The Tactical Leader

Kelly Bonn on Branding, Hiring, and the Human Factor

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Guest: Kelly Bonn — Navy veteran, retained executive recruiter, executive coach

Location: The Centre Club, Tampa

Episode in a sentence

From small boats in the Med to C-suite searches in boardrooms, Kelly unpacks modern hiring, executive presence, and why your LinkedIn should teach—not trumpet.

What we cover

Kelly’s Navy path (Italy, small boats unit, coxswain/engineer) and the through-line to recruiting

Retained search vs. contingency—and why “human” beats “process”

Branding that works: educational posts, clear profile, and consistent presence

Posting cadence/windows that reach senior decision makers

Building a talent flywheel with employee advocates (and how to bonus them)

Interviewing that actually reveals judgment and fit (ditch lazy behavioral scripts)

Diversifying revenue streams so a weird year doesn’t sink you

Why the job market feels strange—and the signals it’s warming

Playbook & Tactics

Intro line: “I’m an executive coach and a headhunter. I help companies hire and leaders land.”

Three questions to ask in interviews:

“What would your current manager say about you?”

“What did you like most/least about your last role?”

“What’s the biggest challenge in the first 90 days here?”

LinkedIn content rule: educate > advertise. Case-style posts win.

Best posting windows (for exec audiences): Sun late AM/early PM; Mon late PM; Tue late AM.

Book pick: Captivate — Vanessa Van Edwards.

Offers & Resources

Kelly’s giveaway: Executive Bio + 1 hr coaching (leadership/job search) or hiring-manager interview training.

Services: retained search (Sr. Director → C-suite), executive coaching, resumes/executive bios, LinkedIn optimization.

Keep up with us

Tampa: monthly third-Tuesday meetups at The Centre Club

Clearwater: monthly wellness workouts

Message “TAMPA” to get reminders and invites.

Gary King: The Happiness Experiment

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Host: Zack Knight

Guest: Gary King — Navy veteran, speaker/author, creator of the St. Pete HAPPINESS signs, subject of The Happiness Experiment film

Episode vibe

A candid, hopeful conversation about trauma, perspective, and building everyday interrupts that keep people here. Practical tools. No fluff.

Timestamps

00:00 – 06:00 Cold open + Centre Club welcome, Monday-night football slander, Marine banter.

06:00 – 12:40 ATLVets updates: Elite Rewards monthly travel voucher, Clearwater wellness workouts, Atlanta Center of Excellence coming online.

12:41 – 14:10 Gary takes the mic: why this room matters to him.

14:10 – 18:50 Background in fast-forward: Navy, VIP security (incl. Gen. Schwarzkopf), speaking/author work across the globe.

18:50 – 23:40 The weight: 36 traumas, the loss of his son Jason at the Skyway, and the near-death experience that reset his lens.

23:40 – 27:00 Perception vs. perspective: the “circle and the ant.”

27:00 – 33:30 PTSD reframed as post-traumatic trigger disorder; the “hard drive (subconscious) + RAM (conscious)” analogy; the wallet story.

33:30 – 38:30 Autosuggestion 101 and the twine-and-20-knots practice.

38:30 – 44:30 Birth of the HAPPINESS signs (Nov 2019), first takedown, then liftoff; why simple words in public space matter.

44:30 – 48:10 The Happiness Experiment film; the woman who turned around at the sign.

48:10 – 55:30 The Happiness Formula book: F² H² = H (forgiveness of self/others; honesty with self/truth with others; self-worth).

55:30 – 1:01:30 Quick exercise: your Top 5 partner traits, and why “emotionally available” rarely makes the list (but should).

1:01:30 – 1:06:30 Self-acceptance vs. chasing approval; how we’re taught to outsource worth.

1:06:30 – 1:10:55 Q&A: faith, discipline, and why Gary still climbs the ladder.

1:10:55 – end Wrap, selfies with the signs, Gary’s open offer: “If I can help a vet, I’m in.”

Key ideas & takeaways

Triggers work like algorithms. If you can spot the pattern in real time, you can choose a different next move.

Perspective is a practice. Get above the moment; don’t let the moment run you.

Short beats clever. The brain remembers simple, repeated lines—use them on purpose.

Public words change private minds. A six-inch sign can be the inch someone needs.

Notes & care

Gary shares personal methods and beliefs. They’re not medical advice. If you’re struggling, talk to a qualified professional, reach out to a peer, or call/text 988 (in the U.S.) for support.

Lindsey Streeter on Building Veteran-Ready Workplaces and Community Legacy

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Host: Zack Knight

Guest: Lindsey Streeter, Military Affairs Executive, Bank of America; retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major; Owner, Savannah Hurricanes; Founder, Streeter Esports & Entertainment

Recorded at: The Buckhead Club, Atlanta

Episode Summary

Lindsey Streeter unpacks the difference between veteran-friendly and veteran-ready, shares the “divine timing” behind his transition to Bank of America, and details practical systems that improve retention, mobility, and belonging for veteran talent. He also talks entrepreneurship—the Savannah Hurricanes, community impact that earned national recognition, and why legacy is the point of the work.

Timestamps

00:00–01:06 – Welcome, road-warrior points for Lindsey & Lena; ATLVets 12-city expansion

01:06–02:01 – ATLVets update: 30,000-sq-ft Roswell Veterans Center of Excellence (co-working, accelerator, human performance)

02:01–05:35 – Who Lindsey is beyond the bio: purpose, the “dash,” widowhood, second chances, community focus

05:35–06:21 – Entrepreneurship thread: Savannah Hurricanes, community programs, national recognition; thoroughbred ownership as legacy

06:21–11:20 – Why the Army, early years, mentors who shaped a 31-year career, sitting the E-9 board and realizing the path fit

11:20–13:11 – Favorite assignment: Savannah (1989), Desert Shield/Storm

13:52–17:26 – Transition fear, the phone call that changed everything, veteran rotational program at Bank of America

18:08–22:18 – Veteran-ready vs. veteran-friendly: right-fit recruiting, five-year lookback, precision nets

22:18–25:07 – Veteran Onboarding Initiative (90-day buddy), ERG scale, safe-space learning

25:07–26:40 – Veteran Development Program: 5-month cohorts, senior-leader exposure, capstone, retention & mobility outcomes

27:25–29:14 – What keeps vets: visible path to progress & purpose; paid service time (TRWB, Team Rubicon)

29:14–30:27 – The big vision: careers for veterans and military spouses; portability matters

31:06–33:48 – Entrepreneurship as purpose; measurable community impact and recognition

33:48–34:47 – Reality check: ~20% of transitioning vets start businesses; the capital/network gap

36:42–38:11 – How BofA helps vet founders: CDFIs, Bunker Labs/IVMF, dedicated small-business bankers

39:11–44:10 – Hiring advice: dedicated veteran recruiters, translate MOS, hire for coachability, avoid credential inflation theater

47:22–49:09 – Becoming veteran-ready without alienating non-vets; why some vets don’t self-ID

48:28–49:09 – Life Event Services: one number when life hits

53:26–55:16 – Financial literacy gaps; Better Money Habits origin story for military families

59:56–1:04:23 – Purpose and the personal mission statement (Covey influence), living consistently across roles

1:05:21–1:10:26 – Why ATLVets exists: solving the “Now what?” after TAP; VetOPS, accelerator, and sustainable impact model

1:10:26–1:11:04 – Wrap, networking, and selfies (season tickets, anyone?)

Key Ideas

Veteran-ready = systems: precision hiring, 90-day buddies, ERG-powered belonging, visible mobility, Guard/Reserve support, Life Event Services.

Purpose retains: service opportunities on company time satisfy the mission drive.

Entrepreneurship needs scaffolding: CDFIs for capital readiness; incubators/accelerators for reps; pitch platforms for proof.

Translate, don’t transpose: MOS ≠ job title; hire for potential and humility.

Financial literacy is aftercare: VA loan realities, tax exemptions, and post-purchase education matter.

Pull Quotes

“I’m dealing with the dash right now.”

“Friendly is the welcome mat; ready is the furnished living room and a closed back door.”

“A designated veteran recruiter must see what’s not on the résumé—and have trust with hiring managers.”

“Give vets a path and a purpose; many will stay even if they don’t move—because they could.”

Chris Brewer on Leadership, Transition, and Life in the Shadows

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this special ATLVets Speaker Series episode, retired Ranger Battalion NCO and Special Forces officer Chris Brewer shares his remarkable journey from the reactivation of the 1st Ranger Battalion in 1974 to a career in Special Forces, global security contracting, and authorship.

Chris reflects on:

Crossing the Line: Why he made the controversial move from the NCO corps to becoming an officer, and how it opened the path to Special Forces.
Lessons from Ranger School: Why the course is less about tactics and more about leadership under extreme stress—and how those lessons translate to civilian life.
Transition Struggles: His honest admission of “how not to retire” from the military, including the pitfalls many veterans face.
Post-Service Impact: How his expertise shaped counterterrorism strategies, red-team operations, and security across the globe—including assessments eerily prescient before 9/11.
Storytelling & Legacy: Why he chose to capture the untold stories of Rangers and Green Berets in his books Old School Ranger and In the Shadows Between Wars.

Chris also offers powerful insights into leadership, team building, and the importance of cross-cultural communication in both military and civilian contexts.

📚 Books by Chris Brewer:

Old School Ranger – A collection of stories and lessons from the reactivation of the 1st Ranger Battalion.
In the Shadows Between Wars – Firsthand accounts of Special Forces missions and the realities of unconventional warfare.
(Both available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble.)

🔑 Key Takeaway: Whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom, success comes from listening, understanding what motivates people, and pulling teams together toward a common goal.

👉 Stay Connected:

Join the ATLVets mission to advance the line for veterans by supporting events, sharing these stories, and helping us build the nation’s premier community for veteran leadership and growth.

Zack Miller on Veteran Entrepreneurship, Private Equity, and Legacy Building

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the ATLVets Speaker Series, we sit down with Zack Miller, CEO of Patriot Growth Capital (PGC), to explore the intersection of veteran empowerment, private equity, and long-term legacy.

Zack shares his journey from the advertising and startup world to launching a private equity firm dedicated to supporting veterans and their families through entrepreneurship by acquisition. Together with ATLVets, PGC is reshaping how veterans transition into ownership, leadership, and wealth creation.

This episode dives into:

The Barriers to Entrepreneurship – Fear, capital, mentorship, and “analysis paralysis” that hold veterans back—and how to overcome them.
The Dream Work Exercise – Why defining vision, values, and family goals is the starting point for every veteran entrepreneur.
Veteran Families as Operators – Expanding opportunities for spouses, siblings, and children to step into meaningful roles and ownership.
Defense Tech Accelerator – The vision for a Veteran Center of Excellence in Atlanta, combining human performance, technology, and dual-use innovation.
The Bigger Picture – PGC’s commitment to impacting 1 million veteran families over the next decade.

🔑 Key Takeaway: Veterans bring grit, leadership, and integrity to the table. With the right resources and ecosystem, they can move from “employee” to “owner” and create lasting generational impact.

👉 Learn more about Patriot Growth Capital and ATLVets at: [Insert Link]

Unlocking Your ROI: How Emilee Tucker Empowers Authentic Leadership

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Emilee Tucker: Beyond the Corporate Grind

Emilee Tucker is more than her corporate credentials—she’s an advocate for authentic leadership who transitioned from an 18-year corporate career to become an executive coach. Driven by her curiosity and commitment to continuous improvement, Emilee pursued a master's in Organizational Effectiveness and Leadership, combining formal education with practical certifications like NLP and Reiki. Her journey underscores the value of leaning into life's uncertainties to discover genuine joy and success.

The ROI Formula: Reward, Omit, Invite

Emilee introduced her unique ROI framework, breaking down how to find meaningful success through three simple yet profound principles:

Reward Yourself: Emilee emphasizes celebrating small daily victories, suggesting practical actions like enjoying a quiet cup of coffee or taking a peaceful walk. Rewarding yourself reinforces positive habits, boosting confidence and momentum by rewiring your brain for success.
Omit Negativity: Emilee highlighted how negativity consumes valuable energy and time. She shared that humans have approximately 60,000 thoughts per day, many repetitive and subconscious. By consciously reframing negative thoughts and practicing gratitude, individuals can reclaim significant mental and emotional resources, creating space for positivity and productivity.
Invite Your Dreams: Perhaps the most poignant segment for veterans, Emilee encouraged attendees to rediscover and articulate their dreams beyond past identities. She underscored the importance of visualization, emotional connection, and the power of clearly defining what they want to achieve, inviting veterans to create new, meaningful goals after their military service.

Follow Emilee:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emileetucker

https://www.instagram.com/iamemileetucker/

Healing Starts Here: Inside the Mission of The Headstrong Project

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the ATLVets Tampa Speaker Series, host Zack Knight sits down with Kristen Rheinlander, Director of Partnerships at The Headstrong Project. Broadcasting from the Centre Club in Tampa, this live session captures a candid and compelling discussion around trauma-focused mental health care for veterans, the stigmas that prevent service members from seeking treatment, and how organizations like Headstrong are eliminating those barriers.

Kristen shares her journey as an Army brat turned nonprofit leader, her career path from USO and HireMilitary to leading corporate partnerships at Headstrong, and the incredible impact her team is making through trauma-informed therapy.

Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of:

How Headstrong partners with major organizations like Wounded Warrior Project to deliver over 250,000 clinical sessions since 2012.
Why military cultural competency is critical in mental health care.
The importance of confidentiality and patient-directed engagement in building trust.
A 98% retention rate after the first therapy session—and why that matters.
How corporate partnerships, funding, and community collaboration are vital to expanding Headstrong's impact nationwide.

Whether you're a veteran, corporate leader, mental health professional, or simply someone who cares about the well-being of our military community, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Topics:

Mental health stigma in the veteran community
The problem with PTSD as a limiting diagnosis
Headstrong's care model: trauma-focused, confidential, stigma-free
Access to care in under 13 days vs. 30+ days at the VA
Importance of wraparound services and referrals
Corporate partnerships with Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and more
Supporting veterans through transition with peer referrals and community connection

Featured Guest: Kristen Rheinlander, Director of Partnerships, The Headstrong Project

Host: Zack Knight, Founder & CEO of ATLVets

Call to Action: To learn more about Headstrong or connect someone with services, visit theheadstrongproject.org. To get involved with ATLVets, attend future speaker series events, or become a corporate partner, visit atlvets.org.

Special Thanks: To the Centre Club Tampa for hosting and to all the incredible veterans, corporate leaders, and nonprofit partners who joined us for this powerful conversation.

Subscribe and Share: Be sure to follow the ATLVets Podcast for more inspiring conversations from leaders on the front lines of transition, mental health, and community impact.

#ATLVets #HeadstrongProject #VeteranMentalHealth #TampaVeterans #MilitaryCulturalCompetency #MentalHealthAwareness

The Marine Corps and the Entrepreneurial Mindset with T. Shane Johnson

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In the latest episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, host Zack Knight sits down with Marine veteran, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur T. Shane Johnson to discuss his extraordinary journey from military service to business success. T. Shane's story is one of resilience, survival, and a relentless commitment to helping others, particularly in the veteran community. From surviving an MS-13 gang attack to launching Big Guns Coffee, his path is both inspiring and deeply impactful.

The Marine Corps and the Entrepreneurial Mindset

T. Shane shared his motivations for joining the Marine Corps, emphasizing the discipline, determination, and brotherhood that shaped his character. The mindset of a Marine—adapt and overcome—proved invaluable in his transition to entrepreneurship. Zack and T. Shane discussed how veterans possess a unique drive and resilience that make them natural leaders in the business world.

A Harrowing Near-Death Experience

One of the most gripping moments in the episode was T. Shane’s recounting of a brutal attack by MS-13. While riding his motorcycle, he was deliberately hit by a car, leaving him with severe injuries, including broken bones, internal organ damage, and punctured lungs. Despite flatlining multiple times, he fought his way back, determined to use his second chance at life to make a difference.

A New Mission: Helping Others Find Purpose

After recovering, T. Shane faced another challenge—transitioning to civilian life. He initially found success in the mortgage industry, but when the 2008 financial crisis hit, he lost everything and found himself homeless. Rather than giving up, he rebuilt from the ground up, using his story to inspire others through books, public speaking, and initiatives like Hike Across America, where he ran 12,000 miles to raise awareness for homeless veterans and suicide prevention.

Redefining Homelessness: The Power of Identity

T. Shane spoke passionately about the need to rebrand homelessness and help those affected regain their sense of self-worth. He proposed an initiative where homeless individuals could write and publish books, sharing their stories as a way to reclaim their identity and generate income. Zack resonated with this idea, emphasizing how purpose and identity are critical for personal and professional growth.

Big Guns Coffee: A Business Born from Family and Purpose

T. Shane’s journey took another turn when his 10-year-old daughter, Charlie, inspired him to start a business. Together, they launched Big Guns Coffee, a venture that not only supports veterans but also revolutionizes the coffee industry by being the first indoor hydroponic coffee farm in the U.S..

Big Guns Coffee isn’t just a business; it’s a movement—one focused on empowering people through high-quality coffee and a mission-driven brand. T. Shane and Charlie have worked tirelessly to scale their business, and now, they’re preparing for a major national launch.

Exciting News: Big Guns Coffee Goes National!

🚀 May 2025 – Big Guns Coffee will be available in 427 Sprouts Farmers Market stores

🚀 July 2025 – Expanding to 300 Walmart stores in North & South Carolina

This incredible milestone is a testament to hard work, resilience, and family-driven entrepreneurship.

Final Thoughts: Leadership, Purpose, and Service

Throughout the episode, T. Shane and Zack emphasized the importance of leadership, storytelling, and service. Whether in the military, in business, or in life, the ability to repurpose struggles into powerful narratives is what drives true impact.

As T. Shane said, “Why not be generous with your scars? Why not repurpose your struggles in the service of others?”

His journey from the battlefield to business is a reminder that success isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about using it to fuel a greater mission.

From Delta Force to Business Force with CSM Andy Wilson

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Episode Description:

In this special episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, recorded live at the ATLVets Tampa Speaker Series, host Zack Knight sits down with retired Command Sergeant Major Andy Wilson—former Delta Force operator and the powerhouse founder of Quiet Professionals.

Andy shares his incredible journey from dropping out of high school in Maine, to climbing the ranks of the most elite military units in the world, to building a multi-million-dollar defense contracting company from the ground up.

This conversation is packed with insights on leadership, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, and the mindset required to transition successfully from the military to business. Andy gets real about the early struggles of starting multiple businesses, why reinvesting in systems and people has been the key to his success, and how he's navigated the world of government contracts, private equity, and rapid growth—all with a relentless focus on discipline and serving others.

🔥 Key Takeaways:

How Andy’s military career shaped his entrepreneurial mindset
Lessons learned from founding and exiting multiple businesses
The power of reinvesting in people, systems, and scalability
Why the term “self-made” doesn’t tell the full story
How to manage risk, failure, and keep moving forward
Transitioning from Special Operations to Special Operations in business
The realities of private equity partnerships and scaling toward a billion-dollar valuation

Featured Guest:

Andy Wilson

Retired Command Sergeant Major (Delta Force)
Founder & CEO, Quiet Professionals
Serial entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist

Host:

Zack Knight

Founder of ATLVets & The Tactical Leader Podcast

Join ATLVets Events Nationwide:

Don’t miss out on our monthly events spotlighting veteran leaders across the country. Learn more: atlvets.org/events

Connect with Us:

Follow @TheTacticalLeaderPodcast + @ATLVets for more leadership insights and upcoming speaker events.

#TheTacticalLeader #ATLVets #AndyWilson #QuietProfessionals #VeteranLeadership #DeltaForce #Entrepreneurship #GovCon #Leadership #PrivateEquity #TampaBusiness #MilitaryTransition #PurposeDrivenBusiness

Embracing the Fight with Tommy Richardson

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, Zack Knight sits down with Tommy Richardson, a Marine veteran and Navy SEAL, to dive into his incredible 26-year military career, his transition to civilian life, and how he’s now helping veterans find purpose and leadership beyond the uniform. From his journey through Marine Corps infantry to the elite Navy SEAL teams, to launching Divine Savagery, Tommy shares insights on faith, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the power of physical fitness as a tool for reintegration.

This episode is brought to you by ATL Vets, the premier organization for veteran workforce development and entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

1️⃣ Military Service & Transition to Navy SEALs

26 years in uniform: Tommy served in both the Marine Corps and Navy SEAL teams, experiencing combat at the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
From Marine to SEAL: Initially aiming for Force Recon, Tommy instead found his calling in the SEAL teams, making the switch in 2007 with the help of fellow operators.
Passion for the field: His decision to stay in the fight, rather than being stuck behind a desk, led him to special operations, where he thrived in a high-intensity environment.

2️⃣ The Mental & Spiritual Battle After Service

Faith kept him going: Tommy credits his faith in God as his ultimate source of strength, guiding him through both war and transition.
Understanding the daily battle: He breaks down the constant war between spirit and flesh, helping veterans realize they’re still in the fight, but in a different way.
Helping veterans find purpose: Tommy believes veterans are wired for leadership and that transitioning means finding a new mission, not losing identity.

3️⃣ Finding a New Tribe: Westside Barbell & Physical Fitness

Healing through movement: After suffering injuries and surgeries, Tommy turned to powerlifting as a way to rebuild physically and mentally.
Westside Barbell connection: Through an invite-only process, Tommy joined the legendary Westside Barbell gym, finding a new brotherhood of strength that mirrored the team environment of the military.
Physical health as mental therapy: He emphasizes that fitness, discipline, and competition give veterans a way to regain structure and camaraderie.

4️⃣ Building Divine Savagery: Veteran Leadership & Wellness

Tommy's company, Divine Savagery, is built around three pillars:

✅ Speaking & Leadership Training – Helping organizations and veterans develop elite-level leadership skills.

✅ Business Optimization & Consulting – Applying military discipline and structure to corporate success.

✅ Wellness & Tactical Training – Offering physical training, nutrition coaching, and tactical skill development for veterans and civilians.

🔹 Westside Barbell training programs

🔹 Fitness, nutrition, and recovery coaching

🔹 Special operations & tactical training for military and law enforcement

🔥 Notable Quotes from Tommy Richardson

💬 “The flesh is always going to war with the spirit. The choice is yours—are you going to fight, or let it consume you?”

💬 “I don’t want to be remembered when I’m gone—I want to make an impact now.”

💬 “Veterans are wired for leadership. We just need to find what still scratches the itch.”

💬 “If you’re struggling, send up the bat signal. Your brothers will come.”

📢 Connect with Tommy Richardson

🌐 Website: www.divinesavagery.com

📧 Email: Tommy@divinesavagery.com

📲 Instagram: @raise.your.horn

🔗 LinkedIn: Tommy Richardson

🚀 Ready to Level Up? Join the ATLVets Community!

This episode is proudly supported by ATL Vets, a leader in veteran workforce development, professional networking, and entrepreneurship.

🔗 Learn More: www.atlvets.com

👥 Join the Conversation: What part of Tommy’s journey resonated with you? Drop a comment or share your thoughts on social media using #TacticalLeaderPodcast!

A Powerful Conversation with Scott Mann

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Tactical Leader podcast, host Zack Knight sits down with retired Green Beret, entrepreneur, and author Scott Mann for an impactful conversation about leadership, the challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian life, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Key Topics Covered:

Scott’s Early Life and Military Aspirations: Scott talks about meeting a Green Beret at the age of 14 and how that moment inspired his future in the military.
The Challenges of Transitioning Out of Uniform: Scott opens up about the personal and professional struggles he faced when leaving the military and how he overcame these challenges.
The Search for Purpose Beyond Service: Scott emphasizes the importance of finding meaning after service and the steps he took to rediscover his purpose in civilian life.
Rooftop Leadership: Learn about Scott’s initiative, Rooftop Leadership, and his approach to leadership, which centers around managing energy—both your own and that of others.
Veterans in Entrepreneurship: Scott shares why veterans are uniquely equipped for entrepreneurship and how he designed his life after military service.
The Power of Storytelling: Scott dives into why storytelling is such an important tool for veterans and anyone looking to share their journey, heal from past struggles, and connect with others.
Mental Health and Self-Care: Scott discusses the importance of self-care and maintaining mental well-being as a critical part of leadership and personal recovery.

Memorable Quotes:

“Leadership is the management of energy—yours and those around you.”
“You spend your whole life serving a purpose bigger than yourself. The challenge is finding that same level of meaning outside the uniform.”
“Veterans have an entrepreneurial mindset because we’ve been thrown into situations where we had to adapt and thrive.”

Resources Mentioned:

Scott Mann’s Website: Rooftop Leadership
Scott’s Book: Nobody’s Coming to Save You (Available on Amazon)

Want to learn more from Scott Mann?

Check out his book Nobody’s Coming to Save You and visit Rooftop Leadership for more on his leadership programs, speaking engagements, and resources for veterans.

About The Tactical Leader Podcast:

The Tactical Leader is dedicated to helping leaders, especially veterans, develop the skills needed for success in their personal and professional lives. Hosted by Zack Knight, the podcast features conversations with experts in leadership, resilience, and overcoming adversity.

Beneath The Service with Heather McCarty

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Episode Recap: ATL Vets Atlanta Speaker Series Featuring Heather McCarty

Key Points

Heather McCarty, guest speaker from St. Louis, Missouri, is a veteran ally with a decade of experience in the veterans' space.
McCarty previously worked at The Mission Continues, where she developed and oversaw programs, and taught at a military school in St. Louis.
Her connection to the military comes from family members, including her husband, who is a Marine Corps veteran.
Through her experiences, McCarty feels a sense of belonging in the veteran community and is passionate about bringing learning and programs to those who need them.

Women Veterans Leadership Program (WVLp)

Origin and Evolution:
Research at The Mission Continues revealed a disproportionate number of women veterans were drawn to the organization due to feeling welcomed and belonging.
This led to the creation of a three-day summit in 2016, followed by yearly summits and the development of a 5-6 month cohort-based program.
The program launched in March 2020 and transitioned to a virtual format due to the pandemic.
In 2023, The Mission Continues narrowed its focus, leading to the transition of WVLp to Beneath the Service, an organization focused on identity-based leadership.
Objectives:
Empowerment: The program empowers women veterans by embracing their identity, boosting confidence, and changing their sense of purpose.
Connection: It provides a network for women veterans to connect and support each other, expanding beyond the cohort.
Skill Building: The program focuses on communication skills, recognizing the nuances that come with being a woman and a woman veteran.
Action Planning: Participants develop a plan to apply their skills and confidence in their communities or workplaces.
Target Audience:
Women veterans ready to invest in themselves and lead from a place that feels authentic.
The program is not for those seeking job placement or still figuring out basic needs.
Eligibility is open to women veterans living in the United States.
Future Success and Partnerships:
Future success includes offering a Virginia Tech certificate to program graduates and expanding alumni opportunities.
Partnerships with organizations like ATL Vets provide additional support and resources for women veterans.

Q&A

Funding and Resources:
The program relies on sponsorships, grants, and creative ways to capitalize on the value of the cohort.
The goal is to keep the program free for women veterans.
Alumni Program:
Alumni ambassadors play a vital role in shaping the program and providing support to future cohorts.
They contribute to content, lead conversations, and serve as mentors.
Ideal Number of Participants:
While the ideal scenario is to reach all women veterans, the program focuses on quality and impact.
The current cohort is limited to ensure a successful transition under Beneath the Service.

Additional Information

The application for Cohort 8 is open until January 31st.
The program kicks off in May in D.C., transitions to virtual, and culminates in D.C. in September.
Beneath the Service offers other leadership development programs and resources.
Contact information and website details are provided for further engagement.

Leadership, Transition, and the Power of Storytelling with Scott Mann

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, host Zack Knight sits down with retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann, a former Green Beret turned entrepreneur, storyteller, and author of Nobody’s Coming to Save You. Scott shares his journey from a bullied small-town kid to a decorated Special Forces officer and, ultimately, a successful civilian leader. Together, Zack and Scott delve into topics like the challenges of transitioning out of the military, the importance of finding purpose, and how veterans can channel their skills into entrepreneurship.

Scott also discusses the creation of Rooftop Leadership and Task Force Pineapple, highlighting their missions to empower individuals and advocate for others. With candor and wisdom, Scott underscores the power of storytelling as a leadership tool and the significance of managing energy—for yourself and those you lead.

Key Topics Covered:

Scott’s Early Life and Military Aspirations: Meeting a Green Beret at 14 and how that encounter shaped his future.
Transitioning Out of Uniform: The personal challenges Scott faced and how he navigated the dark periods.
Finding Purpose: The human need for meaning and how Scott discovered new relevance post-service.
Rooftop Leadership: Its foundation, mission, and why leadership is about managing energy—yours and others'.
Entrepreneurship for Veterans: Why veterans are well-suited for entrepreneurial paths and how Scott created a life by design.
Nobody’s Coming to Save You: Scott’s latest book and why storytelling is central to his work.
Self-Care and Recovery: Insights on the importance of unplugging, recharging, and maintaining mental health.

Memorable Quotes:

“Leadership is the management of energy—yours and those around you.”
“You spend your whole life serving a purpose bigger than yourself. The challenge is finding that same level of meaning outside the uniform.”
“Veterans have an entrepreneurial mindset because we’ve been thrown into situations where we had to adapt and thrive.”

Resources Mentioned:

Scott Mann’s Website: Rooftop Leadership
Scott’s Book: Nobody’s Coming to Save You (Available on Amazon)
The Hero’s Journey: Advocacy and storytelling for veterans.

Connect with Scott Mann:

LinkedIn: Rooftop Leadership

Facebook: @ScottMann

Instagram: @scottmannauthor

Twitter: @RooftopLeader

YouTube: Rooftop Leadership

https://youtu.be/_szAosvdWdM

https://scottmann.com

https://rooftopleadership.com

http://theheroesjourney.org

https://lastoutplay.com

https://operationpineappleexpress.com

https://linktr.ee/rooftoppodcast

Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow veteran or leader who could benefit from these insights!

Marketing Yourself and Finding Purpose with David Lee Jensen

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Key Discussion Points:

Self-Marketing and Storytelling:
Why it Matters: Self-marketing is crucial for career advancement and entrepreneurship, but many veterans struggle with it due to a focus on teamwork and humility during their service.
Overcoming the Challenges: Public speaking and self-promotion can be learned and improved with practice.
The Power of Storytelling: Effectively communicating your story and accomplishments is key to standing out in the civilian world.
Finding Purpose and Passion After the Military:
The Transition Challenge: Many veterans struggle to find their purpose and passion after leaving the structured military environment.
Discovering Your Strengths: Self-reflection and identifying your skills and interests are crucial for finding fulfilling work.
Creating Your Own Future: Don't be afraid to take risks and pursue your dreams; entrepreneurship can be a viable path for veterans.
The Naked Truth About Hiring:
Diligence Over Desperation: Take the time to find the right candidate who not only has the skills but also fits the company culture.
The Importance of Reference Checks: Don't skip this crucial step in the hiring process; it can reveal valuable information about a candidate's work ethic and personality.
Cultural Fit: A candidate's ability to mesh with the company culture is just as important as their skills and experience.
Collaboration and Community:
The Power of Networking: Building relationships and collaborating with others can open doors to new opportunities and support.
Collaboration as Currency: Helping others and building a strong community can lead to mutual success.
Bridging the Gap Between Veterans and Civilians:
Common Ground: Veterans and civilians share many of the same struggles and aspirations.
Breaking Down Stereotypes: It's important to challenge misconceptions about veterans and recognize their diverse skills and experiences.
Mutual Support: Both veterans and civilians can benefit from supporting and learning from each other.
Resources for Veterans:
CreateYourFuture Website: Offers free resources, including a book download on interviewing and a course on hiring.
Additional Support: Connect with David Lee Jensen and Zack Knight on social media for ongoing guidance and support.

Key Takeaways:

Effective self-marketing and storytelling are essential for career success.
Finding your purpose and passion after the military requires self-reflection and exploration.
Collaboration and community are crucial for personal and professional growth.
Veterans and civilians can benefit from mutual support and understanding.
There are valuable resources available to help veterans transition to civilian life and achieve their goals.

Call to Action:

Visit createveterans.com for free resources and support.
Connect with David Lee Jensen and Zack Knight on social media.
Share this episode with veterans and entrepreneurs who could benefit from the discussion.
Support ATL Vets and their mission to empower veterans.

Links and Social Media

Rediscovering Joy After the Uniform with Garret Biss

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, host Zack Knight sits down with Garret Biss, a retired Marine Corps pilot, addiction recovery coach, and motivational speaker. Together, they delve into the challenges veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life and the strategies to find joy, purpose, and fulfillment beyond the uniform.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Garret’s Journey from Marine to Motivational Leader

How his service as a C-130 Hercules pilot shaped his worldview.
The personal challenges he faced transitioning out of the military.
His life-changing perspective after surviving a near-fatal accident as a child.

The Challenge of Transition

Why many veterans experience anxiety, depression, and a sense of displacement
Garrett’s personal struggles and how he turned to service and charity to heal.

The Three Fundamental Needs for Emotional Well-Being

Connection: Building relationships with oneself and others
Authenticity: Living true to your values without fear of judgment.
Meaning: Finding purpose in work and personal pursuits.

The Power of Storytelling and Vulnerability

How sharing experiences can help veterans reclaim their narratives.
Zack and Garret’s personal reflections on the cathartic power of storytelling.

Actionable Insights for Veterans and Civilians

Lean into passions that bring joy and fulfillment.
Build strong, supportive communities.
Seek out meaning and purpose in all areas of life.

Memorable Quotes

“Service doesn’t end when we leave the military. In many ways, it’s just beginning.” – Garret Biss
“It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s not okay to stay silent.” – Garret Biss
“Garret’s story shows us how to turn our experiences—good and bad—into opportunities to lead and inspire.” – Zack Knight

About The Tactical Leader Podcast

The Tactical Leader Podcast, hosted by Zack Knight, shares transformational stories and actionable insights from leaders who tackle life’s toughest challenges. From veterans to entrepreneurs, each episode is designed to inspire you to lead with purpose, resilience, and authenticity.

Subscribe now to The Tactical Leader Podcast and never miss an episode where leadership meets life’s defining moments!

The Heart of Entrepreneurship with Tessa Arnold

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Guest: Tessa Arnold, Co-founder of Snapback Energy

Episode Summary:

In this episode of *The Tactical Leader Podcast*, host Zack Knight dives into an inspiring conversation with Tessa Arnold, the co-founder of Snapback Energy. Tessa shares the journey of creating Snapback Energy as a lasting legacy with her late husband, Army combat veteran Michael Arnold, and how they designed their company to provide veterans with clean, effective energy products. This episode is a powerful exploration of resilience, finding purpose, and navigating unexpected shifts in life and business.

Episode Highlights:

- Mindset of Resilience: Tessa explains the importance of keeping a “kid at heart” mindset and how this playful approach to life has helped her remain adaptive and resilient, especially through challenging times.

- Career Adaptability: From corporate roles to entrepreneurship, Tessa reveals her journey of pivoting careers and embracing change, and how these experiences prepared her for the unexpected.

- Snapback Energy’s Mission: Learn how Tessa and her late husband envisioned Snapback Energy as a purpose-driven business for veterans and active-duty military personnel, focusing on providing a clean, effective, and sustainable energy solution.

- Honoring a Legacy: Tessa discusses building Snapback Energy as a tribute to her husband’s legacy and their mutual commitment to creating something lasting for the veteran community.

Tune In To Learn:

- The challenges and triumphs Tessa faced in growing Snapback Energy.

- The mindset shifts necessary for transitioning from corporate roles to entrepreneurship.

- The impact of building a purpose-driven business and honoring a loved one’s legacy.

Whether you’re a veteran, entrepreneur, or anyone seeking inspiration on overcoming life’s hurdles, Tessa’s story is sure to resonate. Don’t miss this episode of *The Tactical Leader Podcast*!

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and follow @TacticalLeaderPodcast for more inspiring stories of leadership and resilience.

---

Connect with Tessa Arnold

[Website: Snapback Energy](https://snapbackenergy.com)

Instagram: [@snapbackenergy](https://instagram.com/snapbackenergy)

Unlocking Grit, Capital, and Leadership: Insights from Jeff Barnes

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In a compelling episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, host Zack Knight sits down with Jeff Barnes, CEO of Angel Investors Network, to delve into the intricacies of leadership, entrepreneurship, and the ever-challenging world of raising capital. Both military veterans, Zack and Jeff weave personal stories of resilience and lessons learned through hardship into the broader themes of navigating life after the military, building businesses, and helping others unlock financial autonomy.

Overcoming Early Challenges: A Foundation for Grit

Jeff’s entrepreneurial journey is rooted in adversity. He recalls a tumultuous childhood, where his family fell into homelessness after a failed business partnership. They lived in an old RV, bouncing between California and Colorado, barely scraping by. This early experience, though harrowing, instilled in Jeff an unshakable sense of grit and determination, qualities that would shape his future entrepreneurial success.

Rather than becoming risk-averse from these hardships, Jeff embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship. Watching his father toil as a small business owner taught him valuable lessons in hard work, even if scaling the business remained out of reach for his father. “My dad worked in fancy restaurants and mansions in Aspen doing hardwood floors, but he never grew the business,” Jeff reflects, noting that while his father’s work ethic was inspiring, it also showed him what not to do in business.

From Military to Entrepreneurial Success

Transitioning from military life to the civilian world wasn’t easy for Jeff, a challenge many veterans face. “When you’re in the military, you feel like you’re making an impact. Once you're out, it’s hard to replicate that,” Zack Knight adds. Jeff’s early attempts at finding a foothold after the military included ventures in financial planning, real estate, and corporate leadership. Despite his success in various sectors, Jeff struggled with the rigid structures and authority-driven culture of corporate life.

This disdain for authority pushed Jeff and his wife to build a chiropractic and functional medicine practice. With determination and smart marketing strategies, they grew it into a seven-figure business within months. “Within 90 days, we had a full schedule. That’s when I realized I had the tools to succeed on my own,” Jeff shares. The experience taught him not just how to run a business but how to scale it effectively—a critical skill he now helps other entrepreneurs master.

Angel Investors Network: Creating a Legacy Through Capital

As the CEO of Angel Investors Network, Jeff now helps entrepreneurs raise capital and scale their businesses. His early experiences with financial instability drive his mission to democratize access to capital. “I’ve tried so many things in my life. Now, with Angel Investors Network, I’m helping others find that same freedom,” Jeff explains. Through his organization, he works to build platforms where companies can raise capital and grow, creating what he calls “Torrential Downpour Economics”—the idea that successful companies spawn entire ecosystems of opportunity and job creation.

Zack, reflecting on Jeff's work, recalls attending one of his Nashville events, a space where entrepreneurs can connect with potential investors. With future events planned in Las Vegas and Tampa, the goal is to keep expanding the network and help more business owners secure the funding they need to scale.

Key Lessons for Entrepreneurs: Grit, Clarity, and Leadership

Throughout their conversation, Zack and Jeff emphasize three critical elements for entrepreneurial success:

1. Grit is Essential: Jeff’s rise from homelessness to CEO highlights the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges.

2. Clarity of Vision: Jeff advises entrepreneurs to be crystal clear about their business vision and capital-raising goals. Investors won’t engage if they don’t understand your mission.

3. Leadership Through Action: Both Zack and Jeff stress that leadership isn’t just a title; it’s a role earned through experience and results. In both the military and corporate worlds, Jeff led by doing the work and leading by example.

Jeff also offers three tactical steps to secure capital:

1. Clarity: Clearly define your business goals and capital requirements.

2. Presentation: Hone your pitch and refine your presentation for potential investors.

3. Practice: Constantly practice your pitch, seeking feedback and refining your messaging until you’re ready for investors.

These takeaways are not just theoretical—they are actionable insights that Jeff has used to scale multiple businesses and now teaches others to do the same.

Building a Legacy of Autonomy

One of the most powerful takeaways from the episode is Jeff’s commitment to building a legacy of financial freedom and autonomy. Having lived through the consequences of financial instability, Jeff now seeks to provide others with the tools they need to succeed. Whether it’s through Angel Investors Network or his broader entrepreneurial ecosystem, his goal is to democratize capital and empower more people to create wealth on their own terms.

For veterans, entrepreneurs, or anyone seeking to build a lasting impact, Zack and Jeff’s conversation serves as both an inspiration and a practical guide for navigating the road to success. Their discussion offers a blueprint for overcoming personal and professional obstacles, using leadership and resilience as the foundation for entrepreneurial growth.

---

Take Action: If you're a veteran or an entrepreneur looking for capital or mentorship, check out the Angel Investors Network (https://angelinvestorsnetwork.com) for upcoming events and resources. You can also visit ATLVets.org (https://www.atlvets.org) for veteran-focused professional development opportunities. Tune into *The Tactical Leader Podcast* for more insights from leaders like Jeff Barnes who are shaping the future of entrepreneurship and leadership.

Behind the Books: A Conversation with Navy SEAL Jack Carr

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

On the latest episode of The Tactical Leader Podcast, Jack Carr, former Navy SEAL, best-selling author, and host of the Danger Close podcast, shared his incredible journey from military service to becoming a top-tier author in the world of thrillers. Carr’s reflections highlight the value of building upon a foundation established by previous generations of authors while adapting to today’s constantly evolving media landscape.

Jack Carr is a former Navy SEAL who served for 20 years, transitioning from military operations to becoming a successful author and podcast host. His military experience, particularly in tactical operations and leadership, deeply informs his writing, lending authenticity to his thrillers. Carr’s time in the Navy SEALs laid the foundation for his post-service career, where he draws on his battlefield experiences to create compelling, action-packed stories. His journey from elite military service to top-tier author showcases his adaptability and commitment to excellence across different fields.

Building on the Legacy of Great Authors

Carr emphasized how crucial it has been for him to recognize and build upon the literary foundations laid by iconic thriller authors. "I’m not just regurgitating things—I’m building off the foundation that’s been built by all these other authors," he explained. He cited classic stories like *The Most Dangerous Game* and *Rogue Male* as significant inspirations, but it didn’t stop there. Carr outlined a timeline of influences, including legendary figures like Ian Fleming, John le Carré, Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy, David Morrell, and Nelson DeMille.

Carr acknowledges that the works of these authors have allowed him to forge his own path. "These guys gave me this foundation by writing such amazing books, and I build on that," he said, adding that he’s taken lessons from the past and applied them to modern-day storytelling in a way that honors those who came before him.

The Importance of Adapting to the Battlefield of Media

One of Carr’s unique insights in the podcast was how the modern publishing environment requires authors to adapt to new challenges, much like a battlefield. "You couldn’t have done what I’m doing now back in 1985," he said, reflecting on how digital platforms, podcasts, and social media have revolutionized the way creators can engage with their audience.

In Carr’s early career, traditional book tours and limited media appearances were the main avenues for engaging with readers. Today, authors like Carr have an abundance of ways to connect with fans, express gratitude, and contribute value, whether through social media interactions or hosting podcasts. “You might just want to write the book, and that’s wonderful. But for me, I need to build a readership,” Carr shared, explaining his motivation to create content beyond just writing novels.

This approach is more than just business—it’s personal. Carr, who has a middle child with severe special needs, shared that the financial responsibility of caring for his family drives his efforts to engage with his audience consistently. "For me, thanking people, being authentic, and adapting to this new environment is just as important as writing the books."

From Page to Screen

A particularly exciting moment of the conversation came when Carr recounted the story of how his book The Terminal List was adapted into a major television series. As he was writing the book, Carr imagined Chris Pratt playing the lead role, even though Pratt was then known primarily for comedic work on *Parks and Recreation*. After Pratt’s transformation in Zero Dark Thirty, Carr saw him as the perfect actor to embody the main character.

It turns out that Carr’s intuition was spot on. Through a fortunate series of connections—thanks to a friend, Jared Shaw—Pratt ended up reading the book and called Carr in 2018 to option the story. Pratt would not only star in the series but also serve as a producer. Additionally, famed director Antoine Fuqua, known for films like Training Day and Shooter, became part of the project after another friend of Carr’s handed Fuqua a copy of the book.

Reflecting on this journey, Carr emphasized how taking the time to help someone, even in small ways, can lead to unexpected opportunities. "Never miss an opportunity to make someone’s day," he advised, sharing how he had once helped Shaw transition out of the military, which ultimately paved the way for their collaboration.

Navigating the Complexities of Social Media

While the digital era has opened new doors, Carr also highlighted some of its downsides. As an introvert by nature, he acknowledged the challenges of maintaining a social media presence, especially when faced with negative feedback. “People are unkind, generally,” he said, noting how even though 98% of his followers are supportive, it’s the negative voices that tend to stand out.

Carr’s solution is simple but profound: focus on the positive. "If you don’t like something, you don’t have to say anything about it. But if you like something, you can make somebody’s day by just saying that."

A Legacy of Authenticity

In wrapping up the conversation, Carr was asked about the legacy he wants to leave. He admitted that he doesn’t often think about it in those terms, but his actions speak for themselves. Carr’s career, from Navy SEAL to author and podcast host, is a testament to his dedication to building on the foundations laid by others, adapting to new environments, and consistently putting in the hard work to craft stories that resonate with his audience.

Through his writing, his podcast, and his interactions with fans, Jack Carr is leaving behind more than just best-selling novels—he’s building a legacy of authenticity, gratitude, and resilience.

---

You can follow Jack Carr’s journey through his website and social media platforms. His latest non-fiction work, *Targeted*, releases on September 24th, 2024.*

Speaker Series Featuring Jodi Burns and SFCT

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In a recent episode of the Tactical Leader Podcast, Zack Knight had an engaging conversation with Jodi Burns, discussing the impact local organizations and veterans’ families have in creating strong communities. One of the key points was how smaller, less known initiatives can drive powerful change, even if their contributions are often underappreciated. This episode highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnerships in supporting veterans and their families.

Veterans and Their Families: The Unsung Heroes

One of the standout moments of the conversation was Jodi's recognition of the pivotal role families play in the lives of service members, particularly Special Operations Forces. As the wife of a Navy SEAL, she shared her perspective on the struggles families face, often handling the emotional and logistical burdens of long deployments. These families wear many hats and form the backbone of support for service members, yet their contributions are often overlooked.

Jodi and Zack both emphasized the importance of organizations that focus not just on the service members but also on their families. These organizations aim to alleviate the stress that comes with military life by creating supportive communities where families can lean on each other. This effort is crucial in ensuring the well-being of both the service members and those who hold the home front together.

