Podcast

Corporate CPR Episode 112: How Using AI In Marketing Might Be Killing Your Company

/ Jana

On today’s episode we are talking about how using AI in marketing might be killing your company.

Ferdinand Mehlinger, an esteemed SEO expert and keynote speaker, played a pivotal role in Google’s inception, granting him unparalleled insights into driving organic traffic and conversions. With a diverse portfolio spanning E-waste, biotech, fitness, and social media sectors, Ferdinand’s expertise is unmatched. With over two decades of experience, including contributing to Google’s algorithm in its infancy, Ferdinand offers unparalleled expertise in SEO and Google insider strategies. He’s available as a keynote speaker for events, conferences, and podcasts, offering valuable insights and free resources on his website. Ferdinand’s company, Bluoo Digital, specializes in branding and online marketing solutions, driving success for businesses since 2005.

Episode Highlights:

  • AI Revolution: AI is poised to revolutionize our lives, offering unprecedented convenience and accessibility to information, similar to the impact of search engines.
  • Potential of AI: AI has the potential to enhance productivity across various domains, from writing and coding to email management, streamlining tasks and providing valuable assistance.
  • Ethical Considerations: Despite its benefits, ethical concerns surround AI’s use, especially regarding misinformation, manipulation, and privacy.
  • Regulation and Oversight: The rapid advancement of AI necessitates regulation and oversight to ensure responsible and ethical use, preventing misuse and abuse.
  • Impact on SEO: AI influences SEO practices, with search engines like Google emphasizing quality and relevance to combat spammy content generated by AI.
  • Realistic Content Focus: Businesses should prioritize quality over quantity in content production, acknowledging limitations and aiming for manageable output.
  • Peer-to-Peer Interaction: User preference for human interaction over AI-generated content drives a shift towards peer-to-peer question-and-answer interactions online.

Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. Jump into AI without hesitation, as it’s becoming increasingly essential for businesses to leverage its capabilities.
  2. Recognize and understand your own value, whether as a business owner or professional, and assert it confidently.
  3. Focus on becoming an expert in your field, as expertise opens doors and allows you to provide valuable insights and solutions to others.

How to Connect with Ferdinand:

Website: http://www.ferdinandmehlinger.com

Corporate CPR Episode 111: How Not Maintaining High Quality Teams Might Be Killing Your Company

/ Jana

On today’s episode we are talking about how not maintaining high quality teams might be killing your company.

Randy Clark, currently Director of Global Operations at IBN (InvestorBrandNetwork), is an executive and strategic thinker with over 20 years of experience in building and managing high-functioning teams and organizations. His expertise spans from creating entities from scratch to revitalizing existing ones, consistently achieving remarkable success. Embracing change and prioritizing alignment over agreement, Randy fosters diverse, empowered teams, believing in uplifting every individual he encounters. With a mantra of supporting people to their fullest potential and infusing fun into every endeavor, Randy finds profound fulfillment in watching teams flourish and triumph together. Eager for the next challenge, he looks forward to continuing his journey of growth and success.

Episode Highlights:

  • Team Building from the Ground Up: The speaker emphasizes the importance of personally building teams from scratch to ensure they are founded on a proven record of success. However, they acknowledge that circumstances may sometimes require adapting to existing teams.
  • The Significance of Hiring: Hiring the right people is paramount for team success. The speaker underscores the importance of assessing individuals’ capabilities, desires, and skills to ensure they align with the team’s goals and culture.
  • Focus on Team Dynamics: Team dynamics are crucial for success, and the speaker highlights the importance of aligning everyone towards the same goal while fostering healthy agreement on how to achieve it.
  • Motivation, Focus, and Advocacy: The speaker outlines three key factors for keeping teams cohesive: motivation, focus, and advocacy. Understanding individual motivations, defining clear focuses, and being an advocate for team members are essential for achieving collective success.
  • Fit and Adaptation: Recognizing when someone is not the right fit for a role and being willing to have difficult conversations or make adjustments is crucial for both individual and team success. The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding roles that align with employees’ strengths and aspirations.
  • Recognizing and Addressing Misalignment: It’s crucial to identify when individuals are struggling to meet personal goals within a role, as this can have a detrimental impact on both them and the team. Encouraging individuals to pursue roles that align with their strengths and passions is essential for fostering personal fulfillment and driving team success.
  • Dealing with Toxic Team Members: Toxic team members can significantly diminish team morale and productivity, highlighting the importance of addressing such behavior. Taking action, even if it means making tough decisions like removing individuals who don’t align with the team’s goals and culture, is essential for the overall betterment of the team and the company.

