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We all know to do a job well, you have to work hard; to achieve success, you not only have to exercise effort , but discipline and commitment. However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, the cost of leadership is next level in all these regards. For instance, to be a leader, one must be willing to build off their work ethic and integrate self-awareness into networking and team management. While it’s perfectly acceptable to thrive as a specialist, to be a leader, you have to be willing to bring people together; hence, why the role is not for everyone. Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

In this special episode, Steven Grant, Director of Architectural Studies in Themed Environments Integration at the University of Florida College of Design, Construction, and Planning, joins the show with students, Ellen Page and Nick Karafilis, to discuss the program. A 28-year veteran of Walt Disney Imagineering and the former president of the American Institute of Architects Orlando Chapter, Steven unpacks the inspiration behind the endeavor and what’s required to make similar projects a reality. While integrating the profession into unchartered academia can be challenging, as Steven, Ellen, and Nick explain, providing students collaboration opportunities in educational arenas is its own reward.  For questions about the application process, please visit the program website or contact CityLab-Orlando@ufl.edu. Resources: University of Florida College of Design, Construction, and Planning - https://dcp.ufl.edu/programs/#graduate Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

As the chaos of COVID-19 winds down, many are slowly adjusting to normality. While some are still quarantined, for most, the relational aspects of work are becoming more relevant. Yet, as this evolution occurs, there’s an essence of empathy we must not forsake. As today’s guest, Tina Berger, explains, people have to engage the vocational community freshly. Unlike a few years ago, the social awareness of 2020 has made premiums out of corporate goals such as active listening and receptivity. Accordingly, integrating these practices into our bottom lines can be the difference between being a good company versus a great one. Having written “Coming Around: Surprises and Surrender on the Path to Inspiration”, Tina hopes her experiences as an innovator and consultant will inspire readers to embrace human expression in the heart of technological and social change. By creating transparent cultures, an organization can achieve higher levels of success through emotional unification.  Resources: “The People, Yes” - https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/51748/the-people-yes “Coming Around: Surprises and Surrender on the Path to Inspiration” - https://tinaberger.com/coming-around Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

When we discuss vocational leadership, many assume the term implies respect and honor. And to be fair, this should be the case no matter the endeavor. However, as guest, Chip Huth, explains when leadership and respect are detached, the quality of our service is ultimately compromised. Whatever our job may be, we must be willing to put people above processes and procedures regardless of our bottom line. As a Major with the Kansas City Police Department, Chip now channels his law enforcement experience through consultation and presentation. Through his book, "Unleashing the Power of Unconditional Respect—Transforming Law Enforcement and Police Training", he hopes to encourage the emerging generation of officers to facilitate respect, sincerity, and humility within their dealings. Resources: Changing Discourse Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/changing-discourse/id1534621561 Connect with Chip: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-chip-huth-85826125/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chip_Huth Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Until recently, I would often quote executive presence without being able to define it. Like many, I understood what the term signified but struggled to describe it in conversation. However, after doing some homework, I can now explain executive presence in greater measure. As Jody and I discuss in this episode, executive presence is the sum of credibility and relatability, a fusion of expert learning, listening, and communicating. To carry this leadership torch, one doesn’t have to work in an executive role. Contrarily, as long as one is consistent in researching, networking, and capturing challenging concepts in laymen’s terms, anyone can exercise executive presence. As long as you know what you’re talking about and can convey the knowledge coherently, you can influence people’s thinking. That's what carrying executive presence is all about. Connect with Dan www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

If you’ve tuned into the show lately, you've likely noticed the theme of successful entrepreneurs creating their luck to be reoccurring. Such premise has proven true for Savannah Turner, a soon-to-be high-school graduate who has already paved trails as a business owner and now venturer in the toy store industry. Having self-learned online and textile industries at an early age, Savannah shares her story about how she became an online jewelry store owner and the lessons learned along the way. As Savannah explains, life has taught her nothing is gained if it’s not ventured first. Even at an early age, one can chart their course by discerning what drives them. From there, they can pursue dreams free from fear during seasons of transition and discovery.  Connect with Dan www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