Mental Health Support: Breaking the Stigma

A significant part of the discussion revolved around mental health and the importance of accessible, confidential support for veterans. Jodi shared her passion for a program called *Beyond the Battlefield*, which offers anonymous therapy sessions to service members dealing with trauma. This approach allows veterans to seek help without the fear of career repercussions, addressing the stigma that often surrounds mental health in the military.

Zack and Jodi talked about how mental health resources are essential but can be difficult to navigate within the traditional military structure. The anonymous aspect of this program provides a lifeline for veterans, encouraging them to take that first step toward healing.

Tailored Programs for Unique Needs

Throughout the conversation, the focus remained on the idea that every veteran's needs are different. Jodi mentioned how their programs are designed with flexibility in mind, giving veterans the chance to choose how they seek support. Whether it's through small group therapy sessions or one-on-one counseling, the goal is to provide options that best suit the individual.

The Beyond the Battlefield program’s success lies in its ability to offer not just therapy but a sense of camaraderie. Veterans often find comfort in opening up to those who have walked in their shoes, creating a space where they can feel understood and supported.

The Road Ahead

rapped up, both Zack and Jodi reflected on the importance of continuing to raise awareness about these issues. The need for mental health resources and family support is ongoing, and organizations like Special Forces Charitable Trust are stepping up to meet the demand. By forging partnerships with local and national organizations, they hope to expand their reach and help even more veterans and their families.

This episode of the The Tactical Leader Podcast serves as a reminder of the strength that comes from community. Veterans and their families are not just survivors of war; they are resilient, powerful members of society who deserve recognition and support.

If you'd like to learn more about the programs discussed or get involved, check out the Special Forces Charitable Trust and consider supporting initiatives that make a difference in the lives of those who have served.

Advancing The Line with William Brown

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 04:45:00 -0400

What services does the U.S. government outsource, and how can your business - veteran-owned or not - capitalize on these often-overlooked opportunities?

In this conversation, your host Zack Knight, invites William Brown, a former JAG officer turned business attorney, to share the often-overlooked world of government contracting. From heart-wrenching stories of international cooperation to practical advice for small business owners, this conversation spans a wide range of topics relevant to both veterans and civilians. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the legal aspects of running a business, the untapped potential of government contracts, and the power of collaboration between veteran and civilian-owned enterprises.

[00:00 - 05:25] From Battlefield to Boardroom: A JAG Officer's Journey

William Brown's transition from 21-year military service to civilian law
The importance of family legacy in military service
How JAG officers impact military operations beyond legal matters

[05:26 - 13:23] A Tale of Two Worlds: Saving Lives and Changing Laws

The story of saving an Afghan girl through international cooperation
How legal expertise can be used to navigate complex international situations
The power of quick decision-making in life-or-death scenarios

[13:24 - 22:16] Unlocking the Government Contracting Goldmine

The basics of government contracting for veteran-owned businesses
How civilian businesses can partner with veteran-owned companies
The surprising range of services and products the government outsources

[22:17 - 35:44] The Hidden Opportunities in Local Government Contracting

Exploring contracts at county and municipal levels
How small businesses can tap into overlooked contract opportunities
Real-world success stories of businesses thriving through government contracts

[35:45 - 44:28] Building Bridges: Veteran and Civilian Business Collaboration

How veteran and civilian businesses can work together for mutual benefit
The unique value proposition of veteran-owned businesses
Strategies for networking and finding complementary business partners

Key Quotes:

"The government doesn't manufacture anything. They buy everything and they buy services." - William Brown

"Everything we're doing in the community is to bring in veterans and veteran supporters to everything we're doing." - Zack Knight

The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran professional development. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org/22aday and take action to support our veterans.

Speaker Series w/ Gabe Soltero

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 04:45:00 -0400

How can military veterans successfully transition their leadership skills and experiences into thriving corporate careers?

In this speaker series conversation, host Zack Knight talks with Gabe Soltero, a former Navy pilot turned program manager for military hiring at Home Depot. Gabe shares his journey from a 25-year military career to the corporate world, offering valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities facing veterans in transition. The conversation delves into the importance of adapting communication styles, leveraging transferable skills, and the role of support networks in successful career transitions. Gabe also highlights Home Depot's commitment to veteran hiring and retention, shedding light on innovative programs and policies that support military families.

[00:00 - 05:44] From Navy Wings to Corporate Ladders: A Pilot's Journey

Gabe Soltero's 25-year Navy career and passion for flying
The compelling recruitment pitch that led him to choose the Navy
Transition from ROTC to flight training and living the dream

[05:45 - 14:32] Charting the Course: Career Path in Naval Aviation

The rigid yet diverse career progression in the Navy
Balancing technical skills with leadership responsibilities
The importance of people and leadership in military retention

[14:33 - 20:58] Landing in Atlanta: Navigating the Civilian World

The challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life at 47
Exploring opportunities in Atlanta's corporate landscape
Learning to translate military experiences for civilian audiences

[20:59 - 24:35] Home Depot's Veteran-Friendly Initiatives: More Than Just Hiring

Gabe's journey to finding his place at Home Depot
The company's impressive veteran hiring statistics and retention strategies
Home Depot's approach to fostering career growth for veterans

[24:36 - 28:55] Mastering the Art of the Humble Brag: Veteran's Guide to Self-Promotion

The importance of smiling and approachability in job searches
Learning to speak in terms of "I" instead of "We"
Tailoring military experiences to civilian job requirements

[28:56 - 39:46] The Backbone of Service: Family Support in Military Transitions

The crucial role of spousal and family support during career transitions
Involving family members in decision-making processes
Balancing military service with family unity

Key quotes:

"When you transition, you need to start talking about the I. And veterans struggle with that." - Gabe Soltero

"Master the art of the humble brag.” Gabe Soltero

Speaker Series Tampa w/ Lynda Cox

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:45:00 -0400

How can a national organization like Tunnel to Towers effectively collaborate with local communities to combat veteran homelessness and provide sustainable support?

Zack Knight sits down with Lynda Cox, the VP for Development and Government Affairs at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, they discuss the organization's mission to eradicate veteran homelessness and provide comprehensive support through their national case management network. Lynda shares the foundation's humble beginnings, inspired by the heroic actions of firefighter Stephen Siller on 9/11, and how it has grown to help veterans and first responders nationwide. She emphasizes the importance of collaborating with local service providers and understanding the unique needs of each community to address the root causes of homelessness effectively. Throughout the conversation, Zack and Lynda highlight the role of organizations like Tunnel to Towers and Advancing in Line in providing holistic support, from housing to workforce development and entrepreneurship opportunities.

[00:00 - 07:06] Advancing in Line's Mission and Growth

Update on Advancing in Line's recent initiatives, including the VetOps program for professional development
Advancing in Line celebrates its one-year anniversary as an official 501(c)(3) organization
Tunnel to Towers Introduction

[07:07 - 13:26] The Beginnings of Tunnel to Towers

Tunnel to Towers was founded in memory of firefighter Stephen Siller, who lost his life on 9/11
The foundation initially focused on supporting widows and orphans created that day
Tunnel to Towers expanded its mission to help injured veterans and first responders

[13:27 - 20:10] Eradicating Veteran Homelessness: A Bold Mission

Tunnel to Towers declared its mission to eradicate veteran homelessness
The foundation has helped over 4,000 veterans and their families come off the streets in the last two years
Lynda emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships and collaborating with local communities

[20:11 - 31:12] The Power of the National Case Management Network

Tunnel to Towers' national case management network
The network consists of over a thousand service providers nationwide, addressing veterans' specific needs
Lynda highlights the importance of not just providing housing, but also addressing the root causes of homelessness

[31:13 - 37:22] Translating Military Experience to Civilian Success

Veterans often struggle to translate their military experience to the civilian world
Zack and Lynda discuss the challenges of transitioning from the military to civilian life
Tunnel to Towers aims to provide holistic support, including workforce development and self-actualization

Key Quotes:

"The very least we can do is make sure that you have dignity and security for the rest of your life." - Lynda Cox

"There's so much opportunity in this room to take action, to take the next step, to advance the line" - Zack Knight

Tactical Friday: How-to Overcome Adversity w/ Patriot Barbie

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 04:45:00 -0400

How can faith and resilience help transform personal tragedies into opportunities for growth and service to others?

In this Tactical Friday, host Zack Knight welcomes back Lindsey Graham, known as the Patriot Barbie, to discuss overcoming adversity and finding purpose through faith. Lindsey shares her journey of resilience, detailing how she navigated through dark times and rediscovered her identity. The conversation delves into the importance of prayer, understanding life's challenges as part of a greater plan, and using past experiences to serve others. Zack and Lindsey explore themes of trust in God, the value of relationships, and the power of conviction in one's beliefs. They also discuss the importance of aligning with like-minded individuals and using one's talents and experiences for a greater purpose.

[00:00 - 05:44] The Power of Faith in Adversity

Prayer is crucial when facing tragedy or trauma.
Trusting in a higher purpose can provide comfort and direction.
Shifting from asking "why me?" to "show me why" can be transformative.

[05:45 - 09:07] Finding Meaning in Life's Challenges

Every experience, good or bad, can serve a greater purpose.
Writing down life experiences can reveal patterns and lessons.
Personal struggles can become powerful tools for helping others.

[09:08 - 11:16] The Ripple Effect of Our Actions

Our experiences prepare us for future challenges and opportunities.
Seemingly negative events can lead to positive outcomes for others.
Embracing one's story can inspire and help those facing similar struggles.

[11:17 - 12:09] Building Relationships and Standing Firm in Beliefs

Forming relationships with like-minded individuals is crucial for success.
Conviction in one's beliefs can be challenging but rewarding.
Aligning with those who share your values is important in business and life.

[12:10 - 16:05] Serving a Greater Purpose

Using talents and resources to serve others creates meaningful impact.
Personal struggles can become the foundation for helping others.
True fulfillment comes from serving a purpose beyond oneself.

Key Quote:

"Everything in your life has played a purpose.” - Lindsey Graham

Connect with The Patriot Barbie:

Website: https://patriotbarbie.com/

Instagram: @the.patriot.barbie

Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show?

LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join Our BATL Space and become part of the community.

How to Find Your Voice in the Face of Adversity w/ The Patriot Barbie, Lindsey Graham

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 04:45:00 -0400

What does it take to stand firm in your convictions when facing overwhelming opposition and personal loss?

In episode 449, host Zack Knight sits down with Lindsey Graham, known as the Patriot Barbie, to discuss her remarkable journey from a successful salon owner to a prominent conservative voice. Lindsey shares her experience of defying COVID-19 lockdowns, facing intense backlash, and ultimately reinventing herself. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and seizing unexpected opportunities in the face of adversity.

[00:00 - 13:35] From Salon Chair to Political Battleground

Lindsey's background as a non-political person
How COVID-19 lockdowns threatened her livelihood and years of hard work
The unexpected political spotlight that came from standing up for her business

[13:36 - 18:59] Defying the Mob: Lindsey's Stand Against Threats and Backlash

Violent threats and community backlash faced for keeping her salon open
Organizing protection for her business and others in Salem
The personal and professional cost of her defiance

[19:00 - 26:14] Losing Everything but Gaining Purpose

Lindsey's loss of business, home, and identity as a successful entrepreneur
Finding strength in faith during the darkest moments
Viewing losses as part of a greater plan for her life

[26:15 - 30:14] Embracing a New Path and Purpose

How faith helped Lindsey see opportunity in her challenges
The process of exploring new career paths
Unexpected political connections opening doors to new opportunities

[30:15 - 33:39] Crafting a Legacy: Authenticity and Bold Voice in Action

Lindsey's current multiple businesses and public speaking career
Her aim to leave a legacy of authenticity and using her voice for truth
Encouraging others to seize opportunities without knowing the end result

Key Quotes:

"You can seize the moment and seize the opportunity without knowing why." - Lindsey Graham

Connect with The Patriot Barbie:

Website: https://patriotbarbie.com/

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Tactical Friday: 3 Strategies for Self-Mastery w/ Kristofor Healey

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 04:45:00 -0400

How can incorporating voluntary adversity into your life help you build resilience and overcome challenges when real adversity strikes?

In this Tactical Friday, we continue sharing tactics with Kristofor Healy for self-mastery and leadership. Kristofor shares his insights on the importance of embracing adversity, maintaining consistency, and viewing life's challenges as opportunities for growth. He emphasizes the need to create voluntary hardships to build resilience and prepare for the inevitable obstacles that life throws our way. Throughout the conversation, Kristofor shares his 3 most important tactics to encounter adversity and build a strong mindset.

[00:00 - 05:08] Applying Tactical Strategies for Self-Mastery

The importance of having both a strategy and tactics to achieve goals
Include voluntary adversity in your life to build resilience
Maintain good habits, like making your bed, to set yourself up for success

[05:09 - 08:39] The Power of Consistency Over Time

Consistency is key to achieving success
Cultivate the value of patience, effort, and perseverance
Focus on effort rather than success and keep your eyes on the long-term goal

[08:40 - 11:12] Life is Fire: Turning Adversity into Strength

Why life is suffering and how can deal with it
Challenges can either burn you down or bring brightness to those around you
Control your attitude, efforts, actions, and reactions to turn adversity into strength

Key quotes:

"Consistency over time leads to success." - Kristofor Healy

"You have a right to control your attitude, your efforts, your actions, your reactions." - Kristofor Healy

Connect with Kristofor:

Podcast: The Stoic Responder

Website: https://www.kristoforhealey.com/

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Speaker Series w/ Jackie Breitenstein

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

How does Shepherd Center support veteran care, break down barriers, and encourage veterans to seek treatment?

In episode 448, host Zack Knight sits down with Jackie Breitenstein, the head of the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Jackie shares how Sheperd Center is working with veterans suffering from brain injuries and other hidden wounds of war. She shares the unique challenges veterans face when seeking care and how Shepherd Center and the SHARE program are working to break down those barriers. Jackie also highlights the importance of involving family members in the healing process and the long-term support SHARE provides to ensure veterans can successfully transition back to their communities.

[00:00 - 06:01] From Boxing Ring to Brain Injury Rehab: Jackie's Journey

Jackie's past as a professional boxer with an 8-2 record and six knockouts
How her boxing experience led her to work with brain injury patients at Shepherd Center
Shepherd Center's world-renowned reputation in treating brain and spinal cord injuries

[06:02 - 12:25] SHARE Military Initiative: Comprehensive Care for Veterans

SHARE program treats post-9/11 veterans and first responders
Care provided at no out-of-pocket expense, including travel, housing, and specialist teams
Zack's personal connection to Shepherd Center through his own experiences

[12:26 - 30:52] Breaking Barriers: Reaching to Veterans

Challenges of marketing to veterans who don't want to be labeled as "damaged goods"
SHARE's reliance on word-of-mouth referrals and building trust with veterans
Importance of finding a new mission and purpose for veterans as they heal and transition

[30:53- 39:29] Link Between Brain Injuries and Veteran Suicide

Statistics reveal the prevalence of brain injuries among veterans and increased suicide risk
Addressing root causes of veteran suicide, including misdiagnosed and undertreated brain injuries
Misconceptions surrounding ongoing conflicts and lack of public awareness about veteran challenges

[39:30 - 45:10] Healing Families, Restoring Connections: SHARE's Holistic Approach

Involving family members in treatment, educating them on supporting their veteran loved one
Powerful story of a veteran reconnecting with his daughters during treatment
Importance of respite care for veteran caregivers supporting loved ones for years

Key Quotes:

"If all we do is talk to the veteran and we don't include their circle of support, we're not setting that veteran up or that family up for success." - Jackie Breitenstein

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Lessons in Resilience from the Front Lines w/ Kristofor Healey

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 04:45:00 -0400

How can stoicism and learning from adversity help first responders and law enforcement officers build resilience in their personal and professional lives?

In episode 446, host Zack Knight interviews Kristofor Healey, a former DHS special agent, speaker, author, and podcast host. Kristofor shares his journey from aspiring archaeologist to federal law enforcement officer in the wake of 9/11, and how his experiences on the Southwest border and in investigating large-scale fraud cases shaped his perspective on resilience and stoicism. In this conversation, Kristofor also shares his passion for teaching and mentoring others, as well as his new book, "In Valor: 365 Stoic Meditations for First Responders," which aims to provide a practical guide for law enforcement officers to develop a resilient mindset.

[00:00 - 08:26] The Journey to Law Enforcement

Introduction to Kristofor Healey
Kristofor's post-9/11 desire to serve drove his career change
Worked on complex federal investigations for 15 years
Southwest border experiences shaped his views on resilience and stoicism

[08:27 - 14:35] Life on the Southwest Border

Worked during Gulf cartel chaos and civil war
Investigated corrupt law enforcement officers
High-stakes work required tactical awareness and skilled targets

[14:36 - 17:32] Balancing Work and Relationships

Experience in marriages while on duty
Advice to find points in common with your significant other
Success requires recognizing strengths, weaknesses, and following when necessary

[17:33 - 22:22] Developing a Stoic Mindset

Discovered stoic philosophers during challenging times
Stoicism focuses on controlling attitude, effort, actions, and reactions
Stoicism helped navigate the transition from law enforcement to entrepreneurship

[22:23 - 27:32] Daily Practices and Balancing Life with a Significant Other

Law enforcement authority can carry over into personal relationships
Healthy relationships require recognizing limitations and following the partner's lead
Checking authoritative communication patterns is an ongoing practice

[27:33 - 30:10] Public Speaking and Sharing Lessons Learned

Speaks about turning obstacles into opportunities and using adversity as a gift
Draws on law enforcement and endurance racing stories to encourage resilience
Believes sharing lessons from global conflict benefits law enforcement and the general population

[30:11 - 33:44] Legacy and Supporting the Next Generation

Law enforcement faces unique challenges: PTSD, staffing shortages, confidence crisis
Experienced officers should share stories to help others navigate challenges
Legacy means helping others climb up, not closing the door behind oneself

Key Quotes:

"What you control is your attitude, your effort, your actions and your reactions. If you can control those things and focus inward on those things, the outcomes take care of themselves." - Kristofor Healey

"You don't turn around and close the door behind you. You put a ladder behind you so that people can climb up behind you." - Kristofor Healey

Connect with Kristofor:

Podcast: The Stoic Responder

Website: https://www.kristoforhealey.com/

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Speaker Series w/ Cannon Carr

Mon, 20 May 2024 04:45:00 -0400

What are the three key mistakes entrepreneurs make when it comes to their wealth, and how can they be avoided?

In episode 445, host Zack Knight interviews Cannon Carr, a wealth management strategist, CEO, and business owner of Corner Cap Wealth Advisors. Carr shares his expertise on building resilient teams, fostering a positive company culture, and the common pitfalls entrepreneurs face when managing their wealth. The conversation dives into the importance of planning for the future, maintaining liquidity, and achieving a healthy work-life balance. Carr also emphasizes the significance of small businesses in driving economic growth and innovation. Throughout the episode, Zack draws parallels between the experiences of veterans transitioning to civilian life and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs.

[00:00 - 09:57] Starting a Business and the Entrepreneur Journey

Cannon Carr’s Introduction and early steps in the entrepreneurial world
How does stability work in entrepreneurship?
Cannon’s company nowadays

[09:58 - 15:04] Building Resilience in a Team

Focus on building a team that can make decisions independently
Hire people based on shared values and culture
Encourage honest communication and vulnerability within the team

[15:05 - 21:19] Ego and Loyalty in Business and The Military

Recognize that ego can create unnecessary conflict and distraction
Understand that loyalty is a double-edged sword; sometimes, you need to let go of team members who have outgrown their roles
Strive for a balance between personal life and professional obligations

[21:20 - 35:27] The 3 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make with Their Wealth

Not planning for an exit strategy
Lack of liquidity to navigate through disruptions
Failing to maintain independence from the business

[35:28 - 41:39] The Importance of Giving Back and Building Trust

Inspire others by giving forward and sharing knowledge
Acknowledge that success is not achieved alone; be willing to help others
Foster trust within your team and in your relationships

Key quotes:

"Culture means you set the values about how your company or your business makes decisions." - Cannon Carr

"There's no way I would be where I am now without the help of others, right? So you have to share, and it's a joy to do that." - Cannon Carr

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Speaker Series w/ Dave Young

Fri, 10 May 2024 04:45:00 -0400

How can the skills and leadership style developed in the military translate to success as an entrepreneur?

In episode 444, we had a speaker series with Dave Young, a retired National Guard officer turned entrepreneur. Dave shares his journey from a 20-year military career to starting his own wealth management firm, Command Wealth Management. He shares the challenges of transitioning from a structured military environment to the world of entrepreneurship and the importance of finding one's passion and applying the skills learned in the military to build a successful business. Dave emphasizes the value of being process-driven, managing expectations, and prioritizing tasks to achieve productivity. He also shares insights on the significance of community involvement and the power of persistence in acquiring clients. Throughout the conversation, Dave offers advice for those considering entrepreneurship, particularly for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

[00:00 - 06:27] From Infantry to Entrepreneur

Dave's 20-year career in the National Guard, serving in various roles including infantry, cavalry, and airborne units
The decision to retire and transition to entrepreneurship
The importance of family support during the transition

[06:28 - 09:06] Translating Military Skills to Entrepreneurship

How the skills learned in the military, such as operations planning and team management, can be applied to entrepreneurship
The significance of finding one's passion and applying military-acquired skills to build a business
The value of being process-driven and managing expectations in entrepreneurship

[09:07 - 13:39] Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Fear in Transitions

Dealing with the lack of confidence and fear when transitioning from a structured military environment to entrepreneurship
The importance of persistence and not giving up in the face of challenges
Advice for managing expenses and focusing on one's strengths when starting a business

[13:40 - 19:07] Leadership Lessons: From the Military to Business Ownership

The differences in leadership style between the military and entrepreneurship
Managing a business with a spouse and the potential for scaling
The significance of community involvement in acquiring clients and growing a business

[19:08 - 31:25] Productivity Hacks: Time Blocking and Managing Expectations

The importance of time blocking and prioritizing tasks to achieve productivity
Managing expectations, both up and down, in entrepreneurship and corporate settings
The pitfalls of relying on to-do lists and the benefits of focusing on the most important tasks each day

Key quotes:

"Leadership is just inspiring someone to do something to complete a common goal." - Dave Young

"Persistence pays off." - Dave Young

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Author Talk with Admiral James Stavridis

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 04:45:00 -0400

How can fiction help us avoid catastrophic futures and shape a better world for generations to come?

In episode 443, Admiral James Stavridis shares insights from his latest novel, "2054," the second installment in a cautionary fiction trilogy. He shares the potential impact of artificial intelligence on society and the military, the need for sovereign states to control this powerful technology, and the importance of bridging political divides to address the challenges facing our nation. Through his writing, Admiral Stavridis aims to inspire readers to imagine dangerous futures and work towards reverse-engineering them to avoid potential catastrophes.

[00:00 - 12:30] The Power of Cautionary Fiction

Introduction of the Moderator Rickey Bevington
Introduction of Admiral James Stavridis
Admiral Stavridis explains his motivation for writing cautionary fiction novels

[12:31 - 23:21] The Purpose of the Trilogy

The trilogy explores the challenges of the 21st century, including war, AI, and climate change
Difference between predictive fiction and cautionary fiction
Why use fiction to deliver this message?

[23:22 - 27:58] The Singularity and the Future of AI

The concept of the singularity, where biology merges with technology, is introduced
AI has the potential to be both enormously beneficial and malevolent
The novel explores the implications of AI and the race between nations to control it

[27:59 - 00:35:45] The Future of Geopolitical Power and AI Control

Non-state actors, such as big tech and criminal enterprises, are now in the sandbox with governments
The importance of controlling AI early
The U.S. is in a foot race with China regarding AI

[35:46 - 42:12] The Need for a Cyber Force

The importance of creating a dedicated cyber force within the U.S. military
The military faces challenges in recruiting due to competition with the civilian economy
Despite the difficulties, young men and women will continue to serve their country

[42:13 - 48:43] Finding Hope in a Divided Nation

The U.S. will find its way out of the current political divisions
He emphasizes the importance of listening to the other side and engaging in civil conversations
The path forward lies in finding candidates who are willing to reach across the aisle and generate compromise
The third book in the trilogy, "2084," explores the effects of climate change on geopolitics

Key quotes:

"Like all new technologies, AI can be of enormous benefit and it can be enormously malevolent." - Admiral James Stavridis

"The path is not in surrendering your positions on policies. It's about listening to the other side." - Admiral James Stavridis

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Dinner with Admiral James Stavridis

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 06:15:00 -0400

How can we navigate the complex geopolitical challenges of our time, and what role do key players like Ukraine, China, and India play in shaping the future of global security and democracy?

In episode 442, Admiral James Stavridis shares his insights on the current state of global affairs and the critical challenges facing our world today. Drawing from his extensive military experience and strategic acumen, Admiral Stavridis dives into the complexities of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the rising tensions with China, and the tragic situation in the Middle East. He emphasizes the importance of supporting Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression, while also highlighting the need for a balanced approach in dealing with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Throughout this episode, Admiral Stavridis underscores the significance of alliances, diplomacy, and the role of emerging powers like India in shaping the future of global security and democracy.

[00:00 - 07:47] The Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Biography of Admiral Jim Stavridis
The importance of supporting Ukraine
The potential consequences of a Russian victory
The cost-effectiveness of arming Ukraine compared to the U.S. defense budget

[07:48 - 08:50] Countering China's Growing Influence

The necessity of maintaining a robust U.S. defense budget to match China's increasing spending
The idea for creating an alliance structure in Asia to stand against Chinese aggression
The potential benefits of a new alliance system in the region

[08:51 - 16:20] The Middle East Crisis

The context of Israel's response to the October 7th terrorist attack by Hamas
The situation of Gazan civilians and the need for humanitarian assistance
The U.S. role in supporting Israel while encouraging them to care for the civilian population

[16:21 - 24:03] Turkey's Geopolitical Importance

Admiral Stavridis shares his family's history and connection to Turkey
The critical role of Turkey in the NATO alliance despite current challenges
The importance of remembering the past but not being imprisoned by it

[24:04 - 28:21] India's Emergence as a Global Power

India's growing influence and advantage due to its large population, innovation, and geography
The challenges India faces, such as corruption, nationalism, and social issues
The potential for India to emerge as a positive force in the global south and its importance for team democracy

Key Quotes:

"The degree to which team democracy pulls that global south here is the degree to which we can hope for the right outcomes." - Admiral James Stavridis

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Lunch with Admiral Stavridis

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 04:45:00 -0400

How can we use the benefits of artificial intelligence while minimizing its dangers in a time of swift technological progress?

In episode 441, Admiral James Stavridis shares his books, "2034" and "2054," which explore the potential consequences of a war between the U.S. and China and the rise of artificial intelligence. Admiral Stavridis emphasizes the importance of examining these challenges while there is still time to address them. He explores the concept of singularity, the merger between human biology and technology, and its implications for the future. The discussion also covers the military applications of AI, the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI-enabled operations, and the need for strategic planning in democracies. Admiral Stavridis remains optimistic about America's future but warns against the dangers of isolationism.

[00:00 - 06:24] Exploring the Consequences of War and AI

Stavridis' books, "2034" and "2054," challenge readers to consider the consequences of U.S.-China war and pervasive AI.
The books encourage addressing these challenges while there's still time to reverse engineer them.
The singularity: the merger of human biology and technology.

[06:25 - 12:16] The Singularity and Remote Gene Editing

What is The Singularity about?
How remote gene editing could allow nations to conduct targeted operations.
Implications of having access to this technology.

[12:17 - 17:19] The Military Applications of Artificial Intelligence

AI can be used in the military for maintenance, logistics, tactical advice, and strategic advice.
AI could provide valuable tactical advice to soldiers.
AI could offer strategic advice to military leaders, synthesizing information about countries and their military capacities.

[17:20 - 24:58] The Ethical Dilemmas of AI-Enabled Operations

Is having a human in the loop always the best approach?
How can AI help military operations?
Where are we at in military operations?

[24:59 - 37:06] The Importance of Strategic Planning and American Engagement in the World

Why long-term strategic planning due to changing administrations and political preferences is important.
Bipartisan efforts are needed to create national strategies for challenges.
Stavridis is optimistic about America's future, citing its advantages and warning against isolationism.

Key Quotes:

"Don't ever bet against this country." - Admiral James Stavridis

"If the United States simply walks away from the world, the jungle will grow back." - Admiral James Stavridis

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Legendary Highlight w/ Tommy Breedlove

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 04:45:00 -0400

How can prioritizing self-worth and mastering your mindset lead to success in both your personal and professional relationships?

In episode 439, host Zack Knight introduces Tommy Breedlove, the founder of Legendary Life, a company for entrepreneurs and executives seeking personal and professional development. Tommy shares the importance of self-awareness, self-worth, and mastering one's mindset to achieve success in relationships, leadership, and business. He emphasizes the need to prioritize oneself physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally to lead, love, and respect others effectively. The conversation also touches on the challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian life and maintaining relationships, as well as the value of continuous personal and professional development.

[00:00 - 02:45] Introducing Tommy Breedlove and Legendary Life

Tommy Breedlove's book "Legendary" became a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller in 2020
Legendary Life focuses on helping entrepreneurs and executives achieve success in their careers, relationships, and personal lives
Achieve success without sacrificing your relationships and well-being

[02:46 - 03:58] Prioritizing Relationships as Veterans

Maintaining relationships after transitioning to civilian life
Why do relationships in the military struggle?
Why is prioritizing your relationships important?

[03:59 - 08:12] Advice for Improving Relationships

Self-awareness is the key to success in relationships, leadership, and business
To love and respect others, one must first prioritize their own self-worth
Mastering one's mindset is the key to happiness and success in life

[08:13 - 10:33] The Event: Your Life, Your Legend

Legendary Life hosts retreats and events focused on personal and professional development
The event emphasizes the importance of being a better human, leader, and overall person
Legendary Life's three pillars: prioritizing oneself, building a community of wisdom-sharing, and continuous growth

Key Quotes:

"In order to truly love and respect someone else, whether it's in a business setting, a life setting, or a relationship setting, you've got to prioritize your self-worth." - Tommy Breedlove

"If you really want to know the key to happiness in life, it's mastering your mindset." - Tommy Breedlove

"If you're not growing, you're dying." - Tommy Breedlove

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Tactical Friday | How to Progress Your Career from Any Role

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 05:45:00 -0400

How can you progress in your career from any role?

In this Tactical Friday, Debbie Collard joins host Zack Knight to discuss tactics for leading from the middle ranks of an organization. She shares that no matter what position you hold, you can demonstrate leadership and intentionally progress in your career. Debbie outlines her 3-step process for taking control over your professional growth through earning your role, owning your work, and pursuing knowledge and skills to grow.

[00:00-06:11] Leading from a middle rank

Understanding that everybody is a leader to somebody.
Earn, own, and grow in your current role.

[06:12-08:47] Changing the entitlement mindset

Treat your role as if you own that part of the business end-to-end.
Recognizing that learning is a never-ending process.

[08:48-13:10] Invest in your professional development

Why is it necessary to invest in growing?
The role of coaches in the development journey.

Key Quotes:

"Everybody is a leader to somebody. You may not even know it, but if people are watching what you're doing and trying to follow in your footsteps, You're a leader." - Debbie Collard

"Only you can earn the position, own the position, and you can control your growth in it." - Debbie Collard

"Coaches exist in different niches to help you get better at something than you are today." - Debbie Collard

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Mastering Leadership: From Military Operations to Corporate Strategies w/ Debbie Collard

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 05:45:00 -0400

What leadership lessons from the military can be applied to corporate life?

In episode 437, host Zack Knight sits down with Debbie Collard, a seasoned leader whose journey from the military to the boardroom offers insights into leadership, culture building, and self-development. Debbie shares her transformative leadership roles, the significance of self-mastery for effective leadership, and how her military experiences have shaped her approach in the corporate environment. Listen in as we explore Debbie's philosophy on leadership, her strategies for personal and professional growth, and her mission to elevate leadership standards globally.

[00:00:00 - 00:08:14] Enlisting for Opportunity

How Debbie joined the Air Force.
Adapting your role.
Transitioning out of the military.

[00:08:15 - 00:15:43] Advancing at Boeing

Experience at Boeing and McDonnell Douglas.
Operational excellence and quality improvement.
Learning how to take the best of each experience.

[00:15:44 - 00:21:40] Founding Seasons Leadership

Creating a leadership program.
Understanding holistic leadership.
Sharing leadership lessons.

[00:21:41 - 00:27:06] Generational Gaps

Being open to feedback.
Adaptability as a tool for leadership.
Learning how to ask for help.

[00:27:07 - 00:31:36] Striving for Excellence

Legacy is to make leadership excellence a worldwide standard
The importance of taking initiative.

Key Quotes:

"Being leader is about being open to feedback.." - Debbie Collard

"Anything that we learn or experience in our lives goes with us from there on. And no one can take that away from us." - Debbie Collard

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From Fallujah to the Big Screen: Sgt. Peralta's Legacy w/ Michael Barder

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 05:45:00 -0400

What does it take to bring an American war hero's story to the big screen?

In this episode, host Zack Knight interviews film producer and director Michael Barder about his upcoming biopic on Sgt. Rafael Peralta, a Marine who was killed in action during the Second Battle of Fallujah in 2004 after jumping on a grenade to save his fellow Marines. They talked about Peralta's inspirational story of courage and sacrifice, the controversy around his Medal of Honor nomination, and Michael’s mission to accurately capture his story on film.

This episode is a deeper look at bravery, the complexities of military recognition, and the impact of Peralta's actions on his fellow Marines and the nation.

[00:00:00 - 00:09:07] The Making of a Hero

Michael Barder's journey into filmmaking
Introduction to Sgt. Rafael Peralta's story
The significance of the Battle of Fallujah

[00:09:08 - 00:13:24] Behind the Scenes

Challenges in bringing Peralta's story to the screen
Working with the military and Peralta's family
The role of authenticity in military biopics

[00:13:25 - 00:16:41] The Battle for Recognition

The controversy surrounding Peralta's Medal of Honor nomination
Politics in military awards
Naming a ship after Peralta

[00:16:42 - 00:19:32] Legacy and Impact

The broader implications of Peralta's story on military and civilian perceptions
The power of a story to inspire and provoke change
When the project is airing?
How can you support this film?

[00:19:33 - 00:33:54] Q&A Section

The process of film production and challenges faced
Community and veteran support for the project
The possible impact of the biopic on audiences

Key quotes:

“There was something about the story that grabbed me as I kind dug into it, and found more about it. Rafael Peralta is really a quintessential American story.” - Michael Barder

“As a filmmaker, I love true stories.”- Michael Barder

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Go For Stupid w/ Steve Sims

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Zack Knight interviews entrepreneur and author Steve Sims about his new book "Go For Stupid" on achieving ridiculous goals. They discuss Steve's mindset of seeing opportunity during COVID, not seeking approval from others, the power of connections, upleveling your standards and environment, demanding more from relationships, and overcoming adversity.

[00:00 - 09:16] Seizing Connections and Chances in the Pandemic

Used downtime to deeply connect with more people
Addressed core need for relationships and community
Hundreds of new pandemic millionaires spotted opportunities

[09:17 - 21:28] Elevating Standards and Environments

Don't lower standards based on groups' expectations
Seek out challenging environments for growth
Change peer groups by raising personal standard

[21:29 - 34:15] Positioning Yourself and Demanding the Best

Create desire and momentum to receive chances
Prepare to accept the opportunities that arise
Treat loved ones with your same high standards
Work through discomfort to improve relationships

[34:16 - 47:25] Pursuing Huge Goals

Dream stupidly big goals that make people laugh
Idolized figures failed toward grand ambitions
Failure leaves you vastly ahead in long run

Key Quote:

"We're paralyzed when people have the potential to laugh at us." - Steve Sims

Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show? LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue on putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veterans with workforce development and entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

If you want to learn how to build a better business, you can connect with me at ZackAKnight.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join BATL or ATLVets and become part of the community.

Tactical Friday | Diagnosing Gaps & Prescribing Solutions

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Pat D'Amico joins us for Tactical Friday to dive into the tactics and strategies he uses for leadership development programs. He outlines his process of first diagnosing the organization's needs through surveys and interviews. Then Pat customizes a long-term plan focused on competencies like differentiating leadership vs. management. He facilitates sessions aimed at bringing value to attendees, no matter who shows up.

[01:38 - 04:46] - Diagnosing Needs and Gaining Buy-In

Starts with 1:1 interviews to diagnose leadership gaps
Must get executive commitment to long-term development
Creates a sense of ownership in the process

[04:47 - 09:47] - Customizing Development Plans

Builds programs based on prioritized competency gaps
Differentiates leadership vs. management training
Plans sustained touchpoints like virtual sessions

[09:48 - 13:31] - Importance of Masterful Facilitation

Aims to bring value through camaraderie and engagement
Can make poor content seem incredible through facilitation
Focuses on those who show up to grow

[13:32 - 17:51] - Overcoming Sabotaging Cultures

Scarcity mindset prevents sharing employee successes
Often tied to zero-tolerance vs. failure-positive cultures
Must fix root leadership issues causing turnover

Key Quote:

"You could take exceptional content put in the hands of a mediocre facilitator and their opinion of the overall program is going to be mediocre." - Pat D’Amico

Pat's Website: https://aboutfacedevelopment.com/

What's Up Wednesday | Toxic Leadership Cultures

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Zack Knight reflects on his conversation with leadership consultant Pat D'Amico and previews their upcoming discussion on Friday. He shares a story about a former boss who, despite having anger issues, gave him valid feedback to smile more. Zack realized years later that self-development is a continual journey and you can learn from every leader. Pat helps teams "about face" through internal leadership development strategies.

[00:00 - 03:29] - Recap of interview with Pat

Pat D'Amico brings corporate leadership tactics from Army and 25 years in industry
Focuses on organizational development and culture change
About Face Development helps teams shift direction

[03:30 - 06:06] - Learning from Every Leader

Story of boss with anger issues who gave valid feedback to smile more
Realized years later it aligned with Dale Carnegie's teachings
We can learn something from even ineffective leaders

[06:07 - 08:16] - Importance of Continual Development

Poor leadership can unfortunately perpetuate toxic culture
Need both personal and professional development
Always opportunities to enhance capabilities

[08:17 - 09:51] - Helping Teams "About Face"

Pat uses internal leadership strategies tailored to each client
Focuses on development from individual to organizational level
Builds sustainable change through many tactics

Key Quote:

"I think we have to have a personal journey, a personal connection to really highlight where we need to develop personally and professionally.” - Zack Knight

How a Veteran Brings Military Tactics to Business w/ Pat D’Amico

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Zack interviews Pat D'Amico, a former Army officer turned leadership consultant. They discuss how Pat has brought military leadership tactics into the corporate world through his company About-Face Development. Topics include the lack of leadership training in many organizations, the importance of continuous development programs, managing expectations through the Pygmalion effect, and overcoming adversity to grow as a leader.

[00:00 - 09:16] From Army to Corporate Leadership

Graduated military academy and enjoyed leadership roles
Transitioned to sales and operations executive positions
Realized passion for developing other leaders

[09:17 - 18:05] The Need for Ongoing Leadership Development

Many corporations lack formal management training
Must make development a continuous journey
Design sustainable programs with multiple touches

[18:06 - 25:02] Driving Performance Through High Expectations

Pygmalion effect: Belief in people becomes self-fulfilling
Leaders underestimate influence on team’s success
Adversity provides opportunity for growth

[25:03 - 36:13] Leaving a Legacy of Better Leaders

Wants leaders to say "he made me better"
True success comes from developing your team
Aim is to help leaders maximize their people

Key Quotes:

"Every employee deserves a good manager." - Pat D'Amico

"Leadership and management development is a never ending journey.” - Pat D'Amico

Pat’s Website: https://aboutfacedevelopment.com/

Going All In w/ Mike Michalowicz

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Zack Knight interviews author and entrepreneur Mike Michalowicz. They discuss Mike's latest book "All In". Mike shares how going "all in" means transitioning from a business doer to a business designer and creator of jobs. He provides tactical advice on how to delegate tasks, take a mandatory one month sabbatical each year to gain perspective, hire the right people through simulations and skills assessments, and empower employees through transparency and appreciation.

[00:00 - 05:12] From Entrepreneur to Bestselling Author

Went from losing everything to discovering business insights through journaling
Writes books to share solutions to common entrepreneur struggles
Realized the job of an entrepreneur is designing systems, not doing the work

[05:13 - 10:23] Assessing Critical Thinking and Grace Under Pressure

Skills tests reveal how candidates react under stress
Ask for multiple real examples of handling tough situations
Simulations test critical thinking and problem solving abilities

[10:24 - 16:00] Hiring and Empowering the Right Team

Past behavior indicates future performance
More transparency and information sharing builds trust
Create "quick start" manuals outlining communication preferences

[16:01 - 24:05] Leading with Humility and Leaving a Legacy

Model integrity through apologies and admitting faults
Reciprocity means team will follow leader's example
Signed his wall: "Eradicate Entrepreneurial Poverty" to support small business success

Key Quote:

"The job of an entrepreneur is not to do the job. It's to be a creator of jobs." - Mike Michalowicz

One Marine's Journey from the Battlefield to the Bookshelf w/ Kevin Horgan

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode, host Zack Knight interviews veteran Kevin Horgan about his journey from the Marine Corps to a long career at UPS to becoming an author of historical fiction, children's books and more. They discuss veteran transition, supporting charity organizations, important lessons from moving his family around the country for UPS, and the story behind Kevin's latest books.

Things you will learn in this episode:

[00:01 - 4:04] Opening Segment

Kevin's background from college to the Marines to UPS
The early days of veteran resource groups and the Vet Lab in Atlanta

[4:05 - 14:42] Life Outside The Battlefield

Managing a career and family while moving around the country
Kevin's son joining the military
Achieving the goal of no debt by retirement

[14:43 - 17:58] Moving After Service

Balancing family and career while moving
Benefits of relocating for opportunities

[17:59 - 26:32] From English Major to Published Author

Waking up inspired to write historical fiction on Civil War
Tips for aspiring fiction writers
Self-publishing platforms to keep costs down

[26:33 - 37:02] Advice for Transitioning Service Members

Importance of determining location based on family needs first
Believe that you are capable
Vetting veteran charities before giving money

Key Quotes:

"If being a Marine officer was a privilege of my life, the honor of my life was being a husband and father." - Kevin Horgan

"If your boss or your peers think that you are capable of doing something...don't take yourself outta that loop. If your boss thinks you're good enough. You're good enough." - Kevin Horgan

Admiral Robert P. Wright’s conversation with General David H. Petraeus about his new book ‘Conflict’

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0400

How did strategic missteps early in conflicts such as Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan haunt the United States in the long run? General David Petraeus joins Admiral Robert P. Wright to unpack failures in strategic leadership that plagued these wars from the outset. In a wide ranging discussion, he outlines the four key tasks he believes military and civilian leaders must tackle: getting the big ideas right, communicating them effectively, overseeing rigorous implementation, and constantly refining based on evidence and results. With historical depth and personal perspective from commanding troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, Petraeus analyzes Russia's strategic mistakes in invading Ukraine as well. He explains why continued robust aid to Ukraine serves America's national interest in supporting democracies against autocracies aligned with US competitors like China and Iran.

[00:00 - 10:05] - Writing the Book and Strategic Leadership Framework

Outlines 4 key tasks of strategic leadership
Applied model to leadership roles in military, sees parallels in business

[10:06 - 25:15] - Vietnam and Iraq Case Studies

Failure in Vietnam was not understanding population-centric counterinsurgency
Two phases of Bush's leadership in Iraq war; early strategic missteps
Petraeus empowered by Bush's direct leadership and oversight during surge

[25:16 - 39:10] - The Long Afghanistan Conflict

Brilliant initial 2001 campaign but lacked sustainable inputs and strategy
Still sustainable for US at low troop levels compared to Vietnam
Biden withdrawal opens door for Taliban, Al Qaeda resurgence

[39:11 - 49:00] - Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

Zelensky's strategic leadership rallied Ukrainians with powerful messaging
Russia underestimated resolve and fighting capability of Ukrainian forces
Petraeus argues continued robust support for Ukraine in US national interest

[49:01 - 50:42] - Key Takeaways on Strategic Leadership

Importance of understanding context and getting big ideas right
Communication and implementation matter little without strategic clarity
Failures often trace back to flaws in initial strategic thinking and leadership

Key Quote:

“We could not win a war of attrition with a country that regarded casualties very, very differently than we did. “ - General David Petraeus

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The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veterans with workforce development and entrepreneurship. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org and get involved!

An Evening with General David Petraeus

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0400

What dynamic forces shape modern warfare, and how can strategic leaders apply historical lessons to guide decisions today? General David Petraeus analyzes major conflicts from the last 75+ years, finding that while technology transforms tactics, strategic leadership remains the essential element for victory. Discussing watershed battles in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan from his own unique vantage, Petraeus spotlights the urgency of civil-military integration. With insights on achieving strategic goals through a balance of hard and soft power, this far-ranging conversation provides a penetrating masterclass in statesmanship under fire.

[00:00 - 10:10] - Opening Segment

Zack thanks partners for enabling the event

[10:11 - 22:20] - Evolving Nature of Warfare from 1945-Present

Technology and ideas transformed warfare, e.g. drones in Iraq, social media for intel in Ukraine
Ukraine conflict shows need to evolve US military to a force of high quantity unmanned systems
US left Afghan forces vulnerable without continued air support

[22:21 - 38:45] - Importance of Integrating Diplomacy and Military Efforts

Strategic leaders empowered Petraeus and Crocker as civil-military partners in Iraq
Joined State Department and military elements improved counterinsurgency operations
More resources needed to support and confirm US diplomats around the world

[38:46 - 51:00] - Comparing Leadership in Ukraine Invasion

Zelensky inspired Ukrainians with powerful communication and brave presence on frontlines
Putin underestimated Ukraine’s resolve and effectiveness
Conflict shows open-source intelligence from internet and smartphones revolutionized modern war

[00:51:01 - 01:05:50] - Israel-Gaza Challenges and US Political Divisions

Israel faces immense urban warfare difficulties in destroying Hamas
Mandatory military service strains Israel's economy but provides tech skills
Petraeus argues for political compromise in US domestic affairs
Credible deterrence essential to prevent Taiwan conflict from erupting into war

Key Quotes:

"The surge that mattered most was the surge of ideas." - General David Petraeus

"You have to deal with the world the way it is, not the way you would like it to be." - General David Petraeus

"Deterrence is a lot cheaper than war." - General David Patraeus

Tactical Friday: Building Self-Aware Leadership

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Catie Campbell returns to dive deeper into building self-awareness for leaders who struggle with lacking the interpersonal skills needed to advance. We discuss tactics like using survey feedback, 360 reviews, and consistent one-on-one meetings to uncover leadership blindspots. Catie shares examples of how middle managers often shield senior executives from knowing what's really happening inside a toxic culture. Additionally, we explore how the consistency of soliciting input, followed by transparency and follow-through, is key for organizations to uncover and address problems.