Randy’s Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. Having the right individuals in appropriate roles, highlighting attitude, aptitude, and work ethic are key criteria for success. Supporting and nurturing the right people is essential for team and individual success.
  2. Bring passion and enjoyment to work. Encourage fostering a fun and engaging work environment to inspire team members to be passionate and committed to their roles.
  3. Lead by example. Managers should lead with care, dedication, energy. By demonstrating commitment and enthusiasm for the job you will set a positive tone for the team and foster mutual respect and success.

How to Connect with Randy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-clark-a30717/

IBN Website: https://www.investorbrandnetwork.com/

Corporate CPR Episode 110: How Not To Be Scooped Up Unwillingly In An Acquisition

/ Jana

On today’s episode we are talking about how not to be scooped up unwillingly in an acquisition with Jason Radisson.

Jason Radisson is a seasoned unicorn breeder with 20+ years of expertise in strategy, operations, and growth. As the CEO and Founder of Movo, an HCM platform, he’s revolutionizing frontline workforce management globally, boasting 700,000+ users across various industries. Formerly with McKinsey & Company and Uber, Jason’s track record includes scaling businesses, notably 99-Taxis, which he grew 10x before its $1B acquisition. Passionate about empowering the frontline workforce, he champions digital solutions to uplift communities. Jason, a Holy Cross alum and multilingual Fulbright Scholar, balances his professional achievements with family and outdoor pursuits, embodying a holistic approach to success.

Episode Highlights:

  • Importance of Differentiation: Industries consolidate where there’s economies of scale. Having a unique differentiator that the market values is crucial for success.
  • Role of Capital Markets: The movement of capital plays a significant role in determining winners, especially in later funding rounds where large sums of money are involved. Convincing capital markets of your company’s potential is key.
  • Diagnosing Corporate Health: Assessing threats to the organization involves analyzing both strategy and execution. Poor execution can undermine even a solid strategy.
  • Avoiding Irrelevance: Staying relevant amidst industry consolidation requires a focus on differentiation and addressing unmet needs in the market.
  • Building a Following: Building a loyal following can be achieved through various means, including product innovation, marketing, and targeting underserved markets.
  • Operational Efficiency: Maintaining capital efficiency and operational leanness is crucial for sustainable growth, especially in the face of competition and potential acquisitions. Top of Form

Jason’s Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. Find your unique differentiator.
  2. Capital efficiency and frugality contributes significantly to overall sustainability. Even if other aspects like differentiation or strategy are not fully developed, being lean and frugal ensures longevity and reduces vulnerability to hostile takeovers or industry consolidation efforts.
  3. Maintaining a global perspective fosters invaluable cross-industry insights, allowing for the adaptation of successful practices from international corporations to local contexts.

How to Connect with Jason:

Website: https://movo.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-radisson/

Corporate CPR Episode 109: How Weak Negotiation Skills Could Be Killing Your Company

/ Jana

On today’s episode we are talking about how your negotiation skills could make or break your company with Adele Gambardella and Chip Massey.

Adele Gambardella and Chip Massey are two accomplished professionals with diverse backgrounds and a shared mission. Adele, recognized as a prominent figure in the PR world, brings over 20 years of expertise, serving as a spokesperson for Fortune 100 companies and teaching at prestigious universities. Chip, a former FBI Special Agent, offers a wealth of experience in high-stakes criminal cases and negotiation techniques. Together, as co-founders of The Convincing Company, they bridge the worlds of PR and Crisis Negotiation, providing global consulting and training services to a wide range of clients, from tech startups to Fortune 500 giants.

