn Website  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When we’re faced with difficult situations, we have a choice: to let fear dictate our emotions and our decision-making or to have faith that everything we’re experiencing is part of a bigger plan, the blueprint that is set for each and every one of us.   We may not know all the answers - actually, we never know all the unknowns in a life equation – but trusting and believing that God takes care of us is the differentiator that can help us overcome any challenges. So, go forward with faith!  In this episode, we share with you some personal experiences that we’ve gone through over the past few years, and the lessons we’ve learned – and continue to learn – from them. Listen to Episode 253 of Becoming Your Best to find out why it’s important to focus on what we can control and have faith for the things that are out of our ability to understand.   In this episode, you will learn: The two forces in the world, that cannot coexist. (03:00) An example that shows the importance of going forward with faith, even if you don’t have all the answers. (05:00) How to focus on the things you can control when you’re faced with difficult moments in your life. (08:28) How to view every challenge through the lens of, “There is a God, and there is a plan”, instead of making fear-based decisions. (11:19)  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How many emails and text messages do you write in a day? And how good are you at communicating exactly what you want, including your emotions and your tone?  We’ve all gotten used to this digital environment that for the past few decades allowed us to easily communicate and connect with people all over the world. LinkedIn messages, emails, text messages, Slack messages, you name it! All of these are convenient and have dramatically improved our productivity.   Although all these communication channels prove to be helpful in our day-to-day life, they have a major downside as well. With all this digital anonymity - where we’re hiding behind some written words - and especially in the last couple of decades with the rise in powerful and inexpensive automation tools, we’ve begun to lose the human touch.   Luckily, our guest today and BombBomb, the company he works for, are coming up with a solution to rehumanize our businesses and our online relationships. What they’ve been proposing for a decade now in their growing community, is to replace some of our plain, typed-out text with simple, personal video messages. It’s more satisfying and more effective for us, and people feel as if they know us before they even meet us.   Ethan Beute is Chief Evangelist at BombBomb, co-author of the book ‘Rehumanize Your Business’, and host of the Customer Experience Podcast. Prior to joining BombBomb, he spent a dozen years leading marketing teams inside local television stations in Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Colorado Springs.   Listen to Episode 252 of Becoming Your Best, to learn all about the relationship through video approach and how it can help you boost your sales, make lifelong connections with your clients, as well as the invaluable support videos can offer in your relationships with your employees or friends.  Some questions I ask: What’s your story? And how did you get to where you are today? (04:01) What’s the best way to get started with this relationship through video approach? (12:12) When might people use this style of video? (18:03) How many video clips do you do in a day, or a week, or a month, or during a year? (22:50) What’s the average length of one of your video clips? (24:49) Any final tips you’d like to leave our listeners with, today? (27:40)  In this episode, you will learn: Ethan’s experience of working as a bus driver in the late ‘90s. (06:30) What BombBomb is and does for its clients. (08:52) Why videos are important for your business. (10:27) How videos allow us to restore the personal, human touch in a digital world. (15:41) The best times to use video to communicate a message. (18:03) The role videos play in non-verbal communication, as opposed to typed-out messages. (25:51)  Connect with Ethan: LinkedIn  Website Email: ethan@bombbomb.com Book: Ethan Beute - Rehumanize Your Business: How Personal Videos Accelerate Sales and Improve Customer Experience Podcast: Customer Experience  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If you’ve listened to our podcast long enough, you know that we often talk about people, culture, and strategy. The reason we put so much emphasis on these three words is because they are crucial to a company’s success.   The culture you create right from the get-go in an organization is the fuel that helps all the other things run smoothly. According to our guest today, it’s the DNA of any organization, and treating it with the utmost importance and creating a strategy for it just like you would do in your financial department, can surely take you far.   In today’s episode, our guest is Jason Richmond – the CEO and founder of Ideal Outcomes Inc., and the author of the book, “Culture Spark: 5 Steps to Ignite and Sustain Organizational Growth”. He is a business executive with more than 25 years of experience, and an in-demand keynote speaker who has worked closely with Fortune 500 leadership teams all around the country.   