[00:00 - 02:04] Introducing Tactics for Self-Aware Leaders

Frame interpersonal skills as necessary rather than "soft" skills

[02:05 - 07:22] Implementing Systems for Transparency

Use engagement surveys, 360 reviews, upward feedback meetings to uncover blindspots
Hold quarterly fireside chats to directly gather employee perspectives
Ensure consistency and follow-through on actions around feedback

[07:23 - 10:44] Toxic Leadership Hidden from the Top

Mid-level managers frequently shield problems from senior executives
Toxic leaders can still produce results, hiding issues from CEO awareness
Lack of interventions like surveys and transparency allows problems to perpetuate

[10:45 - 14:26] Driving Organizational Change

Catie's story of a CFO chokepoint creating ripples of dysfunction
Even with awareness, inaction from the top allows toxicity to spread
Organizational commitment to openness is key to reveal issues

Key Quote:

"It's about consistency and it's about then following through with what you say you're going to do." - Catie Campbell

What's Up Wednesday | Soft Skills or Necessary Skills?

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Zack reflects on Monday's episode with Katie Campbell about necessary skills for leadership and success. He ties it to his experience organizing high-profile events featuring General Petraeus and collaborating across teams and organizations. Key themes shared in this episode are bringing self-awareness to conversations, and applying 'soft skills' as an entrepreneur.

[00:00 - 00:56] - Reflecting on Necessary Skills Conversation

Katie Campbell reframed "soft skills" as "necessary skills" critical for advancement and success
These skills help garner respect and bring teams together

[00:57 - 04:09] - Organizing High-Profile Events

Inspiring to see collaboration between organizations, like military units
Had to quickly build relationships and lead team for Petraeus events
Applies same necessary skills as deploying with new platoon of soldiers

[04:10 - 07:13] - Working with Different Personalities

Have to work with people you're given in any organization
Mentor highlights using people's talents rather than complaining
Recognizing the challenge in dealing with difficult personalities

[07:14 - 08:06] - Key Themes and Continuing the Conversation

Friday's episode will cover tactics to increase self-awareness
As leaders we can always improve our collaborative abilities
Will explore how to have constructive conversations around necessary skills

Key Quote:

"I didn't get to choose what soldiers I deployed with. I didn't get to choose who my leadership was. You've got what you've got.” - Zack Knight

__________________________________

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Tactical Leadership is brought to you by Knight Protection Services. A veteran-owned and operated company, with extensive experience in risk assessment and crime prevention. Find out more by visiting https://knightprotectionllc.com/

If you want to learn how to build a better business, check out my website at Beatacticalleader.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join Our BATL Space and become part of the community.

Creating Self-Awareness as an Executive with Catie Campbell

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0400

"Work the magic on really pulling the goodness out of you so that you're inspired...you know exactly what you need to do. Off you go and you hit success.." - Catie Campbell

In this episode, host Zack Knight chats with executive coach and culture expert Catie Campbell about developing necessary skills like emotional intelligence to become a more effective leader. They explore practical tactics to improve self-awareness, handle difficult emotions, and create positive company cultures. Catie shares wisdom from her extensive experience empowering leaders across various industries.

Catie Campbell is an executive coach who has worked with more than 25,000 leaders (probably more!) to help them build, scale, and deepen their leadership impact. She has worked in nearly every industry and segment studying what excellence in leadership looks like. She uses that experience to influence and shape how leaders take on the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving world of work. She is an emotional intelligence expert, early-stage startup investor, and mentor, and provides pro-bono support for veterans transitioning in their careers. Former military spouse, single mom of 2 girls, excellent cook, practical alchemist, friendly to all, friend to the people who know how to go deep.

[00:01 - 13:58] Enhancing Connections Through Shared Experiences

Catie supports Stand Beside Them to aid veterans with their civilian transitions
Experience the benefits of joining organizations and coaching programs
Hosting retreats allows vulnerable connections to drive business impact

[13:59 - 23:02] Understanding Emotions to Guide Actions

Deep connections are made through emotional interactions
Meditation helps slow down and precisely understand emotions
Determine constructive actions based on the emotions you feel
Writing feelings down helps process emotions before deciding actions

[23:03 - 29:40] Building Self-Awareness as a Leader

Soft skills are necessary skills to leadership
Prioritize psychological safety as part of company culture
Seek upward feedback from your team regularly
Consistently follow through on actions around feedback

[29:41 – 31:10] Creating a Leadership Legacy

Catie aims to help leaders better serve their people
She wants to create healthier work environments for future generations
Zack recaps lessons on bringing teams together for a shared mission
Check out https://www.colibrimagic.com/

Key Quote:

"If the emotional stuff is like a stretch for some people, writing it down can be in, not verbalizing it to anybody can be a really safe way. It’s a great tactic to walk into that." - Catie Campbell

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Guiding Veteran Entrepreneurs On Their Mission | Speaker Series Tampa | Valerie Ellis Lavin

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Zach Knight interviews Valerie Lavin, founder of Luminary Global, about supporting veteran entrepreneurship in Tampa, FL. They discuss Valerie's background serving over 20 years in the Army, her transition into entrepreneurship and non-profit work after retiring, and the mission behind Action Zone to provide resources, education, and a community for veterans exploring business ownership. Valerie highlights the power of entrepreneurs and small businesses to drive economic growth and social progress. She shares advice for transitioning veterans on finding their niche and remaining agile as entrepreneurs.

[00:00 - 13:20] - Valerie's Background and Transition to Entrepreneurship

Retired Army First Sergeant after 20+ years of service
Transitioned to Tampa and fell in love with the city
Didn't connect much with local veteran community while active duty

[13:20 - 26:00] - Supporting Entrepreneurs and Small Business

Veterans founding companies can have positive economic impacts
Entrepreneurs and small business critical for America's success
Veterans have inherent skills for business ownership

[26:00 - 39:20] - The Mission and Legacy of Action Zone

Goal is to guide veterans interested in exploring entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs need a supportive community to learn and thrive
Launching online platform connecting mentors and subject matter experts

[39:20 - 47:34] - Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Asks room for introductions, connections, and spreading the word
Encourages networking with Valerie and exchanging information
Challenges audience to take action in supporting veteran entrepreneurs

Key Quote:

"It is the entrepreneur that will continue to make this country great." - Valerie Ellis Lavin

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Tactical Tay Friday: Interrupting Routine with Intimacy

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0400

This episode focuses on tactics to enhance intimacy and connection in relationships by integrating your partner into your morning routine. Zach and Taylor discuss the importance of including intimacy and affection in busy morning routines. They share examples of how they make time for each other first thing in the morning, even when getting ready for busy days. The key is being willing to interject yourself into your partner's routine playfully and accept attention when your partner does the same.

[00:00 – 8:23] - Maintaining Intimacy in a Busy Routine

Waking up together sets the tone for intimacy
Physical touch like a kiss or hug shows affection
Verbal affirmations reinforce your bond
Scheduling couple time prevents neglect

[08:23 – 13:38] - Injecting Playfulness into the Routine

Be willing to lovingly disrupt your partner’s routine
Accept your partner’s bid for attention
Surprise affection can make mundane tasks more fun
Teasing and banter lightens the mood

[13:38 – 20:20] - Balancing Your Needs

Learn to initiate and receive spontaneous intimacy
Don’t give up if your partner seems distracted
Persist playfully if you meet initial rejection
Your partner will likely reciprocate affection

[20:20 – 23:36] - Closing Thoughts

Make time for physical and emotional intimacy
Integrate your partner into your morning ritual
Be open, playful and persistent with showing love

Key Quote:

"Be playful with your partner." - Taylor Merritt

From the BATLField to the Boardroom to the Bedroom | #6

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400

"Alphas respect alphas. Somebody that is the CEO or C suite is gonna respect a hard charger because they see themselves in that person as a hard charger." - Zack Knight

Get ready to level up your resilience and self-belief as hosts Zack Knight and Taylor Merritt have a no-holds barred conversation on dealing with criticism. They reflect on feedback they've received from a recent viral video that rubbed some viewers the wrong way. They explore overcoming the fear of rejection, accepting worst-case scenarios, and summoning the courage to put yourself out there time and again.

Drawing from their own experiences, Zack and Taylor share hard-won wisdom on building confidence, reaching out to mentors, and maintaining laser focus on your goals. With plenty of lighthearted banter mixed in, they inspire us to believe in our own voice and abilities even when others try to dim our shine.

[00:00 - 06:28] - Reflecting on Feedback

Zack and Taylor discuss feedback received on their "moving the car seat" video
They compare it to the double standard of leaving the toilet seat up
Zack argues fear of rejection inhibits people more than fear of regret

[06:29 - 20:43] - Dealing with Negative Feedback

Unexpected negative feedback can feel like a public assault
Building inner resilience takes time
Seeking mentorship can provide perspective

[20:44 - 28:12] - Overcoming Rejection

Accepting worst-case scenarios can empower action despite fear
Don't take rejection personally, keep working towards goals

[28:13 - 46:14] - Having the Courage to Act

Introducing yourself to influential people shows initiative
Picturing and accepting worst-case scenarios allows action despite fear

[46:15 - 50:49] - Asking for Guidance

Don't be afraid to ask mentors for guidance
Overcome rejection with team support

Key Quote:

“Who cares? Go freaking do your job, get it done. Feel good about yourself. Move on. You know, your value, you know your worth.” - Taylor Merritt

BATL Confidence w/ S.A. Grant

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400

"Batman's beauty is that he is a regular person without superpowers, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done." - S.A Grant

In this episode, host K.C. Sullivan discusses the power of assessments for personal and professional growth with guest S.A. Grant, a brand and growth strategist. From using the “superhero question” to identify someone’s abilities to optimization on websites, S.A. provides savvy insights on implementing assessments for personal growth and business success.

You’ll be captivated hearing S.A.’s incredible story of surviving a stroke in 2018 that led him to start his podcast “Boss Uncaged.”

[00:00 - 03:19] - Explaining The Need For Assessments

S.A. explains assessments allow you to see where you fit in the "game" and then modify, change and adapt.
He discusses using the "superhero question" to quickly identify someone's characteristics and abilities.
S.A. shares how to build a balanced team using complimentary personality types

[03:20 - 08:05] - Using Assessments to Identify Abilities

K.C. asks how S.A. uses assessments to identify team members' abilities when building an organization.
K.C. discusses using assessments to pinpoint areas for confidence improvement with clients.
S.A. emphasizes assessments are used in all aspects of life, from buying a house to getting into college.

[08:06 - 19:31] - Relationships Using Assessments

S.A. shares how opposites attract and complement each other in relationships and business partnerships.
K.C. gives examples of using assessments to help clients improve specific areas of confidence related to their goals.
S.A. suggests involving a professional third party to give assessments for things like parent-teen relationships.

[19:32 - 27:57] - S.A.'s Podcast Journey Inspired by Surviving a Stroke

S.A. tells the powerful story of how he survived a stroke in 2018 that inspired his podcast journey.
He explains the meaning behind the Boss Uncaged logo and brand name.
S.A. shares about his podcast, The Boss Uncaged, and his unique in-depth interview style.

[27:58 - 42:31] - Key Takeaways on Using Assessments Strategically

S.A. emphasizes that every company website should use data collection and lead generation.
K.C. concludes with key takeaways about utilizing assessments strategically.
Assessments provide critical data to set strategic goals when used properly.

Key Quote:

"If I go to your website, and I can't give you my email address, or I can't make a purchase in two clicks or less, you fucked up." - S.A. Grant

BATL Confidence w/ Frederick Taylor

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400

"Fashion is the only venue that we have that is sort of resilient to … these other types of agendas that orbit around us in society ... you can do anything and you can do everything and you can be exactly who you want." - Frederick Taylor

In this episode of the Tactical Leader Podcast, host KC Sullivan has an engaging conversation with Emmy award winning filmmaker Frederick Taylor about how fashion, film and pop culture shape our self-image and culture. They discuss the power of authentic self-expression through style and using clothes to intentionally project confidence. Frederick shares how fashion allows people to belong and feel represented.

If you want to learn more about how fashion and film have shaped our culture, and how we can use this to improve our self-confidence, this is the episode for you!

[00:00 - 04:08] Frederick's Background

Grew up protecting others, believing in equity
Realized the industry he was in didn't align with his desire to create impactful work

[04:09 - 17:58] Being Yourself and Using Fashion to Build Identity

Don't get caught chasing superficial goals
Focus on believing in your abilities and serving others
Fashion builds identity and pathways to become your best self
It helps you belong and feel empowered

[17:59 - 38:21] Intentional Style and Diverse Representation

Style is how you utilize fashion
Be intentional about the message your style projects
Benetton's diverse ads were groundbreaking
Representation matters

[38:22 - 53:07] Enjoying Self-Expression and Teaching Next Generations

Enjoy and document your fashion journey
Trends fade, but self-belief lasts
Teach youth when self-expression needs to align with appropriateness
Guide them to stay grounded in themselves

Key Quotes:

"When you … fall on your face, you make mistakes … you have your scrapes, that's okay. You're not in this game to try to be perfect. You're in this game to try to be you." - Frederick Taylor

Connect with Frederick Taylor:

Instagram: @fr3der1ck

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BATL Brews Featuring Justin Arndt

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“It's a lot of work. It takes a team. And so, I actually incorporated drone work into my work. And I just decided to do aerial photos and videos because it was just less equipment to bring around. But the main challenge, I guess is networking in the business arena because I'm used to being a police officer and those environments, not the business environments.” – Justin Arndt

How do you overcome self-doubt? In today’s episode, Zack and Taylor are joined by Justin Arndt. Justin discusses his journey from law enforcement to entrepreneurship and his experience with starting his own business, Our Local Heroes. They talk about how Justin overcame self-doubt by taking risks and connecting with veterans at Post-29 of the American Legion.

Justin explores balancing giving and taking when running a business, the importance of making personal connections, and how to get veterans in front of cameras.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Justin shares how he was able to transition out of law enforcement into entrepreneurship!

[00:00 - 02:05] Appreciating Frontline Leaders

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Zack welcomes, Justin Arndt!
Justin struggled with transitioning from police officer to business networking

[02:06 - 17:35] Overcoming Isolation And Finding Community

When he decided to incorporate drone work into his work
Found a community of entrepreneurs at American Legion Post-29
Started volunteering and providing photography services for veterans
Started a passion project which quickly turned into an LLC

[17:36 - 29:05] Capturing The Legacy Of Others And Finding Balance

Justin shares a story about a missed opportunity to capture a legacy
The challenges of turning a passion into a business
Separating personal and professional life
Making personal connections with veterans can be a challenge

[25:06 – 42:49] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Justin shares how to successfully turn your passion into a business!

Key Quote:

“I guess the one thing that I struggled in when I was trying to figure out what to do at my pace. So, I made a decision. I was like, “How can I work at my own pace”, and go by my own rules and try to figure out this next chapter and work for myself because I got limitations now. So, I slowly did my thing. And I first started out, trying to do video and photo work and video equipment is heavy and there's a lot of it.” – Justin Arndt

Connect with Justin Arndt:

LinkedIn: Justin Arndt

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From the BATLfield to the Boardroom to the Bedroom

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

"Shoot your shot. You might miss, but at least you showed up." – Taylor Merritt

Ever felt that just 'being there' doesn't cut it anymore? In today’s episode, Taylor and Zack, dive in as we explore why it's crucial to evolve from mere presence to making an impactful presence. They delve into the essence of what it means to show up and the significance of contributing in ways that leave a mark. Zack drives home the idea that merely showing up is only the first step. To genuinely prosper in relationships or any endeavor, one must demonstrate consistent growth and active participation. Taylor shares an experience that resonate with everyone who's faced setbacks. While he didn't hit his mark, he underscores the importance of learning, adapting, and the drive to come back stronger. Zack’s perspective on viewing setbacks as learning curves shines a light on the perils of becoming stagnant and the benefits of venturing outside one's comfort zones. They also touch upon personal evolution, embracing new experiences, and the power of seizing the day. Taylor aptly says, "Shoot your shot. You might miss, but at least you showed up."

[00:00 - 21:42] Exploring New Horizons

Zack and Taylor discuss why stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new experiences can lead to unexpected opportunities and connections.
Building relationships often involves assessing whether you genuinely connect with people beyond just business interactions.
Demonstrating respect by making an effort to be present in someone else's world can lead to stronger business relationships.
Creating comfort for others and being open to forming connections can enhance your overall experiences in unfamiliar environments.

[21:43 - 41:48] Lessons from Austin: Building Connections

· First impressions matter; a warm reception can leave a lasting positive impact.

· Setting expectations for yourself is vital in evaluating relationships and experiences.

· Genuine gestures and efforts to make others feel comfortable set people apart and build strong connections.

[21:43 - 41:48] Seizing Opportunities and Taking Your Shot

· Showing up and contributing is key in both personal and business relationships.

· Embracing failure as an opportunity to learn and grow is essential.

· Trying new things and being open to new experiences can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Key Quote:

“Every fail is an opportunity to learn. You met a failure point, now you have an opportunity to learn something new, get better at something, create a different stance on something." – Zack A. Knight

Connect with Taylor Merritt:

Website: Daddy Tay Fitness

LinkedIn: Taylor Merritt

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Tactical Friday: Sharing What You Learn Can Impact Others

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

"Speaking on stage for me has always been about elevating my existence. And gaining continued clarity." - Glenn Lundy

Welcome back to another Tactical Friday! In this episode, we welcome back Glenn Lundy, who dives deep into what it takes to command a massive stage in front of thousands of people. Glenn shares insights into the tactics he used to conquer his fear and deliver an unforgettable speech to a live audience of 10,000, plus 50,000 online viewers. He reveals the power of speaking from the heart, sharing personal experiences, and how stages can be platforms for personal growth. Glenn also emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships and friendships, especially when living a busy, entrepreneurial life. He reminds us that the decisions we make today will shape our future selves at 80, so why not invest in lasting friendships and meaningful connections?

[00:00 - 11:03] Sharing What You Learned to Impact Others

[11:04 - 19:22] Meaningful Relationships for a Fulfilling Future

Key Quote:

"Don't go out thinking you're going to save the world. Instead, go in and figure out what it is that you need to learn or that you have learned that saved you and share that, and that will get you more stages and create a bigger impact." - Glenn Lundy

Check out full show notes by clicking “Episode Website” below.

Leave a 5-star Review and help this show reach more people. To find out more about me, visit https://knightprotectionllc.com/

What's up Wednesday: Every Minute Counts

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“Move the needle for yourself and really focus on how you're investing in that time with people.” – Zack Knight

I today’s solo episode I share key insights from my recent conversation with Glenn Lundy and offer a glimpse of what's to come on Tactical Friday. Glenn's discussion on auditing eight critical life pillars, including faith, family, fitness, and friendships, struck a chord with me. In our busy lives, it's easy to overlook the importance of nurturing friendships outside of our work and immediate circles. Glenn's emphasis on intentional time investment rather than mere ROI challenged my perspective.

Join us this Friday for a deeper dive into Glenn's speaking career and practical strategies for optimizing your time investments.

[00:52 - 04:16] Embracing Friendship and Stepping Out of Comfort Zones

[04:17 - 05:32] Investing Time Wisely

Key Quote:

"Definitely a worthwhile adjustment to make, get around those people that are impact players for you and your life in a positive way." – Zack Knight

Check out full show notes by clicking “Episode Website” below.

Leave a 5-star Review and help this show reach more people. To find out more about me, visit https://knightprotectionllc.com/

How To Build Long-Term Legacy Wealth

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“Get rid of the word "spend" from your vocabulary and replace it with the word "invest.” – Glenn Lundy

How can leaders create opportunities for their employees to build legacy wealth and leave a positive legacy in the world? In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Glenn Lundy. Glenn is a husband, father of eight, auto industry leader, and motivational speaker on a mission to change the way people start their day. He shares his personal journey and how he discovered sales at a young age. From selling candy at school when he was just 12 years old, to building the 800% Club and using the first hour of each day for gratitude and goal setting.

Glenn discusses the importance of investing time in different areas such as faith, family, friends, finances, career, and self-development.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Glenn challenges listeners to question what they think they know about entrepreneurship and success in life!

[00:00 - 01:29] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Zack welcomes, Glenn Lundy!
Glen is an auto industry leader and motivational speaker

[01:30 - 13:37] Discovering The Power Of Investing

He is on a mission to change the way people to start their day
Started by owning a business, selling candy to fill a void in the marketplace
What are his 8 pillars of life?
Differentiate investments requires different returns

[13:38 - 30:04] How To Build Long-Term Legacy Wealth

ROI (Return on Investment) is defined differently for different areas of life
It takes time to build an empire and long-term investments
People often give up the day before success is about to happen
Leadership inspires us and we should strive to leave a legacy that helps others break out of the cycle

[33:05 – 33:55] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Glenn challenges listeners to question what they think they know about entrepreneurship in order to achieve success in life!

Key Quote:

“Most of us were not taught that you cannot build empires 30 days at a time. It's impossible. It takes years, decades to be able to learn all the things you need to learn, position all the things that you need to position, and make those long-term investments to get those the ROI.” – Glenn Lundy

Connect with Glenn Lundy:

Website: Unlock Your Full Potential

Instagram: @glenn_lundy

LinkedIn: Glenn Lundy

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Tactical Friday: Intentionality Creates Spontaneity

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“Intentionality creates spontaneity.” – Taylor Merritt

How do you create meaningful ways to appreciate each other? In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Taylor Merritt. Zack and Taylor are back for Tactical Friday. Zack and Talor share their tactics to take into the weekend and learn how to communicate better with your partner, value family members, and navigate advice from those who do not understand your goals.

Zack and Taylor provide their insight on how their families responded to their successes and be reminded to take advice with a grain of salt.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Zack and Taylor find a meaningful way to remember their first meeting and express appreciation for one another!

[00:00 - 01:02] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Zack and Taylor are back for Tactical Friday!
They will discuss the different ways of how your partner can reduce stress

[01:03 - 24:39] Intentionality Creates Spontaneity

Family may not understand what you’re trying to accomplish, but don’t let it impact you
Being chivalrous with your partner
Receiving advice from your family
Reminisce on how you and your partner first met

[24:40 – 26:19] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Zack and Taylor encourage couples to be intentional with their time together to appreciate each other!

Key Quote:

“ Be intentional with doing this because reminiscing can create an avenue to appreciate and love each other in a different way. Intentionality creates spontaneity.” – Taylor Merritt

Connect with Taylor Merrit:

Website: Daddy Tay Fitness

LinkeIn: Taylor Merrit

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What's up Wednesday

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“The intentionality for me was not to check out of business. The intentionality for me was to check in to your birthday celebration. We're eating really good food, mission accomplished, and you felt prioritized. I feel like mission accomplished.” – Taylor Merritt

How can one celebrate yourself can lead to personal growth? In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Taylor Merritt. Zack and Taylor are back for, “What’s up, Wednesday”! They discuss the importance of taking time for yourself, even in the midst of busy schedules and hectic lives. In their own experiences of traveling together for business and pleasure, they share tips on how to break away from work, technology, or daily stressors such as communicating needs with partners.

Zack and Taylor provide their insight into the importance of self-care and setting intentionality for your own growth. Learn why it’s necessary to take a step back from work and other distractions to allow yourself to appreciate your surroundings with all five senses and embrace what life has to offer.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as they demonstrate that taking time to celebrate yourself can lead to personal growth and help you break away from the daily grind!

[00:00 - 01:28] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Zack and Taylor are back for “What’s up, Wednesday”

[01:29 - 09:32] How To Disconnect And Take A Mindset Reset

Communication between partners is key to taking a mindset reset
Being intentional about taking time off is important
Setting boundaries and being selfish is not a bad thing
Understanding the importance of taking time off to celebrate oneself

[09:33 – 20:10] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Taylor shares that it’s important to take time to celebrate yourself can lead to personal growth and help you break away from the daily grind!

Key Quote:

“Communicating what you need to your partner and what they need asking what they need back.” – Taylor Merritt

Connect with Taylor Merrit:

Website: Daddy Tay Fitness

LinkeIn: Taylor Merrit

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From the BATLField to the Boardroom to the Bedroom

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“You are your environment. Look at the people you're hanging around, those people who see us and I always felt so outside of it. You are your environment and you either stay in that environment or you decide to come out of it.” – Taylor Merritt

Why do you need to stand up for what you believe in? In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Taylor Merritt. Taylor explores ways to find a balance between personal life and business. Zack and Taylor discuss the concept of time-blocking or scheduling date nights as a way to prioritize relationships and how setting expectations can build anticipation.

Taylor dives into the importance of being intentional in relationships, particularly for entrepreneurs who are passionate about their business. The discussion sheds light on the challenge of checking out and focusing on the relationship while first responders are constantly on duty.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Taylor explores the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs and more!

[00:00 - 02:08] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Zack introduces Taylor Merritt!
Zack and Taylor talk about, “Are you treating your partner like your business?”

[02:09 - 12:57] Intentionality In Relationships

Scheduling date night as a practical application
Setting an expectation for date night
Balance is not a bad thing, but it requires intentionality to check in and out of business and relationships
It is important to recognize that people are human beings and need time to check out

[12:58 - 31:57] Preserving Time For “Us”

Defining time with your partner is different when your clients are around
There should be boundaries created to preserve that time for us
Respectful communication is key
A perverse sense of loyalty can be a struggle in transitioning

[31:58 – 46:43] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Taylor explores why is it important to stand up for your beliefs while finding a balance between your personal life and business!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“What I want to bridge the gap to, is helping people understand when you leave somebody else's corporate construct, you're not wrong in being subjective about not fitting in. One of the greatest struggles you had in transitioning no different than I did was a perverse sense of loyalty… But your own business doesn't have to be that way. bridging that gap to having the ability to make that decision for yourself.” – Zack Knight

Connect with Taylor Merrit:

Website: Daddy Tay Fitness

LinkeIn: Taylor Merrit

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Tactical Friday: Appreciate Chivalry

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“Chivalry is not dead, it's underappreciated. I walk on the street side of the sidewalk every single time, it's a protective mechanism. I open doors, there are some doors I walk through first. If it's dark out, I will walk through and I won't hold a door open for you. I will walk out first, make sure it's safe, and bring you with me.” – Taylor Merritt

Why is it important to show appreciation in relationships? In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Taylor Merritt. Zack and Taylor discuss the importance of taking action in relationships. They share their story of how they incorporated different relationship tactics, such as scheduling date nights and surprising each other with thoughtful gifts. They encourage others to do the same, emphasizing the importance of listening to your partner and taking charge when planning activities or dates.

Zack and Taylor explore the concept of chivalry, highlighting how it is often undervalued and that both men and women should show appreciation for each other’s efforts.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Zack and Taylor dive into the idea of balance in a relationship, with both men and women taking on traditional roles and beyond!

[00:00 - 00:53] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Zack introduces Taylor Merritt!
Scheduling a date night to show appreciation for your partner

[00:54 - 15:46] Appreciate Chivalry: Don’t Expect It, Give Something In Return

Recognizing effort and not just the thought that counts
Show appreciation for your partner’s actions
Women should not expect chivalry; they are not entitled to it
Protective mechanisms and other examples of chivalry

[15:47 - 29:51] Moms Have The Capability And The Balance Of Chivalry

Women should not expect to be treated with chivalry unless they can tell men something they deserve inherently
Chivalry does not have to be exclusive to significant others, it can be extended to all women
Surprise your partner with something that she would like
A challenge for the week, “Plan a surprise for your partner”

[29:52 – 33:35] Closing Segment

Taylor shares the idea of balance in a relationship!
Closing words and reminders

Key Quote:

“When we talk about like chivalry, how you open the door and if you start to expect it, and don't appreciate it. But make sure you really, really appreciate every moment, because those moments might not be there sometimes or they might stop doing them, but like, show the level of how appreciative you are because that's so special. That's so special.” – Taylor Merritt

Connect with Taylor Merrit:

Website: Daddy Tay Fitness

LinkeIn: Taylor Merrit

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What's up Wednesdays

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“It's the first time in my podcasting history. I truly believe I'm going to get interaction on the podcast, and on social media. There's never been the intentionality of my podcast is like to get interaction on social media.” – Taylor Merritt

What is the importance of feedback in our work? In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Taylor Merritt. Zack and Taylor are back for, “What’s up, Wednesday”! Where they will be talking about the amazing feedback they have gotten from their listeners. They will talk about audience input, comments, and shoutouts from Brian Bogert.

Taylor talks about how to provide anonymous feedback if you need help with something in your relationship. They will discuss why men don’t adjust driver’s seats and how Brian Bogert can change her husband’s seat memory settings as a good way of messing with him for his upcoming birthday.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as they share some real talk and laughs as they get into the feedback that they have received!

[00:00 - 01:03] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Zack and Taylor are back for “What’s up, Wednesday”

[01:04 - 09:32] Any Feedback Is Good Feedback

Talking about feedback from their previous interviews and events
Audience input, comments, and shoutouts
Providing anonymous feedback is great feedback
Relationship advice and real talk

[09:33 – 16:31] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Taylor shares their real talk and laughs as they get into the feedback that they have received!

Key Quote:

“I truly think that we have differing opinions on quite a few things. So, I think if somebody presents a topic to us, I think we will very much take opposite viewpoints and be able to draw down to an understanding between those two viewpoints.” – Taylor Merritt

Connect with Taylor Merrit:

Website: Daddy Tay Fitness

LinkeIn: Taylor Merrit

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From the BATLField to the Boardroom to the Bedroom

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“Don't expect your partner to learn off the jump if they do great. But if they are more reserved and they're still showing up for you, make sure you make it known to appreciate them for that, the fact that they're showing up.” – Taylor Merritt

Why is it important to create a safe environment where people can bridge any gaps? In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Taylor Merritt. Taylor dives into the perspectives on life, relationships, and dual entrepreneurship. Through a healthy mix of personal stories, tactical advice, and honest conversations they will be discussing topics such as influencing your partner, being inclusive in a relationship, supporting each other, having empathy for one another, and more.

Taylor emphasizes the importance of providing empathy and understanding if the answer is, “No”.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Taylor shares that it’s important to listen without reacting or forming judgments when communicating with your partner!

[00:00 - 02:10] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Zack introduces Taylor Merritt!
Taylor talks about how empathy can get people in trouble

[02:11 - 18:28] Exploring Inclusivity In Relationships

Relationships are two-sided and need to come together as one
Making your partner feel wanted is important
Provide context, details, descriptions, and clarity for the partner who may not be an entrepreneur
Empathy is key in understanding the partner’s worries and concerns

[18:29 - 48:53] Communication Is Key To Bridging The Gap In Struggling Relationships

It is important for both partners to try and understand each other’s perspectives
Communication is the key to bridge the gap between couples
Talk about your feelings without fear of rejection or judgment
Understand that men are problem solvers and women are emotional state

[48:4 – 56:04] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Taylor shares that it’s important to listen and support your partner even if their feeling does not make sense!

Key Quote:

“Relationships are two-sided to come together as one.” – Taylor Merritt

Connect with Taylor Merrit:

Website: Daddy Tay Fitness

LinkeIn: Taylor Merrit

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Taking Actionable Steps To Strengthen Your Relationships with Taylor Merritt

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“We put our relationship first and for example, we are creating our, relationship, our own relationship, our own home, our own family. The relationship that we're in and future potential for family comes before everything outside of it.” – Taylor Merritt

What are the actionable steps that you can take to strengthen your relationships? On this special Tactical Friday edition, Zack Knight is joined by Taylor Merritt. Taylor discusses actionable takeaways that you can implement this weekend with your partner. Zack and Taylor show you how to build a strong foundation for relationships.

They discuss a belief that both of them have which is, putting the relationship first. They discuss one thing that they have in common which is looking out for people and being passionate about anything we pursue.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Taylor shares how to strengthen your relationships with actionable steps!

[00:00 - 02:09] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!
Zack introduces Taylor Merritt!

[02:10 - 06:43] Taking Actionable Steps To Strengthen Your Relationships

Take 10-15 minutes to ask your partner questions in order to get to know them more
They talk about their belief which is to put their relationship first
Having good support from their partner
Looking out for their people and being driven and passionate in anything they pursue

[06:44 – 12:08] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Taylor shares how to strengthen your relationships with actionable steps!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“I feel a genuine sense of “We” as opposed to “I” in the relationship. And think of one thing that you both have in common..” – Taylor Merritt

Connect with Taylor Merrit:

Website: Daddy Tay Fitness

LinkedIn: Taylor Merrit

BATLField to the Boardroom to the Bedroom

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“It goes to the level of importance of the person in your life. You're extremely important in my life, obviously. And I'm extremely important in your life. We are one. So hosting an event, going to an event, it's automatic that like if I can physically be there or in some capacity contribute. I'm going to be there.” – Taylor Merritt

Why is it important to have a commitment in both life and business? In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Taylor Merritt. Taylor talks about the BATL Biz Summit and shares their experiences with the summit. Zack and Taylor talk about the importance of relationships at such events, with Taylor emphasizing his strong values system and belief in empathy for those in relationships.

Taylor discusses the power of sacrifice in relationships, understanding expectations, and learning to love what your partner loves.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Taylor provides her insight into how to handle stressful situations with love and support!

[00:00 - 00:55] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!
Zack introduces Taylor Merritt!
Taylor discusses their recent event, The BATL Biz Summit

[00:56 - 18:52] Showing Up For Each Other And Building An Inclusive Culture

Integrating life and showing up for each other
Understanding the importance of creating boundaries and maintaining accountability
Making sacrifices and learning to love what your partner loves
Not having expectations can be a trap if there is no context around maintaining boundaries

[18:53 - 52:31] The Power Of Presence In Relationships

Spousal support is necessary for a successful relationship and business
Holding people accountable for their promises and setting a standard of expectation
Destructive behavior in relationships is common but can be damaging if allowed to continue
Presence is the most valuable thing a partner can give to each other

[52:32 – 01:00:09] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Taylor shares how to handle different situations with love and support!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“We’re all human, we have lives, we have things to take care of, whether it is solo or together, whether you work a nine to five or you're an entrepreneur, but seeing the US mentality is so rewarding and how we show up for each other.” – Taylor Merritt

Connect with Taylor Merrit:

Website: Daddy Tay Fitness

LinkeIn: Taylor Merrit

BATL Biz Summit Promo With Nyala Allen

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“It is critical, as a business owner, and the main way that you can grow is if you grow yourself personally. And the best way to do that is to sometimes pause notice and choose different ways and avenues in which to create new habits.” – Nyala Allen

How does your personal development play a role that impacts business growth? In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Nyala Allen. Nyala Allen is a passionate Army veteran leader and coach dedicated to helping others aspire, collaborate, and achieve their personal and professional goals, especially veterans. Nyala is a multifaceted entrepreneur and visionary who shares her expertise as a Real Estate Broker Associate to assist home buyers and sellers in maximizing their VA Home Loan benefit options. With her guidance, real estate clients save time and money, reduce debt, and improve their lifestyle when they buy and sell a home. Nyala Allen is the proud owner of ACE Veteran Realty, LLC, which stands for Aspire, Collaborate, and Elevate. ACE Veteran Realty, LLC was created to focus on veteran empowerment within the real estate industry. Nyala utilizes the pillars of Faith, Peace, Freedom, Accountability, and Family to empower each client to aspire, collaborate, and elevate their specific personal and professional goals. Nyala is a Georgia Veteran Community Leader and embraces being the #VeteranChampion who continues to build a successful brand and business that focuses on elevating the mindset and conversation of veteran growth through education, coaching, and real estate services.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Nyala invites listeners to BATL Biz Summit!

[00:00 - 02:22] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!
Zack introduces Nyala Allen!
Nyala is a multifaceted entrepreneur and visionary who shares her expertise as a Real Estate Broker Associate
Nyala is a speaker at the upcoming BATL Biz Summit

[02:23 - 03:50] Exploring Personal Development To Elevate Veteran Entrepreneurship

She is the owner of ACE Veteran Realty which stands for Aspire, Collaborate, and Elevate
She will be talking about going beyond service and her transition story
Embracing the veteran champion attitude and focusing on business as well as elevating mindset and conversation
Investing in personal development through retreats to create new habits and grow professionally

[03:51 - 07:44] How Movement Helps To Grow Business And Relationships

Personal development is a must for business growth
Movement is very critical for personal growth
Learning new coaching techniques and actively listening helps in personal relationships
Nutrition experts will be one of the speakers at the summit

[07:45 – 11:46] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Nyala invites listeners to join the BATL Biz Summit!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Movement is very critical. If you're anything that's at rest, stays at rest, anything that is in movement will continue to move, and that's how we grow. I believe we grow through movement through development through learning and personal growth.” – Nyala Allen

Intro To Boardroom To The Bedroom With Taylor Merritt

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“Whether you're “alone” or “feel alone” or you're in the trenches with someone, I'm so beyond grateful I get to do this with you. A challenge to think about if you are in the same place as us, as far as getting to do this with someone else. this is a really great way to appreciate them and it highlights what you can do. It's, a double challenge.” – Taylor Merritt

What is the key to communication in relationships? In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Taylor Merritt. Taylor is a champion college athlete that attended the University of North Georgia and began her fitness journey performing at the top of college sports. She was later inducted into the UNG Hall of Fame and began a career of personal training and group fitness in Savannah, Georgia, and later moved to Atlanta to continue building her community.

Taylor also competed in NPC competitions as a figure and bikini competitor to test her capabilities as a fitness professional. This is where Taylor really honed her skills in fitness and nutrition and placed top 5 in each of her competitions!

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Taylor talks about her relationship with her struggles as an entrepreneur and her relationship with Zack!

[00:01 - 01:04] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!
Zack introduces Taylor Merritt!
Taylor Merrit is a champion athlete and a personal trainer in group fitness

[01:05 - 07:18] Discovering The Realities Of Life And Business

Learning how to communicate, deal with conflict, and celebrate each other
Giving value to listeners to learn and apply nuggets of positivity in their lives
The goal is to understand connectivity and relatability with the audience
Inviting questions, feedback, and interactivity with the audience

[07:19 - 10:29] A Conversation About Security, Growth, And Comfort

Taking action in the face of fear
Couples therapy is needed and deserved, especially for veterans
They challenge the audience by asking:
Ask your partner a question
Answer it
Give feedback

[10:30 – 44:36] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Taylor invites listeners to join the BATL Biz Summit!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“When it comes to passion, if you don't have a passion for something, you're not going to be nine times out of 10, you're not going to be all in.” – Taylor Merritt

BATL Biz Summit Promo with Keith Gause

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“We wanted to be a solution for business owners that were growth-oriented, and we wanted to have an ecosystem of solutions that was unbiased.” – Keith Gause

How do you create a proactive system that will benefit your business? In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Keith Gause. Keith is a former military and law enforcement officer turned successful entrepreneur. He discusses the four pillars of his consulting firm, Tideland Consulting: Asset Protection, Risk Management, Tax Strategy, and Cash Flow. He talks about growing up in Texas, joining the military after high school, and transitioning into law enforcement before finally becoming an entrepreneur.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Keith invites listeners to BATL Biz Summit!

[00:01 - 01:04] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!
Zack introduces Keith Gause!
Kevin is a former military, law enforcement, and entrepreneur

[01:05 - 07:18] How A Veteran Achieved A Seven Figure Exit

Transitioning from the military before moving into law enforcement
His dad owned a plumbing company which introduced him to entrepreneurship
Scaling his business to seven figure exit in three years
Learned discipline and dedication from the military

[07:19 - 10:29] Growth Oriented Solutions

Studied finance and investing post-exit
Growth-oriented solutions that are unbiased
Asset protection, risk management, tax strategy, cashflow strategies
Proactive approach to help clients grow their bottom line and pay less taxes

[10:30 – 14:19] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Keith invites listeners to join the BATL Biz Summit!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“I ran the business, you know, from 2009 to 2012, 2011, really, I was able to take it and scale it and do a seven-figure exit. So that was my introduction to entrepreneurship, back then I didn't know shit, right? In the military, they just go do it, figure it out.” – Keith Gause

BATL Biz Summit Promo with Kevin Snow

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“If you want it to be successful and be a tool that actually helps you close business. You have to be able to connect with your prospects in that type of medium.” – Kevin Snow

How can you maximize ROI through email marketing techniques? In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Kevin Snow, Kevin Snow is the co-host of the Top 100 Apple Podcast, Growth Mode, Army Veteran, CEO of Time On Target, and COO and Co-Founder of Success Champions. Kevin is a sales expert and a serious technology geek who knows how to help his clients take their automation game to the next level and is changing the game of business development. With a 20-year career working with brands like Frontier Communications, Nextel, Salesforce, and BNI, his knowledge, skills, and understanding of communication and technology are getting real results for the businesses he works with. Kevin knows how to integrate digital technology with your sales process in an authentic, professional way.

Kevin discusses strategies for crafting emails that are personalized yet effective and the importance of adding a personal touch.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Kevin shares his tips on how to approach speakers at conferences without being intimidated by their speaker badge!

[00:01 - 01:00] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!
Zack introduces Kevin Snow!
Kevin is the co-host of the Top 100 Apple Podcast, Growth Mode, Army Veteran, CEO of Time On Target, and COO, and Co-Founder of Success Champions

[01:01 - 05:14] The Value Of Email Marketing For Business Growth

His focus on sales, networking, technology, Star Wars, and Harry Potter
How to manage time?
How to do more with less and balance personnel needs to increase revenue
Email marketing still has the highest ROI of any digital marketing medium

[05:15 - 09:39] Ask The Right Questions And Get The Most Out Of Conferences

People are sending out lazy emails with no context
Small businesses need to be smarter and connect to their prospects through email
Your email should have substance behind it and not be a shotgun blast that annoys everyone

[09:38– 17:09] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Kevin invites listeners to the BATL Biz Summit!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Email still has the highest ROI of any of the digital marketing mediums.” – Kevin Snow

BATL Biz Summit Promo Featuring Brian Bogert

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“It’s never about the systems. It's never about the strategies. It's never about the tactics. I've worked with some of the highest performers in the world, added multiple seven, eight, nine figures to organizations by just simply helping their leader or set of leaders understand that they're contributing and burying their teams and their trash from their past, but has nothing to do with the business right in front of them. And all of a sudden, we get to live a more connected life.” – Brian Bogert

How can you identify the “trash” in your past? In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Brian Bogert, Brian is the Owner and President of The Brian Bogert Companies. Brian shares how to become aware of the lessons of his past and be able to recognize one’s own truth instead of allowing others to define them through their own lens.

Brian covers what he will be teaching attendees at the Battle Biz Summit in Atlanta in August, on how to transform waste into wealth by identifying “Trash” from the past, raising awareness around it, owning and moving through those pieces, unpacking trash inside them and integrating it through five pillars.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Brian shares his inspiring story and learn actionable strategies to help you identify your trash so you can create wealth in your life!

[00:01 - 01:05] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!
Zack introduces the sponsors and special guest, Brian Bogert!
Brian is the Owner and President of The Brian Bogert Companies

[01:06 - 07:43] Becoming The Garbage Man And Creating Impact For Others

Recognizing the importance of personal and business life being in balance
Encouraging others to be aware of their own stories
Protected himself with an intellectual narrative
Understanding the value of emotion

[07:44 - 10:24] Unpacking The Pain Of Self-Sabotage

Everything he teaches is a byproduct of frameworks that didn’t exist
Self-sabotage was voiding relationships, friends, family, and spouses
Identifying and taking out the “trash”

[10:25– 15:56] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Brian Bogert offers
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Being intentionally focused on integrating and aligning our entire life, family, business, and everything so that I can live life on my terms. I'm deeply curious about the human experience. I'm deeply curious about human connection.” – Brian Bogert

Connect with Brian!

Website: Brian Bogert

LinkedIn: Brian Bogert

Instagram: @bogertbrian

BATL Confidence Series with KC Sullivan

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“We are here to build community and to create support, both through civilians, business owners, and our veteran communities. And through that we've been able to really grow and expand, support the community.” – KC Sullivan

Why is it important to have a positive look at self-love and celebrate small wins? In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by KC Sullivan, KC is an expert wardrobe curator, style educator, shopping enthusiast, and genuine encourager committed to helping you love what you see in the mirror. She explores the importance of understanding why we’re doing things from a perspective of health rather than looks.

KC discusses how we should approach fitness, fashion, and food from a positive perspective, recognizing that these industries are multi-billion industries.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as KC emphasizes the importance of self-love, discipline, motivation, and celebrating small wins when it comes to fitness and nutrition!

[00:01 - 01:44] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!
Zack introduces the sponsors and special guest, KC Sullivan!
KC is an expert wardrobe curator, style educator, shopping enthusiast, and genuine encourager

[01:45 - 33:09] Creating Sustainable Habits For Achieving Your Goals

Her passion is to help people empower themselves to live a healthy lifestyle
She explains that competitiveness in athletics leads to making fitness therapeutic and mentally
Start with yourself to live a healthy, sustainable life
Take into consideration lifestyle, goals, and current eating habits

[33:10 - 40:38] A Journey To Self-Love And Commitment

Awareness is where you’re at and how you’re feeling is key to nutrition and fitness
Take time for yourself, commit to yourself like a relationship
Emotions drive our habits, butt drive our intentions
Understand why you are wearing the clothes you are buying

[40:39– 49:08] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
KC offers their mastermind in September with weekly coaching sessions and guest speakers!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Clothes became a band-aid, they weren't a solution…And so it became really important for me to find ways to create sustainability for my clients.” – KC Sullivan

Beyond the Transaction Series Featuring Jackie Dyer

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“When I started investing at that point, it's a simple thing to me and I wanted to share it with everybody… But honestly, what you get out of it to me is well worth it because once you start building a portfolio, then you can continue to grow that portfolio.” – Jackie Dyer

Why is it important to have the right education to succeed in real estate? In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Jackie Dyer, Jackie is a real estate broker and retired Navy veteran. She shares her experience of transitioning to real estate from the military and becoming a Military Relocation Professional. She talks about the benefits of investing in real estate for college-aged kids, how to use trust funds to rent out rooms, building relationships with clients beyond transactions, and how to differentiate oneself as a real estate agent.