Episode Highlights:

  • Forensic Listening: Utilize forensic listening techniques to uncover the unstated narratives and true beliefs of others. By understanding what people truly think and value, you can tailor your approach to effectively communicate and persuade.
  • The Convincing Continuum: Move individuals down the convincing continuum by starting with points of agreement, addressing fears and uncertainties, and providing just enough information to prompt further research and validation. Avoid overwhelming them with excessive facts and arguments.
  • Active Listening and Empathy: Practice active listening to de-escalate heightened emotions and understand the underlying concerns of others. Demonstrating empathy and valuing their opinions can build trust and facilitate productive dialogue.
  • Personalized Approach: Tailor your communication style and approach based on individual personalities and preferences. Recognize that different people may respond differently to persuasion tactics and adjust your strategy accordingly to achieve the desired outcome.
  • Focus on Collaboration: Emphasize collaboration and mutual benefit in negotiations and decision-making processes. Highlight how working together can lead to positive outcomes for all parties involved, fostering a sense of cooperation and alignment.
  • Timing is Key: Being aware of the timing and context of our interactions, including when someone is mentally prepared and receptive, can significantly impact the effectiveness of our communication.

Top Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. Remember who you’re trying to convince. Are they emotional? Are they more of a fact-based person?
  2. Listen intently so the person you are talking to feels you are connected to them and truly understand who they are.
  3. Try new things. Don’t get stuck in what you’ve always done as there are great opportunities in trying something new.
  4. Nobody will care what you have to say or what you believe until they feel you care about them. Then, you can cross chasms with the person because they feel you have their back.

For Resources Related to this Episode Visit:

https://convincingcompany.com/corporate/

Corporate CPR Episode 108: How Your Lack of Consciousness May Be Killing Your Company

/ Jana

On today’s episode we are talking about how your lack of consciousness may be killing your company.

Tom Willis believes we are all born with unlimited potential. As a former classroom teacher, he also believes in the power of lifelong learning. These beliefs have shaped his primary goal in life: helping others move beyond their self-limiting beliefs so they can reach their true potential.  
 
Prior to co-founding Phoenix Partners, he had the great honor of serving as the CEO for Cornerstone, a school system in Detroit.  He was fortunate to earn an engineering degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.  

Episode Highlights:

  1. Clarity of Purpose: Helping individuals and teams get clear about their fundamental purpose in life and how it aligns with the purpose of the organization is crucial for fostering meaningful engagement and alignment.
  2. Focus on Impact: It’s essential to shift the focus from simply creating cool technology or products to understanding the real impact and societal benefits of the work being done, such as providing access to transportation services for those in need.
  3. Motivation through Contribution: Human beings are universally motivated by making a difference and being helpful. Understanding and connecting with employees’ personal motivations and values can drive engagement and commitment to shared goals.
  4. Leadership, Management, Coaching: Effective leadership involves a balance of leadership, management, and coaching. Each aspect plays a role in creating a culture of growth and accountability, with leadership and coaching being emphasized more than traditional management.
  5. Conscious Time Management: Being conscious about how time is spent, prioritizing activities that contribute to personal and team growth, and focusing less on mundane tasks or “chores” can lead to significant improvements in organizational effectiveness and results.
  6. Leadership Modeling: Leaders must embody the desired culture through their actions and behaviors, setting the tone for the entire organization.
  7. Feedback Loops: Establish regular feedback mechanisms to gather input on the current culture and identify areas for improvement from employees at all levels.
  8. Training and Development: Invest in training programs that support the development of key cultural competencies, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a positive work environment.

Tom’s Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. If you are a CEO or Superintendent, check out our group called The Interchange made up of leaders from across the country who get together about once a month.
  2. Read our book The Great Engagement. Whether you’re a CEO of a large team or CEO of your life this book can help.   
  3. Start asking people around you to help you become more conscious. Ask them questions like “how can I improve as a husband, a teammate, a father? etc.

For Resources Related to This Episode Visit:

https://www.phoenixperform.com/corporatecpr

Corporate CPR Episode 107: The Dangers of Ignoring Workforce Flexibility Trends

/ Jana

On today’s episode we are talking about how not adopting the latest trends in workforce flexibility might be killing your company.