We dive deep into what it means an organizational culture, what you should focus on in terms of corporate culture, what are some myths around this topic, and what are the 5 steps toward sustained organizational growth. Listen to Episode 251 of Becoming Your Best, to learn the fundamentals that help your team become their best and thrive.   Questions I ask: What’s your story? How did you get to where you are today? (04:55) How do you define organizational culture? (07:54) Why having the right kind of corporate culture is so important? (09:35) What are some common myths about corporate culture and the impact they have on business? (12:14) What impact did COVID-19 have on culture? (20:16) Any final tips you’d like to leave our listeners with? (24:31)  In this episode, you will learn:  The one thing that’s consistent in every high-performance culture. (03:28) One turning point in Jason’s career. (05:52) The six fundamentals that are defining an organizational culture. (08:15) The role ‘culture influencers’ have in a company. (11:05) The first step to creating a strong organizational culture. (14:33) How to diagnose your company’s culture. (16:50) How to measure your culture. (18:49)  Connect with Jason:  LinkedIn Facebook Page Ideal Outcomes Inc. website Email: jason@idealoutcomesinc.com  Book: Jason Richmond – Culture Spark: 5 Steps to Ignite and Sustain Organizational Growth  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When was the last time you said ‘no’ when something big was at stake? We bet it wasn’t easy, but it was liberating at the same time!  For the majority of people saying ‘no’ can be quite challenging. Whether you’re dating someone and you just don’t feel it’s right, or you are in a toxic relationship and want to get out of it, or you are in a work environment that just does not suit you – how do you say ‘no’ in a way that you are true to your feelings, yet you are considerate of the other person?  In today’s episode, we offer you a few ideas and steps to follow when you’re put in the sensitive position of saying ‘no’ to a task, a partnership, a relationship, etc. What we’re suggesting here is the foundation that will help you every single time!  So, listen to Episode 250 of Becoming Your Best to learn how being principles-centered and trusting your feelings can help you say ‘no’ with consideration, courage, and conviction!  In this episode, you will learn: A story that inspired this episode. (01:41) Some examples of situations where you might have to say ‘no’, but you don’t know where to begin. (03:25) Why being principles-centered is the foundation that will help you say ‘no’. (05:22) How applying the ‘6 Steps to Effectively Plan, Create Solutions, and Take Action’ will make it easier for you to say ‘no’. (10:05) The importance of trusting your feelings when you decide what’s best for you. (12:09) A practical way to say ‘no’ with consideration, courage, and conviction. (13:03)  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When you’re first starting a business, it’s not only about the idea you have or the plan you’ve made to make your company successful. Most importantly, it’s about the people you begin your journey with and the individuals that you decide to accept in your inner professional circle – because business is a team sport, and you can only win if you learn how to select your players.  Today’s episode is full of nuggets from our guest, Jeff Burningham. His vast experience not only in the entrepreneurial world but also in the political arena comes with lots of lessons learned along the way - and he was kind enough to share some of them with us. We discussed how to choose the right partner for your business and what to focus on when interviewing a potential employee, how the best leaders show up for their people, as well as Jeff insights on running for governor and the reasons he decided to start a podcast after he’s spoken with thousands of people in his campaign.  Jeff Burningham has built and sold multiple businesses and he’s invested in several others through Peak Capital Partners, a company he founded to helps organizations get their feet off the ground. More recently, he ran for governor in the state of Utah. He is one of the people that just have an incredible amount of background experience and a wealth of ideas that would definitely benefit you and so many other people.  Listen to Episode 249 of Becoming Your Best, to learn from Jeff’s journey through life and business and choose at least one lesson learned by him that you can apply today to become your best on the path you’ve taken.  Some questions I ask: Jeff, can you give us a little background on who you are? (02:30) What are some of the most important things that you’ve seen, that will help make a business, an entrepreneur, or a team successful? (05:58) What are you looking for in the people you hire? (12:08) What were some of your lessons learned from the experience of running for governor? (17:26) What are one or two of the most impactful lessons learned in your personal life? (24:22)  In this episode, you will learn: The number one job entrepreneurs, founders, or CEOs have. (06:18) What it means to be an urgent leader and why it’s important for early-stage businesses. (07:35) The reason why Jeff doesn’t like to invest in solo founders. (09:11) The attributes of an ideal partnership. (10:20) Jeff’s favorite question when he’s interviewing people for a job. (14:04) What Jeff’s podcast is all about. (19:37) Why politics offer ‘fake leadership’. (22:32) The importance of having compassion over comparison. (27:59)  Connect with Jeff: LinkedIn Us: The Extraordinary Ordinary Podcast Peak Capital Partners  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When we were children, we used to dance, sing, paint, and express ourselves through any means, without being afraid that someone would judge us. But as we grew up, we started to lower our creativity levels due to the fear of being criticized by our peers, our families, or our friends.  