Jackie shares her tips for managing the debt-to-income ratio when having multiple properties, choosing areas around Atlanta that are recession-proof, and using equity to take the next step in investing.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Jackie talks about the challenges that come with team-based work in this field and suggest ways of helping veterans transition into the real estate world through education!

[00:01 - 04:35] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!
Zack introduces the sponsors and special guest, Jackie Dyer!
Jackie is a real estate broker and was on active duty for the Navy for 22 years

[04:36 - 15:31] Unlock Generational Wealth Through Real Estate Investing

How she transitioned from the military to real estate
Learning how to do commercial, multifamily, and build generational wealth
Military veterans are all about buying multifamily properties
House hacking is a great way for young service members to pay their mortgages and get cash flow

[15:32 - 44:13] Using Equity To Create A Legacy With VA Renovation Loans

Purchasing a property for college-aged kids to build equity and credit
Building relationships with clients beyond the transaction
Differentiating oneself by providing value through magazines, social media, and answering questions on platforms
Educating the public on real estate programs

[44:14– 50:12] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Jackie answers the biggest challenges that a veteran who wants to transition into real estate may face!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“I graduated to multifamily and I loved it because there were no emotions. Real estate is very emotional.” – Jackie Dyer

BATL Brews Featuring Lloyd Knight

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“We're no longer needed the wars are over, we're no longer on the front page, but all that crap from all those wars still exists. So don't lose focus, veterans kick ass. We make things happen.” – Lloyd Knight

In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Lloyd Knight, Lloyd discusses the importance of veteran support from both veterans and non-veterans alike. He talks about his journey into the Air Force and founding VETLANTA, and writing a book, “The Knight’s Work: My Unfinished Journey of VETLANTA”.

Lloyd explores how to use experience and decisions from grassroots organizations to help veterans, building morale in the workforce by encouraging meaningful conversations with employees and setting limits on their workloads.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Lloyd invites listeners to join their upcoming summit at UPS Corporate Office in Sandy Springs!

[00:01 - 03:09] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!
Zack introduces the sponsors and special guest, Lloyd Knight!
Lloyd is a retired Air Force veteran and a UPS veteran talent acquisition strategy manager

[03:10 - 33:10] Don’t Lose Focus: Supporting Veterans In The Post-War Era

He talks about how he wrote his book, ““The Knight’s Work: My Unfinished Journey of VETLANTA”
Finding fulfillment in engaging with his brothers and sisters in the veteran community
Non-veterans can show their support by volunteering, showing up to events, helping veterans with resumes, and not losing focus on the issues that veterans may face
Founding a chartered club to help veterans and their families, with no money involved

[33:11 - 45:47] Helping Veterans Find Meaningful Employment

Facilitating faith-based networking
Showing up to help veterans and seeing how they want to engage
Creating space for non-veterans to understand the problems
Corporate culture has changed but people are still business
Volunteerism is important, especially for Unite Way season

[45:48– 53:23] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Lloyd invites listeners to join their upcoming summit at UPS Corporate Office in Sandy Springs!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“I wanna make sure veterans get good meaningful employment. Because you give the veteran a good, meaningful job, it's gonna help alleviate a lot of those other issues.” – Lloyd Knight

BATL Brews Crabapple - Dave House

Mon, 15 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“A commitment is a pledge to do something, right? It's a form of putting your ass on a line every day, then having the self-discipline to keep your ass there and keep you on track. But most people are interested in real estate. Most people are interested in making more money. Most people are interested in keeping more of their money. They're not committed to it because being committed means you have to take ownership of that.” – Dave Houser

In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Dave Houser, Dave is a personal finance expert who shares a passion for building confidence in their clients. He shares his journey to becoming a financial expert and emphasizes the need for people to be literate in their finances. His perspective is unique as he focuses on keeping more of one’s money rather than taking more.

Dave shares his goal to help people rethink their approach to money and use it as a tool to live their best lives while also protecting their assets legally. Legacy planning is also discussed, emphasizing leaving behind a meaningful impact beyond just accumulating wealth.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Dave advises against chasing returns and recommends investing in vehicles that offer tax benefits!

[00:01 - 03:58] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!
Zack introduces the sponsors and special guest, Dave Houser!
Dave discusses his expertise in financial competence and literacy

[03:59 - 19:25] A Unique Perspective On Money And Independence

His revelation when he was losing money and started thinking about his financial situation
How he helps people learn how to keep more of their money and create independence
Paying yourself first is important but many people don’t do it
How he helps people get organized with their finances, eliminate debt, and build liquidity while systematically eliminating debts

[19:26 - 45:41] Overcome Fear And Shame Around Money

Identity protection and serving ideal clients
The importance of financial planning
He distinguishes between saving and investing
The importance of commitment in achieving financial goals

[45:42– 53:43] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Dave advises listeners to stop changing returns and invest in something you have control over!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“If you don't have any control over what you're investing, maybe you wanna think about that. My biggest thing would be to stop chasing returns.” – Dave Houser

BATL Brews with Roger Hill

Mon, 08 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“Whenever you're in your worst place, you're focused on yourself, and when you're in your best places, you're focused on outside of yourself, other people. That's really what dug me out of a hole.” – Roger Hill

In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Roger Hill, Roger is an Army infantry officer with combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He shares with us his book “Dog Company”, which narrates his experience in Afghanistan as a company commander. He is also on the advisory board of Warrior Set Free, a non-profit organization that provides support to veterans.

Roger dives into his experiences as a military veteran who faced false allegations of detainee abuse and was labeled disloyal by the military. He struggled with forgiveness and survivor’s guilt but eventually learned that loyalty should be to higher values and principles rather than just to the machine.

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Roger emphasizes the importance of taking action!

[00:01 - 02:51] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!
Zack introduces the sponsors and special guest, Roger Hill!
Roger talks about his struggle to regain clearance after leaving the military and how it was ultimately awarded to him

[02:52 - 17:19] Lessons Learned From The Military To Corporate World

He talks about his time serving in Afghanistan, highlighting differences in rules of engagement and detention facilities
He focuses on his deployment in a province in Afghanistan which was supposed to be peaceful but turned out to be a dangerous mission with many casualties
Finding out that a translator who worked closely with him was a spy
Feeling betrayed by his own people during a military investigation

[17:20 - 48:31] Advice For Young People To Consider Joining The Military

Veterans face challenges when transitioning out of the military, including fighting for retirement benefits
Legacy and giving back to the community are important values for veterans
Overcoming personal struggles involves focusing on others and capturing negative thoughts
Honoring loved ones and making a positive impact in the world

[48:32– 1:14:02] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Roger advises listeners to take action, veterans need more support in the business space and can only grow as a community if they work together!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Loyalty is about being loyal to higher values and principles like honor, integrity, and those sorts of things.” – Roger Hill

BATL Brews series Featuring KC Sullivan

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“There is no bad question. The only bad question is the one that's ever asked.” – Brian Dolan

In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Brian Dolan, Brian shares his experience in building exceptional teams in the telecommunications industry. He talks about his journey and the importance of being part of an organization that supports growth. Brian emphasizes the value of mentors and serving leadership, highlighting effective communication and listening as key leadership skills.

Brian encourages listeners to have a sense of curiosity in employees and the importance of allowing them to affect change in the organization

Tune in to this episode of The Tactical Leader, as Brian emphasizes stewardship and community engagement in supporting first responders!

[00:01 - 06:36] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!
Zack introduces the sponsors and special guest, Brian Dolan!
Brian was invited for his work with Milton First Responders Foundation and community involvement
Building exceptional teams in the telecommunications industry

[06:37 - 24:05] Supporting First Responders And Their Families In Times Of Crisis

Working in the confidence space and is interested in how lack of confidence affects individuals and organizations
Remote work during COVID has led to disenfranchisement and lack of opportunity for some employee
The importance of mentorship in his own career success and encourages others to seek out mentors and become mentors themselves
Getting kids off the streets in impoverished neighborhoods and providing them with a safe place to do homework and engage in sports activities

[24:06 - 46:53] Insights On Community Stewardship And Fundraising For First Responders

The foundation’s main responsibility is to support first responders and their families during times of crisis, including financial support
Getting involved in non-profit work leads to networking opportunities and personal growth
The importance of passion and curiosity in volunteering
The need to set expectations and hold people accountable in organizations

[46:54– 1:05:43] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Brian shares his upcoming event featuring the Miami band at Nashville Yacht Club with VIP and general admission tickets available!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Getting involved sometimes is the hardest starting point… Let me tell you that the relationships I've been able to cross and develop, I would never have if I had not gotten involved in non-profit work.” – Brian Dolan

Learning How To Go Slow To Go Fast with Bryan Scott

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“What we fail to realize is that a lot of the things we develop being in either military or on a sports team, a student-athlete, is that you develop these transferable skills and if you just change your focus, it can be applied to anything.” – Bryan Scott

In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by Bryan Scott, Bryan is a product of Penn State University, and was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft with the 55th pick overall. Chosen by the Atlanta Falcons, he played with the New Orleans Saints and finished his ten-year NFL career with the Buffalo Bills, winning the 2012 Buffalo Bills Walter Payton Man of the Year award. After Retirement, Bryan landed on Shark Tank, presenting a product to the sharks that absorb shock, and landed a deal with Mark Cuban and Daymond John.

Bryan talks about his success on Shark Tank, where he made a deal with Damon John and Mark Cuban. He learned how to deal with depression and anxiety during his transition from military to civilian life and how he recognized transferable skills developed in sports or the military that could be applied to any field. Find out how taking a step back allowed him to move two steps forward in his career and the importance of providing a community and great space when it comes to attracting customers.

Tune in to this episode of the Tactical Leader, as we explore Bryan Scott’s incredible story!

[00:01 - 01:32] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!
Zack introduces the sponsors and special guest, Bryan Scott!
Bryan is a former NFL star who now owns a company that creates custom orthotics for veterans and athletes with knee and feet problems

[01:33 - 03:00] Learning How To Go Slow To Go Fast

Bryan talks about his history as an NFL star
He suffers from middle-child syndrome
How he went through a grieving period after retiring from football
His experience with anxiety and depression

[18:16 - 33:15] Navigating Through Anxiety And Depression

Developing transferrable skills from military and sports teams
Learned how to pivot and adjust in stressful situations
He advises going slow to go fast which can help in transitioning
Engaging with guests and providing a pleasurable shopping experience is key

[41:35 – 50:38] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Bryan advises listeners to create a culture and place that people enjoy coming to is important
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“People don't buy your products. They buy you.” – Bryan Scott

Mastering The Four Fundamentals Of Email Delivery With Scott Hartley

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“Getting your emails delivered to the inbox is not rocket science, but it is a mixture of science and art.” – Scott Hartley

In today’s episode, we welcome back Scott Hartley, Scott discusses the four fundamentals for small business owners to get their emails seen and increase their sales. He explains how monitoring and managing customer engagement, setting up authentication properly on the sending domain, choosing the right email service provider, and tracking and understanding your deliverability score can help ensure that your emails are legally driving on the email marketing highway and not getting penalized by Microsoft, Google, and Yahoo.

Tune in to learn how mastering these fundamentals can help you have more success with your email campaigns!

[00:01 - 01:06] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Scott discusses the four fundamentals for getting emails delivered to the inbox

[01:07 - 06:54] Mastering The Four Fundamentals Of Email Delivery

Engagement and authentication are scientific pieces with rules to abide by
Content is an art, as it will vary from person to person
The layout should include one or two small images and three or fewer total links
Reputation is affected by personal actions as well as external factors such as web hosting and third-party websites

[06:55 - 12:36] Closing Segment

Scott’s final words
Connect with Scott (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“The number one thing to getting more of your emails delivered to the inbox is monitoring and managing your engagement.” - Scott Hartley

Connect with Scott Hartley

Website: MasterPlan4Success

LinkedIn: Scott Hartley

Facebook: MasterPlan4Success

If you want to learn how to build a better business check out my website at Beatacticalleader.com. You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join Our BATL Space and become part of the community.

Building Relationships With Your Customers And Grow Your Business With Scott Hartley

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“Once you understand those (four fundamentals), you don't have to be a master of those, but once you understand them, no matter what platform that you're using, you can start doing things so that you get better results from your email marketing.” – Scott Hartley

In today’s episode, we welcome back Scott Hartley, Scott is a serial entrepreneur and founder of MasterPlan4Success, Scott Hartley built his first company into a multi-six-figure-a-year business from scratch. Taking his knowledge and experience, in 2017, Scott decided to help other small business owners by helping them with marketing strategies, systems, and automation and - in particular, optimizing their email deliverability to maximize their profits. He just published a short, strategy-packed book on this topic titled Hit The Inbox: How To Avoid The Spam Folder & Grow Your Business With Email Marketing. He has helped a wide variety of clients, including attorneys, IT consultants, financial advisors, psychologists, community organizations and even bakers, and many others to make more money and win and keep more customers. Scott has shared the virtual stage with experts like Grant Cardone, Loral Langemeier, Kim Walsh Phillips, David Milton, and many more.

Tune in as we pick Scott’s brain about what it takes to successfully grow a business through email marketing!

[00:01 - 02:08] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Scott’s background in the computer business, where he learned about direct response marketing

[02:09 - 13:00] Building Relationships With Your Customers And Grow Your Business

Promoting a biannual PC tune-up service which got the speaker hooked on email marketing
Email marketing is still an effective platform for small businesses to grow their email list
Building relationship with people on your list is more important than the size of the list
Relationship building is key to having a successful business
Know your ideal customers intimately, both demographically and psychographically

[13:01 - 22:54] Closing Segment

Scott advises listeners to understand the fundamentals to get better results from email marketing
Connect with Scott (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“Relationship is the most important thing that you can have in your business. And if you can build relationships with every single person or the majority of people that are on your list, no matter what form that takes, that's going to allow you to grow and to scale and to get where you want to be.” - Scott Hartley

Connect with Scott Hartley

Website: MasterPlan4Success

LinkedIn: Scott Hartley

Facebook: MasterPlan4Success

Exploring the Role of Soft Skills in Leadership and Management With Jennifer Chapman

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“Be mindful of how you learn. Some people learn audibly, some people learn visually, some people are, it's learning while they're doing.” – Jennifer Chapman

In today’s episode, we welcome back Jennifer Chapman, Jennifer discusses motivating people, corporate world dynamics, and entrepreneurship as well as the importance of both hard and soft skills in success. She shares her expertise on when someone is ready or not ready for a leadership role and explains why having soft skills are what positions you to make money long-term. She shares her experience which contrasts with the speaker’s journey as an entrepreneur and business owner and gains insight into how his company is growing and scaling.

Tune in to learn more about harnessing it properly, assessments, and much more!

[00:01 - 01:12] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Jennifer discusses ambition, leadership, and motivating people

[01:13 - 10:25] Exploring the Role of Soft Skills in Leadership and Management

Soft skills are important for being a good leader
Hard skills are what people hire you for
We all have a framework we have to fit into
She talks about how to accelerate your leadership capabilities

[10:26 - 15:40] Closing Segment

Jennifer wants to continue the conversation with the listeners about ambition and how to harness it properly
Connect with Jennifer (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“The hard skills are what makes you money. The soft skills are what positions you in a place to make that money.” - Jennifer Chapman

Connect with Jennifer Chapman

Website: Ambition Leadership

LinkedIn: Jennifer Chapman

Targeting Poor Performance And Practice Intentional Learning With Jennifer Chapman

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“Don't feel like you just have to listen to a podcast from point A to point B. And there you go. Engage with the audio.” - Jennifer Chapman

In today’s episode, I contemplate my interview with Jennifer as she digs deep into her 5-step leadership power tool and how it can help you become the leader you aspire to be. She explores different ways to learn and her advice on how to be more intentional in your learning efforts. She shares her thoughts on turning what you want to learn into a question and using the resources available to gain clarity. She offers tips and tricks for moving knowledge from short-term memory into long-term memory and ultimately leading to changed behavior. She suggests that people focus their efforts on the one task that has the most impact rather than trying to do all five all tasks at once.

Tune in to learn more about Jennifer’s actionable advice in leadership development!

[00:01 - 01:12] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Jennifer discusses her Leadership Power Tools
Getting the most out of every leadership resource
Moving from short-term memory to long-term memory and into the “doing mode”

[01:13 - 10:25] Targeting Poor Performance And Practice Intentional Learning

Getting clear about what you want to learn from different resources
Targeting poor performance and searching for podcasts, audible books, and talking to neighbors who manage large teams
Steps to engage with resources and fill up the mind
The intentionality behind the desired state of learning
Taking actionable steps after conferences or learning sessions

[10:26 - 15:40] Closing Segment

Jennifer advises listeners to take actionable steps toward their goal!
Connect with Jennifer (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Speak Confidently and Avoid Killing the Value of Your Video With Nate Sampson

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“My job on the other side of the camera is to get us to the point of conversation where you're talking freely about, about your business, your brand, your influence, whatever that may be, that you're talking so authentically and freely about it, that's the thing that's going to connect.” – Nate Sampson

In today’s episode, we welcome back, Nate Sampson discusses how to avoid sleazy sales tactics when producing cinematic videos. He shares valuable information about crafting stories, being confident and knowledgeable, speaking terms that are relatable, and emphasizing the importance of being genuine. Nate advises listeners that whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or videographer, this episode is sure to help you understand why authenticity and connection are key in video presentations.

[00:01 - 01:12] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Nate, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:13 - 10:25] Speak Confidently and Avoid Killing the Value of Your Video

Nate provides a list of Do’s and Not to Do’s in this episode
Don’t chase people down to do business – this will turn people off
Provide good information in a digestible form to draw interest
Don’t read from a list or use teleprompters when on video
Speak authentically and freely about your business, brand, and influence
Avoid robotic reading from a script
Use relatable terms to articulate your message in a general manner
Avoid getting overly technical

[10:26 - 15:40] Closing Segment

Nate advises listeners to showcase the experience and be authentically themselves to connect with the right people
Connect with Nate (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“Be yourself. Don't read from a list. Be off the cuff. You probably think you look more nervous than you actually are.” - Nate Sampson

Connect with Nate

Website: Through The Lens

Finding Balance and Passion in the Corporate World With Jennifer Chapman

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“We can really have the lives that we want, that sometimes we're afraid to ask for.” – Jennifer Chapman

In today’s episode, we welcome back Jennifer Chapman, Jennifer is a leadership coach who helps people create ambitious and successful lives by embracing their roles as people managers. She dives into her story of transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship and how she overcame workaholic tendencies to maintain a healthy work-life balance. She discusses how to identify what you value most in life, how to manage to work with a difficult boss, imposter syndrome, and how to find the right coach for you.

Tune in to learn more about Jennifer’s journey and get some tips on creating your own successful work-life business.

[00:01 - 02:23] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Jennifer is an expert leadership coach who helps create ambitious leaders
She helps people find their ambition, be more confident and authentic, and more successful

[02:24 - 13:38] Identify a Good Fit and Surround Yourself with the Right People

Reframing tedious activities to be educational opportunities
Transitioning from the corporate/military world to the entrepreneurship
Creating boundaries and setting consistent work hours
Being conscious and intentional about work-life business
Delegating tasks to others and learning to trust them

[13:39 - 25:10] Finding Balance and Passion in the Corporate World

Finding mentors and support groups for guidance
Surround yourself with people who can relate to your current situation and those who have moved past it
Make sure the coach has gone through a coaching program
Ask tough questions about how the coach gives feedback and how they continue to learn and grow

[25:11 - 34:48] Closing Segment

Jennifer advises listeners to ask the right questions can tell you a lot about what a coaching relationship might look like
Connect with Jennifer (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“The more you can strategize of how do I help lighten the load of my boss, they're going to be so grateful and you're going to feel like, “Okay, the work I'm doing is worth something.”” - Jennifer Chapman

Connect with Jennifer Chapman

Website: Ambition Leadership

LinkedIn: Jennifer Chapman

Exploring the Entrepreneurial Spirit of Business Ownership With Nate Sampson

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“My clients are the ones who understand their passion, their purpose behind that, and it's my duty to showcase that in a digestible, super high-quality format.” – Nate Sampson

In today’s episode, we welcome, Nate Sampson, he is admittedly passionate about creativity and brings vision to purpose Through The Lens of cinematic storytelling working with businesses and organizations to develop content that connects and inspires. In his active role as Director of Media Relations within the ATLVets organization, Nate is instrumental in capturing & showcasing what it means to bring community to veterans and veterans to community.

[00:01 - 01:22] Who is Kevin Snow?

Zack introduces his guest, Nate Sampson!
He helps business owners create a legacy through the lens of cinematic storytelling

[01:23 - 09:53] Exploring the Entrepreneurial Spirit of Business Ownership

Takes leadership roles in everything he does, even when working at Dairy Queen
Recognized for work ethic and quality
Started his first business with a mentor and learned what not to do in business
How he started a home inspection business to learn about real estate investing

[09:54 - 19:58] Crafting a Story with Passion and Purpose

Recognizing the gap in the market and taking initiative to fix it
He provides documentation to empower clients and get the ball rolling
Telling stories effectively and capturing them with cinematic quality
Leading with passion and purpose to provide service to clients
He helps clients craft stories and share them in a digestible format

[19:59 - 26:47] Closing Segment

Nate’s aim for his videos is to be entertaining, dun and purposeful
Connect with Nate Sampson (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“My whole life I've always been killing with kindness. Just do good, put good out there and I believe that good comes back.” - Nate Sampson

“A small part of that storytelling is bringing that education piece into it as well. It’s got to be digestible and it's got to be entertaining, it's got to be fun, and it's got to be purposeful.” - Nate Sampson

Connect with Nate

Website: Through The Lens

Business Operating System

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“Moving to that failure point and then optimizing that “Fail into a win” is such a shift for business owners that I think that's the one thing I would say, move to failure, move to contact, get that friction point out of the way, and then learn from it and optimize what you're doing to create that win for yourself.” – Zack Knight

In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by a panel of experts who are here to discuss and learn the tactics to understand the common frustrations in small business ownership, develop vulnerability and willingness to learn, and recognize yourself as an entrepreneur or small business owner. Get tips on failure as a learning experience and useful resources to find your voice and claim independence. Tune in now as we explore self-mastery and true leadership with industry experts!

[00:01 - 01:32] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[01:33 - 03:00] Exploring Different Avenues To Create Value In Business

Building community between summits with Shop Talks and events
Focus on foundational pieces of business as a business consultant
The common frustrations for small business owners include lack of control, never having enough profit, and feeling like nothing is working
The six keys to success:
Vision
People
Information
Issues
Processes
Traction

[03:01 - 18:15] How To Get Started On Your Business Plan

Real estate professionals don’t always see themselves as small business owners
Discussing core values and 10-year target, which is a goal that keeps entrepreneurs driving forward
Positioning yourself to get in front of the right people
The need to hit a certain level of profit and revenue in 10 years to be acquired or step out
Numbers are important as they don’t lie

[18:16 - 33:15] Empowering To Move To Failure And Optimize For Success

Shifting the dynamic from a 10-year goal to a 5x or 10x
Creating freedom of movement to be able to do pieces of things
Creating recurring revenue for your retirement plan
The four parts of marketing strategy:
Target market
Uniqueness
Proven process
Guarantee

[33:15 – 41:34] Building Trust And Differentiating Yourself

Differentiate yourself from the competition and artificial intelligence
Personalize your marketing strategy to highlight your mission, vision, and target
Put plans on paper for accountability and creative freedom
Start with a long-term goal and break it down into micro pieces that are more attainable in the present
Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and a supportive community of small businesses

[41:35 – 50:38] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Zack advises listeners to create their own karma and the results they are getting
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Most of the lessons learned are not in our successes. Most of the wins we get are not from an original win.” – Zack Knight

Becoming a Tactical Presenter

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“Be sure to be focused on what you can do for the facilitator and for their audience. Each person. That builds a stage, wants something you have to figure out what that is.” – Zack Knight

In today’s episode, Zack Knight is joined by industry experts to discuss tactics to prepare for virtual or in-person presentations, crafting stories to engage your audience, strategies for converting an audience into customers or clients, and aligning one’s vision with their values. We’ll learn about the concept of presenting as a gift, creating a one-sheet or media kit to properly sell yourself, and the importance of identifying your unique value proposition in order to stand out from a crowd. Our guests will share their own unique skills and experiences that make them successful in what they do. We’ll talk about topics such as leading oneself before leading others, developing a battle-ready mindset, putting your name on everything you do as a sign of ownership and commitment, creating media kits as resumes, getting epiphanies when people start listening to your podcast, leaving legacies and more! Tune in now for this important conversation on becoming a tactical presenter!

[00:01 - 02:38] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[02:39 - 11:55] How To Lead Yourself Before You Lead Others

Learn tactics to get to know yourself, lead yourself, and lead others
The workshop is focused on helping you become a tactical presenter
Preparing for in-person or virtual presentations, podcasts, and conferences
The prep process: Pitch, Prepping the pitch, Insights & Conversation, and Presenting
Presenting is essentially a gift to offer for observation, examination, or consideration
As a presenter, it is your job to make sure the audience understands the great gift you are giving them
Consider what you can offer the facilitator and their audience that will give them the opportunity to say yes
The unique value proposition is key to standing out in a crowd
How to lead a company and your life based on your own values

[11:56 - 18:15] Exploring The Turning Points In Your Life And Business

Leading yourself before leading others
Disagreeing with the mindset of current trends
“Leaders Eat Last” means taking care of yourself first before helping others
Integrating work and life, not separating them
Being interactive with your audience when presenting
Establishing your legacy and why it is important
The shift in life can help create a unique value proposition
Creating a media kit is an essential resume for entrepreneurs

[18:16 - 40:58] Discovering What People Actually Want To Hear What You Have To Say

The media kit should include:
Your photo
Your qualifications
Topics to discuss
Biography
Contact information
Getting in the trenches and doing the dirty work
Your pitch should be custom-made and must include content to back it up
Smaller stages can be more valuable than larger ones
Research is an important part of the prep process for a successful speech or presentation, it should include:
Stage of the presentation
The topic of the presentation
The flow of the presentation
Conversation of the presentation

[40:59 – 01:07:30] Research Is Key To Delivering A Successful Speech

Be niche with your presentation and audience
Understand the audience you will be speaking to and adjust accordingly
Focus on what you can do for the facilitator and their audience
Getting brand awareness and showing values attached to it
A call to action is important for producing desired results
Podcasts are a great example of something engaging that will make people pause and take action
Lead magnets should be engaging and lead customers/prospects down the path of buying from you
Crafting a pitch, doing research, extracting what you want from the presentation, and producing results are all important steps to success

[01:07:31 – 01:27:23] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Zack advises listeners to create their own karma and the results they are getting
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“I'm one of those that does not believe in a work-life balance. I don't think that is something that is actually feasible. What I do believe is in an integrated life.” – Zack Knight

Health And Wellness With Taylor Merritt

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“You have to be able to tell yourself, “All right, I'm at that point where I don't need to do these things I don't like”.” – Kevin Snow

In today’s episode, we welcome, Taylor Merritt, Taylor is a champion college athlete that attended the University of North Georgia and began her fitness journey performing at the top of college sports. She was later inducted into the UNG Hall of Fame and began a career of personal training and group fitness in Savannah, Georgia, and later moved to Atlanta to continue building her community.

[00:01 - 03:24] Who is Taylor Merritt?

Zack introduces his guest, Taylor Merritt!
She introduces, “Daddy Tay Fitness”
Values are a huge part of her why and how she carries forward
How her experience in a traumatic event shaped her mentality
The mindset piece starts with self-reflection and being realistic

[03:25 - 23:13] Work Ethic And Values Translated Into Success

Nutrition is 80% of how you look and feel
Moderation is key when it comes to diet and fitness
Reward yourself but be mindful when drinking alcohol
Recognizing the balance between indulging in simple pleasures and maintaining a healthier lifestyle
Exercise as a form of therapy, allowing for personal time and clarity
Taking time for yourself
There is such a thing as overtraining and it’s important to recognize when your 100% isn’t what it used to be
Different types of exercise can be beneficial depending on individual goals and references

[23:14 - 47:14] Committing To Consistency When It Comes To Health And Wellness

Group fitness can be motivating for those who have been used to working out with teams
High-intensity interval training for lean muscle mass and cardiovascular efficiency
Scheduling time for self-care, creativity, and exercise
Making your day with intentionality in the morning and at night
Committing to consistency
Physical therapy and adaptive training for injuries
Plateaus happen and may require more intensity or different exercises
Carbohydrates can be beneficial for some people

[47:15 – 01:01:46] Closing Segment

Taylor highlights bodyweight movements and light weights that can be attached to things
Connect with Taylor (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“Find out what you love by trying different things.” - Taylor Merritt

“Think about what filling your cup looks like. If you can't fill your cup, you will never be able to give a hundred percent to anybody else.” - Taylor Merritt

Connect with Taylor

Website: Daddy Tay Fitness

LinkedIn: Taylor Merritt

Changing The Way We Network And Communicate With Kevin Snow

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“When I network with people, it's all about finding out who they are and what they need help with. And less about who I am and what I do.” – Kevin Snow

In today’s episode, we welcome back, Kevin discusses tactics to entrepreneurs can use to help their clients make purchasing decisions. He talks about the importance of understanding how people make decisions, asking the right questions to identify what steps they need to take to get closer to a “yes”, and creating content tailored to those questions. He discusses how to network effectively while still maintaining a professional and thoughtful approach. Learn how to take control of virtual conferences, get people to tell their stories, pick out the challenges they are facing, and provide valuable advice without having to pitch or convince them in order to achieve positive outcomes for both parties.

[00:01 - 01:12] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Kevin, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:13 - 10:25] Changing The Way We Network And Communicate

Kevin discusses how content helps people make buying decisions by providing the information they need at each stage of the process
Focusing on how to get more business in the Zoom world
Networking is about finding out who people are and what they need help with, rather than who you are and what you do
Taking control of virtual coffee conversations by asking people to tell their stories and picking out areas for discussion
Offering free coaching and advice without pitching or convincing
Providing options for people to get more involved

[10:26 - 15:40] Closing Segment

Kevin advises listeners to ask, “How can I help you?” is a loaded question – shifting to “What value can I provide you?”
Connect with Kevin (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“I'm not the spotlight guy. So, for me, being able to talk to people and figure out, “Hey, what are you trying to accomplish today? How do you learn about the event? Who do you need to meet? And then be able to make connections is, powerful for me to make that initial contact.” - Kevin Snow

“I want to learn all about you and your business and how you got into it. So, tell me your story.” - Kevin Snow

Connect with Kevin

Website: Time On Target

LinkedIn: Kevin Snow

BOS Plan For Your Business With Zack Knight

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“I've made it my biggest mission to share everything that I've screwed up along the way. And literally, teach business to as many people as I possibly can.” – Donnie Boivin

In today’s episode, Donnie Boivin discusses how his experiences as a Marine have shaped his approach to business. He discusses his success as an author and a podcast which has helped him connect with a wider audience. He shares how he found his voice as a veteran, and how he has used his voice and platform to help others. He offers his advice to listeners on how to navigate the challenges of an individual when starting or growing a business. He stresses the importance of being there for your clients and helping them grow.

[00:01 - 02:05] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[02:06 - 25:43] Creating Big Wins For Small Businesses

Zack discusses his Q4 summit and shop talk focused on health and wellness, veteran business owners, and the business operating system
KISS principle
Vision is the north star and guiding light of an organization
Define vision in business as the overall goal, service/product to bring into the world, and who to impact
Help create big wins for small businesses
It is important to encapsulate the story attached to a business
Core values should be kept narrow and timeless including integrity, selfless service, and honor

[25:44 - 41:44] Unlock Success With Your Core Values

Communicating powerfully and demonstrating integrity
Collaboration with non-veteran organizations is important to support veterans
Focusing on housing, optimal wellness, workforce, and income to help rebuild veteran’s lives
Leading by example and pasting the vision everywhere helps others understand it
Small businesses should focus on how they can show their values and vision to grow their business
The goal is to focus on education, not labor, for veterans

[41:45 – 53:13] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Zack advises listeners to have a defined vision, mission, and core values to avoid any misperceptions, come and listen to this Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Your core values are that small set of vital timeless principles that guide you to success. You really need to focus on keeping these narrow.” – Zack Knight

Sales Strategy with Kevin Snow

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0400

“You have to be able to tell yourself, “All right, I'm at that point where I don't need to do these things I don't like”.” – Kevin Snow

In today’s episode, we welcome, Kevin Snow, who helps businesses close more sales by better understanding their sales process and identifying how to make the process more effective and faster. He has over 20 years of experience as a sales leader in the technology and internet marketing industries. He has been published in magazines, appeared on international podcasts, presented at industry conferences, and contributed to a bestselling book about business networking.

His passion though is working with Veteran business owners and other entrepreneurs to help them develop effective sales and marketing strategies and build processes that help them execute those strategies.

In addition to being the Founder and Chief Sales Strategist for Time On Target, I am also an officer in the US Army which gives me a unique viewpoint on relationship building across cultures to help you build your business in our ever-shrinking world.

[00:01 - 02:27] Who is Kevin Snow?

Zack introduces his guest, Kevin Snow!
He helps entrepreneurs build their sales and consulting with sales processes

[02:28 - 13:44] How To Maintain Your Values While Scaling Up

He joined the National Guard in Minnesota and went through officer candidate school
Values were formed from parents growing up on a farm in a rural area
He learned to do whatever jobs came his way to make money when starting out
You don’t have to take on any client that you don’t want
How it took learning and getting overwhelmed to realize the need for better processes

[13:45 - 26:05] How To Take A Big Business Mentality And Apply It To Your Small Business

Making friends with people who have been there before is key
Mentors need to change as your business grows
Having conversations about how to manage 10 or 100 of something can help shift perspective
Thinking bigger and taking on a big business mentality
Setting a vision that supports big thinking
Understanding what you’re trying to do with your business and setting goals
Creating momentum and virality to attract the right people and clients
Presenting yourself in a way that reflects your values

[26:06 - 33:04] Closing Segment

Kevin is trying to fix the reputation of networking and build a community where people engage, learn, share views, and communicate
Connect with Kevin (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“You have to be able to look at it and say, “All right, I don't need that work anymore. I don't have to say yes to everything”. I can focus on the stuff that I know I'm going to rock and I'm going to have huge success for my clients and bring in more of those and really focus on those things that I can excel at.” - Kevin Snow

“It's not about you and what you bring to that network, it's about how you can help everyone else in your network shine.” - Kevin Snow

Connect with Kevin

Website: Time On Target

LinkedIn: Kevin Snow

Friday: Speak Powerfully with Stephen Carpitella

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Understanding their staff on a fundamental level so that they can drive the outcomes that they want and build the psychological safety that they're looking to create.” – Stephen Carpitella

In today’s episode, we welcome back, Stephen Carpitella emphasizes the importance of communication and consistency in order to lead others. He shares that speaking powerfully with conviction is one of the most important aspects of effective communication, and that language of commitment can be a powerful tool for achieving desired outcomes. Stephen says that if you want to be powerful in communication, you need to be disciplined and do it consistently.

[00:01 - 01:14] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Stephen, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:15 - 16:09] Communication Is The Key To Success

Stephen discusses how communication is a superpower, and to be able to lead others, you must first be able to lead yourself
Communication is key to building relationships and success
To communicate effectively, you need to have conviction in what you’re saying
Commitment in language can create strong relationships and outcomes
Having a consistent approach and results leads to efficiency
Being a relationship originator is about being committed to communicating and maintaining relationships

[16:09 - 18:27] Closing Segment

Stephen shares those relationships have to be maintained in order for them to be successful and how it has helped them build a thriving business
Connect with Stephen (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“Expectations can be the root of all evil or the best thing ever if they're agreed upon. So, communication is a superpower.” - Stephen Carpitella

“Consistent approach equals consistent results.” - Stephen Carpitella

Connect with Stephen

Website: EPM

LinkedIn: Stephen Carpitella

Develop Your Word for 2023

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Without awareness, there's really nothing else. And you can't really even be intentional until you have an awareness.” – Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on Stephen Carpitella where they chat about leadership, self-mastery, and true success. He shares some helpful tactics that have helped him to build successful businesses and relationships. He shares strategies for creating intentional plans for the year ahead, emphasizing the importance of being aware of opportunities that may be right in front of you.

Listen to this Friday’s episode, where they will focus on how to develop and improve your communication skills

[00:01 - 00:51] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[00:52 - 05:32] The Power Of Intentionality And Awareness

Zack reflects on Stephen Carpitella’s emphasis on the importance of communication and intention in business
He believes that awareness is essential for being intentional and that without it, one cannot truly focus on their goals
There are different things happening in the business space
Being aware of how we speak to people, our relationships, and how we treat others is important

[05:34 - 07:18] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
To find out more about Stephen where he encourages listeners to focus on their communication skills, as this will be very important in the coming year, come and listen to this Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Be aware of how we speak to people, be aware of how our relationships are towards people and with people.” – Zack Knight

Return on Intention With Stephen Carpitella

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“There are mistakes and failures that happen. Every single game. Balls are overthrown, not caught, fumbled, and dropped sacks, right? There are plays that just don't go right. You don't see them all walking off the field after one play, right? It's back up and back into the huddle and onto the next one like it never happened.” – Stephen Carpitella

In today’s episode, we welcome, Stephen Carpitella a passionate and proven leader with almost two decades of experience in the mortgage industry. Throughout his career, Stephen and his team have helped over 10,000 families with their financing needs, lending an estimated 3 billion in loan volume. His ability to analyze complex tax returns and financial situations creates a niche for self-employed borrowers. In his own words, “With a strong background in finance and accounting and the mentality that a relationship is more important than a loan, I always knew I could level the playing field for the consumer in a world where there is a lack of education about managing our finances.”

[00:01 - 02:11] Who is Stephen Carpitella?

Zack introduces his guest, Stephen Carpitella!
He talks about his passion for surfing and how it led to his career in the mortgage industry
He shares how the surfing mindset has helped him be successful in business

[02:12 - 13:39] Relationship First Mindset Shifts Effectiveness Of Business

There are mistakes and failures that happen in every game
In order to be successful, one must have a routine and be very set in their discipline
Awareness comes first, and without it, one cannot be intentional
Curiosity is one of the key aspects of being a lifelong learner and constantly seeking knowledge
A relationship business is about creating value for others and the by-product of great work
Many people get wrong when it comes to relationships, business, and finding value to give forward to others

[13:40 - 24:28] Creativity And Identity In The Mortgage Industry

Having a relationship-first mentality is key to success in any business
Creativity is important, as it helps to create intentionality and balance in one’s life
He recommends with a few keywords to define oneself and then expanding upon that definition over time
He believes that there is a big challenge in the industry, and that average people are now in charge of originating loans
He recommends investing time into oneself by reading, getting introspective, and having independent thinking
He introduces, “Eddie Perez”, who is a driving force for his growth as a leader and has forced him to evolve his approach to learning

[24:29 - 26:52] Closing Segment

Stephen recommends reading, listening to audiobooks, and consuming information from various sources to improve relationship-building and knowledge retention
Connect with Stephen (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“When you actually get to know people, I mean, how many times have you heard or seen in a movie, a show, or in real life… And then you get to know him and he’s the nicest person in the world. Don't judge the book by its cover.” - Stephen Carpitella

“Empowering people more and we do that through financial.” - Stephen Carpitella

Connect with Stephen

Website: EPM

LinkedIn: Stephen Carpitella

Beyond the Transaction with Donnie Boivin

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“When you get around people that will push and challenge you in your business, you can have these intelligent conversations on, “This is a direction I think I'm going.” If you can't have those types of questions with people, you're not focusing enough time on your business. You're living too much in your business.” – Donnie Boivin

In today’s episode, Donnie is a business consultant and coach who specializes in helping businesses be successful. He has spoken about the importance of getting very specific with your ideal client. He mentions that it can be helpful to get very specific with your ideal client when starting your business. By doing this, you will be able to focus on one thing and sell it to a hundred thousand customers.

[00:01 - 01:14] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[01:15 - 23:17] You Need Somebody Beside Yourself Looking At The Numbers

Donnie discusses the mistakes he made in his first year of business
How he made himself an “island” to avoid people knowing how bad his business was
You need somebody besides yourself to help you with your finances and accounting
You need to have a budget and stick to it, or else you will suffer
Time is the only thing we all have that’s equal, but we can put a price tag on it and determine who we are allowed to trade our time with

[23:18 - 46:23] How To Be The Hero In Your Networking Room

Bartering is a stage of business that allows you to get to the level you need to get to
Dedicate time specifically to focusing on what’s your growth phase
Networking is a necessary part of business, and the sooner you start, the better
The key to being successful in networking is to be selfish and focus on putting yourself out there, meeting new people, and setting appointments
One way to increase referrals is by asking businesses for help
He talks about what a “trigger moment” is
Networking is about meeting people and building relationships

[46:24 – 01:03:24] How To Network And Build Relationships

Networking is not just about sending referrals, it’s about getting to know people and building relationships
How to be different from your competitors and how to create an ROI for your activities
How to be the best at what you do and how to open doors for others
How to rank people by how well you know them and how comfortable you would be introducing them in a business setting
He shares one of the biggest lessons learned was to take your time and get the right people into the right job in your business

[01:03:25 – 01:15:39] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Donnie is a big believer in networking and recommends getting around people doing great things, come and listen to this Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Connect with Donnie at his

Website: Success Champion Networking

LinkedIn: Donnie Boivin

Podcast: Growth Mode

Key Quote:

“Everything you do from a networking standpoint should have a price tag attached to it. If you can't look at that activity and know exactly how much money's coming from that activity, then you can't tell us if you should keep doing that activity.” – Donnie Boivin

BATL Brews Series Donnie Boivin

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“When you run your own business, nobody's telling you what to do anymore. It's a hundred percent on you to figure this thing out.” – Donnie Boivin

In today’s episode, Donnie Boivin discusses how veterans can use their experience to be successful in their careers and businesses. He recommends focusing on a specific goal, be it getting followers, creating engaging content, or expanding the reach of the show. It is important to have a long-term strategy in place and to be passionate about what you are doing in order to be successful.

[00:01 - 04:08] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[04:09 - 18:45]

Donnie discusses how to overcome the hardest struggle and obstacle in your business
Keep talking
Pick one thing to focus on and become the best at it
Produce a show that is strategy-focused and has a long-term plan
The biggest hurdle to becoming a CEO
How to accomplish things and figure out how to scale his business

[18:46 - 37:29]

Create a community by offering challenges and opportunities for members to connect and compete
Think about who we are as individuals, we label ourselves before being a business coach
Create a virtual platform that allows you to connect to each other on a different level, focusing on health and wellness

[37:30 – 01:10:55] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Donnie advises listeners to repurpose content is a great way to create a lot of content, come and listen to this Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Connect with Donnie at his!

Website: Success Champion Networking

LinkedIn: Donnie Boivin

Podcast: Growth Mode

Key Quote:

“As you're building your community, a lot of it literally is sharing the things that you wish somebody would've said to you as you were going through it.” – Donnie Boivin

Identifying Your Personal Blindspot And Overcoming Them with Jarrod Haning

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“You can only fail because at no point in time is it your best. The closer you get to it, the more aware you become of how much better you could have done.” – Jarrod Haning

In today’s episode, we welcome back, Jarrod Haning. Jarrod discusses how it’s important for people to understand their own mindset in order to be able to lead others. He talks about common blind spots that people may have, and how understanding these blind spots can help us to overcome them. He discusses how stage fright can be a block in music performance and he overcame this block by recognizing and addressing the blind spot, which was “Do not touch the same task twice.” He says that whatever the reason is for why you can’t do something, it’s always the same reason.

[00:01 - 01:28] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Jarrod, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:29 - 06:22] Identifying Your Personal Blindspot And Overcoming Them

He discusses how to break down common blind spots and feelings people may experience when trying to lead themselves and others
The action gets results is a common blind spot, leading people to believe that more action will result in more success
Mindset is a strategic way of thinking and can be accessed by anyone if they understand how it works
How to stage fright can be a blind spot and how it can be overcome
Identifying your blind spot and how you can start to work on overcoming it
The Mindset Gym offers information and resources on how to improve one’s mindset
Successes that clients have had at the gym include gaining clarity on their life goals and reducing stress levels

[06:23 - 12:03] Closing Segment

Jarrod challenges listeners to check out Jarrod’s work and get involved
Connect with Jarrod (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“Confidence, clarity. And if you're an entrepreneur, you're probably going to double your income just because your brain is thinking at a higher level.” - Jarrod Haning

“They believe that action gets results. And so if you take more action, you will get more results. This is a blind spot, it's a blind spot because it makes sense that action gets results and the reason it's a blind spot is that the people that think that way cannot understand why there's always more on their to-do list than they have time to get done.” - Jarrod Haning

Connect with Jarrod

Website: Mindset Performance

LinkedIn: Jarrod Haning

Twitter: Jarrod Haning

Shop-Talk Series: Donnie Boivin

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“I've made it my biggest mission to share everything that I've screwed up along the way. And literally, teach business to as many people as I possibly can.” – Donnie Boivin

[00:01 - 04:08] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[04:09 - 18:45] Finding Focus And Success As An Entrepreneur

Donnie discusses his book, “Fucked To Focus”, about finding focus and success as an entrepreneur
He hosts the annual Badass Business Summit, it is a conference focused on helping veterans and business owners find their identities and step into their badass selves
He discusses the importance of using language that some people may be afraid to use, and how it can help you connect with your audience
He distinguishes between real people and those who are only pretending to be helpful in order to take advantage
How a ranking system can help to filter out the most valuable people to you

[18:46 - 37:29] Filter Out The Most Valuable People To Your Business Operations

The key to success is being able to make the right introductions, and being a valuable asset to others
How podcasts are a better option for listening and learning at the same time
People need to constantly learn and try new things in order to keep themselves learning and growing
The importance of having a skill set that will help you succeed in business
How he acquired this skill set by going to school and learning about business operations
How it’s important to set high standards and work at a level until you no longer have to work at that level

[37:30 – 01:10:55] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Donnie advises listeners to figure out what they love and integrate it into their personal life in order to have a successful career or life, come and listen to this Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Connect with Donnie at his!