As recent guests have reminded us, our career trajectories don’t travel in straight lines. Sometimes, we know what we want to become as kids or young adults; other times, we think we know what we want and mature through humble beginnings. Enter Fred Aebli - a former Marine Corps Veteran who has been fascinated with technology since watching Star Wars as a boy. With interests in electronics and computers, Fred spent much of his post-service time building internet software as well as his consulting practice. Now, after two decades as an entrepreneur, Fred is building up the next generation of innovators as a teacher, mentor, and advisor. As he explains, not everyone will grow up to be an astronaut, but this doesn’t mean they can’t inspire one as they discover new pathways for themselves. If our aim is the next best step, there will be the potential to motivate the next best thing in those around us. Resources Website: http://www.fredaebli.com/ Connect with Dan www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Our paths to success don’t follow straight lines but evolve through unexpected twists and turns.   Take today’s guest, Greg Spillane, for instance. A former Division I athlete and MBA graduate from the University of South California, the transformation from football player to serial entrepreneur and CEO of Fancy, a technology-based platform, featured many growing pains. However, by recalibrating through disappointment and discovery, he learned to make the most of where his journey took him. As a virtual innovator and relational motivator, Greg not only enjoys building technology companies but helping organizations align early in their formation. Per his experience, the human aspect should never detach from business decisions. While many want to lead by example, only a few know how to inspire people along the way. Accordingly, if leaders are faithful to pursue the people behind their passions, no question they will ignite better performance and morale. Resources LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/spillane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/greg_spillane?lang=en Connect with Dan www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker  

In business, leaders often take risks based on past experiences. From problem solving and performance to resourcing and communal engagement, the art of decision-making can be complex as markets adjust.  However, as today's guest, Matt Gottesman, explains, sometimes you have to embrace the discomfort of being a frontrunner to find success. While hustle can establish a workable rhythm, it can only take you so far. Especially in this era, how you differentiate your skills, relate to your clients, and advise on projected trends are essential to maximizing influence and efficiency. As a business strategist and entrepreneur, Matt is gifted at assessing market performance and social receptivity ahead of mass attention. Having matured this talent in the music industry at an early age, Matt currently helps digital and technology companies achieve their goals through consultation, marketing, and content creation. At his core is a heart to help businesses understand branding as the essence of what they stand for and a means to establish client connection. Resources Website: https://www.mattgottesman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattgottesman The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: https://www.navalmanack.com/ Connect with Dan www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

As much as we love adventure, we also love stability. Especially in this COVID era, people are drawn to safe places like never before. One exception to this norm is today’s guest, Sandy Scholes, Chief People Officer at Flipp Corporation. As the overseer of the human resource strategy of the organization, Sandy is passionate about talent, performance, training, even change management. With a heart for skill development, she is also keen on creating avenues and resources for marketplace education. As Sandy shares in this episode, attitude, fit, and collaboration are paramount in today’s workforce. If you value courage, are secure in your role, and promote diversity and representation, your goal of bettering your career will take flight.  Resources LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyfallon/?originalSubdomain=ca Connect with Dan www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

We all have a purpose; we all have potential.  Yet, as Andy Storch explains, to maximize this potential, we must first turn strategy into action. For instance, to better develop our career skills, we should engage our connections and reach out to those who excel in the fields we're pursuing.  In Andy’s case, he has many strengths as an entrepreneur with industry exposure to sales, finance, and innovation; however, it's his drive to make the most of his partners and mentors that have set him apart. As his story reminds us, building your network can go a long way, both in defining your brand and sharing your expertise with the world.  Sometimes, to build a career, you must first develop relationships with people in fields you’re interested in. The question: What will be your first move with what you have received? “This networking piece is so important…the idea [of building] genuine relationships with people. I don’t think people understand you plant these seeds, you make these investments and because you want to help people…there’s going to be opportunities for them to connect you with other people and that’s how most of this works.” Resources Andy Storch: https://andystorch.com/ Podcast: https://andystorch.com/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andystorch/  Connect with Dan www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker  

When we consider personal branding, we often view it through a self-centered lens. In a world that preaches authenticity - to “be yourself” - applying the phrase can be difficult especially in the real world. Yet, as Ray Edwards shares in this episode, if you’re an entrepreneur, either you control what you do or what you do controls you. If you want to build value around a skill, not only must you apply it within a specific lane but differentiate it by selling your history.   As Ray states, the storytelling behind your passion can’t be undermined. What makes you interesting is your story and your story can’t be detached from your skill; hence, why being yourself can be the best marketing strategy. Dare to ask yourself, “How do differentiate yourself? What’s your ‘thing’? What are you known for you?” Resources Ray Edwards: https://rayedwards.com Connect with Dan www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker  

When we consider success, we often view it through the lens of achievement. We think of steps to improvement, promotion, advancement – anything that can lead to more money, power, and influence. Yet, as Glenn Zweig, entrepreneur and podcaster, explains, our definition of success should be tethered to our idea of excellence. While we may perceive excellence differently, our experiences can unify our demonstration of it through transparency and humility.  In Glenn’s case, he’s worn many hats in retail, real estate, theme parks, and technology industries; however, like you, he’s learned many lessons through successes and failures in season. With over 70 episodes, Glenn hopes his podcast, the Art of Excellence, will inspire others to appreciate the journey and the next best thing. Regardless of where we’re at, we can value exposure and what we’ve learned through stories, lessons, and timely information. Resources The Art of Excellence: https://glennzweig.com/podcast Connect with Dan www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