But think about it for a moment. All the successful companies that currently thrive each year have been founded by creative thinkers that applied their imagination and their intuition to bring into the world different things that may have been considered fiction a while ago. Or even think about COVID-19 and how it forced us to step out of our comfort zone to find new ways to go on with our lives.   We all have that creative thinking inside of us, and it’s a skill that we really need to exercise more if we want to become the best version of ourselves.  Our international guest today, Firdaus Kharas is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and he was named one of the world’s 50 most talented social innovators and has received more than 112 awards - including the prestigious Peabody Award. He founded the Chocolate Moose Media in 1995, a human-centered mass communications to influence hundreds of millions of lives across the world.  Firdaus is the author of the book, ‘Creativity: The Key to a Remarkable Life’ in which he dives deep into what creativity is and is not, how creative thinking applies to all of our lives, and how we can hone into this skill and really design the life that we want.   So, listen to Episode 248 of Becoming Your Best, where Firdaus gives us a true lesson of how we can become our best by consciously using creative thinking both in our personal and our professional lives.   Some questions I ask: Tell us about your background, including any turning points in your life that have really led you to where you are today. (02:13) What led you to going from mass communication on issues throughout the world, to writing a book on creativity? (07:22) What are some of the barriers to creativity? (10:07) What are some things that from your experience, really help people stoke up their creativity and use it? (21:01) Any final tips you’d like to leave with our listeners? (27:05) In this episode, you will learn: Firdaus’ definition of creativity. (05:57) The purpose of Firdaus’ book. (09:08) The role creative thinking plays in innovation. (13:10) Case study: Motorola vs Apple & the importance of maintaining creative thinking throughout a company’s lifetime. (14:29) Why creativity is the most required skill an employee should have. (17:17) How COVID-19 enhanced our creative thinking, on a global scale. (18:14) The part of our brain that uses creative thinking. (24:15) An example of how you can use creative thinking to regular activities. (25:47)  Connect with Firdaus: Chocolate Moose Media Website LinkedIn Book: Firdaus Kharas – Creativity: The Key to a Remarkable Life  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If there’s one thing the year 2020 has shown us is that it’s very easy for things to go sideways. The COVID pandemic, the racial injustices, and all the bad things that started to happen all around the globe are strongly influencing people’s moral and their feeling of hope.   That’s why in this episode, we want to focus on gratitude and hope because these two are the motor that can keep us going, can help lower the anxiety levels we’re experiencing, and can always, no matter the circumstances, do good for ourselves and our families.   So, listen to Episode 247 of Becoming Your Best to find out how you can practice gratitude every day, some example of things you can be grateful for, and how hope has a ripple effect and one person can truly make a difference not only for those around them, but for people all over the world.   In this episode, you will learn: One of the main enemies of gratitude: comparison with others. (02:19) The importance of spending at least a few minutes a day on practicing gratitude. (03:47) Why we recommend spending less time on social media. (06:22) What you can do to keep the feeling of hope in a world where it seems people are starting to lose it. (07:31) A beautiful example that shows there’s still hope for all of us. (09:57) The two possible meanings of the acronym G.I.G.O. (11:31)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Every person has a different skill set that they bring into the world - and combining two powerhouses, two strengths in a partnership can lead to something that’s far greater than ever imagined.  Today, we have two amazing guests that put together their strengths, kept a clear delineation of their lanes, and brought into the world The Podcast Accelerator course. This is the only done-for-you program on the planet, where they take you from “I’m not sure what the concept of my show would be”, all the way through to having a published, finished podcast by the end of their eight-week course.  If you’re wondering who these amazing women are, here’s some background on them! Ginni Saraswati is the CEO and Founder of Ginni Media – a podcast production company that helps individuals and organizations each step of the way into creating, marketing, and distributing their podcasts and making their voices heard – and we are grateful to be one of her many clients. Her wonderful business partner is Michelle Sorro, the founder of Live Video Academy and the amazing host of the “Fire and Soul” podcast, a top 10 in self-development.  