Website: Success Champion Networking

LinkedIn: Donnie Boivin

Podcast: Growth Mode

Key Quote:

“You've got to constantly put yourself in a position where you can gather as many assets as possible and open the right doors for the right people. You start doing that and good things will start happening.” – Donnie Boivin

How To Push Your Boundaries And Achieve More With Mindset Performance with Jarrod Haning

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“By mapping out somebody's thinking patterns, we're able to show them what their mindset is really capable of and what the blind spots are that are tripping them up.” – Jarrod Haning

In today’s episode, we welcome, Jarrod Haning. Jarrod runs a mindset gym that rewires your brain for greater success with a series of exercises called mindset pushups. He has been featured on ABC Nightline, spoken on stages all across the country, has clients all across the world, delivered 4 TEDx talks related to Mindset Performance, and been chosen by TED global as the featured speaker of the week. He specializes in a Nobel Nominated process that trains your brain how to think at a higher level. As a result of this training *most of his clients quickly double their income. His background as a classically trained musician has equipped him with a unique set of tools for leveling up your leadership. For recreation, you’ll find him flying, skydiving, or mountain bike riding. But his most prized accomplishment was winning the World Tickle Championship in the 5- year old category.

[00:01 - 06:14] Who is Jarrod Haning?

Zack introduces his guest, Jarrod Haning!
He specializes in a process called Mindset Pushups which rewires your brain for greater success
He runs a mindset gym that offers a series of exercises to help you break through barriers

[06:15 - 18:32] How To Push Your Boundaries And Achieve More With Mindset Performance

Everybody wants to shift to a mindset of being a “big business”, but many struggle with how to do this
One way to help shift mindset is by teaching people how to think on a larger scale
Mapping out somebody’s thinking patterns
He discusses how people are in a bubble and how the economy is good at keeping people there
How people can break free from this by examining their beliefs and how they’re causing them to make the same amount of money every year
He recommends using the mind scan as a way to start examining beliefs and breaking free from limiting beliefs

[18:33 - 25:55] Closing Segment

Jarrod recommends the mind scan to people who feel stuck in the weeds and want to figure out how to shift they're dynamic and make it more efficient
Connect with Jarrod (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“The legacy is that you have the experience of the difference it made in you. And that you know it's possible.” - Jarrod Haning

“You're only one thought away from your next breakthrough until I had the thought that I hadn't thought I had.” - Jarrod Haning

Connect with Jarrod

Website: Mindset Performance

LinkedIn: Jarrod Haning

Twitter: Jarrod Haning

Dealing With Emotional Consequences For The Better with Jon Becker

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“It becomes easy for us to marginalize these guys and write them off. and I don't think it's fair. And I think it is something that we need to take the brightest light we can possibly point at it and make people pay attention to it.” – Jon Becker

In today’s episode, we welcome back, Jon Becker. Jon believes that we need to continue to preserve history in order to ensure that future generations can benefit. He discusses how the project provides an opportunity for people to hear thoughtful and emotional stories from law enforcement officers and veterans. He discusses how the “Fallen Officer Project” has helped them process their emotions and heal. He says that we need to normalize the treatment of the emotional injuries that people are getting in their jobs, just as we do physical injuries.

[00:01 - 01:13] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Jon, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:14 - 12:13] Dealing With Emotional Consequences For The Better

Jon discusses the emotional impact of his podcast, “The Debrief”
He argues that the military is often seen as a “big, tough guy” and that it contributes to its emotional scarring
Many veterans who have served in the military are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other issues and argues that society should be more supportive of them
He discusses the emotional and physical consequences of being a police officer
He believes that we need to start talking about these issues more openly and that we need to normalize the treatment of emotional injuries in the same way that we normalize the treatment of physical injuries
He talks about how he was ready to commit suicide after his deployment in Afghanistan, and how he eventually overcame his depression thanks to talking about his experiences
The impact of suicide on individuals and society
His experiences working as a law enforcement officer and how it has impacted his views on suicide

[12:14 - 15:16] Closing Segment

Jon urges people to discuss suicide more openly and to remember that each person’s story is important
Connect with Jon (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“We have to normalize the treatment of the emotional part of this as much as we normalize the treatment of the physical.” - Jon Becker

“We talked about making intentional choices. Don't let choices be made for you and I think as a country, we're allowing those choices to be made and we're making these sacrifices and it's very easy for us to make those sacrifices because you're not the one standing at Andrew's Air Force base watching them unload the kids.” - Jon Becker

Connect with Jon

Website: The Debrief

LinkedIn: Jon Becker

Protecting what Matters Most With Jon Becker

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Every interaction you have with someone who works under your command, whether it's a direct report or three steps down the chain, you are delivering to them maybe the only message they have about the soul of the business.” – Jon Becker

In today’s episode, we welcome, Jon Becker. Jon has had the continued opportunity and privilege to work with some of the foremost leaders in law enforcement and military units. The Debrief is Jon’s payback to the community and to the units and the leaders who trained him and helped make AARDVARK a success. Although The Debrief centers conversations in a tactical space, Jon and the guests will cover conversations that are relevant to leaders in every sphere, including accountability, personnel selection, discipline, decision-making, psychology, collaboration, risk-taking, and much more. The Debrief shares these lessons and stories with the business and law enforcement community at large in hopes of making us all better leaders, better thinkers, and better people.

[00:01 - 03:44] Who is Jon Becker?

Zack introduces his guest, Jon Becker!
He spent four decades dedicating himself to protecting tactical operators and has a background in law enforcement, military, and triathlon racing
He believes that in order to lead others, you must first be able to lead yourself
He focuses on challenging himself with difficult tasks and seeking discomfort in order to improve his skills

[03:45 - 26:55] How To Balance Your Ambition And Morality

Personal life is the most important thing
Driven by a set of values and priorities in order to be successful
The importance of having a core set of beliefs that drive your day and your life in order to be successful
You need to have mentors who are balanced and successful in their fields
He believes that a balance between ambition and morality is key to happiness and success

[03:45 - 20:27] Leaders Must Take Responsibility For Their Actions

Having a higher purpose that resonates with individuals and organizations to help create a culture of service
Leadership by example is important for creating a culture in an organizations
They need to be open and honest with their employees and communicate values and goals clearly
The key to creating a respectful and honorable workplace

[20:28 - 32:26] Closing Segment

Jon believes young leaders especially mistake is because they believe that when something goes wrong, they need to figure out who’s at fault.
Connect with Jon (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“I think the personal life has to be the most important thing. You know, nobody, nobody ever lies on their deathbed and thinks, I wish I made more money. I wish I had worked more, in the end, I've come to the conclusion that the only thing that really matters is our interaction with other people.” - Jon Becker

“As a leader, you're making that whether you want to or not. So, if you're not intentionally focused on creating the right culture and creating your organization's focus on its purpose, that's going to happen accidentally. And generally speaking, when it happens accidentally, it's not a good thing.” - Jon Becker

Connect with Jon

Website: The Debrief

LinkedIn: Jon Becker

The Key To Sales Is Based Upon A Founder’s Enthusiasm with Chris Joyce

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“The only thing in business that, almost in a way is a cure for all your other ills is sales.” – Chris Joyce

In today’s episode, we welcome back, Chris Joyce. Chris talks about the importance of having a strong CMO in place to help identify the markets, help create personas, and to make sure that you’re going in the right direction with your product. The reason why those three positions are so important is that they’re the ones that are going to be responsible for actually driving the business forward. He stresses that success in business comes down to having a strong sales presence and encourages everyone to get involved in sales early on in their entrepreneurial journey.

[00:01 - 01:13] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Chris, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:14 - 09:29] The Key To Sales Is Based Upon A Founder’s Enthusiasm

Chris recommends founders use “Gusher”, to find potential customers and test their ideas before starting a company
He says that a key person in a marketing company is a CMO
A CMO’s job is to create personas and do market research to ensure the company is going in the right direction
Creating a profitable company from the beginning is fundamental to success
Putting sales first over other priorities can help generate revenue
Sales validation is essential to starting and growing a sales team
Salespeople and sales outsource sales are there to execute a plan and system
The founder’s enthusiasm is key to selling their product, and they should never fake it until they make it

[09:30 - 13:48] Closing Segment

Chris stresses the importance of everyone working together on a common goal, ensuring everyone succeeds
Connect with Chris (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“When it comes to sales, at least in the beginning stages, a tremendous amount of the sale is based upon a founder's enthusiasm.” - Chris Joyce

“You need to have the right customers, not just customers, the right customers at the beginning stages, because that's what leads to the growth.” - Chris Joyce

Connect with Chris

Website: Gusher

Instagram: Chris Joyce

LinkedIn: Chris Joyce

The Different Philosophies That Exist Within Product Development with Chris Joyce

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“All businesses are really a function of three things. People, philosophy and property.” – Chris Joyce

In today’s episode, we welcome, Chris Joyce. Chris Joyce is the Founder & CEO of Gusher I am the founder of 24 companies in high-tech, consumer goods, health, and manufacturing. My products have been sold in more than 11,000 stores in 23 countries. I have users of my tech products in 148 countries across the globe. I believe great ideas can come from anyone anywhere. And I believe the market and not venture capitalists should be the judge of whether or not these ideas see the light of day. So, I created Gusher. Gusher is a simple, quick, and easy way to create and build a startup. Without the need for investors. Without the need for capital. How? Gusher helps Entrepreneurs create and launch startups using performance equity. We have Founders and companies from across the globe. Everything from technology, media, and health to design, finance, and gaming.

[00:01 - 03:44] Who is Chris Joyce?

Zack introduces his guest, Chris Joyce!
He helps entrepreneurs create and launch their businesses without the need for outside help
He shares his experience and lessons learned from door-to-door sales, which he believes is one of the best educations any founder can receive

[03:45 - 26:55] The Different Philosophies That Exist Within Product Development

The key to successful business development is being able to understand and empathize with your customer
Founders have a different “DNA” that sets them apart from other businesses, and this is what differentiates them from commodities
The philosophy behind product development can be applied to any business
He introduces his platform, “Gusher”, which launches companies without the need for capital or investors
The goal of using Gusher is to create a company where you need the help of others to actually make that happen
Chris shares his experience as a COO and how it has helped him in his current role as a startup founder

[26:56 - 30:03] Closing Segment

Chris believes that there is excess capacity for talent and that opportunity is the key to success
Connect with Chris (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“You don't stay at that level where you always hear about the hustle and insane work hours, which I still do, but not at the level or the way I used to do them. You just evolve.” - Chris Joyce

“Our people know what that is, they know what our goal, our mission is. But also, it comes down to leading with your action. You let your actions speak volumes.” - Chris Joyce

Connect with Chris

Website: Gusher

Instagram: Chris Joyce

LinkedIn: Chris Joyce

Drive Traffic Your E-Commerce Store Using Podcasts And YouTube with Brett Curry

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“I'm a big believer in Google. I'm also a big believer in Amazon because if someone's going to shop online, they're going to one of those two places, Google or Amazon. So, I think now's the time to get really good at the paid side of both those platforms.” – Brett Curry

In today’s episode, we welcome back, Brett Curry. Brett discusses the importance of having a great product, diversifying your traffic sources, and being careful not to rely on any one channel too heavily. He shares some thoughts on the current state of E-commerce and how it’s still growing despite challenging times. He recommends that if someone has the skill to build a Shopify store and can run Facebook ads, YouTube ads, or Instagram ads, it is better to build up a business on Shopify and then take their products to Amazon.

[00:01 - 00:46] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Brett, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[00:47 - 10:08] Drive Traffic To Your E-Commerce Store Using Podcasts And YouTube

Setting up your business with a good product, diversifying your traffic sources, and focusing on customer needs
E-commerce is still growing, but it’s been difficult in recent years due to inflation, supply chain issues, and pandemic spikes in demand
Demand generation is the process of creating demand for a product or service that no one is currently searching for
Google is good at both demand capture through search and demand generation through display and YouTube
It is better to build up a business in Shopify and then take your products to Amazon

[10:09 - 14:54] Closing Segment

Brett shares his resources for getting customer testimonials and visits his website at OMG Commerce!
Connect with Brett (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“It's better to build up a business and then take your products to Amazon. Once you've got a brand established and people are looking for you, and now Amazon just accelerates your growth. I think it's a little better than starting on Amazon and then trying to go off Amazon.” - Brett Curry

“It's so important to have testimonials and to have user generated content or written testimonials.” - Brett Curry

Connect with Brett

Website: OMG Commerce

LinkedIn: Brett Curry

Legacy of Love Book Launch

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“We all need to reset every once in a while, and that's what this book was for me, is another step in the healing process. And a good reset to get back to that point when we may lose our way.” – Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, Zack discusses his book, “The Legacy of Love," which was scheduled to be launched on Veteran’s Day, and how feedback from Jennifer Wright has helped to improve it. In this book, he shares his story of being an army guy who didn’t feel like he was as good as a navy seal when writing books, but he eventually decides to write one for himself and for other army guys who may not have the same level of recognition. He reflects on how his book is more than just him and wants to share about his time in the military.

[00:01 - 01:13] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[01:14 - 19:44] Owning Your Journey Of Healing

Zack talks about his new book, “The Legacy of Love”
His turning point was realizing that he needed to write the book
His book is more than just a business book, it is about his journey as a leader and as a person
The book was to help others on their own journey of healing, and he plans on handling out copies to friends and family
The book dispels the misconception that military leaders have to be
He describes his journey from being a Navy Seal, Air Force, and Afghanistan veteran to the person he is now
The power of his story is that it reveals understanding and closeness between him and those who read it

[19:45 - 32:15] The Shift In The Intentionality Away From Business And Towards Self-Care

The book was able to refresh and align himself
How you shift his intentionality away from business and towards self-care, such as journaling, reading, and playing the piano
Journaling has helped shift from a negative mindset into a more positive one, and how this shifted his focus from serving others to serving herself
How therapy has helped him to understand better her own brokenness and the power he has to fix it
He talks about how he wants to create a community of like-minded individuals who are focused on taking action and filing their lives with purpose

[32:16 - 43:58] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
To find out more about Zack’s book and how his personal experiences as a veteran and how it is a letter to forgive themselves for their past mistakes and set them free, come and listen this Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“I felt like there was too much misconception going into what the military mindset was and hey, this is what a leader looks like.” – Zack Knight

Persuade Customers To Buy Through Effect Marketing Campaigns with Brett Curry

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“If you got a compelling offer, you got a compelling landing page, you got a good product, we can turn on ads and scale up or down based on what you need. It's quick and it's responsive. And so, I still believe in SEO.” – Brett Curry

In today’s episode, we welcome, Brett Curry. Brett is an online marketer, eCommerce strategist, and speaker, but first and foremost he's an entrepreneur. Brett's passion is helping eCommerce companies grow their businesses through creative marketing efforts. Brett is the author of the Ultimate Guide to Google Shopping published by Shopify and the creator of the Smart Google and YouTube Traffic Course in partnership with Ezra Firestone. The majority of his time is spent running an online marketing agency and leading an amazing team of talented marketers.

[00:01 - 04:38] Who is Brett Curry?

Zack introduces his guest, Brett Curry!
Brett is the founder of OMG Commerce, a digital marketing agency that helps brands grow their online presence

[04:39 - 14:41] SEO Is Still Important To Be A Successful Online Business

SEO is still important, but it can be hard to keep up with the changes in the digital world
To be successful, you need a good product, good service, and a unique selling proposition
You need to know your market and understand what they’re looking for
Google ads are a great way to track how effective your campaigns are
Branding is important for small businesses, both online and off, and it can impact everything from the positioning of a product to the tone of a company’s communication

[14:42 - 27:51] Persuade Customers To Buy Through Effect Marketing Campaigns

“Building a Story Brand” by Donald Miller
“Made to Stick” by Chip and Dan Heath
Brett recommends using video in marketing to create a celebrity factor for businesses and individuals and to persuade customers to buy products or services
He discusses how successful companies were able to expand their brands

[27:52 - 33:48] Closing Segment

Brett offers his advice on how to grow your business
Connect with Brett (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“Brand is really, really important. The brand shows who you are and who you're for, because I think someone wants to see themselves in the product or service.” - Brett Curry

“Marketing comes down to branding and positioning and then offers.” - Brett Curry

Connect with Brett

Website: OMG Commerce

LinkedIn: Brett Curry

How To Attract The Right Employees And Repel Unwanted Employees with Danielle Mulvey

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Everyone runs differently. And so, get really specific, and real intentional about what you need, what you want, and what you don't want.” – Danielle Mulvey

In today’s episode, we welcome back, Danielle Mulvey. Danielle talks about how she developed a system that helps businesses identify and filter out candidates who don’t align with their core values. The 5-Star employee rating system ensures that candidates have the same values as the business owner. This is key to a successful business because employees who share core values will think and act like the business owner. If this alignment does not exist, frustration will set in as differences in values create conflict.

[00:01 - 01:20] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Danielle, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:21 - 12:37] How To Attract The Right Employees And Repel Unwanted Employees

She discusses in detail her system, “The 5-Star Employee Rating System”
It is a customizable per role, it is based on what is needed for that specific role
It ensures that only the best candidates are hired
A candidate must share the same core values as the business owner in order to be rated a 5-Star employee
The key criteria for being a 5-Star employee are having minimally acceptable ratings for 11 universal qualities, two of which are coded red
If an employee doesn’t meet the standards, they filter themselves out of the job and don’t move forward in the hiring process
The system is used to rate your existing employees and learn how to use it to improve their performance

[12:38 - 22:30] Closing Segment

Danielle recommends listeners to find the details on how to utilize the system and visit her website at Danielle Mulvey!
Connect with Danielle (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“The best way to clone yourself is to hire people who have the same DNA, who have the same core values. They share the core values that you have. And what's important about distinguishing about the core values is these are the business owner's true core values.” - Danielle Mulvey

“When you figure out where your 3 to 5 true core values are, and you define them with clarifying statements, you put them in your job posting because that is going to be one of your tactics for attracting 5-Star candidates and repelling the 1 and 2 and 3-Star candidates.” - Danielle Mulvey

Connect with Danielle

Website: Danielle Mulvey

LinkedIn: Danielle Mulvey

Have A Checklist Is Key To Ensure Phenomenal Experience with Danielle Mulvey

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“It's really important to not be subjective in your hiring.” – Danielle Mulvey

In today’s episode, we welcome, Danielle Mulvey. Danielle Mulvey is a former flight attendant-turned-entrepreneur who has cracked the code on recruiting, hiring, and retaining what she refers to as “5-Star Employees”. Never one to settle for average, Danielle has scaled her several companies to over $50 million in annual revenue while spending less than 10 hours each week overseeing their operations. Danielle’s own team of trusted 5-Star Employees provides her with the freedom to spend the rest of her work-week guiding other entrepreneurs through podcasting, workshops, and community curating. In addition to running her companies and assisting other entrepreneurs, Danielle is the Chief Curator of The ALL IN Company Community, which strategically advises other entrepreneurs on attracting and hiring 5-Star Employees. She has been developing, testing, and sharing these ideas for more than 10 years now, with a staggering 90% success rate! Danielle attributes this success to her undeniable gift to identify and nurture 5-Star Employees. She knows that in order to succeed, leaders need to get comfortable with the uncomfortable and go all in on their employees, who will reciprocate and go all in on the company.

[00:01 - 02:32] Who is Danielle Mulvey?

Zack introduces his guest, Danielle Mulvey!
She is the Chief Curator of “The ALL IN Company” community, which strategically advises entrepreneurs on attracted in hiring 5-Star Employees

[02:33 - 13:42] Having A Checklist Is Key To Ensuring Phenomenal Experience

The importance of having processes and systems documented in an organization to ensure consistency, accuracy, and predictability in results
Hiring employees who are able to hit the ground running and have a purpose in the company from the start
Regularly auditing systems to ensure they are still effective
The process of hiring and retaining 5-Star employees
Many businesses are only successful at hiring 5-Star employees about 25% of the time
Utilizing a 5-Star employee rating system to find and hire the best candidates

[13:43 - 30:31] How To Hire The Right People For Your Business

How a 3-star employee is just in the wrong position, in the wrong job, or on the wrong bus, and how it can be dangerous for business
Hiring the right people for your business
The criteria that make up the employee rating system:
Performance
Attitude
Communication
Teamwork
Citizenship

[30:32 - 35:02] Closing Segment

Danielle advises listeners to never settle and her company can help you find and hire the best employee
Connect with Danielle (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“I believe the employer has a greater responsibility to make sure that they're really understanding what they need exactly in a candidate, what they also don't want in a candidate. And, using that filter and litmus test, “The 5-Star employee rating system”, to make sure that they're not making that mis-hire.” - Danielle Mulvey

“Using a process and system checklist for recruiting and hiring. And using objectivity when you hire is super important.” - Danielle Mulvey

Connect with Danielle

Website: Danielle Mulvey

LinkedIn: Danielle Mulvey

How To Track And Measure Your Business For Improved Performance with Jim Adams

Fri, 04 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Anything that you're looking at with a personality, that's just an indication of who you are right now. That does not mean that's who you are.” – Jim Adams

In today’s episode, we welcome back, Jim Adams. Jim talks about how businesses should track their progress and measure their success in order to improve. He talks about assessing their business’ gross margins, overhead, and other financial metrics in order to better understand where they are and where they need to be in order to grow. He notes that there are other ways to measure success beyond just gross margins and sales, such as digital conversion rates and headcount, which can provide a more holistic look at a business’ progress.

[00:01 - 01:11] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Jim, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:12 - 08:24] How To Track And Measure Your Business For Improved Performance

Jim identifies four different types of business owners, Gun Slinger, Mechanic, Goalie, and Unicorn
Each type of business owner has strengths and weaknesses
He discusses the failure of a business owner to launch a successful product due to a missed detail in the users’ story
He learns that systems are important and creates systems to track and measure data to improve decision making
He shifts their consulting firms to focus on short term KPIs to help businesses improve their performance
Conversion rates are huge and one of the biggest factors in digital marketing success
As a business owner, you should what to be focused on in order to be successful

[08:25 - 15:19] Closing Segment

Jim tells listeners that the goal is to have an awareness of what may be broken and what may need fixing, so that you can move forward in your life
Connect with Jim (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“They all have strengths and then they all have blind spots and fears, and they all have different things. Once they're more aware, that they focus on and have a breakthrough.” - Jim Adams

“Business owners’ biggest problem is they don't know what their biggest problem is.” - Jim Adams

Connect with Jim

Website: Jim Adams Consulting

Facebook: Jim Adams

Instagram: Jim Adams

LinkedIn: Jim Adams

BATL Brews Series: Veteran Voices

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“It's therapeutic to write your story, it's therapeutic to get that information out into the world.” – Jennifer Wright

In today’s episode, we welcome, Zach and Jennifer Wright to discuss how writing your book can be a therapeutic experience that can help veterans with PTSD. They share stories of how their clients have used writing as a tool to heal from trauma. They discuss how intentionality is essential for writing a book and how to ensure that your book is successful.

[00:01 - 08:22] Who is Jennifer Wright?

Zack introduces his guest, Jennifer Wright!
She is a book editor, publisher, and writer of Zack’s book
How to share your story and connect with others

[08:23 - 21:16] Reframe Your Thoughts And Share Your Story

Helping people tell their stories and how figure out how to write them
Sharing your experiences with other people can be therapeutic
Writing veteran’s thoughts and sharing them with others
Reframing veteran’s thoughts about their military experience

[21:17 - 43:53] The Joyful Experience Of Sharing Your Story

She believes that it should be a joyful experience
The key to writing a book successfully is to have an organized process with a focus on the reader
Veterans are good at accomplishing tasks and can develop a task-oriented process
There are many ways to get your information out there
Writing articles
Blog posts
Podcasts
Videos

[43:54 - 45:28] Closing Segment

She emphasizes the importance of sharing one’s story and offers to help anyone who needs it
Connect with Jennifer (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“If you don't know how to do something and you're holding yourself back because you don't know how, and once you understand the process, that just makes it easier. It should be a joyful process.” - Jennifer Wright

“Stop being guarded and actually tell your story.” - Jennifer Wright

Connect with Jim

Website: Jim Adams Consulting

Facebook: Jim Adams

Instagram: Jim Adams

LinkedIn: Jim Adams

Working With People With Their Own Zone Of Genius And Superpowers with Jim Adams Shownotes

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“If you calm down, your vision widens up, which is very important in racing. And then new racers, like every single one of us. They grip the steering wheel like they're swinging axes. And you can't do that, you got to learn to loosen up and kind of change your mindset.” – Jim Adams

In today’s episode, we welcome, Jim Adams. Jim Adams grew his brick-and-mortar business, www.AmericanLandscapeStructures.com from $1 million to $5 million in sales during a pandemic, all while winning back his time and freedom as an entrepreneur. Jim believes there are essentially 4 types of business owners: 1. Gunslinger, 2. Mechanic, 3. Goalie, 4. Unicorn. Success as a business owner is almost completely based upon knowing which one you are, and building from there. This isn’t about just making more sales or hiring more people. It’s about understanding your natural tendencies, inclinations, fears, and behaviors that affect your decision-making. As a consultant, Jim has helped hundreds of small and family-owned businesses around the U. S. and Canada transform the businesses they’ve created into ones that are truly a joy to own. Jim was a top consultant with an international business consulting firm. AmericanLandscapeStructures.com - the multi-seven-figure pavilion business he founded in 2013 - has doubled 2 years running during a pandemic. Nowadays, you’ll find him cruising around the country with his wife Cara in their RV - their “headquarters on wheels.”

[00:01 - 13:59] Who is Jim Adams?

Zack introduces his guest, Jim Adams!
Jim has a background in law enforcement and has used this training to start a brick-and-mortar business
He believes there are four types of business owners and focuses on helping those in the “gun slinger” category to understand their numbers
He has helped hundreds of small businesses in the US to become more successful

[14:00 - 11:39] Becoming a Better Leader To Build A Successful Business

Jim discusses what he has learned during his first day of work that also applied to his racing career
He discusses how he learned to be a better leader by being in positions of authority where people had to respect him and make decisions quickly
How curiosity is a characteristic that he looks for in leaders
His transition from being a military veteran to a business owner
His mindset has shifted in order to be successful
He learned to be more present and observant in her interactions with others

[11:40 - 19:11] Working With People With Their Own Zone Of Genius And Superpowers

Jim discusses the importance of taking a tactical pause before taking action
How this can be coached by coaches and mentors
He came to a realization that he was “the smartest guy in the room” and became isolated from others
He started branching out and joined mastermind groups, which led to him building a national professional network
This network has helped his business grow, and he now owns a production company
He advises others to learn from their mistakes, work hard, and not be afraid to pivot their businesses

[19:12 - 25:02] Closing Segment

Jim advises listeners that the key to success is learning the numbers and understanding what will work for you
Connect with Jim (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“I've just worked with smarter and smarter and brighter and brighter people with their own zone of genius and superpowers. And then, our business has elevated as a result of that.” - Jim Adams

“One of the biggest problems in today's culture is that people think there's one right answer.” - Jim Adams

Connect with Jim

Website: Jim Adams Consulting

Facebook: Jim Adams

Instagram: Jim Adams

LinkedIn: Jim Adams

Finding The Positive Message Behind Your Negative Emotions with Orrin Lieuwen

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“When we feel stuck, when we feel frustrated, when there's no momentum because there's a problem in believing in oneself but they're there. They're in there.” – Orrin Lieuwen

In today’s episode, we welcome back, Orrin Lieuwen. Orrin discusses his webinar called, “The Lionheart Leadership Workshop”. This webinar offers participants the opportunity to learn how to identify and overcome negative emotions in order to develop a strong sense of self-awareness and leadership abilities. He discusses how people can be more resourceful by finding a positive message to reflect on when they’re experiencing negative emotions. He challenges listeners to check out Lionheart Leadership and learn more about how to become successful in life.

[00:01 - 01:27] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Orrin, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:28 - 11:56] Finding The Positive Message Behind Your Negative Emotions

Orrin discusses how developing a healthy balance between your external and internal worlds is important
Taking the time to look inward can be helpful in developing your skills and abilities
It is important to have a variety of sources of knowledge and development
The key to becoming a successful leader is to find the positive message behind your negative emotions
The webinar will help participants learn how to believe in themselves and access their resources

[11:57 - 13:57] Closing Segment

Orrin recommends his webinar, The Lionheart Leadership Workshop, because it is focused on character-based leadership, and how to develop and live through difficult situations in a healthy way
Connect with Orrin (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“Sometimes the best leaders are the first followers.” – Zack Knight

“Every day, sell yourself on your abilities and believe that you can.” - Orrin Lieuwen

Connect with Orrin

Website: Lionheart Leadership

Create Self-Belief And Overcome Imposter Syndrome with Orrin Lieuwen

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Get in touch with who you are, with your inner resources and potential inability, and find what is your unique message and how to bring that to the world.” – Orrin Lieuwen

In today’s episode, we welcome, Orrin to spend time in faith-based ministry and gained a deep passion for helping others develop, and making an impact. Out of his own journey from scarcity thinking to abundance thinking, he started Lionheart Leadership to help entrepreneurs be insanely confident and resourceful. He believes that leaders who are introverted can still be successful because they have the courage to share more about themselves. He shares that he grew up without self-belief, believing that he wasn’t capable of being successful or impacting lives. He recommends starting your day with a routine of prayer and going for a walk to help you overcome any doubts or fears you may have.

[00:01 - 05:37] Who is Orrin Lieuwen?

Zack introduces his guest, Orrin Lieuwen!
Orrin shares his story growing up in a small town in Canva
How he founded Lionheart Leadership
He discusses the importance of being transparent with your leadership style and legacy

[05:38 - 09:39] Create Self-Belief And Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Orrin discusses how a lack of belief can impact one’s ability to be successful in various areas of life
He discusses how developing self-belief is important
How he has developed a set of values that are important to him and which are reflected in his leadership training

[09:40 - 22:12] Merging Your Identity Which Correlates With Who You Are

Orrin discusses that it takes time to develop a passion and purpose in life
He emphasizes the importance of values in one’s life
How being in alignment with them will create motivation and momentum
One of the biggest challenges when starting a business is overcoming the fear of failure
How many of us can correlate merging our identity and who we are with our professions
What does character-based leadership do to our personality

[22:13 - 27:58] Closing Segment

Orrin wants to leave a legacy that is about helping people come in line with who they are as human beings
Connect with Orrin (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“My identity is not in the title. It's on these deeper, characteristics and the qualities of what makes me who I am.” - Orrin Lieuwen

“Get in touch with what are the things that are most important to you.” - Orrin Lieuwen

Connect with Orrin

Website: Lionheart Leadership

Understanding Your Strengths And Weaknesses In Order To Succeed with Kait McGregor

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Understanding their staff on a fundamental level so that they can drive the outcomes that they want and build the psychological safety that they're looking to create.” – Kait McGregor

In today’s episode, we welcome back, Kait McGregor discusses her platform for individuals seeking to improve their digital skills and find employment opportunities. After completing an assessment, individuals are given training that leads to certification. She provides “Northrop Grumman”, where their main goal is to first discover the qualifications of the candidate and train them military spouses can book a call with their career success executives team so that they can help them understand how they may be viewed based on their responses to various stimuli.

[00:01 - 01:14] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Kait, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:15 - 16:09] Understanding Your Strengths And Weaknesses In Order To Succeed

Kait shares her company, “Northrop Grumman”
She explains the process of registering on their platform
What are the offers of her company
She discusses how veterans and military spouses can benefit from engaging their services

[16:09 - 18:27] Closing Segment

Kait advises listeners to join her company so that they can help identify individuals with certain personality traits that are likely to be successful in certain fields
Connect with Kait (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“It's really important that to drive the educational piece not only around this underrepresented groups that aren't quite getting the same level of opportunity that everybody else is, but also around how you engage as an employer as well.” - Kait McGregor

“It's about awareness, education, and driving an understanding of what it is that you are trying to do.” - Kait McGregor

Connect with Kait

Website: WithYouWithMe

LinkedIn: Kait McGregor

Finding Your Worth, Value, And Purpose As A Veteran

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“We can really use a veteran to the greatest benefit of the organization, but also the greatest benefit to the veteran and help them find their worth, value, and purpose again.” – Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on Kait McGregor’s discussion on how understanding oneself is important before attempting to lead others. I learned that before understanding other people, you must first understand yourself. There are many things that veterans bring to the table, such as values and skills that may not be learned in the civilian world. Veteran-to-veteran matching can be helpful in finding a job that is a good fit for the individual. I discuss how society is holding people back from being successful and how people can be successful if they are willing to innovate and explore new ideas.

[00:01 - 01:16] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[01:17 - 05:43] Finding Your Worth, Value And Purpose As A Veteran

The importance of understanding the values that organizations hold and how veterans can bring these values to the table when applying for a job
The benefits of having a veteran in an organization
The challenges of managing a diverse workforce through virtual platforms
Not achieving success in society at a large scale

[05:44 - 07:41] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
To find out more about Kait and how innovation is happening, and how great things can happen when we allow ourselves to be open to new ideas, come and listen this Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“The biggest thing that we forget about the veteran world is, we want purpose, we wanna feel like we belong, but we also want a sense of purpose attached to the things we're accomplishing.” – Zack Knight

Fostering A Remote And Virtual Workforce That Is Productive with Kait McGregor

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“If you aren't willing to sacrifice your workforce, then I think it's time that we as HR professionals actually listen to what the workforce wants.” – Kait McGregor

In today’s episode, we welcome, Kait McGregor, who leads WithYouWithMe’s (WYWM) global Research and Innovation operations, with responsibility for developing the testing and matching capabilities of the Potential platform. She also influences the ongoing development of new and existing products across multiple regions. In her previous role with WithYouWithMe, she served as the Chief Employee Success Officer, building the Employee Success (HR) function across four countries, whilst scaling WYWM from 60 employees to over 400 globally and maintaining an average employee satisfaction score of 85 during the pandemic. Prior to joining WithYouWithMe, Kait held senior HR and operations roles across the Agriculture, Transport, and Logistic sectors, where she was pivotal in the implementation of new software programs, driving change, and building a graduate recruitment process from the ground up.

[00:01 - 02:02] Who is Kait McGregor?

Zack introduces his guest, Kait McGregor!
Kait is responsible for developing the testing and matching capabilities of the potential platform
Her pivotal implementation of software programs driving change and building a graduate recruitment process from the ground up

[02:02 - 12:57] The Change In Cultural Behaviors In Organizations

Kait discusses the cultural behaviors of staff responding to overtime requests are changing
Organizations are pushing against hybrid and virtual workforces
The change in cultural behaviors in organizations
HR professionals need to be aware of this change and adapt their practices accordingly
The benefits of allowing employees to work hours that fit their personal lives
The importance of fostering a sense of psychological safety and trust among employees

[12:58 - 22:57] Fostering A Remote And Virtual Workforce That Is Productive

Kait discusses the importance of vulnerability and honest in leadership
She recommends reading books and listening to podcasts on both sides of the spectrum to gain a better understanding of different perspectives
She emphasizes the importance of putting oneself in the shoes of others in order to better understand their needs

[22:58 - 26:31] Closing Segment

Kait shares that her goal is to help veterans and military spouses find jobs, and she believes that neurodivergent individuals are a key part of the solution
Connect with Kait (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“The challenge will be for us is actually making sure that we have the same cultural, alignment as organizations when we allow our staff to have those hybrid opportunities.” - Kait McGregor

“My legacy that I will want to leave behind is to know that I have done nothing but make a difference in changing at least one HR professional's mind in how they view, engage, and drive this talent market because this particular talent market, Is not the same as every other talent market.” - Kait McGregor

Connect with Kait

Website: WithYouWithMe

LinkedIn: Kait McGregor

Making The World A Better Place with Nick Stageberg

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“We are painfully detailed on how we do our entire business model. We put that out there To-Pay-What-You can model. And a hundred percent of the revenue from that goes to charity.” – Nick Stageberg

In today’s episode, Nick Stageberg discusses his unique business model that differs from traditional private equity funds. His company, Black Swan has an indefinite hold period, which allows it to maintain ownership of its investments and continue to make improvements to them. He discusses how they offer a pay-what-you-can course that helps people become more knowledgeable about real estate investment. The majority of the revenue from the course goes to charity, which has helped them renovate a kitchen and a homeless shelter in their community.

[00:01 - 01:15] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Nick, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:16 - 07:03] Making The World A Better Place

Nick discusses that his fund has different advantages over single asset syndication, including the ability to give sellers proof of funds and an indefinite hold period
He offers cash-out refinances, refinanced returns, and capital injections to investors
His team is passionate and committed to serving others, which has led to successful rehabilitation projects with tenants who had been living in illegal or hazardous conditions
His company, Black Swan is a company that offers real estate investing services, and its model is different from most in the industry
His company offers a course that has a 100% pay-what-you-can model, with all revenue going to charity

[07:4 - 11:39] Closing Segment

Nick shares his story and how the Black Swan course has helped him on his journey to self-mastery
Connect with Nick (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“The way we do business makes the world a better place. Treating tenants with dignity and respect, doing high-quality renovations, doing business with integrity.” – Nick Stageberg

Connect with Nick

Website: Black Swan

LinkedIn: Nick Stageberg

Finding Good Coaches And Mentors with Nick Stageberg

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“I feel like the more control I forfeit in my life, the greater freedom I have.” – Nick Stageberg

In today’s episode, we welcome, Nick Stageberg is a start-up founder to CEO of Black Swan Real Estate, Nick Stageberg has always been an entrepreneur at heart. Nick Stageberg has over 15 years of experience in the software development, architecture, and management space, he developed an interest in real estate investment at the age of 14 when he needed to secure safe housing due to family health issues. With no parental support, no income, and no job, he bargained with some family friends to clean out and rehab their basement in exchange for free housing. Although that was his first and only live-in flip, it gave him an interest in leveraging value-add opportunities. After college, he designed and built a custom home in Edmond, OK, and house-hacked by renting out rooms to former college roommates, all of whom are lifelong friends to this day. He is now the owner of a multi-million-dollar real estate portfolio.

[00:01 - 05:37] Who is Nick Stageberg?

Zack introduces his guest, Nick Stageberg!
Nick is the CEO and founder of Black Swan Real Estate
He has a successful history in the real estate industry, having founded and managed a third of a billion-dollar asset center management company
He and his wife have successfully integrated their family life into their work by being deliberate in their decision-making and creating an environment where everyone is constantly engaged in fun and exciting activities

[05:38 - 09:39] Changing The Rules Of Private Equity

Nick shares how they started their own foundation, which focuses on education and giving back to the community
Their focus is on coaching people in achieving their goals
Their goals are to create a model where 100% of the profits go to the partners, and there are no fees or splits
It’s important to drop the task or find a way to lighten the load
The problems with burnout
Morning routines and having a family-oriented mindset can help entrepreneurs motivate themselves

[09:40 - 22:12] Finding Good Coaches And Mentors

Nick believes that it is his responsibility as the leader of the organization to be in a peak state
Every employee must complete a survey every week to measure their energy, happiness, and value in their work
Finding good coaches and mentors is important for improving one’s fitness and career
Caring for oneself and having a strong peer group are both necessary for success
Giving back to society is important of being successful

[22:13 - 27:58] Closing Segment

Nick encourages listeners to connect with Black Swan and check out its investment opportunities
Connect with Nick (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“You have to make it about other people. You have to keep growing and you have to do it by giving.” - Nick Stageberg

“Get people into your life, that is just holding you accountable because other people always hold you more accountable than you can ever hold yourself.” - Nick Stageberg

Connect with Nick

Website: Black Swan

LinkedIn: Nick Stageberg

Find A Financial Planner To Make Financial Decisions with Tony Mayne

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“If you come from a background and a family that have not taught you about finances, use your transition time and resources available to become smarter or find that person who can help.” – Tony Mayne

In today’s episode, we welcome, Tony Mayne the Chief Executive Officer of Ranger For Life, he was among the first United States Army special operators to respond to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Tony served 12 years as a part of the US Special Operations Command, including nine years in the 75th Ranger Regiment. He retired in 2020 with 20 years of active federal service. Throughout his career, Tony has received many awards and decorations, none more cherished than his 75th Ranger Regiment shoulder sleeve insignia, Ranger Tab, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He has participated in and finished the US Army Best Ranger Competition and was a member of the winning team for the Bataan Memorial Death March.

[00:01 - 06:48] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Tony, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[06:49 - 07:45] Find A Financial Planner To Make Financial Decisions

Tony shares that his key to success for veterans is to be proactive and engage with professional
Department of Defense has gotten 100% right in setting initial pre-separation counseling for retirees
Veterans should start planning their transition out of the military by dialing back their goals and objectives
Have a financial planner to help you make decisions about your finances

[07:46 - 12:19] Closing Segment

Tony advises considering performance coaches to help improve your mental and brain health
Connect with Tony (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“If you do not have a financial planner, it is time to think like your civilian peers and at least speak with one and get a consultation.” - Tony Mayne

“We don't set goals, we set bulleted objectives.” - Tony Mayne

Connect with Tony

Website: https://rangerforlife.com/

Website: https://tonymayne.com/

Website: https://gallantfew.org/

Twitter: @rangermayne

LinkedIn: Tony Mayne

Facebook: Tony Mayne

Podcast: The Real Build Podcast

Veterans Are A Valuable Asset To Any Business with Tony Wayne

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“You don't realize it when you transition. You've got to build a functional team to help you and that is hard for folks to kind of wrap their heads around generally.” – Tony Mayne

In today’s episode, we welcome, Tony Mayne is the Chief Executive Officer of Ranger For Life, he was among the first United States Army special operators to respond to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Tony served 12 years as a part of the US Special Operations Command, including nine years in the 75th Ranger Regiment. He retired in 2020 with 20 years of active federal service. Throughout his career, Tony has received many awards and decorations, none more cherished than his 75th Ranger Regiment shoulder sleeve insignia, Ranger Tab, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He has participated in and finished the US Army Best Ranger Competition and was a member of the winning team for the Bataan Memorial Death March.

[00:01 - 05:37] Who is Tony Mayne?

Zack introduces his guest, Tony Mayne!
Tony’s military experience includes serving as an infantry officer in the 75th Ranger Regiment, earning numerous awards and decorations
Tony is the founder of the “A More Elite Podcast”, which aims to build communities rooted in American values

[05:38 - 09:39] Transitioning Out Of The Military and Into A Career

Tony shares one of his favorite stories from his podcast
Special operators learn to ask questions and be inquisitive, which helps them in their transition into civilian life
Veterans should aim to replicate the functions of a team in their transition, as this can be difficult for some
A lot of universities have devoted parts of either public policy or psychology departments to trying to determine happiness
Becoming an employer-based society

[09:40 - 22:12] Veterans Are A Valuable Asset To Any Business

Transitioning from a military career to a civilian can be difficult for veterans
Veterans are a valuable asset to any company and can bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the workplace
His organization, “gallawtfew”, provides reintegration for veterans, as well as coaching in areas such as finances, social life, and professional development
His organization, “Ranger For Life”, focuses on spiritual wellness for veterans, and helps them find the right job and navigate the civilian world
There is no statistically significant link between your spirituality and suicide attempts, but there is a two-thirds less chance of suicide if you know your spirituality

[22:13 - 27:58] Closing Segment

Tony encourages others to check out his work!
Connect with Tony (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“Human beings are meant to be in community. We're not meant to be isolated.” - Tony Mayne

“When we find out why they join the military, we can figure out what they need to do to be successful. And provide them happiness on the outside.” - Tony Mayne

Connect with Tony

Website: https://rangerforlife.com/

Website: https://tonymayne.com/

Website: https://gallantfew.org/

Twitter: @rangermayne

LinkedIn: Tony Mayne

Facebook: Tony Mayne

Communication Is Key In Every Aspect Of Real Estate with Bill Reiman

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“When you leave clients blind and they don't know what's happening, they start to worry and think about yourself. When you don't know what's going on about something you tend to think the worst thing rather than the best thing.” – Bill Reiman

In today’s episode, we welcome, Bill Reiman, who specializes in new home construction in new home construction and he’s currently the vice president of award-winning R.K. Reiman Construction, Inc. where we build luxury homes ranging from 4,000 – 10, 000 square feet. Their focus is on the long-term relationships, service, and quality we deliver to every customer. He will do anything it takes to make the process of buying, building, or selling a home more comfortable and easier for every one of my clients. He is also the host of The Real Build Podcast, where I teach people what they need to look for before buying, building, or selling a home. His mission is to help people with one of the most significant investments of their lives and be their guide for a smooth process.

[00:01 - 01:48] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Dan, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:49 - 10:08] Communication Is Key In Every Aspect Of Real Estate

Bill discusses the importance of good customer communication, touchpoints, and understanding the process of real estate
He discusses how a lack of communication can lead to problems with the customer experience, money loss, and time wasted
The biggest key to successful communication during a construction project is setting expectations from the beginning
Real estate is a complex subject, and it’s important for buyers and renters to understand all aspects of the process
The need to have knowledge about the house and the market

[10:09 - 15:44] Closing Segment

Bill recommends taking notes during visits to a property, climbing up an attic, and inspecting other details
Connect with Bill (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“Communication is one of the biggest things in every aspect of the construction in real estate and we always go back to communication and how we can communicate better.” - Bill Reiman

“You got to keep the deal structured. You got to keep the deal together. and the best way to do that is communication.” - Bill Reiman

Connect with Bill

Website: https://rkreiman.com/

LinkedIn: Bill Reiman

Instagram: Bill Reiman

Facebook: Bill Reiman

YouTube: Bill Reiman

Podcast: The Real Build Podcast Did you love the value that we are putting out in the show? LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue on putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

Finding Success And Overcoming Setbacks with Bill Reiman

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Action speaks louder than words. We've all heard that but how many people actually practice it? How many people just give lip service to something and don't follow through. Don't even talk to me about it. Just go do it. And then I'll see if the proof is in the pudding.” – Bill Reiman

In today’s episode, we welcome, Bill Reiman, he specializes in new home construction in new home construction and he’s currently the vice president of award-winning R.K. Reiman Construction, Inc. where we build luxury homes ranging from 4,000 – 10, 000 square feet. Their focus is on the long-term relationships, service, and quality we deliver to every customer. He will do anything it takes to make the process of buying, building, or selling a home more comfortable and easier for every one of my clients. He is also the host of The Real Build Podcast, where I teach people what they need to look for before buying, building, or selling a home. His mission is to help people with one of the most significant investments of their lives and be their guide for a smooth process.

[00:01 - 02:45] Who is Bill Reiman?

Zack introduces his guest, Bill Reiman!
Bill talks about how he has shifted his focus and maneuvered his journey to become a successful real estate and construction entrepreneur
He discusses his podcast, which is focused on furthering the education of people before they buy or sell a home

[02:46 - 08:52] How To Transition and Find Success

Bill talks about his sports journey
How he transitioned into the car business and has been successful, despite having no prior experience in the industry
He discusses how they were always good at sales and found success in the car business by being themselves and being real

[08:53 - 26:21] Finding Success And Overcoming Setbacks

Bill talks about his mindset shift and focuses on transitioning to a new life after his injury
He found success in care sales by using competition as his motivator, and by focusing on the opportunities that were given to him instead of dwelling on the setbacks
He wants to help people in the real estate industry by podcasting and educating them on the right ways to do business

[26:21 - 33:04] Closing Segment

Bill wants to leave a legacy of being helpful and helping others
Connect with Bill (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“I always want to figure out how I can win and how I can do better.” - Bill Reiman

“Good things happen when you're good and you keep that positive mindset.” - Bill Reiman

Connect with Bill

Website: https://rkreiman.com/

LinkedIn: Bill Reiman

Instagram: Bill Reiman

Facebook: Bill Reiman

YouTube: Bill Reiman

Podcast: The Real Build Podcast

How To Lead Like King Arthur: Engaging Team Members For Better Decision Making with Dan Kopp

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“When I engage my contemporaries, my team, even if it's my direct reports and I'm the executive and I've got my directors or whatever your titles are one step below or even two steps below and I'm engaged with them. They've got points of view that I may not be aware of, or they might have a better way of answering the quandary in front of me than I had thought of.” – Dan Kopp

In today’s episode, Dan Kopp discusses how the power of me helps individuals embrace their unique strengths and abilities and take general approaches to leadership that work for them, regardless of their personal identity. He provides general approaches to leadership that can be applied by anyone, regardless of individual experience or personality type. These approaches are based on personal values and experiences that have worked for him in the past. This allows them to see how it’s relevant to them and it makes sense to them. He shares that some of his life lessons are both personal and professional and it resonates with people that they can understand that they are who they are and they’re not wrong for that. To learn more about Dan’s work, listeners can visit his website at http://leadinglikeabuffalo.com/!

[00:01 - 00:52] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Dan, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[00:53 - 13:36] How To Lead Like King Arthur: Engaging Team Members For Better Decision Making

Dan recommends that the power of me is important in leadership because it helps people learn from their own experiences and strengths instead of following a script or model
This book provides nine general approaches to leadership that anyone can use, regardless of their background or experience
It helps people understand themselves and their motivations, which makes it easier to lead effectively
He discusses the idea of “Leading like King Arthur” and how it can be applied to both personal and professional life
He mentions that “Leading like King Arthur” is about being open to other peoples’ input and being able to make decisions based on that input
Leadership is not a democracy all the time, and it’s important to bring different perspectives forward in order to make the most educated decisions

[13:37 - 16:29] Closing Segment

Dan recommends finding the book "The Power of Me: Leadership Nine Tenets for Every Leader"
Connect with Dan (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“I made it personal, but there's also a professional lens. Some of my life lessons are both personal and professional. It resonates with people that they can understand that they are who they are and they're not wrong for that and there are approaches they can take that will make them better at what they do.” - Dan Kopp

“Everybody has it in them to be a leader. We've all got values. We've all got strengths. The trick is identifying those things that work.” - Dan Kopp

Connect with Dan

Website: http://leadinglikeabuffalo.com/

Website: https://dinamicosystems.com/

LinkedIn: @dankoppdinamico

Twitter: @DanielSKopp

“Be The Buffalo” And Lead Effectively With Dan Kopp

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Action speaks louder than words. We've all heard that but how many people actually practice it? How many people just give lip service to something and don't follow through? Don't even talk to me about it. Just go do it. And then I'll see if the proof is in the pudding.” – Dan Kopp

In today’s episode, we welcome, Dan Kopp, who is originally from Platteville, WI. After high school, he entered the United States Army as a military police officer serving in Frankfurt, Germany, The Republic of Panamá, and Fort Devens, MA. Dan served in various leadership roles in the military prior to transitioning into public education where he taught and ultimately held several executive roles. Dan practices situational leadership while focusing on those he serves. In 2019, Dan along with two partners started Dinamico, Inc., and works as a compensation expert helping employers save time and money while they attract and retain great people. In 2022 Dan followed his passion and started Leading Like a Buffalo, Inc., and continues to coach and mentor leaders across the country. He discusses the importance of having a varied approach to leadership and how transitioning from a military environment to a civilian world can be difficult. He talks about how his previous experiences in the military helped him succeed in his new career as a high school principal. He shares how he founded a company that helps employers connect with their employees and improve their compensation systems. He wants to help other leaders reach their full potential and feels fulfilled when he is able to do so.

[00:01 - 02:58] Who is Dan Kopp?

Zack introduces his guest, Dan Kopp!
Dan discusses his book, “The Power of Me: Leadership and Compensation”
He discusses his experience transitioning from the military to the civilian world
How it was difficult to exist in a situation where orders were given appropriately
He talks about how he developed a varied approach to leadership
How it was important for him to transition into the civilian world while still following orders

[02:59 - 18:06] Creating A Revolutionary Compensation System

Dan discusses his transition from a military environment to a civilian one was challenging
He found his passion for helping other leaders when he founded his first company, Dinamico, Inc
He has been coaching and mentoring people as a secondary service

[18:07 - 25:19] “Be The Buffalo” And Lead Effectively

Dan talks about how he and one of his partners from Dinamico, Inc. created a new company called Leading Like a Buffalo
Where his passion lies – mentoring and coaching leaders
He discusses the concept of “Be the Buffalo” and how it can be different for each individual
He discusses the importance of taking care of one’s self and others, being accountable, and trusting one’s gut instincts
He discusses how veterans can use their experiences to lead effectively in the future

[32:33 - 32:32] Closing Segment

Dan shares that his legacy is to help others and me a positive impact on the world
Connect with Dan (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“It's not about breaking the market. It's not about being a dollar above the competitor. It's about making a true connection with your employees. And the feedback that we're getting from our clients has been transformational.” - Dan Kopp

“If you can learn something from my book or learn something from my coaching or mentoring that you go back and affect positive change in your organization. That is my legacy.” - Dan Kopp

Connect with Dan

Website: http://leadinglikeabuffalo.com/

Website: https://dinamicosystems.com/

LinkedIn: @dankoppdinamico

Twitter: @DanielSKopp

Utilizing A System That Helps You Get Started And Stay Motivated with Jennifer Wright

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Reading to understand how a book is written is different than just reading it to learn from the book.” – Jennifer Wright

In today’s episode, Jennifer Wright talks about the course that she has released. The course is self-paced and is available to anyone who wants to sign up for it. She offers support through writing partners, counseling, and strategy sessions. The community she has created offers help to those who need it the most. She encourages people to find writing partners to help get started and to get to know the system so they can get started easily and not get stuck. She talks about how authors find their voice and her own journey to self-mastery. To learn more about her and her book, listeners can visit her website at Execuwright!

[00:01 - 01:13] Who is Jennifer Wright?

· If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!

· For the first part of my interview with Jennifer, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:14 - 08:47] Utilizing A System That Helps You Get Started And Stay Motivated

· Jennifer shares that the main goal of the course is to help people to get started and break through barriers

· She recommends finding topics to write about when sitting down to write, as this will help with practice

· She says that people love audiobooks because they can hear the author’s own voice and they can hear them go off on tangents

· Podcasts are a great way to learn from other authors and hear their stories

[08:48 - 11:42] Closing Segment

● Jennifer shares that both books and podcasts can be a way to learn from writing, as they provide different methods of presenting information

● Connect with Jennifer (links below)

● Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“If I'm going to listen to an audible book, I look for books that are being read by the author because it's their story. You hear the passion in the book, you hear the emphasis in the areas that they want to emphasize.” - Jennifer Wright

“I just look for different ways, different methods of presenting the information, so that we can, you know, learn from those methods and maybe use some of those elements, in our books.” - Jennifer Wright

Connect with Jennifer

Website: https://execuwright.com/

LinkedIn: Jennifer Wright

YouTube: Jennifer Wright

Podcast: The Author’s Way

Facebook: Jennifer Wright

How To Build A Community Around Your Book with Jennifer Wright

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“One of the things I really love doing is helping people, not only tell their story, but help to show the lessons.” – Jennifer Wright

In today’s episode, we welcome Jennifer Wright. She has been a writer since a young age and has spent many years helping entrepreneurs, businesses, and authors to share their stories, craft their messages, and create the processes that help them to create their books with ease. She helps her clients as they explore their expertise and how they add value to the world. She offers writing, editing, and teaching options that take all of the guesswork out of the process. In addition to being a writer and editor, she is a standup comedian, an artist, a mentor, and a podcast host. In this episode, she shares how her journey led her to write her first book, The Author’s Way: A Journey To Finding Your Voice. She discusses the importance of having a system in place for book writing, and how it helped her create books quickly. She discusses how podcasts can be used to reach a larger audience. She shares her tips for creating a community around your message and how social media can be used to promote your book. To learn more about her and her book, listeners can visit her website at Execuwright!

[00:01 - 02:58] Who is Jennifer Wright?

Zack introduces his guest, Jennifer Wright!
Jennifer discusses her experience in corporate America
She started as an English teacher and moved into project management
She talks about how she got to the point where she is now, focusing on helping others publish books using a process that is efficient and effective

[02:59 - 18:06] Share Your Process-Driven Leadership Strategies Through Your Book

Jennifer believes that everyone deserves a job that they love and wants to help executives share their expertise and stories with others
She shares her process of writing her books by
Brainstorming ideas
Taking notes
Organizing them into a system
Her books are designed to help people create systems that will help them achieve their goals quickly

[18:07 - 25:19] How To Build A Community Around Your Book

Book sales are not the only measure of success, and he recommends looking at other metrics such as how the book is being used
How it helps to promote other pieces of the author’s work
Jennifer discusses how to promote a book, specifically focusing on community building and feedback
She stresses the importance of editing the grammar and making sure the story makes sense

[32:33 - 32:32] Closing Segment

Jennifer wants to leave a legacy by helping leaders put their voice out there
Connect with Jennifer (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“I spoke to executives and one of the things that they really wanted was to be able to share their expertise and work with business owners and their ways that they could use that to help build their business and bring visibility to what they were trying to do.” - Jennifer Wright

“All of those people that you get into the community, they become, potential leads for you or they become your audience for your next book. Now you can't just build the community and let it sit there.” - Jennifer Wright

Connect with Jennifer

Website: https://execuwright.com/

LinkedIn: Jennifer Wright

YouTube: Jennifer Wright

Podcast: The Author’s Way

Facebook: Jennifer Wright

Better Sleep Quality Will Improve Your Overall Health with Chris Burres

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“We're the only species on the planet that will forego sleep for no healthy purpose.” – Chris Burres

In today’s episode, Chris Burres opens that conversation about when he used to take two naps before noon, but since taking MyVitalC regularly, he has not needed to take naps. He believes that this product is beneficial for mental focus and energy during the day and better sleep at night. He talks about how important sleep is for mental clarity and physical well-being. One of the top benefits of integrating MyVitalC into sleep is that it is incredibly important for both physical and mental health. He suggests that people should sample the product before buying it to ensure that it is something that they would like and to see if there are any other products that they would like to buy as well.

[00:01 - 01:33] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Chris, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:34 - 08:37] Better Sleep Quality Will Improve Your Overall Health

Chris discusses how sleep is important for health, and taking a supplement like MyVitalC can help improve sleep quality and reduce migraine headaches
One of the benefits of this product is that it can cross the blood-brain barrier, which means it can help improve mitochondrial function
He discusses how the ESS 60 molecule can improve sleep, and how this can lead to better productivity
He the molecule can help to reduce stress and how this can lead to a longer fuse with children

[08:38 - 15:56] Closing Segment

Chris shares that his goal is to help people improve their sleep quality
Connect with Chris (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Most people, in our most consistent testimonial, take it in the morning. They report mental focus and energy during the day, and then better sleep that night.” – Chris Burres

Connect with Christopher

Website: myvitalc.com/batl

Instagram: instagram.com/myvitalc

Facebook: facebook.com/myvitalc

Increasing Mental Focus and Energy with MyVitalC with Christopher Burres

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“There's no guarantee that you would get the same benefit. These are just sharing stories, and you can look at the research and make a decision for yourself.” – Christopher Burres

In today’s episode, we welcome Christopher Burres. Some may call him a mad scientist, but Chris has been an entrepreneur since 1991, with the founding of the first company to deliver carbon nanomaterials. When Chris realized that one of the chemicals he sold, which was based on Nobel Prize-winning chemistry and researched by NASA, had been proven to significantly increase the lifespan of mammals, he struggled with his own skepticism and with the moral implications of marketing the material, ESS60, as a supplement. Chris has an extensive background in a diverse range of areas, including Mechanical Engineering, Comedy Improv Artist, Oil and Gas Explosives, and Competitive Soccer, to name a few. He's also the co-founder of MyVitalC, a company focused on evolving and growing the ESS60 market. In this episode, he discusses how to take advantage of discounts and deals in the business world. He discusses his passion for science and how it led him to found MyVitalC.

[00:01 - 02:58] Who is Christopher Burres?

Zack introduces his guest, Christopher Burres!
Christopher shares his diverse background in engineering, comedy, oil and gas explosives, and he is also a competitive soccer player.
He talks about his experience with science and how it led him to study mechanical engineering

[02:59 - 18:06] Potential Applications for Carbon 60

Christopher discusses the discovery of carbon 60, which was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1996
He discusses how carbon 60 has many potential applications
Batteries
Tires
Photo cells

[18:07 - 37:32] Increasing Mental Focus and Energy with MyVitalC

Christopher discusses the product, Vital C, and its various benefits
He recommends taking Vital C in the morning to increase mental focus and energy throughout the day and better sleep at night
There is no guarantee that people will receive the same benefits

[37:33 - 40:00] Closing Segment

Christopher encourages listeners to visit myvitalc.com/batl for more information on the product and how to purchase it!
Connect with Christopher (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“The data was clear that it's safe if you process it properly. There's research that shows if you improperly process carbon 60, it's actually harmful, but everything that where you've processed it properly, we call that ESS 60. That's safe.” - Christopher Burres

“We know that sleep is good for our mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. And so almost every other testimonial coming out of the product could just be because they're getting better sleep.” - Christopher Burres

Connect with Christopher

Learn more about Christopher through his:

Website: myvitalc.com/batl

Instagram: instagram.com/myvitalc

Facebook: facebook.com/myvitalc

Taking On The Challenge To Break Away From the Rat Race with Donnie Boivin

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“The entire focus of the summit is to help you grow and ultimately scale your business.” – Donnie Boivin

In today’s episode, Donnie Boivin talks about the “Badass Business Summit”, where you can learn how to scale your business and become a true leader. Throughout the summit, you’ll learn about sales and marketing operations, mindset, operations, mindset operations, and growth mode. Some of the things you’ll do at the summit include perfecting your sales process and building it right at the event, building out automation email campaigns. He encourages listeners to check out the upcoming “Badass Business Summit," where they can learn from some of the world’s top entrepreneurs.

[00:01 - 01:33] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Donnie, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:34 - 08:37] Taking On The Challenge To Break Away From The Rat Race

Donnie discusses the “Badass Business Summit”
The summit will include sessions on growth mode, VIP, and other topics
One of the goals of the summit is to help participants achieve personal freedom
How it can be a challenge to break away from the rat race
Benefits of starting a business and how it can provide retirement planning opportunities
The difficulties of being an employee of one’s own business and how to overcome these challenges

[08:38 - 15:56] Closing Segment

Donnie offers his advice on how to find tickets for the upcoming “Badass Business Summit” and how to attend the event if interested
Connect with Donnie (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“My entire focus is to get people to get to personal freedom, which is teaching them how to show up with themselves, but also teaching them in a process of systems and the things in place so that the business can ultimately function and operate without them so that they can get to that level of business freedom.” – Donnie Boivin

Connect with Donnie

Learn more about Donnie through his:

Website: https://successchampionnetworking.com/

Podcast: https://successchampionnetworking.com/growth-mode/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuccessChampion/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7dWCHPdMBE4iomwQkn4W9g

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnieboivin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnie.boivin/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/donnieboivinsuccesscoach/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnieboivin

Find And Celebrate Something You Love About Yourself

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Find something new that you love about yourself and praise yourself for it.” – Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on Donnie’s discussion of his book, “F*cked to Focused.” His book discusses how to become successful and what to do if you are struggling. Donnie’s, Badass Business Summit, which takes place in a few weeks. The summit is focused on mindset and personal growth, and they share some of their own experiences with the event. He speaks about how his mindset and actions have helped him achieve success. He emphasizes the importance of looking in the mirror and finding something to love about yourself, no matter how small. Celebrating your wins is important, no matter how big or small.

[00:01 - 01:10] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[01:11 - 04:39] Find And Celebrate Something You Love About Yourself

Discussion on Donnie’s new book, “F*cked to Focused.”
Personal accountability and the biggest lie we tell ourselves
Badass Business Summit
He talks about being around people who will help keep you accountable, creating a success champion network and learning from others

[04:40 - 08:05] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
To find out more about Donnie and how he challenges people by looking at themselves in the mirror and finding something new to love about themselves, come and listen this Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Celebrate the wins no matter how big or small.” – Zack Knight

Focus on Your Badass Side In Order To Be Successful with Donnie Boivin

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“We're not going to learn anything if things don't break, so let's go break some things.” – Donnie Boivin

In today’s episode, we welcome Donnie Boivin. He is an entrepreneur and serves as CEO and Founder of Success Champions and Success Champion Networking. Donnie is considered one of the leading global minds in sales, business development, and business growth. He is the first person to make sales and business development relatable and human. He is a community builder and he builds champions. He helps small business owners leverage sales and business development to grow and then scale their business through his international best-selling book, F*cked to Focused. He shares his story of how he overcame various business failures and learned how to be a successful entrepreneur. He invites listeners to listen to his podcast, “Growth Mode”!

[00:01 - 02:58] Who is Donnie Boivin?

Zack introduces his guest, Donnie Boivin!
Donnie shares his biggest lesson from his experience in the Marin Corps, which was that it’s important to do business with other people in order to be successful
He credits his success to continuous action, not waiting for things to happen

[02:59 - 18:06] Focus on Your Badass Side In Order To Be Successful

Donnie discusses the importance of having a human aspect when selling, as opposed to a salesperson persona
He talks about how he overcame a difficult period in his business career by becoming more human and understanding his mistakes
He emphasizes the importance of having a strong brand and reputation
He discusses how business owners need to focus on their “badass side” in order to be successful
Attend the Badass Business Summit
Focus on helping your business grow and scale

[18:07 - 37:32] Find Growth In Your Niche and Overcome Past Failures

Donnie talks about his book, “F*cked to Focused”
It is written for people who are looking for a roadmap to success and not just a plan
Find growth in their niche and build everything out
He has helped them overcome past failures
His company has launched networking groups to help business owners stay in business and get introductions
Hit people from a very authentic nature

[37:33 - 40:00] Closing Segment

Donnie says that he wishes someone would’ve done for him when he was at his darkest time in business
Connect with Donnie (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“If people will learn to celebrate the small steps along the way, they can control the dopamine output in themselves, so they don't get the big drop off.” - Donnie Boivin

“Everything I do is centered around all the things I wish I knew, or somebody would've said.” - Donnie Boivin

Connect with Donnie

Learn more about Donnie through his:

Website: https://successchampionnetworking.com/

Podcast: https://successchampionnetworking.com/growth-mode/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuccessChampion/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7dWCHPdMBE4iomwQkn4W9g

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnieboivin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnie.boivin/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/donnieboivinsuccesscoach/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnieboivin

Understanding Demographics By Using Customer EQ with Chris Kneeland

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

"You've got to find your customers and ask them different types of questions that allow them to reveal themselves, and it's not just for your company, it's for your category.” – Chris Kneeland

In today’s episode, Chris Kneeland talks about branding and how it can be used as a tool to help create success. He believes that it’s important to go beyond just providing a good product and provide extra value to our customers. He talks about "customer EQ” and how it can affect the customer’s emotional connection. He says that it’s important to know your customers and their psychology in order to provide them with the best possible experience. He shares that in order to maintain this level of popularity, it is important for a company to go beyond just providing a good product and provide extra value to its customers.

[00:01 - 01:33] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Chris, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:34 - 08:37] Understanding Demographics By Using Customer EQ

Chris discusses that marketing must go beyond demographics to understand the emotional needs of customers
Customer EQ is a tool to understand the emotional needs of customers and build relationships with them
To be able to market to customers effectively, marketers must first understand their emotional needs
You need to find your customers and ask them different types of questions that allow them to reveal themselves

[08:38 - 15:56] Closing Segment

Chris shares his insights on the cult of personality and how it can impact business
Connect with Chris (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Don't settle for lackluster customer research and insights. It should be a huge competitive advantage.” – Chris Kneeland

Connect with Chris

Learn more about Chris through his website: https://cultideas.com/, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and his Podcast

How Small Businesses Can Benefit From Guerilla Marketing

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“This gorilla tactic attached to things is budget friendly. It's focused on making sure things are low cost in nature as a whole, but taking the creative and intellectual aspect of marketing and the implementation pieces where it doesn't have to be expensive.” – Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on Chris’s discussion on how cult-like brands focus on creating an immersive experience for their customers in order to keep them coming back. He discusses how big name companies have changed their marketing concepts in order to stay ahead of the competition. He talks about taking the creative and intellectual aspects of marketing and the implementation pieces to the point where it doesn’t have to be expensive. The different aspects of guerilla marketing that we can look at can stand out from other avenues of marketing.

[00:01 - 01:10] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[01:11 - 04:39] How Small Businesses Can Benefit From Guerilla Marketing

There is a ceiling to success for brands
Marketing concepts and how they’ve changed over the years
Guerilla tactics to break into different aspects of marketing
Small businesses should focus on budget-friendly marketing tactics such as using creative and intellectual aspects of marketing without having to be expensive
Digital marketing is not the only avenue that small businesses should consider when looking for ways to market their business

[04:40 - 08:05] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
To find out more about Chris’ insights on how to go above and beyond in marketing, focusing on the “cult collective” and cult ideas, come and listen this Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Shareability is something that you really want to create.” – Zack Knight

Identifiable Attributes of Cult Brands with Chris Kneeland

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“It’s one thing to have a purpose, the harder leap of faith is to spend more calories talking about what you stand for than what you sell.” – Chris Kneeland

In today’s episode, we welcome Chris Kneeland, he is the co-founder of North America's leading marketing engagement agency. He and his team have dissected hundreds of cult brands to discover how to create brands that people love to work at, or consumers love to buy from. He talks about cult brands and how they are quantifiable via customer emotional intelligence. He shares his thoughts on cult brands and how they can successful in a saturated market.

[00:01 - 02:58] Who is Chris Kneeland?

Zack introduces his guest, Chris Kneeland!
Chris talks about the symptoms of a cult brand

[02:59 - 18:06] Identifiable Attributes of Cult Brands

Chris discusses the key attributes of cult brands
Quantifiable metric of emotional attachment
Premium price point
Focus on internal engagement over external engagement
He says that marketing today is more complex than just using social media or digital platforms
Learn from successful strategies

[18:07 - 37:32] Cult Brands That Use Marketing To An Obsessed Customer Base

Chris discusses the importance of having a purpose beyond simply selling products
He discusses how paid media can be expensive
How businesses can achieve success by focusing on cult brand principles
Enthusiasm
Optimism
Hope

[37:33 - 40:00] Closing Segment

Chris challenges listeners to take action by visiting his website, listening to his podcast, and attending upcoming events
Connect with Chris (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“Cult brand is not trying to be all things to all people, but to know who you are, what you stand for, and see if that can attract a certain similarly valued or principled person to you.” - Chris Kneeland

“There is no such thing as a business that can't find moments and elevate them for low cost and in ways that just demonstrate that I'm paying attention.” - Chris Kneeland

Connect with Chris

Learn more about Chris through his website: https://cultideas.com/, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and his Podcast

Overcome A Crisis of Confidence and Knowing Your Worth with Maureen Falvey

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Servant leadership doesn't mean ending up a stump when servant leadership happens, the tree flourishes with twice as many branches and twice as many leaves and everybody wins.” – Maureen Falvey

In today’s episode, Maureen Falvey discusses how to help someone overcome a crisis of confidence. She talks about how it’s important to be aware of when you’re taking too much time for yourself and not letting work consume your life. She discusses how it can take a while for people to learn to be selfish in order to be selfless. She talks about the importance of servant leadership, highlighting that in order to be effective at it, one must first be strong in their own abilities.

[00:01 - 01:33] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Maureen, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:34 - 08:37] Overcome A Crisis of Confidence and Knowing Your Worth

Maureen discusses one of the most common reasons people struggle is a crisis of confidence
The law of polarity, which is the idea that everything has two sides—good and bad—
How to Master the Art of the Unapologetic
Managing stress is understanding and honoring your time
Cultivating confidence and managing your time wisely
Knowing your worth and that you deserve to take care of yourself
Shifting a servant leadership mindset means being selfless and giving full-heartedly before taking anything in return

[08:38 - 15:56] Closing Segment

Maureen reminds listeners that it’s important to ask ourselves two questions each day, and to take action in order to achieve our goals
Connect with Maureen Falvey (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Everybody wins when we can breathe.” – Maureen Falvey

Connect with Maureen

Learn more about Maureen through her website: https://markstrongcoaching.com/, LinkedIn

Keep People Accountable For Their Actions

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Being a servant leader does not mean you are there to be their servant.” – Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on Maureen’s discussion about the concept of servant leadership. Servant leadership is a different kind of leadership for female leaders. It’s important to maintain a positive attitude and be happy. Her mission is to help leaders unleash their potential and become the best version of themselves. She offers a lot of phenomenal services, such as coaching, training, and mentorship. Her discussion about female leadership with her and what it’s like from a leadership role. What it’s like to not endure that role, but have aspirations and want growth.

[00:01 - 01:10] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[01:11 - 04:39] Keep People Accountable For Their Actions

Leaders should be aware of the different contexts in which their employees may take things, and not take things too far themselves
“Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink
You have to keep people accountable for their actions
The focus is on self-improvement

[04:40 - 08:05] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
To find out more about Maureen’s use of strong coaching and training to help her maintain boundaries with her employees, come and listen this Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Be willing to serve, but not be willing to be a servant.” – Zack Knight

How To Be An Effective Leader And Not Be Intimidating with Maureen Falvey

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“What people want is to be seen, to be heard, to know that they matter, to have someone who's career pathing with them, and someone who sees them.” – Maureen Falvey

In today’s episode, we welcome Maureen Falvey. She is the Lead Coach & Trainer at Strong Training & Coaching. Following a successful 25+ year career in advertising, she is now on a mission to help leaders unleash their potential and become the best version of themselves. She shares that her key attribute at the job was her voice, where she had the courage to go against the grain and speak up in meetings. She advises leaders to be self-aware and understand that they have to have high standards to be able to reach their potential. She shares that as a female leader, we have to decide what “smiling our job” means for us and make sure it aligns with our vision and goals.

[00:01 - 03:00] Who is Maureen Falvey?

Zack introduces his guest, Maureen Falvey!
Maureen’s mission
Her journey started with curiosity and a desire to be like any men

[03:01 - 17:51] How To Be An Effective Leader And Not Be Intimidating

Maureen discusses the differences between how women are perceived in the workplace
Design contracts with clear expectations
Feeling safe with your opinions in the workplace
Dealing with people who are intimidating

[17:52 - 24:10] Women Leaders Need To Smile More

Fear and perfectionism in the workplace
Cultivating confidence
Mindset shift
Smiling is important for both male and female leaders
Women should be aware of the implications of smiling
Her struggle with imposter syndrome

[24:11 - 32:05] Closing Segment

Maureen emphasizes the importance of having a purpose in life and living intentionally, instead of by accident
Connect with Maureen (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“If we all saw that fear is in front, maybe we would choose something different.” - Maureen Falvey

“if we could be guided by progress, not perfection, you will try things no one's ever tried before.” - Maureen Falvey

Connect with Maureen

Learn more about Maureen through her website: https://markstrongcoaching.com/, LinkedIn

Recognize Your Skeletons and Reach Out For Help

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“If you're stuck, if you're feeling lost, nobody's going to do anything until you do something yourself. If you're broken, fix it.” – Zack Knight

In today’s episode, Zack Knight shares his story of returning home from Afghanistan to find out he had nerve damage in his arm and was kicked out of the military. He found himself excited to be reactivated and thought he would be promoted to captain. However, after going down to a career course and finding out he had nerve damage, he started to lose himself more. He shares how when COVID hit, it was like losing a part of his identity. He started to work through his pain by playing the piano and connecting with others. His advice for aspiring leaders is to take the time to figure out who they are, what they stand for, and what they want to achieve.

[00:01 - 07:45] Who is Zack Knight?

Zack describes being broken as a turning point in their life that helped them turn the tide in their life
Not using the word “broken” to describe himself
How losing his identity led to him feeling lost and vulnerable

[07:46 - 09:30] Recognize Your Skeletons and Reach Out For Help

Zack’s downward trajectory started right when you recognized you were getting out of the military
How he started to lose different aspects of your identity
Recognizing that you have to start dealing with these skeletons that come out as you lose yourself more
Reaching out for help is what saved your life

[09:31 - 15:33] Thriving in a Structure

Zack shares how he learned how to play the piano
How it improved his movement and dexterity
Thriving in a structure
His focus is to find themselves and create a framework for themselves
Finding your passion and attracting positive people into their life

[15:34 - 22:04] Closing Segment

Zack reminds people to be their authentic self, and that will make you stand out in the crowd
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“There are small things that you can really be grateful about, and identifying those things is going to help you recognize that this is what I love about.” - Zack Knight

“I can't help and love others until I can help and love myself.” - Zack Knight

Start Your Day With Gratitude and Intentionality with Ben Albert

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“If you're not leading yourself, helping yourself, leading yourself first, I can give you all the tactics in the world, but you're going to fall on your face.” – Ben Albert

In today’s episode, Ben Albert shares that he starts his day by writing down three things that he is grateful for and then repeats this throughout the day. He mentions that we should start every day with intention because we have to focus on what he wants to achieve today. He shares that he is grateful for the fact that he is alive and has a good life, despite having many challenges compared to others in the world. He talks about how deep breathing, affirmations, silence, and exercise can all help to improve one’s mood and mindset for the day. He encourages listeners to create their own morning routine based on what works best for them and to reach out and help others whenever possible.

[00:01 - 01:24] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Ben, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:25 - 11:37] Start Your Day With Gratitude and Intentionality

Ben discusses their morning routines, which include gratitude and intentionality
He recommends writing down three things you’re grateful for each morning, and reaching out to one person you want to help each day

[11:38 - 16:54] Closing Segment

Ben advises listeners to create their own morning routine based on what works best for them
Connect with Ben (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“When you have that intentionality, everything in your day and in your entire life goes better.” – Ben Albert

Connect with Ben

Learn more about Ben through her website: https://www.gobundance.com/, https://www.r360global.com/, and LinkedIn!

Add Value By Building Good Rapport

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“That’s a big piece that people don't recognize, where people don't understand necessarily the value you can bring to somebody.” – Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on Ben’s discussion about how networking and prospecting are essential to success in business. He discusses how effective podcasting can be in building relationships and delivering value. Zack references the Joe Rogan podcast and talks about how he researches people before interviewing them on his show. He highlights how important it is to connect with someone on a personal level, as this builds trust and rapport.

[00:01 - 01:02] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[01:03 - 07:10] Add Value By Building Good Rapport

He respects the time and effort that goes into researching someone before contacting them
This is a key part of building good relationships
Ben’s emphasis was to be specific when asking people for help
Frame it as an opportunity to add value to the other person
Building a good rapport with people

[07:11 - 09:18] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
To find out more about Ben’s focus on morning routines that motivate yourself, come and listen this Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Start the day with intentionality.” – Zack Knight

Mindset and Balance Are Key To Be A Successful Marketer with Ben Albert

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“It's really important that I allow people to find their tribe similar to where I found my tribe in the music industry.” – Ben Albert

In today’s episode, we welcome Ben Albert. He hosts a network of 5 podcasts called “Real Business Connections,” and he runs a massively successful marketing firm, Balbert Marketing, and has replaced his established sales income in just over a year. He discusses his journey from sales to entrepreneurship, how his background in music helped him create a successful marketing career, and the importance of balance in entrepreneurship. He shares his advice for those looking to start their own podcast. He shares how he separates himself from things that are not aligned with these values and how this allows him to live a life by design.

[00:01 - 03:00] Who is Ben Albert?

Zack introduces his guest, Ben Albert
Ben shares his experiences of unemployment, depression, and feeling unworthy

[03:01 - 17:51] Mindset and Balance Are Key To Be A Successful Marketer

Ben discusses the importance of being able to lead yourself before you can lead others
He understood the business and had a marketing mindset
His love of promotion
He discusses the importance of mindset and balance when it comes to working hard and taking time for yourself
He discusses the importance of podcasting and how it has helped him develop his skills as a marketer

[17:52 - 24:10] Growth Mindset and Being Gritty In Order To Achieve Success

Ben shares his motivation for podcasting and how it has helped him grow as a businessperson
He emphasizes the importance of having a growth mindset and being gritty in order to achieve success
Podcasting is a great way to leave a legacy that will continue to be enjoyed by others long after you are gone

[24:11 - 32:05] Closing Segment

Ben reminds listeners to live in alignment with their values and goals
Connect with Ben (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“When I felt small, all I wanted was to feel seen, heard, and understood.” - Ben Albert

“I make decisions that are in alignment with growth, community connection, and fun.” - Ben Albert

Connect with Ben

Learn more about Ben through his website: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and his Real Business Connections Network!

The Value Of A Support System with Christopher Ryan

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“We pull open the aperture of our vision. Well beyond just the business side of life.” – Christopher Ryan

In this episode, Christopher Ryan shares his insights about how the company helps individuals achieve their vision and mission of financial independence. He discusses the various programs and events that are open to all members. He shares the benefits of GoBundance, which is a school for future life chess masters, and how it is important to be true to yourself, and not just wear a uniform or be someone you’re not.

[00:01 - 01:27] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Christopher, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:28 - 06:07] The Value Of A Support System

Christopher invites listeners to four tribe-wide events!
The events are opportunities for members to connect and grow together
He shares his main value of fellowship
GoBundance provides a place to connect with others who share similar interests

[06:08 - 13:02] Closing Segment

Christopher emphasizes the importance of opening up our aperture of vision and pulling back to see beyond just our success in business
Connect with Christopher (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Fellowship and membership are to me, what I believe ultimately is the greatest value of GoBundance.” – Christopher Ryan

Connect with Christopher

Learn more about Christopher through her website: https://www.gobundance.com/, https://www.r360global.com/, and LinkedIn!

Consistency Will Lead To Better Business Outcomes

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“We should be focusing on and bringing family, friends, relationships back into the forefront because so many of us push those onto the back burner as we start building these things, craving success and craving consistency.” – Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on Christopher’s discussion on the importance of self-awareness and how it is essential to lead oneself and others effectively. He shares tactics that he has used to build his own career, business, and life balance. He offers advice for anyone seeking to achieve similar success. He talks about GoBundance which offers business mindset reset that are relevant to entrepreneurs. The goals are to put the cell phone down, put the computer away, and go up to check out more or less mentally reset and focus on how to improve and move forward. He encourages listeners to ask questions and learn more about their goals and objectives!

[00:01 - 01:02] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[01:03 - 07:10] Consistency Will Lead To Better Business Outcomes

Christopher shares his experiences and strategies for achieving a work-life balance
He suggests that people should have a mindset reset can help entrepreneurs to be more consistent in their work
He discusses consistency can lead to better business outcomes
GoBundance is a mastermind that focuses on helping its members create balance in their business and personal lives

[07:11 - 09:18] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
To find out more about Christopher’ tips to figure out who you are and are going to be, come and listen this Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“GoBundance is helping you create that balance, helping you create those mindset resets within the business, making business, building aspect and business relationship aspect that you're really driving home. And overall, it's just phenomenal.” – Zack Knight

Being Accountable to Achieve Work-Life Balance with Christopher Ryan

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Some of the most productive times for me are when the phone is not ringing, the emails aren't popping in and I just have time to think.” – Christopher Ryan

In today’s episode, we welcome Christopher Ryan. He is the CEO of Gobundance, a peer-to-peer mastermind organization of 800 individuals. In tandem, he is also the Founding Partner of R360, where they lead groups of sophisticated investors, philanthropists, and intellectuals. He shares that one of the main goals in his life is to help other people achieve their dreams, and he believes that networking and matchmaking are key to achieving this goal. He discusses the concept of work-life balance, or the idea that one should try to have a balance between working and living life outside of work. He recommends establishing boundaries with loved ones, staying healthy, and investing time in things that are important to you outside of work.

[00:01 - 06:21] Who is Christopher Ryan?

Zack introduces his guest, Christopher Ryan!
Christopher tells us his fascinating journey that started with being a competitive tennis player, then moving to college, and military school
Chris is motivated by helping others move forward in their lives and leaving a legacy

[06:22 - 22:58] Being Accountable to Achieve Work-Life Balance

Balancing work and personal life
Holding partners accountable can help achieve balance
The practice of “care”, both in business and in personal relationships
Focus on things that matter most, outside of work
Leveraging his networking and matchmaking skills
Cracking the code with work-life balance
Aligning with character and core values

[22:59 - 33:48] Isolating Yourself That Shares Similar Goals and Values

Christopher discusses the difficulties that successful people face
Isolate yourself from people who share similar goals and values
Gobundance proves opportunities to connect with each other and share experiences
Leaving a legacy is something that a successful person would like to leave to the world

[33:49 - 39:49] Closing Segment

Christopher offers to help connect with listeners with whatever they need, whether it’s advice on using Gobundance or just connecting with others!
Connect with Christopher (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“One of the great gifts of my life is that the folks at West Point allowed me to work out with their tennis team while I was a junior and senior in high school. And honestly, I think a fair number of their leadership traits and tactics showed up on the tennis court. And I picked it up and it has served me ever since.” - Christopher Ryan

“A lot of us get so focused, myself included, on the here and now that sometimes it comes at the cost of what's going to be really important to us later in life.” - Christopher Ryan

Connect with Christopher

Learn more about Christopher through her website: https://www.gobundance.com/, https://www.r360global.com/, and LinkedIn!

The Importance of Messaging in Marketing with Amanda Rabideau

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“The ability to create your messaging, it's an opportunity for those founders to get really clear on what they're going to pitch. It also is a chance for them to be better prepared to work with any future marketers that they hire.” – Amanda Rabideau

In today’s episode, Amanda Rabideau discusses the importance of having a clear message and how to use messaging to align employees. She provides example messages for a product, company, and elevator pitch. She says that it is important to have messaging that is documented and consistent in order to break through the clutter of other businesses. She stresses the importance of learning from mistakes and modifying one’s messaging based on the results!

[00:01 - 01:27] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Amanda, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:28 - 06:07] The Importance of Messaging in Marketing

Amanda discusses Messaging, that it is important and can be used to get employees aligned, prepare for trade shows, and pitch benefits to clients
Consistency in your messaging can be used to breaking through the clutter
Write effective messaging
Overcome fear of writing
Benefits of creating a clear and resonant message

[06:08 - 13:02] Closing Segment

Amanda stresses the importance of messaging in marketing and how it can be different for different audiences
Connect with Amanda (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“There's thousand things I could go through about the power of messaging, but when I'm referring to messaging, I'm talking about that documented way that you are talking about a company that will be used on digital marketing, social, and press releases and everything beyond.” – Amanda Rabideau

Connect with Amanda

Learn more about Amanda through her website: https://www.arch-collective.com/, Instagram, Twitter, and Linked!

Being Authentic and Vulnerable When Marketing

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Identify starts with identifying who you are. It helps you triage your branding, your awareness, and your marketing.” – Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on Amanda’s branding and how important it is to be consistent with your messaging. She shares her journey of self-mastery, which was not easy. I find this to be a powerful message because it reminds me that branding takes time and effort to create a successful identity.

[00:01 - 03:03] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[03:04 - 04:26] Being Authentic and Vulnerable When Marketing

Listen to speakers who are knowledgeable and get inspired
Storytelling is a powerful tool
Connecting with people on an emotional level
Amanda’s emphasis on the importance of being authentic and vulnerable when marketing

[04:27 - 07:27] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
To find out more about Amanda’ tips to figure out who you are and are going to be, come and listen this Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Storytelling becomes powerful because it turns into not just, “Hey, here's what I went through, but here's what I did.” – Zack Knight

The Importance of a Diverse Leadership Team That Targets Specific Audience with Amanda Rabideau

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Women are one aspect of diversifying, but if you bring in more perspectives in a more diverse group. I think that is exactly when the creative magic happens.” – Amanda Rabideau

In today’s episode, we welcome Amanda Rabideau. She is the Founder, CEO, & Fractional CMO at Arch Collective. She has over fifteen years of experience growing businesses using effective marketing, strategy, and scaling practices. Throughout her career, Amanda has worked with large enterprises like Dell, Microsoft, CoreLogic, Cloudstaff, New Relic, and OraMetrix (acquired by Dentsply Sirona in 2018). Amanda's devotion to empowering entrepreneurs led to the creation of Arch Collective, a successful business that handles all marketing strategy and execution for B2B (back-to-back) tech startups. She believes that operating with talented, freelance marketers is the future of work as well as a valuable advantage provided by Fractional CMOs allowing post-Series A startups to deploy new capital in the safest, most cost-efficient way. She shares that as a female leader, the expectations are different than for men, and it’s important for leaders to reframe the conversation when talking to women in order to create a more diverse perspective.

[00:01 - 06:21] Who is Amanda Rabideau?

Zack introduces his guest Amanda Rabideau
Amanda believes that having a fractional CMO is advantageous to post series funded startups
They help companies grow revenue and acquire new customers
Video is one of the key components of Amanda’s marketing strategy
It allows startups to demonstrate their growth to investors

[06:22 - 22:58] Video Marketing are Great Modes for Content Marketing

Videos are a better way to attract attention and engage people
People are not going to read long blogs
Content marketing is important for businesses of all stages and sizes
Consistency is key for standing out in a saturated environment
She discusses how to connect with people
Think about who they are as a person and what their interests are
When marketing to people:
It’s important to remember that you are communicating to humans
It’s important to have a personal brand that is aligned with the company’s mission
Employees want to work for companies that have a strong digital footprint and are led by leaders who share the same values

[22:59 - 33:48] The Importance of a Diverse Leadership Team That Targets Specific Audience

Amanda shares that women face different expectations than men in the corporate world
It’s up to men to reframe the conversation and look at the situation differently
Leadership is important, but diversifying a leadership team with different perspectives is even more important
The importance of targeting a specific audience when starting a business
Being clear on your target audience and develop a persona to represent that audience
Listening to customers and understanding their needs and frustrations

[33:49 - 39:49] Closing Segment

It is Amanda’s legacy to leave on the world is that of, an entrepreneur who is successful in their field and helps others do the same
Setting an example for her children
Helping other entrepreneurs grow their business
Connect with Amanda (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“One of the things I talk about with startup founders, especially is the importance of being very clear on their target audience.” - Amanda Rabideau

“I want to leave a legacy of, “Hey kids, whatever your dreams are, whatever it is that you enjoy doing, life is short.” So go after it and pursue that.” - Amanda Rabideau

Connect with Amanda

Learn more about Amanda through her website: https://www.arch-collective.com/, Instagram, Twitter, and Linked!

Accelerate Your Soft Skills Your Way to Be a Better Leader with Jennifer Chapman

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Think about what are the things on your mind and turn it into this, “How do I” question. Now you've got something that's centering you on your journey of self-study.” – Jennifer Chapman

In today’s episode, Jennifer Chapman speaks about how they are working together to grow their business. She states that they are integrating coaching into their content production in order to be more effective and optimize their strategies. She mentions that she is excited about how their company is growing and scaling. She encourages everyone to listen to the previous episodes and learn more about how to accelerate their leadership capabilities.

[00:01 - 01:27] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Jennifer, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:28 - 06:07] Accelerate Your Soft Skills Your Way to Be a Better Leader

Jennifer discusses the importance of soft skills in the real world
She uses these skills in order to attract and keep good employees
Businesses need to focus on developing soft skills
She shares her assessments and resources that can help you grow and achieve your goals

[06:08 - 13:02] Closing Segment

Jennifer shares discusses how to accelerate your capabilities in the corporate world
Connect with Jennifer (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“You've got to get clear about what you want to learn.” – Jennifer Chapman

Connect with Jennifer

Learn more about Jennifer through his website: https://ambitionleadership.com/, email, and LinkedIn!

Harnessing Your Ambition To Grow And Scale Your Business with Jennifer Chapman

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“It's really important to recognize that a lot of us need those soft skills because it makes you relatable and it makes you friendly.” – Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on Jennifer’s emphasis on her focus on the soft skills when trying to be successful in business. She shares a lot of her experiences and understanding of the business world, which she uses to motivate and keep people focused on their goals. She offers her advice on how to harness your ambition to grow and scale businesses, as well as assessments to help people determine their readiness for a leadership role.

[00:01 - 01:06] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[01:07 - 08:37] How Your Soft Skills Correlates To Your Hard Skills

I reflect on Jennifer’s focus on soft skills assessment that she uses to help leaders motivate and manage their employees
People often forget to focus on soft skills, which can lead to problems in relationships and work

[08:38 - 10:16] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
To find out more about Gabrielle’s tips for effective, comeback this Friday
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“The hard skills are what makes you money while the soft skills is what positions you in a place to make that money.” – Zack Knight

Finding Your Passion and Work-Life Balance with Jennifer Chapman

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“The number one thing to get you on the same page as your boss, is to figure out what is their passion? What motivates them? What is it that they want to accomplish while they're in their role? And if you can find that out and then support them in getting that goal accomplished. It will open so many other doors in that relationship.” – Jennifer Chapman

In today’s episode, we welcome Jennifer Chapman. She is an International Coach Federation (ICF) certified leadership coach. She trained through Georgetown’s prestigious Executive Leadership program. She enjoys helping leaders who have been promoted through functional expertise as people managers. Jennifer’s journey to becoming an expert leadership coach began when she became unhappy with her work-life balance and struggled to manage a difficult boss. She recommends first finding out what makes your boss tick and connecting that to something that you can relate to. When a person is unfulfilled in their current position, they may be looking for a new opportunity to learn and grow. She encourages listeners to check out her website, https://ambitionleadership.com/, to learn more about her and the other ambitious leaders she works with.