Jones Loflin, an educator turned internationally recognized speaker and author, is known for his impactful books like “Always Growing” and “Juggling Elephants,” available in the US and 14+ countries. His work, including “Getting The Blue Ribbon” and “Getting to It,” offers practical strategies for personal and professional growth. Founder of Jones U, he provides online courses and coaching for self-paced learning. Previously the “Trainer of Trainers” for “Who Moved My Cheese?” Jones holds degrees from North Carolina State University and is a member of the National Speaker’s Association.

Episode Highlights:

  • Shift from Work-Life Balance to Work-Life Success: There has been a shift from the concept of work-life balance to work-life success. That balance implies a static state, whereas success entails being present in the moment and investing time where it is needed most.
  • Accountability and Communication: Accountability is crucial in ensuring that work gets done efficiently, especially in environments with flexible policies like unlimited leave. Regular check-ins and effective listening by leaders foster a supportive and productive work culture.
  • Adapting Leadership Styles: Leaders must adapt their management approach based on whether team members are working in-person or remotely. Effective leaders prioritize consistent communication, active listening, and understanding the needs of their team members.
  • Flexibility in Work Arrangements: The trend towards flexible work arrangements, including remote work options, continues to grow. Successful organizations prioritize autonomy for their teams while also establishing clear guidelines and expectations for productivity and collaboration.
  • Business Case for In-Office Time: Organizations should establish a clear business case for requiring employees to be in the office certain days of the week. By identifying specific times when in-person collaboration is necessary, companies can justify their policies and gain employee buy-in.
  • Data-Driven Approach to Change: When considering changes to work policies, such as remote work options or leave policies, it’s essential to gather data through employee engagement surveys or assessments. Knee-jerk reactions can lead to unintended consequences, so it’s crucial to make informed decisions based on feedback from employees.
  • Leadership Role in Addressing Burnout: By creating psychologically safe environments where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges, leaders can help prevent burnout. Additionally, leading by example, demonstrating vulnerability, and acknowledging personal work preferences can foster understanding and support within the team.

Jones’ Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. People go about getting work done differently. As much as possible, we need to respect that individual cadence instead of trying to put everyone into a box.
  2. Organizations must make the business case for whatever work policies they are going to put in place whether it be work life balance, remote work, flex scheduling, etc.
  3. People should be intentional about what they need from work. What are you trying to accomplish? We need to be consistently intentional about the decisions we make every day so when we are done with work, we are doing the things we really want to be doing.  

How to Connect with Jones:

Website: https://jonesloflin.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonesloflin/

Corporate CPR Episode 106: Taking Care Of Your Employees’ Emotions During An M&A Process Can Be A Lifesaver For Your Company

/ Jana

On today’s episode we are talking about how taking care of your employees’ emotions during an M&A process can be a lifesaver your company.  

Jonathan Bennett, C.Dir., is a highly sought-after leadership coach and strategic advisor, offering his expertise to CEOs, executive teams, politicians, and boards of directors throughout Canada. With a background spanning urban, rural, remote, and First Nations communities, Jonathan excels in social purpose business strategy, governance, branding, change management, and communications. Before venturing into coaching, he founded Laridae, a management consulting and training firm that has served over 200 clients. As Laridae’s inaugural CEO, he transformed the startup into a leading B Corp. Jonathan, also a Special Graduate Faculty at Trent University, contributes his extensive experience as a director to boards like Accerta and CashCo financial. Additionally, Jonathan has held leadership roles in notable organizations, including Chair of the Board of Directors of Ontario Telemedicine Network and the Kawartha Haliburton CAS. An accomplished writer, Jonathan has authored seven books and resides with his family on a lake near Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.

