Corporate CPR Episode 120: How A Lack Of Resilience Might Be Killing Your Company

On today’s episode we are talking about how a lack of resilience might be killing your company.

Russell Harvey, a Resilience Coach, Facilitator, and Public Speaker, is on a mission to positively impact 100,000 lives by 2025, already reaching 44,212 individuals. With over 20 years of experience in Learning, Leadership, and Organizational Development, Russell’s approach is grounded in positive psychology and a Strengths-Based methodology. He balances pragmatism with creativity and playfulness, offering support, challenge, and progress to his clients. Beyond his professional endeavors, Russell serves as Chair of Governors at a local primary school and volunteers with Leeds Young Authors. His extensive qualifications include over 4000 hours of coaching, certification in performance development coaching, and expertise in facilitation.

Episode Highlights:

  • Encourage open discussions about individual strengths and preferences to optimize performance and engagement.
  • Aligning roles with employees’ strengths leads to greater productivity, fulfillment, and organizational success.
  • Address potential challenges upfront to prevent larger issues, ultimately saving time and resources in the long run.
  • Tailoring communication and engagement strategies to individuals’ natural strengths can facilitate easier and more productive conversations.
  • Building a resilient organization involves aligning roles with employees’ strengths, which leads to higher performance, enthusiasm, and engagement.
  • Fostering proactive resilience through self-reflection, role-playing, and leadership development strategies can help scale resilience initiatives across the organization.

Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. Spring Forward with Learning: Emphasize the importance of continuous learning and growth, encouraging individuals to embrace new experiences and insights to propel themselves forward.
  2. Strengths-Based Approach: Recognize and leverage individual strengths to drive motivation, engagement, and effectiveness in both personal and professional pursuits.
  3. Delegate Brilliantly to Strengths: As a line manager, prioritize delegating tasks according to employees’ strengths, fostering a culture of empowerment and maximizing team performance.

How to Connect with Russell:

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

Website: https://www.theresiliencecoach.co.uk

Corporate CPR Episode 119: How Your Meetings Might Be Killing Your Company

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

Stefanie Krievins, President of The Change Architects since 2014, thrives on dynamic change. Rejecting stagnant plans, she champions continuous learning and organizational strategies, fostering workplace innovation and joy. Her brainchild, The Change Architecture Framework, guides companies through transformation, emerging stronger. Stefanie, an Indiana University alumna, holds a Master’s and undergrad degree. Certified as a solution-focused coach by Erickson International and a member of the International Coach Federation, she’s renowned for her disruptive approach. A self-proclaimed Pro Troublemaker, Stefanie challenges leaders to embrace discomfort and drive impactful change. As host of the “Hot Mess Hotline” podcast, she offers a platform for ambitious leaders seeking genuine transformation.                

Episode Highlights:

  • Schedule virtual coffee breaks or informal chat sessions for team members to engage in casual conversation and foster rapport.
  • Utilize collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to facilitate spontaneous communication and open channels for discussion.
  • Emphasize the need for meetings to deliver substantial value, measured against the collective cost of attendees, and encouraging self-reflection on meeting participation and leadership behaviors.
  • Encourage transparency and knowledge sharing by documenting work and sharing updates regularly using shared documents, wikis, or project management tools.
  • Recognize the importance of physical gatherings for building relationships and facilitating informal learning and idea exchange.
  • Promote cross-team communication by creating opportunities for serendipitous interactions and idea exchange, even in a remote work environment.
  • Start meetings with informal icebreakers or personal check-ins to foster rapport and create a sense of community among team members.

Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. Say no to more meetings: Challenge the status quo by being selective about attending or scheduling meetings, prioritizing those where you can contribute value.
  2. Commit to active participation and leadership: Take ownership of meetings by actively engaging, sharing ideas, and fostering an environment of open communication and honesty.
  3. Focus on building trust and psychological safety: Recognize the importance of creating an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions, ultimately contributing to organizational success.

How to Connect with Stefanie & The Change Architects:

Website: http://www.thechangearchitects.com

Corporate CPR Episode 118: How Not Having A Strong Business Continuity Plan Might Be Killing Your Company

On today’s episode we are talking about how not having a strong business continuity plan might be killing your company.