[00:01 - 08:44] Who is Jennifer Chapman?

Zack introduces his guest, Jennifer Chapman
Jennifer discusses one way to help manage a boss that is not the best is to figure out what motivates them and connect that to something that you can relate to
This tactic can be effective both down the chain of command

[08:44 - 21:33] Find Your Work-Life Balance

Jennifer says that burnout in positions of leadership, and can be led to a decrease in productivity
Entrepreneurship is a great way to learn and grow
It offers more flexibility and control than many other positions
She says that, even if you’re your own boss, you still have to answer to clients
For her, it was a shift away from overworking and towards balance and trusting other people to get things done
This was helped by finding people who could relate to my current situation and had moved past it
She suggests that we should surround ourselves with the people that will help you achieve your goals
Be it fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, or business coaches

[21:34 - 38:49] How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Jennifer discusses how people can have imposter syndrome
It is a feeling of not being good enough in any area of their life
She discusses how there are ways to overcome imposter syndrome, including making a list of accomplishments and feeling proud of them, and setting boundaries at work

[32:34 - 40:35] Closing Segment

Jennifer believes that there are things that she could have learned earlier in her life, but her journey is hers and she has no regrets
Connect with Jennifer (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“I've just loved being on a journey with my clients. As I've helped coach them to sanity and to having the job they really want and love. It helped me then reflect and want to take action because I want to practice what I preach. I don't want to be a hypocrite, and so I've just loved being on a journey with my clients.” - Jennifer Chapman

“You just trust your gut as you ask questions and have a conversation with the coach. Pick something small and see if you can have the coach actually coach you about that thing.” - Jennifer Chapman

Connect with Jennifer

Learn more about Jennifer through his website: https://ambitionleadership.com/, email, and LinkedIn!

Identify What Your Top People Are Doing From A Leadership Standpoint with Brett Knopf

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Integrity to me is one of the top foundational skills that people need to have in order to have a happy and successful life and generate success in business.” – Brett Knopf

In today’s episode of Tactical Friday, Brett Knopf shares a couple of tips that we can apply ourselves and how we can work with him in the future that will make the most effective sales teams. He discusses how to identify our top salespeople and how to develop leadership skills for them. Brett discusses the importance of soft skills in building a successful team.

[00:01 - 01:48] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Brett, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:49 - 10:59] Integrity is Important Is A Foundational Skill

Brett talks about identifying what your top people are doing
What are they doing from a leadership perspective roles?
The organic leadership qualities that they need to posses
He discusses that one of the key things makes a good salesperson is empathy and interest in other people
Integrity is important and salespeople should never try to take advantage of their customers

[11:00 - 13:11] Closing Segment

Brett coaches a small group that are looking to level in mindset, time management, organization, sales, and leadership. He invites us to visit his website: https://knopfknowssolutions.com
Connect with Brett (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Identifying what your top people are doing and I don't mean top people strictly in terms of sales productivity, but what are they doing from a leadership perspective in their roles.” – Brett Knopf

Connect with Brett

Learn more about Brett through his website: https://knopfknowssolutions.com, Instagram, and Facebook!

Being Mindful Allows For Better Communication

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“In order to lead others, you must first be able to lead yourself.” – Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on Brett’s tactics to build businesses, culture, and leadership skills. He shares that it’s important to be self-aware in order to be successful in these endeavors. He encourages others to think through what they are doing and how it affects the other person and it can be difficult to maintain good relationships when things are not managed well.

[00:01 - 01:16] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[01:17 - 08:37] Recognize that You Have to be Mindful That a Response and Not a Reaction is the Better Avenue

I reflect on the great insights given by Brett
I discuss how the personal and professional lives of business owners can intersect, and how it is important to be mindful when communicating
A response and not a reaction is the better course of action
Being mindful allows for better communication
When emotions are high, it is difficult to have a rational conversation
It is important to think about when it comes to self-mastery

[08:38 - 10:16] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
To find out more about Gabrielle’s tips for effective, comeback this Friday
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Recognize that you have to be mindful that a response and not a reaction is the better avenue.” – Zack Knight

The Importance of Finding Someone With a Growth Mindset with Brett Knopf

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“I want to make sure that leaders understand that in order to grow your business, you've got to invest in the human capital end of the equation and genuinely care about the people and create fun and collaborative environments where people can speak freely and they can get better in all aspects of their life and as leaders we help facilitate that.” – Brett Knopf

In today’s episode, we welcome Brett Knopf, he is a high-performance coach with nearly two decades of leadership experience and a tremendous track record of helping people and organizations maximize their potential through customized coaching programs where progress is quantitatively measurable. He emphasizes the importance of having mutual goals and understanding each other’s communication styles. He shares his website with resources on emotional intelligence, habit building, and principles of life and work. He emphasizes the importance of consistency in learning, being open to new opportunities, and giving back to others. He discusses the importance of having a coach or mentor to help navigate difficult times.

[00:01 - 08:44] Who is Brett Knopf?

Zack introduces his guest Brett Knopf
Brett recommends Ray Dalio’s book: Principles: Life and Work
This book is for business leaders who want to learn about how to best communicate with people
Brett recommends High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard
This book for individuals who want to have habits in place to drive towards their goals

[08:44 - 21:33] Adapting Simple Habits and Principles

Brett says that the key to success is simple habits and principles that can be applied on a regular basis
The books he recommends are a great resource for learning these habits
He says that coaching and mentoring can help you level up and learn high-level achievers
He says that the understanding how to respond versus react
Reacting in a counterproductive manner
Reacting in business can kill relationships, brand, and career
Small business owners and leaders need to be aware of their style of communication
How it will resonate with their team members
If expectations are not met, a different discussion may need to take place
Being direct with yourself can help you find your voice
They recommend the book: “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action”

[21:34 - 38:49] The Importance of Finding Someone With a Growth Mindset

Brett explains that there is nothing you can if someone has a fixed mindset
That Will is important in finding the right person to coach
Coach can ask questions about what actions have been taken before working with them to indicate growth
Identify someone with a growth mindset
He says that coaching people with a fixed mindset, may result to them being not successful
He recommends that journaling is a way to measure and reflect on what’s happening in your life, and it can help you recognize different aspects of your business
It can be helpful to delegate tasks, but also to ask for help when you need it
Praising people can be a way to show appreciation and make them feel good
Leaders should invest in the human capital of their employees by creating a supportive environment

[32:34 - 40:35] Closing Segment

Brett shares his insights on how to be more productive and a successful leader
Connect with Brett (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“Leadership positions need to understand that you are dealing with people and it's easy to say, leave your shit at the door but that's just not realistic. So, understanding your team members, what style of communication is going to resonate with them becomes really critical.” - Brett Knopf

“If you're not willing to do the things that are going to level up yourself, your role, the organization, then on a long enough timeline, we're going to find people that will.” - Brett Knopf

Connect with Brett

Learn more about Brett through his website: https://knopfknowssolutions.com, Instagram, and Facebook!

Creativity Arises From Times of Crisis with Tevis Trower

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“You have to be a really strong fricking character to speak your truth in the face of judgment.” –Tevis Trower

In today’s episode of Tactical Friday, Tevis Trower discusses her key takeaways from her program where it highlights crisis leadership intensives and the fire keeper program. She encourages to shift their mindset and become more creative in the midst of a continual crisis. She shares that it is important to be flexible about how you get there. She adds that when we’re more curious, we’re not as blindsided by curve balls.

[00:01 - 01:15] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Tevis, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:16 - 08:33] Creativity Arises from Times of Crisis

Tevis shares her experience working with Zack on the fire keeper program, which focuses on leadership in times of crisis
She discusses the importance of creativity in times of crisis and how it is never going back to what it was before
She discusses how false assumptions about leadership can lead to stagnation and chaos
Navigating through the curve balls, internally and externally
KPIs are a form of expectations and all that is fine for business performance
She says that it’s time to shift that point of empowerment and skill sets needed to understand when we aren’t even allowing something to go forward
It arises out of fear or desire to control

[08:34 - 13:25] Closing Segment

Tevis recommends using a concept called a “Pivotal Shift”, this helps employees learn and practice new behaviors
This creates a high-accountability environment in order to foster trust and collaboration
Connect with Tevis (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“It's time to really shift that point of empowerment and the skill sets needed to understand when we aren't even allowing something to go forward, just out of fear or desire to control.” – Tevis Trower

Connect with Tevis

Learn more about Tevis through her Website, Facebook , Email, Corporate Yogi - Twitter, Balance Integration - Twitter, and LinkedIn!

Resources Mentioned:

The Game Changer's Guide to Radical Success

The Hero with a Thousand Faces

Get Radical Success Through Balance Integration With Tevis Trower

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“We're strategizing and strategizing but what we don't understand is that along the way, oftentimes we're severing or curating aspects of ourselves that don't fit in with that idea that we have bought into.” – Tevis Trower

In today’s episode, we welcome Tevis Trower, he is a Leadership Futurist and Innovator in optimizing corporations through fostering greatness in leaders. She heralded in bestselling Megatrends 2010 as “corporate mindfulness guru for the new millennium”, Tevis has assisted powerful organizations ranging from Disney and Morgan Stanley in optimizing their most precious assets: human beings. She created and facilitated global executive immersions for prestigious organizations including Harvard Business Review Events, Young Presidents Organizations, PWC, Bloomberg LP, Viacom, Google and The Economist on issues including executive alignment, legacy and impact, conscious leadership, imposter syndrome, innovation, and the role of corporate culture in fostering radical success and ubiquitous engagement.

[00:01 - 13:48] Who is Tevis Trower?

Zack introduces his guest Tevis Trower
Tevis is the founder and CEO of Balance Integration, author of the Game Changers Guide to Radical Success
The book is for people who know how to function in the world and are not enjoying their work and it focuses on aligning your next steps with your fundamental truth
High performers often struggle with something feeling “ringing hollow”, and the book came out at a time when this was resonating with many people
He discusses how success can be overwhelming and how high-performers often experience a “success hangover” after achieving a goal
She recommends that people ask themselves what they are chasing and why, and then purse that goal with authenticity and joy

[13:49 - 24:24] Working Allows For A Cognitive Experience for Growth

Tevis says that work is a good place to start this process because it allows for a cognitive experience of growth
She discusses the need for leaders to be honest with themselves and to have accountability partners
Radical thinking is necessary for leader to make changes, and being authentic is key
Leaders should focus on cultivating trust and being transparent
She says that brands that try to imitate human beings are “spitting in the face of the fact that you have 8 million neural receptors in you.”

[24:25 - 32:32] Have A Presence That Moves Others

Tevis discusses how we are at a moment where society is too sensitive and people are not able to be themselves
She introduces her 10-week course called, “Creativity in Business”
She recommends is called The X Factor by George Gilder which discusses how some people have a presence that moves others and they do not have any contradictions with who they are
She says that it’s been her guiding conviction

[32:34 - 30:22] Closing Segment

Tevis says that he wants to leave a legacy on the world, and believes that if people can connect with each other through their convictions, it could be a moment of change
Connect with Tevis (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“None of us usually think that either in the context of our work or our lives, that we are the problem. So what's lovely about having this exposed in work is you've got a feedback mechanism that's already built in.” - Tevis Trower

“People who know that pretending to have all the answers is probably about the dumbest thing that you can do because all of us know at this point, none of us have all the answers.” - Tevis Trower

Connect with Tevis

Learn more about Tevis through her Website, Facebook , Email, Corporate Yogi - Twitter, Balance Integration - Twitter, and LinkedIn!

Addressing The Misconceptions Attached To Psychedelics

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“We really need to change this perception, how people view these molecules from the acid, from the ecstasy, from the hippie movement and really turn it into this is clinical drug that's incredibly safe and effective.” – Josh Bartch

In today’s episode of Tactical Friday, Josh Bartch is back on the show to talk about the misconceptions and objections attached to substances like magic mushrooms, acid, and ecstasy. Josh says that these substances have been used safely for decades and that their safety profile is much different than that of painkillers or SSRIs. He also says that the war on drugs has been ineffective and is changing. Josh discusses the current state of the world and how important it is to have good quality of life for everyone.

[00:00 - 01:02] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Josh, tune in to last Monday’s episode
There are misconceptions attached to the use and ingestion of substances such as magic mushrooms, acid, and ecstasy.
These substances are safe when used in a responsible manner and have positive effects.
The war on drugs was ineffective and created many negative consequences for society.
There are now more effective ways to treat mental health issues without resorting to drugs.

[01:03 - 07:07] Addressing The Misconceptions Attached Of Psychedelics

Josh discusses the misconceptions attached to the use and ingestion of substances such as magic mushrooms, acid, and ecstasy
He explains how these substances are safe when used in a responsible manner and have positive effects
That the war on drugs was ineffective and created many negative consequences for society
Josh tells us that there are no know long-term side effects associated with these drugs at this current moment
There is clinical work done to properly address the acute phase in order to make the drug incredibly safe and incredibly effective
Dr. Matt Johnson, is their lead PI for their company
The commercialization of these drugs is to be done properly and responsibly

[07:08 - 09:48] Closing Segment

Josh thanks the veterans for their service, we owe a lot to them and appreciate their support
Connect with Josh (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“It's going to start with the media and making sure that the way that the media is talking about these different treatments is really important and their support is really important, but also their headline is really important.” – Josh Bartch

Connect with Josh

Learn more about Joshua through her website , Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram!

Overcoming The Stigma Associated With Psychedelic Treatments With Josh Bartch

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Every story is different, every experience is different and how people talk about is completely different as well. But one thing that is always consistent is this is just as profound kind of enlightenment, if you will, as to they understand their disease and why they're experiencing what they have and the root of the problem, just on a really different level.” – Joshua Bartch

In today’s episode, we welcome Joshua Bartch, he is the Director, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Mydecine Innovations Group (MIG). Joshua’s entrepreneurial career took off in 2009 when he co-founded AudioTranscriptionist.com and founded a boutique investment firm that operated through the U.S. and Canadian markets. In 2014, Bartch co-founded Cannabase.io, the U.S.’s most significant legal and sophisticated cannabis wholesale platform. He took successful exits from AudioTransciptionist.com, Doctor’s Orders, and Cannabase.io. In this conversation, Joshua’s goal is to bring more effective treatments to those who need them most. He found that current treatments are not effective and that this is a major focus of their work.

[00:01 - 07:26] Who is Josh Bartch?

Zack introduces his guest Josh Bartch
Josh talks about his company, Mydecine, a biotechnology company which is focused on mental disorders and addiction
He talks about assembling a team with extensive background on drug development in order to drive a successful company
Mydecine is developing a drug to help smokers quit, based on the molecule psilocybin, which the active component of medicinal mushrooms
The drug is being developed in partnership with Johns Hopkins

[07:27 - 13:06] On A Mission To Educate Veterans About The Potentials Benefits of Psychedelics

Josh acknowledges the contributions of Dr. Rakesh
After numerous months of research, they found that most of the population was biologically verified completely absent from smoking
They aim to combat stress with a focus on working with veterans’ organizations
His team is focused on developing treatments for PTSD in veterans, which is a population that is particularly resistant to treatment
Their studies show how psychedelics may be able to play a role in treating these conditions
Josh discusses how the team has been successful in getting veterans organization on board with their mission and educating them about the potential benefits of treatments using psychedelics

[13:07 - 17:51] Overcoming The Stigma Associated With Psychedelic Treatments

Josh understands that people have been through different things, whether it’s PTSD or trauma-related or have become addicted to different aspects of things
How Josh is reaching out to Alpha-types
As soldiers, they are taught to be tough and they would need a therapist to penetrate through the brain
Mydecine’s goal is to get the general medical community to think that prescribing clinicians will prescribe psychedelics, and it has put out a media platform to do this
It offers guided meditations and other ancillary services to its users
Josh discusses the challenges and stigma associated with psychedelic treatment and how Johns Hopkins is working to overcome these obstacles

[17:52 - 30:22] The Importance of Changing Public Perception of Psychedelics

Josh emphasizes the importance of changing public perception of psychedelics in order to facilitate wider acceptance and use
He knows a lot of people suffers from addiction and addiction is a huge problem in society
Josh discusses the business side of psychedelics that it is different pharmaceuticals but the treatment is the same
Josh’s company is daring big pharma to catch up in order treat people to make medicine bills inexpensive

[30:23 - 30:44] Closing Segment

Josh shares that his organization’s goal is to help people with PTSD and other mental health issues, and they want to leave a legacy of helping as many people as possible
Connect with Josh (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“Our focus on veterans is not only from a place in our heart that we all owe it to veterans but… When we were developing PTSD treatments, the veteran’s population is by far the most treatment resistant population that exists for PTSD.” - Joshua Bartch

“If you can let them understand that the people that you care about. There's light at the end of the tunnel to help these people and we have a solution it's really impactful for no matter who you're talking to.” - Joshua Bartch

Connect with Joshua

Learn more about Joshua through her website , Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram!

Resources Mentioned:

Transitioning From Corporate Life Into Entrepreneurship

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Our goal is every person that joins that group does a deal with 6 months, whether they have zero knowledge or has knowledge, but it's about making sure that we're doing business with people we want to do business with and they're willing to invest a little bit of money in themselves and then they're willing to go take the action.” – Joe Evangelisti

In this episode of Tactical Friday, Joe Evangelisti discusses how the Storage Syndicate is designed for new and experienced real estate investors, developers, and accredited investors. The Storage Syndicate provides a training program that teaches participants how to find and invest in off-market storage properties. He talks about how his Mastermind is designed for people at all level of knowledge, it provides live training every week where you can ask questions and learn from other members.

Listen in and learn how to locate, evaluate, and close deals in the self-storage industry!

[00:01 - 01:25] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Joe, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:26 - 04:25] The Storage Syndicate provides knowledge for both Inexperienced and Experienced Investors

Joe shares that the “Storage Syndicate” is designed for four different types of people:
Inexperienced in real estate
Developers
Investors
Accredited Investors
The Storage Syndicate offers a certified field agent training program that helps build long-term wealth
Successful Storage Syndicate members have closed deals worth millions of dollars

[04:26 - 10:09] Finding Deals and Creating Relationships in the Real Estate Industry

The Mastermind provides entrepreneurs with access to a library of knowledge that can help them find deals and create relationships in the real estate industry
Joe tells us that his program is designed for entrepreneurs who are transitioning from corporate life into entrepreneurship
The Storage Syndicate offers a way for people to invest in real estate and development projects.

[10:10 - 10:53] Closing Segment

Connect with Joe (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“The Storage Syndicate is a true syndicate. Everybody is working together to make a common good to build more deals, help more deals, create more jobs and expand the industry.” – Joe Marcoux

Connect with Joe

Learn more about Joe through his website and visit Instagram.

Find Your People, Find Your Tribe

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Find your people, find your tribe if because that is such a key integral part of our success, not just in business, but in life.” – Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on Joe’s emphasis on building a supportive and successful culture organizations where he emphasizes the importance of finding a group or community with shred values and goals that can be essential for growth in any area of life. Joe’s experience in masterminds has taught him that this type of community is invaluable for learning and growth.

[00:01 - 01:08] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!

[01:09 - 04:26] Find Your Mastermind Group

How Joe built up from the Navy Seabees construction world into storage, syndicates, and masterminds
Networking with similar minded communities
Find a support group where people support each other

[06:02 - 10:16] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
To find out more about Joe’s lesson that you can apply into further growth and expansion
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“We all hit that bump, we all hit those obstacles, those failures, but it’s important that we're learning from those learning opportunities.” – Zack Knight

Creating Issues and Solving Bigger Problems with Joe Evangelisti

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“If you can become a problem solver, the bigger problems, the more money you’re going to make And that's true inside the company, outside the company, as an owner, so the bigger problems I solve, the more money I make.” - Joe Evangelisti

In today’s episode, Joe Evangelisti talks about the importance of leaving a legacy. Joe is the host of The Legacy Blueprint podcast and a high-performance coach. Joe shares his story of how he went from being a successful military operator to owning his own business. Joe teaches his listeners how to be successful through technology and leaves them with some great advice on how to create a legacy that will last long after we’re gone.

Listen in and if you’re looking for inspiration and create your own legacy with Joe Evangelisti!

[00:01 - 08:31] Who is Joe Evangelisti?

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Joe Evangelisti shares how he grew up being inspired by his dad’s construction company
How Joe ended up becoming a builder in the US Navy
Become a problem solver that solves bigger problems
Do whatever it takes to make things happen

[08:32 - 15:42] Emphasis on the Value of Your Time

Applying the Blue Ocean Strategy
Starting off as a storage syndicate evolving into working in collaboration with contractors
The value of a mastermind to have a like-minded mission
The value of coaches, mentors, and people in the matermind
Putting emphasis on the value of time that you invest in yourself

[15:43- 20:56 ] Going Out and Creating Issues and Solving Bigger Problems

Joe’s initial job in the defense intelligence agency
Identify who you are to combat “Imposter Syndrome”
Working on your limiting beliefs
Creating issues and solving bigger problems

[20:57 - 27:48] Be Comfortable With Your Superpower

Create a proper business culture
Joe shares his “Superman Story”
Getting comfortable with your super power”
Find out who you are in the world

[27:49 - 34:55] Closing Segment

Joe invites us to listen to his podcast – The Legacy Podcast
Connect with Joe (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“I never did get lost in that shuffle of what do I do next but that being said, I've helped a lot of people who have and it is identifying on who you are.” - Joe Evangelisti

“Teach them about the value of time commitment and taking care of your family becayse being a good husband, being a good wife, being a good father or mother, and really the by-product is you get better.” - Joe Evangelisti

“Learn how to build a culture and to create opportunity to build a team that I love to be around.” - Joe Evangelisti

Connect with Joe

Learn more about Joe through his website and visit Instagram.

Maintain Authority in the Sales Process

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“People are afraid to do the right thing... What we need to do is we need to get to that point where we need to motivate them to decide.” – Joe Marcoux

In today’s episode of Tactical Friday, Joe Marcoux gives us tips to bring us his tips to maintaining authority and staying in the zone in the sales process. He discusses that we should get enough “reps” in and practice and ultimately, lead people to make the proper decisions. He talks about “Tactical Empathy”, where it doesn’t mean that you won’t fear any challenges but it will train you to keep your cool once you’ve done your training with SOS Dojo.

Listen in and learn how to acquire and hone the skills you need with SOS Dojo!

[00:01 - 01:19] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Joe, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:20 - 04:01] Maintaining Authority In the Sales Process

Joe shares his tips in the sales process
Getting your “reps” in and get practice
Make people make the right decision
Tactical Empathy
How much psychology goes into salesmanship

[04:02 - 09:05] Help People Make the Intelligent Decision

Staying in the zone and maintaining authority
Focusing on what to say and your body language
Leading your clients to make the right decision
Acquiring skills and honing your skills with SOS Dojo

[09:06 - 14:28] Closing Segment

Connect with Joe (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Whether you're leading a team, whether you're talking to salespeople, whether you're trying to grow your business, whether you're trying to get funding or whatever it is when you're communicating that really understand it.” – Joe Marcoux

Connect with Joe

Learn more about Joe through his website and visit Youtube, LinkedIn, Facebook, SOS Dojo

Resources Mentioned:

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

Recognizing The Opportunities to Succeed and Improve

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Focus on how to get the repetitions and how to “Spar as a sales person and as an entrepreneur.” – Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on the focus of coping with sales objections through Joe’s SOS Dojo. We talked about how nobody likes to be sold to and nobody likes having a random person call them at random times, which can be a big shift for anybody. We should have the conviction to do so in overcoming our objections and limitations. We can only do this through repetition that will ultimately result in validation from clients.

[00:01 - 01:01] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!

[01:02 - 03:09] Overcoming Personal Hurdles Through Repetition

SOS Dojo focuses on how to get repetitions
Sparring as salesperson and as entrepreneurs
Overcoming hurdles in entrepreneurship and business ownership
Shifting the mindset to sales as an aspect of business ownership
Find out who our match is, so that we can connect and embrace with your client

[01:02 - 06:01] Recognizing The Opportunities to Succeed and Improve

Overcoming objections and limitations
Recognize the opportunities to improve
The mindset of having the conviction to help your clients improve
Getting in the reps that resulted in validation from clients
The aspect of the level of authority and persistence to show your confidence

[06:02 - 10:16] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
To find out more about Gabrielle’s tips for effective, comeback this Friday
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“If you truly have the conviction of your service, your product offering, we have to recognize that there is an opportunity for them to succeed and we're providing them the chance to improve and get better.” – Zack Knight

Resource Mentioned:

Zack’s mentor, Travis Chapell
Craig Valentine
Get this great offer from Joe!

Overcoming Sales Objections

Mon, 30 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“We help you find your own voice so that you are authentic in your approach. And then you're just having a conversation with your client.” - Joe Marcoux

In today’s episode, Joe Marcoux is an entrepreneur who wants to help people who crumble when they hear an objection. Joe introduces to us his product, SOS Dojo for Sales, SOS stands for “Sales Objection System”. He discusses how he built his charisma through his bodybuilding competitions and how this helped him in sales. Now, he’s on a mission to help other entrepreneus to increase their profits through his SOS Dojo. He also talks about, identifying your “Who Do You Know Who”, and creating authentic content in order to build more oganic engagements and conversions.

Listen in and learn how Joe Marcoux’s SOS Dojo can help people handle the toughest objections!

[00:01 - 06:11] Who is Joe Marcoux?

● If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!

● Joe Marcoux shares us a fun fact about having a very serious fitness background

○ He was able to compete for Worlds in Sofia, Bulgaria where he lost and was humbled

● He discovered that that there was no money in bodybuilding and he could create a better impact by putting his passion on sales

● He worked on his charisma to build and work his your relationship with people

[06:12 - 13:34] Repetition Until It Becomes An Unconscious Competence

· Translating his experience onstage to sales

· Setting goals and changing your mindset

· Improve the length of engagement with your client

o Treat your

prospect as a guest

· Putting the “reps” and it becomes automatic

[24:08 - 34:02 ] Identifying Your “Who Do You Know Who?”

· Organic engagements lead to better conversions

Documenting your life and letting people get to know you

o Your energy

is going to attract people

· Social media as an on-going process

· Scaling by helping other people

How he started SOS Dojo

[34:43 - 34:55] Getting High Engagements and Making A Difference

● Social Media as an on-going process

● Help someone and make a difference

● How he started SOS Dojo because of COVID

○ Transition to other platforms as a necessity

[29:19 - 34:55] Closing Segment

● The legacy Joe wants to create - eaching people how to handle objections and helping entrepreneurs on their health and wellness

● Connect with Joe (links below)

● Join us for Tactical Friday!

● Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice,

claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always

wanted!

Key Quotes:

“If you can help someone, whether you have a following is because what it's doing is the satisfaction that I have is that I've got high engagement from people and it's making a difference. - Joe Marcoux

“As you go, you ask people to get results, I have five words for you: “Who do you know who?” who do you know.” - Joe Marcoux

“You have to document your life. People want to get to know you before they buy from you.” - Joe Marcoux

Connect with Joe

Learn more about Joe through his website and visit Youtube, LinkedIn, Facebook, SOS Dojo

Resources Mentioned:

Getting Through Blockages With Personal Storytelling

Fri, 27 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Only through storytelling that we connect… As humans, we process emotion differently. We process emotion faster and we justify it with logic.” – Gabrielle Dolan

In today’s episode of Tactical Friday, Gabrielle Dolan poses the question. “Do people understand what you’re trying to say?”. As leaders, entrepreneurs, and people of influence, we have to effectively deliver our message to audiences in order for them to buy into our brand. Gabrielle shares great tips on how to get started and how we can be successful at storytelling in business.

[00:01 - 01:15] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Gabrielle, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:16 - 11:50] The Connection of Personal Story to the Business Message

The best way to start is to give an example
Stories tap into human emotions so that we can justify them with logic
Maintain engagement by keeping your stories short, simple, and shareable
Blockages toof personal storytelling
How Gabrielle’s 7 Day Storytelling Starter Kit can help you convey your message
Find the stories that you have and match it to your business

[11:51 - 13:35] Closing Segment

Connect with Gabrielle (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

Connect with Gabrielle

Learn more about Gabrielle through her website Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram! Check out her 7 Day Storytelling Starter Kit and begin crafting stories for your business now!

Resources Mentioned:

Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller

Sharing Your "Why" Is Your Legacy

Wed, 25 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“I believe that in order to lead others, you must first be able to lead yourself, and in order to lead yourself, you have to first to know yourself.” – Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on the importance of telling your own story and sharing your voice. She stressed in our last conversation that more than giving a timeline of your experience, you have to go deeper and figure out your “Why”.

[00:01 - 02:23] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[02:24 - 08:37] Sharing Your Message As Your Legacy

Link up with gabrieldolan.com to know more about my guest
Why is your “Why” your “Why”
Thinking about why I do what I do
It’s not just about the voice, it’s about the stories
Finding your tribe and telling people what you’re about
This goes beyond mere brand awareness and marketing

[08:38 - 10:16] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
To find out more about Gabrielle’s tips for effective, comeback this Friday
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“You need to focus on the “Why”, of those that want or need help in order to share their voice and have a positive impact.” – Zack Knight

Resource Mentioned:

Surviving to Thriving podcast with Heather Knight

Creating Magnetic Stories

Tue, 24 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“We need to share stories to really get our people connected and engaged to our company values.” – Gabrielle Dolan

In today’s episode, we welcome Gabrielle Dollan. Gabrielle is a leadership expert and the author of several books, including "The 7 Day Starter Kit: How to Change the Way You Lead Forever" and "The Art of Strategic Communication." In this conversation, Gabrielle shares how storytelling has been an important tool for her in her work as a leader. She talks about how storytelling is an important part of effective communication and leadership, and how it can connect leaders to their employees and customers authentically.

[00:01 - 11:47] Storytelling Connects With People On A Personal Level

Gabrielle on failing English as a student and experiencing imposter syndrome
Getting her first leadership role
Realizing the power of storytelling in business communication
Sharing personal stories as a leader
How she started teaching storytelling to businesses

[11:48 - 18:35] Understanding The Importance of Storytelling

Teach leaders to improve on their storytelling skills in order to connect with their audiences
The blindspots leaders have when in comes to storytelling
Using storytelling for internal communications to motivate employees
Engaging with customers with brand storytelling

[18:36 - 27:04] Storytelling As A Powerful Tool for Businesses

Gabrielle on the catalyst that made her write her book
Stories are what customers resonate with
Instead of telling a timeline, share your “why”
Make your story more relatable to your audiences
Talk about mistakes and life lessons

[24:05 - 30:44] Closing Segment

Gabrielle shares her insights on how storytelling can be used to empower leaders and create a legacy
Connect with Gabrielle (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“Storytelling is about communicating and influencing. Whether you're leading your team or whether you're pitching for work or whether you're strengthening the relationship with your clients to get more work, it's actually a really valuable skill.” - Gabrielle Dolan

“People aren't seeing the power of these stories and so there's a reluctance to put it out there and it takes courage.” - Gabrielle Dolan

Connect with Gabrielle

Learn more about Gabrielle through her website Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram! Check out her 7 Day Storytelling Starter Kit and begin crafting stories for your business now!

Resources Mentioned:

Real Communication: How To Be You and Lead True by Gabrielle Dolan

Stories for Work: The Essential Guide to Business Storytelling by Gabrielle Dolan

Magnetic Stories: Connect with Customers and Engage Employees with Brand Storytelling

Leader’s Guide to Storytelling by Stephen Denning

The Story Factor by Annette Simmons

Wake Me Up When The Data is Over by Lori L. Silverman

Dale Carnegie

Innovation Starts With The Customer Base

Fri, 20 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“These are messy questions in nature, and it's hard to get an answer to them when you have so many different conversations happening in real time, across so many customers. So we make sense of all that messy data with our technology. And then we provide a visualization of those conversations, those mentions, so that leaders can understand how to make better, faster business decisions that serve the needs of their patients.” - Sonciary Perez

In this episode of Tactical Friday, Sonciary Perez gives us an opportunity to know a little bit more about Quala and what they provide as a resource. Listen in and make more data-backed decisions through the Frontline Intelligence Platform.

Sonciary explains further that for B2B SaaS companies and how it allows their technology to stay really close to your customer base. Through conversations, Sonciary’s team will automatically bring that data into Quala which makes sense of all the data with their technology. They provide a visualization of those conversations, those mentions, so that their leaders can understand how to make better, faster business decisions that serve the needs of their patients.

Sonciary explains further how customers can email them, can chat with them, get in Zoom calls with their customers in order to ask for survey information and much more. They have set up teams to have these conversations and there are so many team members interacting with customers, whether they are executives, product managers, customer success, and support industry. In sum, it is their desire to provide their customers any way to get ahold of them and for them to enable their teams to have so many one-to-one conversations. They were able to achieve this by building what they call, “The Frontline Intelligence Platform” and what that means is that they are allowing or bringing in any channel where these conversations and interactions are happening with and about their customers into their platform so that leaders can mine the data and understand at scale, what is the qualitative narrative around their customers experiences are. So that they can build better experiences with their technology.

[00:01 - 01:23] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Sonciary, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:23 - 04:19] Focusing On Growth and Focusing on Maintaining Customer Interaction

How Quala uses conversational-data that allows you to stay really close to your customer base
Making sense of messy questions through the Frontline Intelligence Platform

[04:19 - 11:43] Innovation Starts With The Customer Base

Interactions are a rich source of potential innovation
Customer interactions help the company evolve and upsells expansion opportunities
Innovation Starts With The Customer Base
Project-based versus reoccurring subscription revenue way of building a business
What’s the ideal client for Quala
Teams that have no way to aggregate the data

[11:43 - 12:19] Closing Segment

Closing words from Sonciary – Innovations starts with understanding the customer base!
Connect with Sonciary (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“If we want to discover who our ideal customer profile is and we want to understand how to evolve with them and build a technology that they love, but they're going to tell their friends and colleagues about, and they'll continue using hopefully, from greater perspective… We can't do that unless we fundamentally speak the vernacular of our customers and understand what's important to them.” – Sonciary Perez

Connect with Sonciary

Learn more about Sonciary through his website. Connect more with Sonciary on LinkedIn and her Email.

Getting Past Limiting Beliefs

Wed, 18 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“We just have to be able

to get past our limiting beliefs to get into the mindset of. I'm excited to do

this. I'm ready. I'm willing. I want to do this. I want to learn. I want to

figure out how to best serve my client and my customer through conversations so

that they have solutions and the resource to excel and to succeed.” – Zack

Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on how female leaders are bringing new perspective to

help recognize the different struggles that comes with it from my guest Sonciary Perez. We talked further how it was really phenomenal to hear from her high level of success and how she overcame the rejection of her original pitch for Quala but she was still able to stay motivated.

[00:01 - 01:01] Opening Segment

● If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!

● If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!

● Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[01:01 - 07:19] My Takeaways

● How Sonciary was a phenomenal female leader

○ Her development of the frontline intelligence platform

● Having a better understanding to get the pulse of your customers

● Recognizing the different struggles that led to her high level of success

○ Overcoming rejection and staying motivated

[07:19 - 10:19] Closing Segment

● Closing words and reminders

● Tune in this Friday for part 2 of my discussion with Sonciary

where she’ll discuss further about how their system, Frontline Intelligence Platform, is able to translate conversations into data.

● Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“I think it's really phenomenal to be able to have that introspection with ourselves. They're here because they value what I can bring to them. So let me take a step back, figure out what they're struggling with and figure out how my take, my perspective can actually solve the problem for them. And then we have an amazing new client.” - Zack Knight

Did you love the value that we are putting out in the

show? LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue on putting out great content just for you! Share this episode and help someone who wants to expand their leadership capacity or click here to listen to our previous episodes.

If you want to learn how to build a better business check out my website at Beatacticalleader.com.

You can connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, or join Our BATL Space and become part of the community.

Building A Better Marketing Technology Company

Mon, 16 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“If you know that going into your journey, that it's a fun roller coaster ride and to come from a place of gratitude, it's important to set up expectations. And if your expectation is not always money in the bank but learnings in the bank, then you're in a good place” - Sonciary Perez

In this episode of Tactical Monday, Sonciary Perez is on a mission to change the interaction customers are facing through fast-acknowledging the order to deliver exceptional experiences. Listen in and see how she help B2B SaaS companies help them better serve, retain and upsell customers!

Sonciary, co-founded Quala.io, they built Quala based on their mutual desires and frustrations building their last company. They wanted to stay close to their customers while their businesses grew and to do that, they gave them so many ways to reach the team and in turn, give them feedback on their experiences.

[00:01 - 01:01] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Introductions of my special guest, Sonciary Perez

[01:01 - 05:27] Building a Better Marketing Technology Company

How Sonciary and her co-founder, Jonathan, founded Quala.io
Through mutual desires and frustrations from building their last company
Setting out to build the “Frontline Intelligence Platform”
Allowing and bringing in conversations and interactions
Mining data to get a qualitative narrative around their customers experiences

[05:27 - 08:39] Taking a Leap of Faith and Seizing the Opportunity

Realizing a dream to support individuals to bring dreams into fruition
Taking risks and actually building something
Creating a startup called “BizUnite” (now called, savings4members”)

[08:39 - 12:11] Having Conversations to Support Early-stage Entrepreneurs

Having meaningful conversations with early stage entrepreneurs or founders that are starting with their journey
Constant reminder of why this is an amazing opportunity
Following the path with a heart of gratitude
Being a mentor and a startup accelerator
Navigating complex and sometimes debilitating experience of building technologies from scratch
Growth and Traction on how to build technologies

[12:11 - 20:39] Investing Into People and Evolving

Believe in people that they will find a way to figure out opportunities that they want to solve
The founding team is an important part of what you want to build as an extension of the product
Recognizing a failure can be turned into a learning opportunity
It’s not always money in the bank but learnings in the bank
Coming from a place of gratitude
Getting to the root cause of the frustration

[20:39 - 31:48] Surround Yourself With Like-Minded People Having The Same Experiences

Being part of a networking community
Getting together and having regular meetups
Embracing our empathic side
Approach things with grace and vulnerability
Think about what your leadership style is
You have to be willing to evolve and change and what you want to stay the same
Craft your own sense of confidence
Getting more comfortable with yourself and utilizing life experiences

[31:48 - 37:35] Closing Segment

The importance of therapy
Normalizing therapy
Compartmentalizing feelings and move on
What legacy do you want to leave to the world
Being motivated by learning and understanding people

Key Quote:

“It's so important for each of us to be our true selves. And yes, we're always evolving and we're always wanting to be a better version of that self, based on the feedback we're giving ourselves and based on the feedback from our loved ones and team members, but really think about what your leadership style is, What is it inherently and what would you like it to be as a woman and then decide what you're willing to evolve and change and what you want to stay the same?” – Sonciary Perez

Connect with Sonciary

Learn more about Sonciary through his website. Connect more with Sonciary on LinkedIn and her Email.

Tactical Friday: Are You a True Entrepreneur?

Fri, 13 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“The number one reason a startup fails is because it was started by someone who's not a true entrepreneur. And so I'm in the business of breaking hearts for those that don't score high. But I'm trying to save the lives is what I'm doing.” - Gino Wickman

In this episode of Tactical Friday, Gino Wickman gives us the top two takeaways from his book, Entrepreneurial Leap. Listen in and be inspired to discover if entrepreneurship is the right path for you.

An entrepreneur since the age of 21, Gino has had an obsession for learning what makes businesses and entrepreneurs thrive. At 25 he took over the family business, which was deeply in debt and in need of help. After turning the company around and running it for seven years, he and his partners successfully sold the company.

Gino then set out to help entrepreneurs and leaders get what they want from their businesses. Based on his years of real-world experience, he created the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a practical method for helping companies achieve greatness. He has personally delivered more than 1,900 full-day sessions for more than 135 companies, helping them implement EOS. He is also the author of the award-winning, best-selling book Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, which has sold over 1 million copies, as well as five other books in the Traction Library that have sold almost 2 million copies. Gino is the founder of EOS Worldwide, an organization that helps tens of thousands of businesses implement EOS with the aid of an international team of over 450 professional and certified EOS Implementers and online support. There are over 130,000 companies using the EOS tools worldwide.

[00:01 - 00:53] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Gino, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[00:52 - 04:59] Know if You Have What It Takes

Do the assessment at e-leap.com!
Make sure you have the six essential traits
Not everyone is made to be an entrepreneur and that’s okay

[05:00 - 09:13] Find Your Perfect Integrator Match

A true entrepreneur is a visionary
Understanding the dynamic between visionary and integrator

[09:14 - 12:19] Closing Segment

Closing words from Gino - Let your freak flag fly!
Connect with Gino (links below)
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Let your freak flag fly. And so I am fanatical about helping the world be themselves and you can't be yourself until you know thyself. And so it's a travesty how many of us don't truly, fully be ourselves for whatever reason. And I would urge you to embark on the journey to really get to know yourself, understand yourself, learn your strengths and weaknesses, laugh at your weaknesses, and celebrate those. But absolutely capitalize on your strengths and don't apologize for it. And life is just a hell of a lot better when you're being 100% you.” - Gino Wickman

Connect with Gino

Learn more about Gino through his website. Grab a copy of Entrepreneurial Leap and visit e-leap.com if you’re thinking about taking that leap to entrepreneurship. Get more involved, too, and join forces with Gino by becoming a collaborator.

Discovering Your Voice

Wed, 11 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“I think is really important for us in business to be able to know what we're about. Know yourself, know what you're passionate about, know what you love, know what's gonna keep you driving forward. Recognize these things ahead of time so that when life gets tough, you can draw back to those things right. ” - Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on a quote from my guest Gino Wickman and how it deeply resonates with me and my experiences. It also aligns with my own mission of making a path for others to find their voice and to find success personally and professionally.

[00:01 - 01:04] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[01:05 - 07:05] My Takeaways

How my journey was and still is being impacted by Gino’s work
“You can’t be yourself until you know yourself” and why this is important in business
The value in helping other people to re-identify themselves

[07:06 - 08:32] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Tune in this Friday for part 2 of my discussion with Gino where he’ll discuss amazing tactics for you to apply
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“It's really an interesting piece, trying to figure out more about myself and what's keeping me motivated to put out a podcast, put out more business aspects, and keep this moving forward. Because I think this is something that we all struggle with as the years tick by of trying to stay motivated and trying to keep passionate about those different aspects.” - Zack Knight

Taking the Entrepreneurial Leap

Tue, 10 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Entrepreneurial Leap is designed to help you first confirm whether you have what it takes to become an entrepreneur, there are six essential traits, show you a glimpse of the life, and then show you a path to survive the startup and build an amazing company.” - Gino Wickman

In today’s episode, Gino Wickman unfolds his mission to help entrepreneurs-in-the-making take the leap into their entrepreneurial journey. He provides a path to success by sharing his insights on the importance of having a vision, accepting feedback, and staying true to your core. Listen in and get expert advice on overcoming your startup fears!

[00:01 - 05:25] Failure is Not a Necessary Part of the Journey

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Gino Wickman on the lessons he learned when he became a millionaire at 31 but lost it all at 32
Giving entrepreneurs the keys to success and helping them not to fail along the way

[05:26 - 14:48] Clarify Your Vision

Sheer passion is not going to cut it
Developing a vision clarifier tool
Showing the path with Entrepreneurial Leap and showing how to survive and grow with EOS Traction

[14:49 - 24:18] Receive Feedback With a Grain of Salt

You’re always going to have terrible feedback
Creating a filter for good and bad advice
Keeping yourself grounded after achieving success

[24:19 - 29:18] Be True to Your Core

Know your business and what you excel at
Don’t get distracted and stay in your sweet spot
Gino’s sources of inspiration

[29:19 - 32:25] Closing Segment

The legacy Gino wants to create - helping entrepreneurs have freedom, impact, and creativity
Connect with Gino (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“There's really no such thing as get rich quick, but there is get rich, slow.” - Gino Wickman

“I'm going out to the front end of the journey to help my 18-year-old self because at 18, I was a mislabeled derelict. I was lost, confused, insecure. And so whoever you are out there, if you're an entrepreneur in the making, if you have those genetics, and you're wanting to take a leap, you're dealing with some emotional issues. And that's normal as I did when I was 18.” - Gino Wickman

“You've got to listen to your customers, but you're going to hear criticism and feedback. You're going to have friends and family that care about you, and their intentions are good, but they're terrified for you. And their feedback is almost always terrible with all due love and respect. And so you're just going to hear a lot of stuff that you've got to become masterful at gleaning what is right for you.” - Gino Wickman

Connect with Gino

Learn more about Gino through his website and visit e-leap.com if you’re thinking about taking that leap to entrepreneurship!

Resources Mentioned

Traction by Gino Wickman

The E Myth Earl by Michael Gerber

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale

Tactical Friday: Empowering Through Visibility

Sat, 07 May 2022 12:00:00 -0400

“The real value is letting small businesses know you can get the word out there about your business. It doesn't have to cost you a fortune, and we can help you do it and it can be effective.” - Michelle Taylor Willis

In this episode of Tactical Friday, Michelle Taylor Willis talks about Gagnant Media and the work they do to support small businesses through advertising. She also lists best practices every entrepreneur should know and follow in making advertising decisions.

Michelle Taylor Willis is the founder of Gagnant Media. A Florida native, she is married with four sons and resides in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a proud graduate of the University of Florida, and an award-winning entrepreneur, author, speaker, and master strategist. Michelle recently launched her first book, “Raising Significance: A Guide to Well-Rounded, Independent, and Confident Kids.” She has appeared on the nationally syndicated Tamron Hall Show on ABC to discuss the book and on the Fox affiliate in Atlanta, as well as being featured in several publications. Additionally, Michelle is the host of the “According to Michelle '' television show, which is featured weekly via VTV Network through Amazon Fire and Roku platforms. She also broadcasts a radio show called “Over The Top” weekly through REAL 11:00 AM.

[00:01 - 01:00] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Michelle, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[01:01 - 12:02] Advertising Advice to Set Yourself Up for Success

Realize that there are affordable options for advertising
Know the difference between advertising and marketing
Make sure that you’re approaching the people with the right expertise
Understanding your brand and your business plan should be the first step
Have patience and let the momentum build

[12:03 - 13:27] Closing Segment

Connect with Michelle (links below)
Closing words
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Most people, they don't have business plans. And so it makes it really tough. It's tough on the business owner. And it's tough on anybody that's trying to do business with them. Because now you have these people who are trying to figure out their business as you're plugging along.” - Michelle Taylor Willis

Connect with Michelle

Follow Michelle on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Clubhouse!. Learn more about her and her work through michelletaylorwillis.com and Gagnant Media. Michelle’s "Raising Significance: A Guide to Raising Independent, Well-Rounded and Confident Kids" The Guidebook is also now available for purchase. Tune in to iHeart Radio every Wednesday at 4 pm for the Over the Top with Michelle Taylor Willis Radio Show, where you will learn about all the great things going on in SoFu and around Atlanta!

The Benefits of Reciprocity

Sat, 07 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“There's got to be value both ways. And I don't think that's something we should shy away from in the honesty and integrity of operating business.” - Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I zero in on a particular note from my conversation with Michelle Taylor Willis. We’ve talked a lot about her business and the strategies she applied throughout her career but one of the things that really stuck out to me was her piece on referrals. I think it’s worth taking a look at this objectively and discussing the benefits of building reciprocity in business.

[00:01 - 01:11] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[01:12 - 06:40] My Takeaways

Creating network equity through introductions
Monetizing referrals is not necessarily a bad thing
It’s paying for your time and effort
It’s a mutual exchange beneficial to both parties
Consider setting up a referral program

[06:41 - 07:54] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Tune in this Friday for part 2 of my discussion with Michelle where she’ll discuss amazing tactics for you to apply
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“I think it should be a very reciprocal process. If I can't reciprocate with another referral for you and we don't have a good back and forth with focus because maybe you're in an industry where I just simply don't run into your client base, no beef there, right? But you still want something where we can have a mutual exchange.” - Zack Knight

Bet on Yourself

Fri, 06 May 2022 21:00:00 -0400

“Bet on yourself, and if you're confident that you're doing what you were put on the earth to do, you can't lose. You might not win every single round, but the endgame will work in your favor, period.” - Michelle Taylor Willis

In today’s episode, Michelle Taylor Willis breaks down how she transitioned from not knowing anything about running a magazine business to building her own media empire. She now leverages her success to empower other people and other businesses through her platform. Tune in as she shares her story and the lessons she learned along the way.

[00:01 - 06:30] Building Resilience

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Michelle Taylor Willis on being a gymnast and learning how to get up when you fall
Battling imposter syndrome in business

[06:31 - 12:08] The Power of Paying it Forward

Helping small businesses get visibility through her company
Creating her own content, platform, and brand to uplift others
Giving back and getting involved in the community

[12:09 - 30:05] There is Value in Being an Opportunist

How she became the Michelle Taylor Willis we know now
Starting your own enterprise by establishing your own referral sources
Pivoting, seizing opportunities, and letting go of fears
Michelle’s advice to her old self: Buy more property!
Learning from the wise and soaking up knowledge from available resources

[30:06 - 35:03] Conversations Can Change Perspectives

Unfolding black history and black wealth
Listening to the diverse perspectives of other people

[35:04 - 43:51] Closing Segment

The legacy Michelle wants to create - significance is the goal, not success
Connect with Michelle (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“There's this resilience factor where, like, you have to constantly be in the mindset that no matter what it is, it's gonna work. No matter how many times you fail, no matter how many times you screw up, you're gonna find a way to make happen. - Michelle Taylor Willis

“They really don't have to be bad words… An opportunist is someone that sees an opportunity and takes it. I used it for the benefit of everybody, and not, you know, the detriment of anyone.” - Michelle Taylor Willis

“Significance is the goal. It's not success.” - Michelle Taylor Willis

Connect with Michelle

Tactical Friday: Find Your Truth in Deeper Levels

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Who are you and who do you want to be? What are the sticking points in your life where you're feeling less fulfilled, or less connected, or you're feeling lost?... Asking yourself those deeper questions…those existential questions that supersede and transcend a lot of what's out there already to get you to the deepest levels of your own truth.” - Sean Harvey

In this episode of Tactical Friday, Sean Harvey dives in to share the practical tips to employ as we get to know ourselves better and show up confidently vulnerable through authenticity. He mentions some activities to consider in order to clear our minds and the ways to think deeply.

Sean Harvey is the Chief Compassion Officer of Warrior Compassion Men’s Studio and author of his upcoming book: Warrior Compassion: Unlocking the Healing Power in Men. His work in personal, organizational, and societal transformation is inspired by 20+years of Purpose, Talent, and Organization Development consulting combined with having served on the faculties of Cornell, NYU, and Baruch College CUNY teaching courses in Leadership, Management, and Organizational Behavior & Change. Sean is a former Wall Street consultant turned ordained interfaith minister working with police and law enforcement who brings a compassion-centered and soul-inspired approach into personal growth and organizational systems design.

[00:01 - 00:41] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Sean, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[00:42 - 08:21] Action Steps in Developing that Intimacy with Yourself

Finding what works for you through meditating, hiking, jogging, etc.to create the space
Discover creative facilitation and allow yourself to find ways to play
Acknowledging how you go off character from time to time
Asking yourself existential questions to find deeper truth

[10:57 - 12:05] Closing Segment

Connect with Sean (links below)
Closing words
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“If you're feeling activated, charged, take a moment so you are moving from knee-jerk reaction to thoughtful response” - Sean Harvey

Connect with Sean

Check out his website to see its mission of liberating men to courageously walk from a place of deeper consciousness, compassion, and connection in the world, while expanding creativity, authenticity, intimacy, and sense of community in the ways they lead and carry out their missions.

Stepping Up in the Simple Replacement Culture

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“We get frustrated and one moment and then all of a sudden you start right or left swiping on these stupid apps and it becomes a thing or it just becomes such a simple replacement culture.” - Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on the conversation I had with Sean Harvey on carrying compassion in today’s world flooded by instant gratification and harmful convenience. It takes working through our limiting beliefs and taking on grace for ourselves in order to shed light on others.

[00:01 - 01:02] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[01:03 - 08:45] My Takeaways

The perspective change on love, sex, and intimacy
Working through self-sabotage and instant gratification
The dangers of the simple replacement culture
Cultivating compassion through constant practice

[08:46 - 09:55] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Tune in this Friday for part 2 of my discussion with Sean where he’ll discuss amazing tactics for you to apply
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“There's so many different new definitions that we have to work through.” - Zack Knight

Awaken the Warrior Compassion from Within

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“To look at ourselves with full honesty, we have to embrace our essence and our shadow, our gifts, and our wounds…There can be a lot of shame and a lot of fear and a lot of anger… Hold that with grace.” - Sean Harvey

In today’s episode, Sean Harvey discusses the true meaning of intimacy and compassion. He highlights the importance of acknowledging humanity behind all the labels and identities being forced on us in society. Listen as he shares insightful thoughts of how men can better show up by understanding themselves better and walking on the path to healing.

[00:01 - 05:08] What it Takes to Cultivate Compassion

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Sean Harvey on being a bunny dad and cultivating compassion
Defining a warrior’s compassion and how men claim this identity

[05:09 - 14:06] Do Not Over Intellectualize Emotion

How easy it is to get caught up with the titles of our profession
Getting out of the labels and acknowledging our burdens
How the definitions of masculinity and femininity are not absolute
The four questions for alignment and authenticity

[14:07 - 28:57] Life is a Continuous Pursuit of Clarity

Defining intimacy and how we seek a deeper connection
The dangers of instant gratification and dehumanizing ourselves
Embracing our gifts and wounds and holding them with grace
Recognizing our essence and how connected we are in this world

[28:58 - 36:01] Closing Segment

The legacy Sean wants to create - helping men heal
Connect with Sean (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“When we talk about intimacy… [it is] we have the courage to look through all the wounds and all the hurt and all the pain… We can let all that go and we can look within ourselves courageously and honestly.” - Sean Harvey

“It's that energy of warrior compassion, that fierce compassion that allows us to go within ourselves to start to liberate ourselves into our truths.” - Sean Harvey

Connect with Sean

Tactical Friday: The Key is to Underpromise and Overdeliver

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“You always got to underpromise and overdeliver.” - Ashley Ann Jones

In this episode of Tactical Friday, Ashley Ann Jones is back to get on the nitty-gritty on creating a lead magnet that is effective and not sales-y. Many times, when we think of the word “free”, it is associated with a minimal value. However, Ashley argues otherwise and emphasized the importance of being generous in providing free content of great value.

Ashley Ann, also known as King Ashley Ann is a talented biz builder, public speaker, and social media strategist. Ashley has helped over 11,000 individuals monetize their social media and over 700 people create 6-figure incomes. She has currently helped 151 people create 7-figure incomes and 9 of her clients are consistently doing million-dollar months. She has also helped over 1000 businesses generate $25K- $45K per month using Live Stream.

[00:01 - 00:42] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Ashley, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[00:43 - 08:07] Incredible Methods to Employ in Creating a Sales Funnel

A rundown of Instacoin - perfect for beginners to individuals earning under $25k in profit
Tier 1 funnel - why opt for text messaging instead of only email
Utilizing Deadline Funnel upon arrival to the confirmation page

[08:08 - 12:49] Letting Customers Get Their Money’s Worth

The key to not sounding sales-y in the process
Why you should be generous in sharing free content
Generating lead magnets by offering immense value

[12:50 - 16:22] Closing Segment

Connect with Ashley (links below)
Closing words
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“Just because you're giving somebody something for free does not mean that you can half-step it. It actually needs to be amazing. People need to be like, ‘I cannot believe I got this for free.’ They should almost feel like they have robbed you. They have they should feel like they have wronged you.” - Ashley Ann Jones

Connect with Ashley

Check out her website to see how she can help you in building your business and brands. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook and text her at 501-285-8966 for a free marketing plan!

The Virtue of Staying True to Who You Are

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Recognizing what is your space, what is not your space, you know, leaning into that authentically and loving what you do [is] so powerful.” - Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I look back to the conversation this past Monday with Ashley Ann Jones on reflecting authenticity throughout your engagement, social media image, and your presence, over all. This goes to show that what you have to put out need not to be perfect and the beauty truly comes in the imperfections. This way, we can confidently deliver even unpolished content - which is a kind of fun you may have been missing.

[00:01 - 01:15] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!

[01:16 - 08:07] My Takeaways

On the way to living and loving the life you want to live
Showing authenticity and building your public image through social media
Posting unpolished content is a lot of fun you may be missing out
Learning your space and embracing who you are

[08:08 - 09:26] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Tune in this Friday for part 2 of my discussion with Ashley where she’ll discuss amazing tactics for you to apply
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quote:

“ We all want to do those things that are fun. We want to enjoy our lives, we're gonna enjoy the stuff we're doing as entrepreneurs as business owners.” - Zack Knight

Operate in Excellence, Not Perfection

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“We're trying to operate in excellence and not perfection. If you are operating in perfection, you're never gonna put anything out…you're never going to take the next step.” - Ashley Ann Jones

In today’s episode, Ashley Ann Jones shares her story of growing up in the country to becoming a digital influencer / strategist and traveling everywhere around the world. She takes on country lessons and carries them towards cultivating one’s mindset geared towards success.

Ashley Ann, also known as King Ashley Ann is a talented biz builder, public speaker, and social media strategist. Ashley has helped over 11,000 individuals monetize their social media and over 700 people create 6 figure incomes. She has currently helped 151 people create 7 figure incomes and 9 of her clients are consistently doing million-dollar months. She has also helped over 1000 businesses generate $25K- $45K per month using Live Stream.

[00:01 - 05:45] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Ashley Ann Jones on the path of a digital influencer and helping people create virtual businesses
Starting a consulting agency and niching down to the digital side

[05:46 - 13:31] Never Underestimate the Power of the Mind

The four major aspects - marketing, monetization, mindset, and manifestation
Shifting one’s mindset for awareness - working with the conscious and subconscious
The science of how changing your thoughts changes your energy

[13:33 - 23:49] Operating in Excellence Instead of Perfection

Setting intentionality and establishing routines for gratitude
Identifying the three characteristics that attract success
Overcoming perfection analysis through recognizing the next step

[23:50 - 35:16] Better Positioning for Smoother Execution

Ashley shares the lightbulb moment in her email marketing experience
Positioning yourself to be resource instead of simple content
How paid traffic is not the be-all end-all

[35:17 - 40:44] Closing Segment

The legacy Ashley wants to create - helping people achieve financial stability as a gateway to fulfillment
Connect with Ashley (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“If you can get that mind together, literally… You can speak whatever you want to see.” - Ashley Ann Jones

“We're always co creating whatever our existence is.” - Ashley Ann Jones

“It's very important to start becoming super aware of how you're feeling and what you're saying, more importantly, what you think, because what you think right ends up becoming words, and it becomes actions. So we got to be able to control that.” - Ashley Ann Jones

Connect with Ashley

Check out her website to see how she can help you in building your business and brands. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook and text her at 501-285-8966 for a free marketing plan!

Tactical Friday: What it Takes to be a Nimble Leader

Sat, 16 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“It's not about being right. It's about learning at every step. It's about growing at every step.” - Mark S A Smith

In this episode of Tactical Friday, Mark S A Smith comes back to get into detail on what it takes to be a nimble leader. He discusses the significance of willingness and shifting the mindset of fear. To be a nimble leader, one must be willing to fail forward and not cower from the chaos, rather run towards it.

After a successful career in helping to bring to market billions of dollars of disruptive technology, Mark S A Smith works with heart-centered leaders faced with chaos and upheavals to bring them a new perspective to make wise decisions. As we transition from the Experience Economy, where people bought what was memorable, to the Transformation Economy, where people buy meaningful, authentic, and socially responsible, business models from the past fall apart. The solution is Nimbility, which is the intersection of resilience and innovation. This is exemplified in his two new books, The Nimble C-Suite: How to Align the Diverse Strengths of Your Executive Team to Predictably Deliver Extraordinary Results in a Transformational Economy, and The Nimble Company: A Proactive, Socially Responsible Framework for Driving Sustained Profits and Growth in a Chronically Chaotic World. Co-founder of NimbilityWorks, a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders embrace Nimbility, he brings his broad leadership perspective, extensive business models, and tightly-honed coaching skills to leaders who desire to lead transformational businesses and teams that make a difference. Learn more at NimbilityWorks.com

[00:01 - 00:45] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Mark, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[00:46 - 06:22] Running to the Chaos to Find the Source

Embodying the characteristic of willingness
Working on your identity to achieve a better mindset and leading with your heart
The dangers of the word “try” - why remove it from your vocabulary

[06:23 - 12:50] Entering the Arena with the Mindset to Win

What it takes to stand up for your conviction
How fear is an illusion; excitement of the unknown
How successful entrepreneurs love the adrenaline

[12:51 - 15:54] Closing Segment

Connect with Mark (links below)
Closing words
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to discover your voice, claim your independence and build that thriving business that you've always wanted!

Key Quotes:

“You must be willing to step into the unknown if you're going to be nimble.” - Mark S A Smith

“You cannot, as a leader, flee the scene. You must run toward the chaos if you're going to be success[ful].” - Mark S A Smith

“All fear is a prediction of an undesired outcome. It's all an illusion.” - Mark S A Smith

Connect with Mark

Check out NimbilityWorks to learn how to master the art of seizing upheavals so your company successfully grows through the chaos and be upheaval-literate for the rest of your career. Connect with him on Twitter: #MarkSASmith and on LinkedIn: MarksOnLinkedIn.com.

Practicing Nimbility Away from the Chain of Command

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“As a small business owner and entrepreneur, having a group of people that help cover your blind spots is so key.” - Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I reflect on the conversation the past Monday with Mark S A Smith on practicing nimbility and moving away from the typical hierarchical systems. It goes to show that having people within the organization, not only those in high positions, must be empowered to pinpoint blind spots.

[00:01 - 01:01] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!

[01:02 - 05:12] My Takeaways

The new terminology attached to being a leader
Creating a blind spotting culture with nimbility
Steering clear from the hierarchical structure

[05:13 - 06:57] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Tune in this Friday for part 2 of my discussion with Mark where he’ll discuss amazing tactics for you to apply
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com!

Key Quote:

“You have to really focus on not becoming a hierarchical click within an organization.” - Zack Knight

Targeting Blind Spots and Cultivating Resilience

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Leaders go where nobody has been before. A true nimble leader invents a future that does not exist using methods that have not yet been invented, where best practices have not yet been established.” - Mark S A Smith

In today’s episode, Mark S A Smith discusses what it is to be a nimble leader - applying resilience and innovation in a chaotic world. The shifting economy calls for a renewed perspective in leadership and Mark points out the need for resilience and targeting blind spots without power play.

After a successful career in helping to bring to market billions of dollars of disruptive technology, Mark S A Smith works with heart-centered leaders faced with chaos and upheavals to bring them new perspective to make wise decisions. As we transition from the Experience Economy, where people bought what was memorable, to the Transformation Economy, where people buy meaningful, authentic, and socially responsible, business models from the past fall apart. The solution is Nimbility, which is the intersection of resilience and innovation. This is exemplified in his two new books, The Nimble C-Suite: How to Align the Diverse Strengths of Your Executive Team to Predictably Deliver Extraordinary Results in a Transformational Economy, and The Nimble Company: A Proactive, Socially Responsible Framework for Driving Sustained Profits and Growth in a Chronically Chaotic World. Co-founder of NimbilityWorks, a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders embrace Nimbility, he brings his broad leadership perspective, extensive business models, and tightly-honed coaching skills to leaders who desire to lead transformational businesses and teams that make a difference. Learn more at NimbilityWorks.com

[00:01 - 07:54] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Mark S A Smith on being a nomad and living in a tiny house in a truck
Turning the nomad desire into a business then being paid to work in 54 countries
Eliminating fear to let inspiration take on and mitigate risks

[07:55 - 15:36] How Leaders Break Through and Defy the Odds

Deep psychic wounds in the aftermath of COVID-19
Defining a nimble leader defying the odds with courage and valor
Moving into the transformational economy and being focused on the creation

[15:37 - 26:08] What it Takes to be a Nimble Leader

The seven critical skills to being a successful sustainable leader
The blindspots in culture and the three elements that encourage disruption
How infallible C-suites are a myth and how the lessons of history repeat themselves

[26:09 - 35:30] The Value of Blindspotting and Resilience

Allowing blind spotting in the company without the power play
Learning how to operate in a state of uncertainty
The virtue of resilience in a brittle system

[35:31 - 38:54] Closing Segment

The legacy Mark wants to create - offering a systematic approach required for people to change the world
Connect with Mark (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

Key Quotes:

“Leading out of fear is merely defensive. And you cannot make advances when you're afraid. You have to be without fear so that you can create. Creation only comes, inspiration only comes in the absence of fear.” - Mark S A Smith

“When you sell by making the customer the hero, life changes radically. And you can become extremely nimble, because you're no longer fixed on the product. Instead, you're fixed on the customer.” - Mark S A Smith

“The most dangerous thing that a leader can do is foresee the future through the lens of the past.” - Mark S A Smith

Connect with Mark

Tactical Friday: Becoming a Conscious Leader in the 21st Century

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Be okay at finding the areas that you're just not good at, especially the ones that embarrass you. Make peace with that. Nobody's perfect.” - Jeffrey Deckman

In this episode of Tactical Friday, Jeffrey Deckman returns to break down the steps to becoming a conscious leader in the 21st century. By targeting the fatal flaw of organizations, which is focusing on the structure of leadership instead of the organizational design, we become more aware of the ways to engage employees effectively.

In 2005, Jeffrey Deckman foresaw emergent cultural changes were going to force fundamental and drastic changes to traditional leadership models. That vision manifested in 2020. That vision drove him to prepare for this shift by identifying and defining new leadership mindsets, models, and methods that were in line with a higher level of leadership consciousness he knew as going to be demanded by the new generation of workers. This is where we are now: at the nexus of business and consciousness. Those who recognize and embrace this reality and who educate themselves in the ways of Conscious Leadership will maximize their impact in the new world that is unfolding in front of our very eyes. Welcome to the new age of leadership. Welcome to the world of Conscious Leadership in Action.

[00:01 - 00:42] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Jeffrey, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[00:43 - 06:27] The Action Steps in Being a Conscious Leader

Getting clear with who you are and step in the journey
Making peace with what you are not good at
Engaging with compassion and empathy to honor human connection

[06:28 - 10:02] Thriving through Tribal Dynamics and Facilitation

The new mindset to implement
Stepping away from command and control
Allowing engagement early on shifts the energy paradigm

[10:03 - 14:17] Closing Segment

Connect with Jeffrey (links below)
Closing words

Key Quotes:

“Be kind, be compassionate, and be honest with who you are, and take inventory of it.” - Jeffrey Deckman

“Who are you not to be that? What are you saying no to?” - Jeffrey Deckman

“If you don't root for people, you shouldn't be in a position where you can hurt them.” - Jeffrey Deckman

Reference

Developing the Conscious Leadership Mindset for the 21st Century by Jeffrey S. Deckman

Connect with Jeffrey

Check out his website for a free download of The 8 Actionable Steps to Becoming a More Conscious Leader and how this provides an outline of a powerful 8 step leadership model that will immediately get you started in the right direction.

The True Value of the Art of Leading

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“It [leadership] is all focused on ‘Here's the science,’ but we forget the art form of leading people.” - Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I recap the conversation I had with Jeffrey Deckman and the hard truths he brought to the table about the fatal flaws in leadership. Oftentimes, being a leader is seen as a science to maintain authority which could work, but in the 21st century, the need to transform the three M’s - mindset, model, and method - becomes more and more necessary to stay effective and conscious.

[00:01 - 01:00] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!

[01:01 - 06:54] My Takeaways

How much we can learn from experienced leaders
Breaking down the M3 - mindset, model, and method
What the military realm lacks in conscious leadership

[06:55 - 07:45] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Tune in this Friday for part 2 of my discussion with Jeffrey where he’ll discuss amazing tactics for you to apply
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted.

Key Quote:

“There are so many confusions and complications attached to the incompetence of military leadership that is blowing my mind because there's no change. There's no transformation, there's no new 21st century ideology attached to managing accountability.” - Zack Knight

The Way to Conscious Leadership

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“The most valuable lesson I've ever learned as a business leader is human capital is more valuable than financial capital.” - Jeffrey Deckman

In today’s episode, Jeffrey Deckman discusses what it takes to be a conscious leader. In today’s world where the desire to achieve fulfillment is sought after, it becomes vital to honor humanity by establishing authenticity, integrity, and respect in the workforce.

[00:01 - 06:46] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Jeffrey Deckman on experiencing four speech impediments and ear wiggling
From the back of the pack to being the influential leader

[06:47 - 13:19] In the Conscious Workforce, Human Capital is King

When the consciousness of the world gets caught up in an emerging leadership style
Jeffrey shares his bankruptcy story and getting through the challenging phase
Risking it all and starting a company valuing human capital

[13:20 - 23:46] From Authoritarian Operating to Conscious Leadership

The three forces existing under the organizational charts
Operating under AIR - authenticity, integrity, and respect - and setting the rules
How employee engagement happens - control to collaboration

[23:47 - 33:13] Understanding Our Human Nature to Accomplish Transformation

Beware of extremities; find the middle ground instead
What we can learn from indigenous cultures
Grace with ourselves through the transformation to improved consciousness

[33:14 - 42:51] Closing Segment

The legacy Jeffrey wants to create - people having peace, respect, and honor for themselves
Connect with Jeffrey (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to find out how you can discover your voice, claim your independence, and build that thriving business that you've always wanted.

Key Quotes:

“Being an entrepreneur, running a business is one of the strongest spiritual experiences you can ever have.” - Jeffrey Deckman

“I had to decide, what did I value more - my ego at the moment, or what it was that I was looking to build and the responsibilities I had as a leader?” - Jeffrey Deckman

“An authoritarian leader doesn't realize how vulnerable they are to the tribe, that ego-based leader. And what happens is, once that tribe turns against you, because you have been inauthentic to them, you've set part of the rules that being inauthentic is okay. So now they're inauthentic with you, and you don't know it, and it's a nightmare.” - Jeffrey Deckman

Connect with Jeffrey

Tactical Friday: Release Your Limits and Unpack Your True Self

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“We need to understand the legacy that we're going to leave so that we can start to build our life in alignment so that we can ensure that we don't have suffering in our lives by not fulfilling the legacy we plan to leave.” - Brian Bogert

In this episode of Tactical Friday, Brian Bogert breaks down the way to demonstrate the best version of yourself from the place of vulnerability and authenticity. He highlights the need to begin with the end in mind–acting in alignment so that we do not have to suffer living an unfulfilled life.

There is a sleeping giant in every human. Brian’s purpose in life is to awaken those giants within and turn them into legends by helping them grab what they believe is just out of their grasp. Brian is a heart surgeon without a blade. He does not start outside with what you need to DO, he starts inside with who you ARE. In a world that is disconnected, Brian is revolutionizing how individuals, leaders, and entrepreneurs deeply connect with their authentic selves to achieve the best version of themselves.

As a human behavior and performance coach, speaker, and business strategist, Brian disrupts the normative approach on how to create sustainable growth and lasting change personally and professionally. His philosophies on “how to embrace pain to avoid suffering,” “people before profits,” and “who before what” has helped individuals and companies discover and activate their limitless potential. Brian and his team lead with intentionality as they are driven by their vision to impact a billion lives by 2045.

[00:01 - 00:40] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Brian, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[00:41 - 05:35] Building Your Life in Alignment to Live in No Limits

Discovering who you are and breaking out of the box
Focusing on the who before what
Breaking through the limits and recognizing patterns

[05:34 - 11:27] The Relevance and Credibility of Knowing You Are Not Alone

Getting people connected by mustering the courage to express the truth
A protected environment to feel safe for transformation
Identifying your purpose and legacy - begin with the end in mind

[11:28 - 15:04] Closing Segment

Connect with Brian (links below)
Closing words

Key Quotes:

“It was only after I shed the layers of who the world told me to be, got back to my most authentic self aligned with who I was, built my life in intentional alignment, then all of a sudden, all the ‘what's’ in my world started to become a manifestation of who I was, versus the ‘what’s’ actually causing me to lose who I was” - Brian Bogert

“Individuals are mostly limited by the limits they place upon themselves, and the ones that the worlds have placed on them that they've actually absorbed as their own limitations.” - Brian Bogert

“Even if the stories are not identical, they're relatable. There's relevance and credibility and knowing that you are not alone and the only one that's dealing with these things.” - Brian Bogert

Resources

http://nolimitsprelude.com/

Connect with Brian

Check out his website to see how he helps growth-minded individuals achieve the best version of themselves: their most authentic selves. Join his Facebook group and watch his videos on Youtube! You can follow him on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter.

Growth Happens Outside of Your Comfort Zone

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“It [pain] is gonna hurt, but we're gonna embrace it, because it's the piece of life that helps us grow. It forces us to grow, right? [It] pushes you out of that comfort zone, pushes you away from where we're happy to operate. And overall, it just makes us better people.” - Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, let’s reflect on the insightful conversation with Brian Bogert about releasing limitations and why avoiding pain will only make the hurt worse. Facing challenges in life forces us to have a different perspective and understanding the nature of suffering can help us realize the need to grow–which happens outside of our comfort zones.

[00:01 - 00:55] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!

[00:56 - 07:04] My Takeaways

How traumatic experiences trigger a mindset shift
The perspective of success when hitting bumps on the road
Focusing on self-mastery as a leader for branding
Embracing short-term pain to avoid long-term suffering

[07:05 - 08:37] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Tune in this Friday for part 2 of my discussion with Brian where he’ll discuss amazing tactics for you to apply

Key Quote:

“Growth really, truly happens…outside of that comfort zone… It [pain] is one of those that we start avoiding so much for so long that all of a sudden, we don't know how to actually get past any of it.” - Zack Knight

Choose Your Pain or Suffering Will Choose You

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“I believe that we all must choose our pain, or our suffering will choose us. I'd rather have influence and control over which one I live in.” - Brian Bogert

In today’s episode, Brian Bogert shares his unique story that became a turning point in his life. Looking back at the struggles, he highlights the importance of asking for help and internalizing our narratives. He discusses his awakening moment throughout his life facing suffering and learning to embrace pain to gain control.

[00:01 - 06:22] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Brian Bogert on living across the globe and experiencing different cultures
The first instance of mindset shift - the awakening moment

[06:23 - 15:26] Refusing to be Victims of Circumstance

Brian’s unique story - literal life and limb scenario
Refusing to be defined by circumstance and limitations
The dangerous path of convincing yourself that you’re alone
How to make connections happen - getting past ego

[15:27 - 35:46] The Value of Asking for Help - Breaking the Cycle

Acknowledging your blind spots and breaking the cycle
Embracing pain to avoid suffering
When you hear what you needed, not what you wanted
Being the right leader at the right place and the right time

[35:47 - 41:42] Closing Segment

The legacy Brian wants to create - help people understand who they are before the world tells them who to be
Connect with Brian (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!

Key Quotes:

“Our narratives can fail us very frequently, and many times they can lie to us. And so what I started to recognize was I had to lean back into human connection using vulnerability and authenticity, which I believe are the glue that binds human connection.” - Brian Bogert

“We all have unique stories. What's important is that we pause and become aware of the lessons we can extract from those stories, and then become intentional with how do we apply them in our lives.” - Brian Bogert

“We demonstrate who we are to the world and legacy we're gonna lead through the actions that we take.” - Brian Bogert

Connect with Brian

Tactical Friday: Crafting Your Retirement Blueprint

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Rewards, cashback, that's a game, right? These credit card companies, they use that as a marketing tactic to give them business… Use that to your advantage, we get a lot of free money, but don't just turn around and give them that money back because you're paying a bunch of interest on that debt.” - Daniel Blue

In this episode of Tactical Friday, Daniel Blue goes back for more tactics to apply in creating your financial plan, particularly towards establishing a solid retirement blueprint. He advises the proper way to use credit cards to our advantage and how to make the most out of the existing retirement accounts.

Daniel is a regular contributor to Forbes.com and the owner of Quest Education, a company that helps entrepreneurs obtain capital for their companies, pay off high-interest debt, and use self-directed retirement accounts to invest in alternative assets. With over 10 years of educating small business owners, Daniel has a knack for helping individuals get creative with their finances that lead to life-changing results. Under Daniel's leadership, Quest Education has reached the 7-figure mark two years in a row with a thousand customers throughout the United States. His story is unique in the sense he had a daughter when he was 19 years old and overcame an addiction to Oxycontin at 20 years old. Those two life-changing moments helped shape Daniel into becoming the man he is today.

[00:01 - 00:39] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Daniel, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[00:40 - 07:18] Steps to Take in Crafting Your Retirement Plan

Blueprint for a sustainable retirement plan by focusing on the controllable
Looking into your existing retirement accounts
The caveat of taking in credit card debt

[07:19 - 10:52] Beware of High Taxes and Penalties

Playing around with your investments tax-free - going for solo 401k
Mitigating risk through fixed rate of return
Beware of high percentage taxes and early withdrawal penalties

[10:53 - 13:27] Closing Segment

Connect with Daniel (links below)
Closing words

Key Quote:

“Investments in the real estate space or the business lending space… A lot of the customers like these kinds of investments because, you know, they're fixed investments, they don't go up, they don't go down. There's just a fixed rate of return… [the] stock market is going up and down.” - Daniel Blue

Connect with Daniel

Check out his website to find out how he can help you access your retirement account penalty and tax-free.

Build Your Financial Legacy

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Education is power, right? That's really the biggest thing. [It] is knowing and being able to make an educated, informed decision that allows you to optimize what you have, and then create leverage.” - Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, let’s dissect the conversation from the previous conversation with Daniel Blue. Without financial freedom, building your legacy becomes more of a challenge. By being educated on how to manage your finances and how to leverage your dollars with financial instruments, the way to financial literacy becomes clearer.

[00:01 - 00:56] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!

[00:57 - 08:13] My Takeaways

Highlighting the importance of finances and financial instruments
Optimizing financial management to rise from debt
Leveraging debt and investments appropriately

[08:14 - 09:14] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Tune in this Friday for part 2 of my discussion with Daniel where he’ll discuss amazing tactics for you to apply

Key Quote:

“Financial legacy is just as important as other legacies you're building.” - Zack Knight

Flip the Switch and Choose Success

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“There's a point in time where something has to trigger in your brain to take a different approach… We can get a ton of self-help out there. However, like, you have to really hit a certain point where it registers where you flip the switch.” - Daniel Blue

In today’s episode, Daniel Blue talks about his journey from suffering from drug addiction and dealing with a heartbreaking family divorce to being in the world of sales and eventually starting his own business. He emphasizes the virtue of being competitive and the ways to cultivate a mindset of success despite life taking its toll on us at times.

[00:01 - 07:23] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Daniel Blue on having only one kidney and the origin of his entrepreneurship journey
Battling addiction and discovering the world of sales at 18

[07:24 - 14:48] The Leap from the W-2 to Entrepreneurship with Competitiveness

Harnessing the drive of being competitive
The transition from being a high-performing employee to being a business owner
Where we go wrong with our finances - a look into credit cards, 401k, and IRA

[14:49 - 29:02] Flipping the Switch to a Success Mindset

Utilizing and optimizing information for better financial status
From addiction to cultivating a success mindset
Figuring out the healthy outlets to get you into the zone

[29:03 - 35:32] Closing Segment

The legacy Daniel wants to create - do what you love and make an impact
Connect with Daniel (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!

Key Quotes:

“Okay, I'm done pouting for the last 30 minutes. Now I gotta move on. Like, where's the positive spin in this? What's good that's gonna come out of this, right? And there's always something good that's gonna come out of it, right? And that's up to you to find out.” - Daniel Blue

“It's really easy to get caught up in our own feelings like you said, but you just got to, you know, make sure that you're not sulking in that too much. And you figure out what makes you tick to get out of that zone.” - Daniel Blue

Connect with Daniel

Check out his website to find out how he can help you access your retirement account penalty and tax-free.

Tactical Friday: Be Energized to be Empowered

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“To wake up every day and operate in that belief, in that energy, is essential to consistency and the results that you want to get.” - Nicole Laino

In this episode of Tactical Friday, we have Nicole Laino back to discuss the practical tips to apply in harnessing your inner power by being more honest to yourself and reaching for what you truly desire. By pinpointing our frustrations and understanding where our energy comes from, going for consistency to achieve results becomes viable.

Nicole Laino is a startup Founder, Business Strategist & Peak Performance Coach. She's also a Rapid Relief Technique, NLP & Human Design Practitioner, the host of the Limitless Entrepreneur Podcast, and a self-proclaimed "Type-A Hippie". She helps ambitious women harness their feminine energy and break free from subconscious patterns of perfectionism and over-analyzing so they can sell and serve at their highest level - without burning out. Unlike other mindset coaches who focus only on the energetics of business, Nicole uses her background in corporate, entrepreneurship, and the start-up world to advise her clients on developing their sustainable multiple 6-figure business strategies while opening up to abundance.

[00:01 - 00:39] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Nicole, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[00:40 - 04:49] Allowing Yourself to Get What You Truly Desire

Honing into what we truly want by recognizing the resistance
Taking a pause and realizing our lack of honesty for ourselves
Why we get frustrated chasing the image of being successful

[04:50 - 13:11] Operating in the Energy for Achieving Results

The correct way to delegate and draw the line
Understanding our way of processing and putting out our energy
The safety in numbers for collaboration and empowerment

[13:12 - 15:09] Closing Segment

Connect with Nicole (links below)
Closing words

Key Quotes:

“You should only be delegating the things that you really don't like to do, and that align with your greater vision.” - Nicole Laino

“If dealing with clients lights you up, you do not want to take that away because it will actually hurt your business. It'll hurt the way that you show up, and it'll hurt the results that people get from working with you.” - Nicole Laino

Connect with Nicole

Check out her website to see how she helps ambitious women harness their feminine energy and break free from subconscious patterns of perfectionism and over-analyzing to sell and serve at their highest level - without burnout. Follow her on Instagram @nicolelainoofficial

Break Through What Limits You

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Alignment was really truly key to have in your personal world.” - Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I recap the conversation I had with Nicole Laino on finding alignment and proper delegation. Although it is good to delegate to have a lighter load, it is also essential to consider what tasks you should do for your business. Understanding your limiting beliefs allows you to recognize what needs to be worked on. By doing this, it becomes feasible to grow exponentially both in professional and personal growth.

[00:01 - 01:11] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!

[1:12 - 06:09] My Takeaways

Finding alignment with yourself through branding
Determining what and what not to delegate
The “should, but” aspect and limiting beliefs to get rid of

[06:10 - 07:39] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Tune in this Friday for part 2 of my discussion with Nicole where she’ll discuss amazing tactics for you to apply

Key Quote:

“Don't delegate certain aspects that just refresh you in business.” - Zack Knight

Take Giant Leaps in Your Zone of Genius

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“When we think about alignment, a lot of times we think about like you know, meditating and getting into alignment, but it's very much aligning your effort with your goals and your goals should be aligned with your desires.” - Nicole Laino

In today’s episode, Nicole Laino demystifies the way to achieve alignment by rethinking our goals and desires. She targets limiting beliefs and habits we have to be aware of that hinder our success. Listen as she shares how we can take giant leaps as we find our way to our zone of genius through alignment.

[00:01 - 03:22] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
Head over to myvoicechallenge.com to register for a free podcasting workshop!
Nicole Laino on being a self-proclaimed type-A hippie

[03:23 - 10:04] Identifying the Roadblocks to Take Giant Leaps

Leaders as leading themselves first and identifying roadblocks
How the subconscious plays a role in creating limiting beliefs
The giant leaps to the evolution of a lifetime

[10:05 - 21:07] Being in the Zone of Genius by Embracing Your Authentic Self

Defining a type-A hippie as owning two worlds of analysis and creativity
Alignment in your zone of genius to reach your targets
Why you should be careful of using “should” and giving excuses

[21:08 - 26:55] The True Essence of Alignment

How misalignment happens - the prompt to rethink your goals and desires
Nicole on being a human design coach and resources she uses

[26:56 - 29:46] Closing Segment

The legacy Nicole wants to create - never play small again
Connect with Nicole (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!

Key Quotes:

“I view a leader [as] someone who leads themselves before they lead anybody else. It starts with you.” - Nicole Laino

“A lot of times, there's so much noise out there. And there are so many people telling you that this is the way this is the only way. We end up doing things that don't feel good. And then we can't be consistent with it because there's a part of us yelling at us from the inside, saying, this is not where we're supposed to go, this is not what we're supposed to do, you should find your zone of genius, you should stay in your lane in that way, there's a lot you can do in the lane of your zone of genius. ” - Nicole Laino

“Whatever your excuses are, are your beliefs. If that is the ultimate truth that you believe, then every day inside of you, in your subconscious, you're actually saying that you can't be successful. So we have to shift that belief in order for you to show up differently.” - Nicole Laino

Resources

A Happy Pocket Full of Money by David Cameron Gikandi

The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford

Connect with Nicole

Check out her website to see how she helps ambitious women harness their feminine energy and break free from subconscious patterns of perfectionism and over-analyzing to sell and serve at their highest level - without the burnout. Follow her on Instagram @nicolelainoofficial

Tactical Friday: The Burning Passion to Change Lives

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Every single person [in the team] has been handpicked. Because not just of their skill set, not just of their experience, but because of their passion for what we do and how we want to do it. And that also, I think, it allows for a really healthy work environment where we encourage debate and we encourage, you know, different opinions because that's how we get, and we find that right path to the goal that we all share.” - John Climaco

In this episode of Tactical Friday, John Climaco returns to discuss how his company pursues the mission with purpose. By being with a team fueled by passion, it becomes possible to achieve tremendous results and through establishing an environment open to debate, everyone can feel valued and heard, which are essential to business success.

John M. Climaco, Esq. (53) is the Chairman and CEO of CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNSP), a company developing novel treatments for brain and central nervous system cancers. CNSP’s lead drug, Berubicin, is an exciting discovery for the treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) and potentially for other CNS malignancies. Berubicin was first discovered at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, the largest cancer research institute in the world, and is an FDA-designated Orphan Drug. In 2017 CNSP acquired all data and know-how related to the successful Phase 1 trial of Berubicin from Reata Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq:RETA), and in 2019 Mr. Climaco led the Company’s Nasdaq IPO. CNSP expects to commence its Phase 2 clinical trial of Berubicin for the treatment of GBM 2020. Mr. Climaco also currently serves on the board of directors of Moleculin Biotech, Inc. (Nasdaq:MBRX), a preclinical and clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development of anti-cancer drug candidates.

[00:01 - 00:41] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with John, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[00:42 - 10:51] The Power of Passion and the Key to Business Success

The alignment with passion with purpose into the mission
Focusing on the value creation point of the business
How a small team can accomplish tremendous results
Updates on successful clinical trials

[10:52 - 12:54] Closing Segment

Connect with John (links below)
Closing words

Key Quote:

“It makes it so much easier to have money than to be broke trying to do something like this… Money isn't a bad thing. Money is a tool to make an impact.” - Zack Knight

Connect with John

Check out CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNSP), a company developing novel treatments for brain and central nervous system cancers.

Are You in Alignment?

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“What are you doing to align yourself with a passion and a purpose and a mission to do more, be more, and get better?” - Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, let’s savor the thought-provoking points given by John Climaco from the last interview. It goes to show that being in alignment with your personal values and reflecting that in the business allows burning passion to thrive. It allows you to get pumped to start your day no matter how difficult the work may be.

[00:01 - 01:10] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!

[1:11 - 04:04] My Takeaways

The passion and drive to change lives
Reflecting on the essence of aligning your personal values
Realizing the need to do more, be more, and get better

[04:03 - 05:30] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Tune in this Friday for part 2 of my discussion with John where he’ll discuss amazing tactics for you to apply

Key Quote:

“How are you aligning yourself? Are you in alignment? Are you out of alignment? How are you doing the thing that you need to be doing to wake up every day excited about the day?” - Zack Knight

Play the Game and Keep Going

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“I found myself more comfortable in challenging situations. And in the mountains, I started developing the perspective, because of the nature of the game, where you'd have to ask yourself, sometimes, is anybody's life going to be lost here if this doesn't go correctly?... The answer was, yes, it was really worth that kind of stress and seriousness. But in business, oftentimes, the answer is no. Okay, let's not get too hung up about that. Let's play the game and keep going.” - John Climaco

In today’s episode, John Climaco discusses the inner workings of developing treatments for cancers and how he took on the challenge to change people’s lives. He highlights the value of the human experience in the organization and how we should display our character with confidence as we carry on with life.

[00:01 - 05:35] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
John Climaco on leading teams and developing novel treatments
The love for mountain-climbing and the trek in the right direction

[05:36 - 14:43] The Path to Clear Focus and Vision

When law meets science and business through technology
Positioning oneself to welcome opportunities
Picking up skills and confidence along the way

[14:44 - 25:39] The Position to Play and Move Forward

Developing grit and perseverance to achieve excellence
Pressing on and continuing the game
The value of utilizing your personal experiences in business

[25:40 - 27:18] Closing Segment

The legacy John wants to create - see the first drug approval in glioblastoma
Connect with John (links below)
Join us for Tactical Friday!

Key Quote:

“You found yourself in a combat position or a dangerous position. Ultimately, you put yourself there voluntarily, that says a lot about a person. And it says a lot about who you are, I think as a human being, what your values are and what you're able to withstand, and the adversity you're able to push through… The ability to stay focused on the mission, despite the ultimate adversity.” - John Climaco

Connect with John

Check out CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNSP), a company developing novel treatments for brain and central nervous system cancers.

Tactical Friday: Choose to be Inclusive and Take Ownership

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“When you show up as a human, then you create space for the humans that you work with to be humans… If we can create that space, that's beautiful. And that starts with us.” - Brian McComak

In this episode of Tactical Friday, Brian McComak is back to dig deeper into the ways to welcome authentic dialogue in the organization. He emphasizes the power of leaders to craft an environment conducive to inclusion and allowing the lens of diversity to reflect the essence of humanity.

Brian McComak is a diversity and inclusion consultant, speaker, author, and facilitator with over twenty years of experience in D&I, HR, company culture, change management, internal communications, and employee experience. He is the founder and CEO of Hummingbird Humanity, a consulting firm that cultivates and champions inclusive workplace cultures and human-centered leadership. He is also the author of Humanity in the Workplace: A Blueprint for Building an Inclusive and Equitable Company Culture which will be released in 2022.

[00:01 - 04:42] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
For the first part of my interview with Brian, tune in to last Monday’s episode

[04:43 - 08:21] Reframing Representation - Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity

Magnifying the four lenses of representation
Engaging and developing awareness of varying experiences
Owning your biases to show up and be inclusive
Creating the space for authentic dialogue

[08:22 - 12:29] Taking Ownership in the Lens You’re Looking At

The emotional intelligence required for a deeper understanding
Showing humanity as a leader to establish connections

[12:30 - 14:56] Closing Segment

Connect with Brian (links below)
Closing words

Key Quotes:

“So often we think about it [integrating diversity, inclusion, and equity] as an additional thing that we have to do at companies. And it really needs to be part of everything we do.” - Brian McComak

“One of the first things that I suggest if you want to be an inclusive leader is engaging and developing your awareness and understanding of different lived experiences.” - Brian McComak

“It really is about generating dialogue and discussion and helping others rethink, reframe, and consider what does it look like to create spaces where we all feel like we can be ourselves and we can do the best work that we possibly can.” - Brian McComak

Connect with Brian

Check out Hummingbird Humanity: a diverse group of thought leaders, speakers, consultants, and experts in the field of DEI and follow him on LinkedIn.

The Value of Integrating Diversity & Inclusion

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

“Creating an environment that is psychologically safe, psychologically secure, where people can show up as they are - the authentic, true person that they are, and really show that they matter in the way that they do things, they matter in the world. And creating an environment as a leader in that capacity is so important to do that.” - Zack Knight

In today’s solo episode, I highlight the key points of Brian McComak in his discussion of integrating diversity, inclusion, and equity in organizations. Understanding the value of the people and the need to recognize them are keys to creating a psychologically secure environment as a leader.

[00:01 - 01:13] Opening Segment

If you have a platform and you want to create content that DELIVERS, go over to knightly.productions!
If you haven’t listened to last Monday’s episode, check it out!

[1:14 - 10:21] My Takeaways

The culture and experience for a psychologically secure environment
How creating diversity is a doable tactic
The implications of not recognizing value

[05:41 - 06:46] Closing Segment

Closing words and reminders
Tune in this Friday for part 2 of my discussion with Brian where he’ll discuss amazing tactics for you to apply

Key Quotes:

“Diversity inclusion is one of those things that in this world is becoming much more prevalent, much more important, something that is having a much bigger focus.” - Zack Knight

“A lot of Gen Z’ers that understand their own value… If they're not being valued, they're going to hop along to the next stop.” - Zack Knight