Episode Highlights:

  • Anticipate Employee Reactions: Leaders implementing major organizational changes, like mergers, should anticipate varied employee reactions, from excitement to fear. Understanding and addressing these emotions is crucial for successful change management.
  • Effective Communication is Key: Clear communication is essential. Leaders must not only communicate what will change but also emphasize what will remain unchanged. Using diverse communication channels accommodates different learning styles and calms employee concerns.
  • Ongoing Dialogue for Support: Change is a process that requires time. Leaders should initiate ongoing dialogues to address employee questions and concerns, emphasizing that the initial announcement is just the beginning of continuous information sharing and support.
  • Acknowledge Emotional Impact: Leaders often underestimate the emotional impact of changes on employees who were not part of the decision-making process. Acknowledging and understanding this impact is vital for fostering a positive organizational culture during transitions.
  • Active Leadership Engagement: Senior leaders must actively participate in decision-making during significant changes. Avoiding abdication of decision-making responsibilities ensures alignment of vision and fosters an environment conducive to successful change.

Jonathan’s Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. You can’t communicate too often. Decide to over-communicate and schedule it.
  2. Change is hard. Give people the time they need.
  3. Be self-aware about how you’ve dealt with change. You aren’t doing it right or wrong and the folks around you aren’t doing it right or wrong. You’re just doing it your way. Give yourself and others grace and space.

How to Connect with Jonathan:

Website: https://clearlythen.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettjonathan/

Corporate CPR Episode 105: How Success Might Be Killing Your Company

/ Jana

On today’s episode we are talking about how success might be killing your company. 

Alex Atwood, a purpose-driven entrepreneur, has built a career marked by success in founding and leading four impactful companies. Over two decades, Alex has served over 8,000 satisfied customers in staffing, hospitality, and facilities management. Beyond entrepreneurship, Alex is an angel investor supporting ventures for a better world and a philanthropist, particularly dedicated to family businesses. Engaging in personal growth, Alex participates in Landmark Worldwide coaching and adheres to Nonviolent Communication principles. A diverse range of interests includes meditation, self-exploration modalities, drumming, and a newfound passion for skateboarding. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Alex’s latest venture focuses on providing non-toxic disinfection services, promoting regulatory compliance, and reemploying displaced hospitality workers in the D.C. and Baltimore metro area.

Episode Highlights:

• Warning Against Complacency: The danger of complacency, especially after achieving success, is highlighted. Complacency can lead to stagnation and negatively impact both individual and organizational progress.

• Impact of Complacency on Industries: The concept extends to how complacency can cause a “mortality event” for companies and even entire industries. Examples, such as the transformation of the taxi industry with the rise of ride-sharing, emphasize the need for continuous adaptation.

• Transformational Mindset: A transformative mindset is described as being continuously curious about possibilities and embracing evolution. The importance of thinking outside the current framework, fostering creativity, and maintaining an open thought process is emphasized.

• Empowering Culture: Transformative leadership involves empowering employees by creating a culture where curiosity, creativity, and diverse ideas are encouraged. The role of leadership in establishing an authentic, empowering culture within an organization is underscored.

• Strategic Innovation and Continuous Transformation: Companies need to prioritize strategic innovation and continuously transform, not just in products or services but also in the way they manage their organizations. The key lies in staying ahead of the curve, being receptive to change, and having a genuine commitment to transformation.

• Psychedelic Therapeutics and Business Transformation: Business leaders increasingly turn to psychedelic experiences, such as ayahuasca retreats, to break through self-limiting behaviors and enhance their effectiveness, reflecting a broader trend of exploring unconventional practices for personal and professional growth.

• Integration of Psychedelic Experiences: The psychedelic journey involves intentional preparation, group interactions, and post-experience discussions, emphasizing the importance of integrating insights gained into daily life for sustained personal growth.

• Transformation in Business Analogous to Personal Growth: Examining companies like McDonald’s underscores the imperative for businesses to continuously transform and adapt in messaging, branding, and offerings to remain relevant in a dynamic and evolving market.

Alex’s Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. Be curious in everything you do.
  2. Empower others. 
  3. Have fun. Be more creative and enjoy the work you do because it doesn’t need to be a grind. If you’re not having fun, you’re probably doing it wrong. 

How to Connect with Alex:

Website: https://alexatwood.co/         

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexatwood/

Corporate CPR Episode 104: How To Help Your Employees Become More Resilient

/ Jana

On today’s episode we are talking about how to help your employees become more resilient. 