Together, they’ve guided 53 people to launch their podcasts through two editions of The Podcast Accelerator Program, and they’ve poured their heart and soul into delivering the most value into the world. This amazing program started from the idea that it can be isolating and a little lonely trying to go solo when your friends and family might not be in the same space of understanding what it’s like to start a podcast, run a podcast, and most importantly, persevere in the podcast industry – so, joining a community that can offer support throughout the whole process can help you stay the course and get to the finish line.  If you want to start your podcast, and you’re not sure how or you need a little bit of hand-holding throughout the process, listen to Episode 246 of Becoming Your Best, to learn how you can be part of the third – and last this year – edition of The Podcast Accelerator. They have an Open House soon, so feel free to join there also, and learn what you can expect from these two amazing powerhouses that impact the world every day through their work! Some questions I ask: Ginni and Michelle, tell us about your background – how did you get to where you are today? (04:53) Ginni, what is currently happening in the world of podcasts? Can you give us some stats? (10:53) Michelle, if someone's interested in hosting a podcast show, how do they get it done? (17:49) Ginni, what are some things that podcasters can do to have as wide a reach as possible for their target listeners? (21:06) How can you make a podcast show relevant? (25:48) How can people find out about the Podcast Accelerator? (33:07) In this episode, you’ll learn:  How Podcast Accelerator was born & A valuable lesson for those who want to jump in a partnership. (07:53) How to overcome impostor’s syndrome when you’re considering starting a podcast. (17:08) The long-term benefits that Michelle gained by hosting a podcast. (19:49) Why it’s better to start a podcast alongside people that want to do the same. (20:13) The relationship between money and podcasting. (22:55) How vulnerability makes you timeless. (27:56) How to start to carpe diem your dreams. (30:50) Taking the time to pause and self-reflect can lead to better decisions. (31:53) Check out The Podcast Accelerator which removes ALL the guesswork of how to get started.This is the only program on the planet that produces your podcast FOR YOU.We've produced 53 podcasts during the pandemic!This full-service program gives you all the tools, tech resources, and support you need to become the successful podcaster you’re meant to be.Yep, you're guaranteed a LIVE professionally edited podcast on all your favorite podcast apps by the end of the program.If you’re ready to share your amazing, one-of-a-kind message with the world, we’re here to make that happen.Come by our last Open House of the year, Wednesday, September 9 at 5pm PST / 8pm EST to learn more.Sign up for our Open House here.SPACE IS LIMITED AND THIS PROGRAM ALWAYS SELLS OUT.Connect with Michelle: Website Podcast Accelerator Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Connect with Ginni: Website Facebook  LinkedIn  Instagram Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“Come what may and love it!” is not just a saying. It’s an attitude about life! Every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don't sing and the bells don't ring. Yet, despite discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result. There may be some who think that their leaders or others rarely experience pain, suffering, and distress. If only that were true! Well, almost every person, man or woman, has experienced an abundant measure of joy. Each, also, has drunk deeply from the cup of disappointment, sorrow, and loss. None are really shielded from grief or sadness. This is part of life and part of humanity. Today’s episode is inspired by a talk given by Joseph B. Wirthlin, who is an American businessman and a renowned religious leader, who lived to be 91 years old. We’re going to give you a piece of great advice – the same Joseph received from his mother, almost 100 years ago, when he experienced a sad moment - on how to handle the setbacks, the tough times, and to take responsibility and move forward to make the best of life that could ever be possible! So, listen to Episode 245 of Becoming Your Best to learn what you can do to weather the storms, keep your feet under you, gain experience, and have greater happiness and success as you encounter the bumps, challenges, and disappointments along the way of life.  In this episode, you will learn: The origin story of the advice, “Come What May And Love It!” (01:24) How our way of reacting to adversity is a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life. (04:32) The antidote to hard times: learning to laugh about it & three examples that prove its effectiveness. (05:15) The value of the refiners’ fire – going through trials and becoming better because of them. (11:17) The importance of exercising faith and hope in the face of all the challenges in life. (17:27) Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com   Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.