Patrick Hardy helps individuals and organizations prevent disruptions from ever becoming a disaster. Drawing on his world-class expertise in disaster preparedness & response, he distills memorable lessons audiences can use to break the Crisis Creation Chain and transform every disruption into an opportunity for learning.

Episode Highlights:

  1. Importance of Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Emphasizes the critical nature of disaster recovery and business continuity planning, highlighting the risk of business closure without a solid plan, as demonstrated by the study following the 1993 World Trade Center bombings.
  1. Employee Empowerment and Communication: Effective disaster recovery plans involve empowering employees and maintaining clear communication channels. Employees need to understand their roles and responsibilities in times of crisis to ensure a smooth recovery process.
  1. Adaptation and Engagement: It’s not just about having a plan on paper; it’s about understanding the needs and dynamics of the people who will execute it, whether they’re oyster fishermen in Alabama or tech workers in Silicon Valley.
  1. Insurance Company Ambiguity: Insurance companies may officially claim to be agnostic regarding whether businesses should resume operations or accept payouts after a disaster. However, there might be internal considerations where companies prefer not to insure certain high-risk areas, especially prone to natural disasters like flooding, hurricanes, or wildfires.
  1. Understanding Insurance Policies: Business owners need to thoroughly understand their insurance policies, including coverage limitations and exceptions. Misunderstandings often arise when policies are not carefully reviewed, leading to denied claims, particularly in cases like pandemics or cyber attacks where specific provisions may be required for coverage.
  1. Empowerment and Decision-Making: In disaster scenarios, clear lines of authority are crucial. Businesses must empower employees at all levels to make informed judgment calls during emergencies, especially when management or key decision-makers are unavailable.

Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

  1. Disaster preparedness can be empowering and strengthen you in the long run, rather than just doom and gloom.
  2. When creating a disaster plan, focus on empowering those around you, whether it’s for your family, pets, or business.
  3. Dependency on other institutions can exacerbate disasters. Always have backup plans and diversify your resources to ensure true resilience and emerge stronger after the crisis.

How to Connect with

Website: https://disasterpatrick.com/

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

Corporate CPR Episode 117: How Executive Loneliness Might Be Killing Your Company

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

Nick Jonsson’s remarkable journey embodies resilience, redemption, and holistic well-being. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice and an elite Ironman athlete, Nick’s influence transcends accolades. As co-founder of Executives’ Global Network (EGN) Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia, he supports over 900 executives, drawing from personal struggles with executive loneliness and mental health challenges. Nick’s seminal book, “Executive Loneliness,” and his podcast, “EGN Leadership Conversations,” reflect his commitment to empowering others. From despair, Nick emerged as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of vulnerability and determination. Today, he inspires audiences worldwide with his story of triumph and possibility.

Episode Highlights:

  1. Recognize the importance of safe spaces: Executive loneliness is a significant issue, especially when individuals feel they have no safe spaces to discuss their challenges internally within their company. Finding external safe spaces through coaches, mentors, or peer groups can be crucial.
  2. Proactivity is key: Rather than waiting for internal solutions that may not exist, individuals should take ownership of their situation and actively seek out external support networks. Waiting too long can lead to increased anxiety and even depression.
  3. Embrace vulnerability: Leaders should practice vulnerability and empathy, creating a culture where it’s safe to share challenges. By being open about personal experiences and struggles, leaders can foster stronger connections within their teams and break down barriers that contribute to isolation.
  4. Resilience and perseverance: Building resilience is essential for both individuals and organizations. Leaders should demonstrate resilience through their actions, showing that they can navigate challenges effectively and bounce back from setbacks.
  5. Reflect on purpose and hobbies: Encouraging individuals to reflect on their purpose in life and revisit past hobbies can help them find fulfillment outside of work. Engaging in activities that bring joy and connection can contribute to overall well-being and combat feelings of loneliness.
  6. Seek help when needed: If feelings of hopelessness, burnout, or depression become overwhelming, it’s crucial to seek help and support. There are numerous resources available, including support groups, hotlines, therapy, and counseling, to assist individuals in navigating difficult times and fostering personal growth.

    Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

    1. Treat vulnerability like a muscle and actively practice it in your safe spaces. Share your challenges and experiences with trusted individuals to foster connection and growth.
    2. Take the initiative to find both professional and personal safe spaces where you can freely discuss work-related and personal matters with like-minded individuals. This can include peer groups, mentors, coaches, or support networks.
    3. Use journaling as a tool for reflection and problem-solving. Write down your thoughts and feelings, both positive and painful, and take action by reaching out for help or discussing them with someone you trust. Regularly review your journal to address any unresolved issues and ensure peace of mind before bedtime.

    How to Connect with Nick:

    Website: https://www.nickjonsson.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-jonsson

    Corporate CPR Episode 116: How Not Focusing on Teams Might be Killing Your Company

    On today’s episode we are talking about how not focusing on great teams might be killing your company.

    James Scouller, an executive coach, thought leader, and author, has dedicated 45 years to leadership. His four books reflect his profound focus on the psychological challenges confronting leaders and teams. The Three Levels of Leadership, his debut, revolutionized leadership literature with groundbreaking models and tools. Despite minimal promotion, it garnered global acclaim, inspiring countless CEOs. His latest trilogy, How To Build Winning Teams Again And Again, released in January 2024, serves as a companion to his first work. With a rich background in international leadership and coaching, Scouller continues to empower leaders and teams, embodying expertise in psychology and martial arts.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Commitment is Key: Teams need to address the psychological aspect of commitment before diving into trust and psychological safety. Without a shared commitment to the team’s goals, dynamics can quickly unravel.
    • Balanced Team Composition: Building effective teams requires more than just assembling individuals based on job titles or regional expertise. Teams must ensure they have a diverse mix of behavioral roles to cover problem-solving, planning, conflict resolution, and other essential functions.
    • Clarity in Decision-Making: Successful teams establish clear processes for decision-making to avoid ambiguity and ensure alignment. Whether through discussion-based consensus or democratic voting, defining decision-making mechanisms helps teams stay focused and accountable to their goals.
    • Conflict is Necessary for Growth: While conflict within teams is often seen as negative, it’s essential for healthy team dynamics. Task conflict, where ideas are debated constructively, is a sign of a good team. However, many teams struggle with conflict avoidance, which can lead to passive aggression and hinder creativity.
    • Understanding Individual Dynamics: Teams are comprised of individuals with unique motivations, fears, and life experiences. Effective leaders need to understand what makes each team member tick and foster an environment where individuals feel valued and understood. This personal connection is crucial for building strong teams.
    • Seven Action Principles for Team Success: James shared seven action principles for achieving team success. These principles provide a roadmap for addressing key psychological issues within teams and improving overall effectiveness.

    Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

    1. Whether you’re struggling with team building or simply want to improve, it’s important to recognize that the art of building and regenerating teams is learnable. With effort and practice, anyone can develop the skills necessary to build effective teams.
    2. While improving team dynamics requires dedication and practice, the effort invested in developing these skills will ultimately pay off. Not only will you enjoy your work more, but your teammates will also benefit, and your company will see better results because of improved team dynamics.
    3. To support your journey in mastering team building, there are resources available, such as books and tools, that can provide guidance and insights. By leveraging these resources, you can gain valuable knowledge and techniques to enhance your team leadership abilities.

    For More Information Related To This Episode:

    https://leadershipmasterysuite.com/cc/

    Corporate CPR Episode 115: How Your Handling of Customer Service Might be Killing Your Company

    On today’s episode we are talking about how your handling of customer service might be killing your company. 

    Ali Cudby, Founder and CEO of Alignmint Growth Strategies, drives business transformation through intentional customer experiences. With over 20 years of expertise, she aligns strategy and implementation for unparalleled growth. As the bestselling author of “Keep Your Customers,” Ali offers insights from real-world stories and CEO-led case studies. Her MINT Method, outlined in the book, fosters transformational customer loyalty. Previously at The New York Times Company, Golf Digest Magazine Group, and Animal Planet TV Network, Ali founded Alignmint in 2014. She also teaches Entrepreneurship at Purdue University and shares her expertise on podcasts, emphasizing the integral role of customer experience in business success.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Customer Strategy Alignment: Aligning customer-facing departments with the customer strategy ensures consistent messaging and a unified approach across the organization.
    • Building a Customer Playbook: Creating a playbook involves identifying key moments in the customer lifecycle and assigning clear roles to each team involved.
    • Diagnosing Breakdowns in Customer Experience: High churn rates often signal breakdowns in the customer experience.
    • Overcoming Sales and Onboarding Challenges: Sales teams overpromising, inadequate onboarding processes, and product challenges can all lead to customer dissatisfaction.
    • Effective Feedback Mechanisms: Prioritizing customer feedback and organizing it meaningfully can help organizations identify areas for improvement and enhance customer satisfaction.
    • Cultivating Customer Loyalty: Understanding different tiers of customer loyalty and tailoring strategies to upgrade customers to more lucrative tiers can drive long-term growth.

    Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

    1. Prioritize understanding and meeting customer needs, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued to drive growth.
    2. Implement clear and consistent processes within the company to guide customer-facing teams in handling interactions confidently, fostering stronger relationships and sustained growth.
    3. Shift the perspective on customer-facing teams from a cost center to a revenue driver, emphasizing their role in retention, cross-selling, and upselling to fuel long-term revenue growth.

    How to Connect with Ali:

    Website: https://alignmintforgrowth.com

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

    Corporate CPR Episode 114: Corporate CPR Episode 114: How Imposter Syndrome Can Hurt Teams and Threaten Your Company

    On today’s episode we are talking about how imposter syndrome can hurt teams and threaten your company.

    Tiffany Houser is a passionate advocate for personal transformation and leadership development. With a focus on coaching senior leaders and high-achieving founders, she empowers them to experience profound breakthroughs in their authentic leadership style, vision, and purpose. Drawing from her own journey of growth and success, Tiffany is dedicated to helping individuals align their beliefs and actions to thrive in their new leadership roles. Through her coaching, she helps leaders cultivate self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset, enabling them to define their vision, overcome obstacles, and foster a culture of contribution and resilience. As the founder of EVOLVE, Tiffany and her team provide transformative experiences and coaching services to organizations seeking to embrace change and cultivate self-worth.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Common Imposter Feelings vs. Toxic Imposter Feelings: Imposter syndrome manifests in two main ways. Common imposter feelings involve doubting oneself and feeling inadequate, while toxic imposter feelings involve projecting those feelings onto others, resulting in behaviors like micromanaging or aggression.
    • Impact on Leadership and Teams: Leaders experiencing imposter syndrome, especially when new to an organization, may struggle to enroll their team in new ideas or strategies, leading to resistance to change and breakdowns in communication. Toxic imposter feelings in leaders can lead to negative behaviors that harm team dynamics and creativity.
    • Role of Organizational Culture: Poor internal communication within organizations can exacerbate imposter syndrome by creating uncertainty and mistrust among employees. Leaders need to foster an environment of open communication and transparency to mitigate the negative effects of imposter syndrome on their teams.
    • Identifying the Problem: The key takeaway is the importance of identifying and acknowledging when you’re experiencing challenges or issues, particularly related to insecurity and self-doubt. Many leaders may suppress these feelings, which prevents them from addressing and overcoming them effectively.
    • Impact on Decision-Making: Indecisiveness and a lack of trust in oneself are highlighted as significant consequences of feeling like an imposter. This can manifest in reluctance to make decisions or seek validation from others excessively, ultimately leading to a loss of confidence and effectiveness in leadership roles.
    • Addressing Behavioral Patterns: The conversation emphasizes the need to address unhealthy behavioral patterns, such as perfectionism, overworking, busyness, comparison, and people-pleasing. These patterns can hinder personal growth and contribute to a toxic work environment if left unaddressed. Instead, it’s crucial to foster a culture of communication, curiosity, and understanding to create a supportive and productive work environment.

    Top 3 Takeaways for the Audience:

    1. Understand that feelings of insecurity and impostor syndrome are common and not inherently negative. Recognize and accept these feelings can be the first step towards growth and self-improvement.
    2. Everyone, regardless of their position or status, experiences moments of self-doubt and insecurity. Knowing that even successful individuals face these challenges can provide reassurance and perspective.
    3. Encouraging a mindset of curiosity and openness to possibilities can lead to more effective leadership and problem-solving. Instead of judgment or blame, approaching situations with curiosity allows for exploration and growth.

    How to Connect with Tiffany:

    Website: http://www.loreta.today/

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

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

    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

    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

    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/