Michele Phillips is a seasoned corporate trainer and transformational personal coach. As President of Key Performance and award-winning author of ‘Happiness is a Habit,’ Michele has shaped a fulfilling 23-year entrepreneurial career. Her impact extends globally, guiding Fortune 500 companies like TAG Heuer and Pfizer. Michele excels in one-on-one coaching, seamlessly integrating neuroscience, habit formation, and positive psychology to elevate happiness and performance. With a Master’s in Organizational Development from Fordham University, Michele’s expertise is honed by certifications and mentorship. A sought-after writer and speaker, her book ranked among Amazon’s top self-help books in 2017.

Episode Highlights:

  • Empowerment and Recognizing Inner Power: The speaker underscores the importance of empowering individuals to recognize and utilize their inner power, asserting that everyone possesses more power than they realize.
  • Three-Pronged Approach in Corporate Training: The speaker employs a three-pronged approach in corporate training, including training workshops, individual coaching, and result evaluation to ensure employees make a positive impact.
  • Continuous Improvement in Project Management: Emphasizing the dynamic nature of project management, the content stresses the importance of continuous improvement, adaptability, and regular reflection, encouraging a commitment to learning from both successes and failures.
  • Results-Focused Agile Leadership: The speaker advocates for a results-focused approach in leadership, emphasizing regular assessment of project phases, adoption of agile methodologies, and investment in professional development for project teams.
  • Resilient Leadership and Preparedness: Leaders who value development and provide ongoing support, including training, coaching, and resources, contribute to building resilience in teams. Additionally, preparing employees for economic uncertainty involves keeping skills updated and fostering an adaptable mindset.

Michele’s Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. Ask yourself, if you want your business to grow 30%, what are you doing to grow your people 30%?
  2. As a leader, make sure you have the propensity to develop other people.
  3. Invest in training and coaching. 

How to Connect with Michele:

Website: www.key2unlock.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michele-phillips-9409707/

Corporate CPR Episode 103: How Playing It Safe Might Be Killing Your Company

/ Jana

On today’s episode we are talking about how playing it safe might be killing your company. 

John Miller is the Founder of Scribewise, a dynamic content marketing agency dedicated to aiding B2B firms and healthcare providers in achieving growth through thought leadership and demand generation. His team of writers, designers, and strategists excels in humanizing complex business conversations by crafting and disseminating compelling, audience-focused content. With a firm belief in courageous marketing, John advocates for breaking free from the mundane and injecting excitement into the business world. His passion extends to his book, a manifesto at PlayingItSafeSucks.com, aimed at inspiring marketers and companies to adopt a bold and impactful mindset.

Episode Highlights:

Courageous Marketing Manifesto: The book, “Playing It Safe Sucks, A Courageous Marketing Manifesto,” challenges the prevailing mindset of playing it safe, emphasizing the importance of making companies stand out, build credibility, and trust.

Assessing Risk and Timing: Delving into the concept of risk in marketing, the discussion highlights the importance of assessing the right time for bold marketing moves and the need for internal champions to push innovative ideas.

B2B Marketing Focus: The conversation underscores the distinctive aspects of B2B marketing, emphasizing the longer consideration cycle and the need to build trust at scale rather than merely focusing on website traffic or SEO.

Effective Communication within Organizations: Addressing the challenges of communicating courageous marketing ideas within organizations, the emphasis is on starting small with experiments, proving concepts, and gradually expanding initiatives. Internal champions and alignment with company culture are vital.

Navigating Uncertain Times: The discussion challenges the “Playing It Safe” mentality during uncertain times, urging marketers not to give in to the temptation of playing small. It encourages finding ways to bring innovative ideas to market, even in the face of internal politics and red tape.

John’s Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. Be courageous in your marketing.
  2. For B2B companies, let go of your obsession with website traffic and SEO.
  3. Don’t follow trends or follow the masses. Focus on figuring out your message and audience instead. 

How to Connect with John:

Website: https://scribewise.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/johnmillerscribewise/