Be honest: You like money. You like to make it; you like to spend it; you may even like to invest it. But what if I told you: You can have a love language with money without actually loving money? As Ambus and I discuss in this episode, your relationship with money is central to your financial journey. You may want to control what you spend but this doesn’t mean you control your money. If you want to mature a money mindset, not only must you master your wallet but see finances as part of your well-being. By committing to this perspective, no question your love for money will become a love language for financial freedom. Resources Ambus Hunter: https://www.ambushunter.com/ Twitter: AmbusVHunter Connect with Dan www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker  

I’ll be honest: I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. While I understand why they exist, as I’ve discovered, it’s human nature to overcommit to large-scale changes and overlook the smaller ones we can set each day. As Jody and I discuss in this episode, ‘tis the season for many people to lose motivation concerning the resolutions they set three weeks ago; however, if we can focus our goals on bite-sized improvements across multiple areas, then we can taste the changes we crave. Rather than set mountainous goals with high risks for failure, why not set hillside goals with higher risks to get better each day? True, the road may be gradual, but by reframing your perspective, not only will you scale your goals correctly upfront but also as you confront them at the appropriate time. Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

For most of us, the story of our talent doesn’t follow a linear pathway. As my guest, David Fernandez, attests in this episode, our creativity is a product of experiences and journeys, sometimes detours. While we may not understand the tools we find along the way, we should still use them to capture legacy and honor past and future generations. A man of multiple hats from international education to marketing, David shares his story as an established award-winning author and how he’s used fictional writing to archive his Latin family roots. From a young boy who battles prejudice due to his talents to families dealing with pet loss, the premises of his books have garnered critical acclaim. Moving forward, David plans to enter the lottery for the Orlando French Festival to debut a one-act play based on his most popular book, Coffee and Cedar. He also plans on developing three new short stories as his library of works continues to grow. To learn more about his books, visit dhcermeno.com. Resources: David Fernandez: dhcermeno.com Facebook: Coffee and Cedar  Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

When we hear ‘success’, we tend to think about an increase in something positive, whether money, pleasure, or opportunities. I know when I was younger, my idea of success was often rooted in financial and positional gains. However, as Jody and I discuss in this episode, success is more than a title fit with a loaded resume. Conversely, success is how we relate and give to one another. For in this life, everything is connected with people playing a large part in redefining who we are. Accordingly, if we can learn to fuse adaptability and intentionality into our engagements, it's fair to wonder how our corporate sense of success will improve for the better. Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

As we step into 2021, anticipating change is only natural. Especially after a difficult 2020, most are hopeful for fresh opportunities and better things to come. While resolutions are many this time of year, one I endorse is the power of differentiation. Rather than go with the flow and stay stuck in a routine, consider the ways you can connect with people without agenda. It could be as simple as responding to an e-mail, capitalizing on a serendipitous conversation, or focusing more intently on first impressions. However, you upgrade your rhythm this year, remember as you pursue purposeful interactions to take each step in stride and answer the door as much as you knock.  Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

On this episode of ‘Come Rain or Shine’, guest, Katharine Manning, joins the show to discuss her background as a former attorney-advisor, the value of laser focus, and handling trauma in the marketplace. As an expert in psychological safety and victim rights, Katharine brings unique experience to her current consulting projects and role of Blackbird DC president. Having advised the Justice Department in challenging domestic cases, Katharine’s current aim is to empower workplaces to deal with trauma and victimization the right way. With her new book, The Empathetic Workplace, recently released, Katharine hopes to give business leaders the tools they need to promote safer working environments and protective measures against harassment and violence.  Resources: Author website - www.katharinemanning.com Business website - www.blackbird-dc.com  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharine-manning/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EmpatheticWorkplace/  Twitter - https://twitter.com/kl_manning  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/empatheticworkplace/ Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400220025 Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-empathetic-workplace-katharine-manning/1137257401?ean=9781400220021 IndieBound - https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781400220021 Connect with Dan:  www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker

On this episode of ‘Come Rain or Shine’, guest, Bretton Putter, joins the show to discuss his background and the importance of responsible recruiting. As an expert on healthy corporate culture, Bretton has consulted many organizations concerning the impact of hiring on strong company culture and subsequent growth. With experience in recruiting, Bretton has helped businesses not only make appropriate hires but also in understanding culture as a function of best practice. In his words, defining culture starts with leaders who facilitate environments of self-awareness and prioritize the virtue in team-building opportunities. As his new book, ‘The Culture Gene’, emphasizes, when company heads leverage this advantage, a team’s behaviors will align to corporate values and in turn, produce better results and cultures of safety. Resources: Bretton Putter Website: https://www.culturegene.ai/ The Culture-Driven Leader: https://www.brettonputter.com/the-culture-driven-leader Culture Decks Decoded: https://www.brettonputter.com/culture-decks-decoded Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker