Soul of Business with Blaine Bartlett

“We’re Putting A Tilt In The Future”

Join me and my guest Erin Lewellen, CEO of Tilting Futures (tiltingfutures.org), an organization dedicated to empowering young people aged 17 to 22 to create meaningful social impact. She founded the organization’s innovative flagship program, Take Action Lab, and launched a systems change strategy with higher education institutions, educational nonprofits, and partners to identify best practices, build a robust evidence base, and integrate credit-bearing experiential immersive global learning into curricula as a global standard. A recognized thought leader in youth development and global education, Erin fosters a culture of equity and inclusion, earning the organization a top spot on Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work.

SHOW NOTES

SPONSORED BY: Power of You!

Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you
Summary

In this episode, Blaine engages in a deep conversation with Erin Lewellen, CEO of Tilting Futures, an organization dedicated to empowering young people aged 17 to 22 to create meaningful social impact. They discuss the challenges faced by today’s youth, the importance of building relationships across cultural differences, and the
innovative Take Action Lab program that immerses young people in global issues. Erin shares insights on the soul of Tilting Futures, the organization’s funding model, and the impact of the Global Citizen Year Fellowship. The conversation emphasizes the need for a new approach to education and the importance of community and collaboration in addressing global challenges.

Takeaways

• The youth today are looking for ways to make an impact on global issues.
• Tilting Futures aims to tilt the future for young people by equipping them with essential skills.
• The Take Action Lab program immerses young people in real-world challenges and fosters global community.
• Building relationships across differences is crucial for understanding and collaboration.
• The soul of an organization lies in its impact and the ‘why’ behind its existence.
• Funding is a significant challenge for nonprofits, and innovative models are needed for sustainability.
• The Global Citizen Year Fellowship was a transformative program that evolved due to the pandemic.
• Young people today are questioning the ROI of traditional higher education.
• Experiential learning is essential for developing a global perspective in young adults.
• Community building and peer learning are vital for fostering understanding and cooperation.

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“That’s Your Fear Not Mine”

Join me and my guest Randy Lyman (randylyman.com), who says he’s been many things in his life, including a physicist, an engineer, and a serial entrepreneur behind multiple 8-figure businesses. Today, he’s a speaker, podcaster, and the author of two upcoming books about humanity, potential, and the power of our emotional selves, what he
calls the Third Element. As a self described Purpose-Driven Leader, he combines decades of business experience with a deep commitment to fostering emotional intelligence, spiritual grounding, and transformational leadership. His area of expertise is leading from a place of strength through vulnerability, creating cultures where authenticity and emotional connection drive high performance.

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SPONSORED BY: Power of You!

Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you

Summary

In this conversation, Blaine and Randy Lyman explore the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership. They discuss the concept of the ‘third element’ which integrates emotional awareness into business practices. Lyman shares his journey of embracing vulnerability and authenticity as a leader, emphasizing the importance of listening and emotional regulation in fostering effective teams. The discussion highlights practical tools for leaders, highlighted in his book The Third Element, to enhance their emotional intelligence and create a supportive work environment.

Takeaways

• Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.
• Vulnerability can enhance a leader’s authenticity.
• Listening is a key skill for leaders to develop.
• Emotional regulation is essential for team dynamics.
• Curiosity about oneself leads to deeper understanding.
• Leaders should create a safe space for emotional expression.
• Inspiration is more effective than motivation in leadership.
• The ‘third element’ integrates emotional awareness into business.
• Personal growth is a continuous journey for leaders.
• Building connections with team members fosters success.

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Resilience Is A Muscle To Be Developed

Join me and my guests Marc and Craig Kielburger, co-founders of Legacy+ (legacyplus.org), a foundry of
strategists, designers, creators, storytellers and innovators that brings purpose to life for companies, foundations and individuals by building real movements and legacy projects with real impacts. We discuss their newest book What is My Legacy?: Realizing a New Dream of Connection, Love, and
Fulfillment. The book was co-authored with Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King and features a foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and contributions from luminaries like Simon Sinek, Jay Shetty, Julia Roberts, Pete Carroll and Melinda French Gates, among many others. 

SHOW NOTES

SPONSORED BY: Power of You!

Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Blaine hosts Marc and Craig
Kielburger, exploring themes of leadership, resilience, and the evolution of their philanthropic work. They discuss the importance of spiritual foundations in business, the journey from We Charity to Legacy +, and the essence of true leadership beyond titles. The conversation emphasizes the need for personal growth, connection, and embracing change in a rapidly evolving world.

Takeaways

• Leadership is about connection and compassion.
• Resilience is developed through experience and connection.
• The evolution of organizations reflects their core values.
• True leadership transcends titles and roles.
• Embracing change is essential for growth.
• Personal well-being is crucial for effective leadership.
• Legacy Plus aims to create large-scale change.
• The importance of mentorship in leadership development.
• Spiritual foundations are vital for business success.
• Change is constant; adaptability is key.

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“Escaping The Performance Trap”

Join me and my guest Radhika Dutt. She is currently Advisor on Product Thinking to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (Singapore’s central bank and financial regulator). She is the author of two book, the latest of which proposes that a focus on performance is stifling innovation and limiting creativity and productivity. She is a graduate of MIT, speaks nine languages and the methodology she introduced in her first book is now used in over 40 countries. In this interview we explore her innovative new methodology: OHLs (Objectives, Hypotheses, and Learnings). OHLs reframe how we define and measure progress and transform organizations from a target-driven culture to one of puzzle-setting and puzzle-solving.

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Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you

Summary

In this conversation, Blaine and Radhika Dutt explore the concept of the ‘soul of business’ and how traditional metrics like KPIs can detract from genuine innovation and productivity. Radhika introduces her framework of OHLs (Objectives, Hypotheses, and Learnings) as a solution to the pitfalls of goal-setting, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and learning in the workplace. They discuss the need for a shift in mindset towards puzzle setting and solving, which fosters a more engaged and innovative organizational culture. 

Takeaways

• The purpose of a goal is to grow, not just achieve metrics.
• KPIs can often suck the soul out of business.
• Chaos can be a necessary component of effective leadership.
• A framework for experimentation is essential for innovation.
• Puzzle setting and solving can add soul to business processes.
• Asking how well something is working encourages curiosity.
• Learning from experiences is more valuable than just reporting numbers.
• The mindset shift is crucial for implementing new frameworks.
• Burnout often stems from a loss of meaning in work.
• Engaging teams in problem-solving fosters a more innovative culture.

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“DON’T Delegate!”

Join me and my guest Brad Federman, founder and CEO of PerformancePoint LLC. (performancepointllc.com). Prior to PerformancePoint, Brad was the EVP of Novations Group now Korn Ferry and has held leadership positions with Accenture and Humana Inc.  In this conversations we explore ideas from his latest book, Never Delegate Again: Uncover the Secret to Growing Your Company, Your People, and Yourself. This transformative guide challenges outdated delegation models and introduces a bold, growth-focused approach to leadership. 

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Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you
 

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Blaine and Brad Federman explore the themes of leadership, growth, and the importance of mindset in problem-solving. They discuss the significance of experiences in shaping perspectives, and the role of delegation as a strategy for employee development. Brad shares a personal story about a new employee’s mistake and how it led to a valuable learning experience, emphasizing the need for a culture of learning and support
in organizations. The discussion culminates in the idea that effective leadership is about curating relationships and fostering an environment where people can thrive and grow together.

Takeaways

• Mindset is crucial in addressing problems and challenges.
• Experiences shape our perspectives and understanding of possibilities.
• Delegation should focus on growth rather than just offloading tasks.
• Creating a culture of learning is essential for organizational success.
• Effective leadership involves curating relationships within the team.
• Supporting employee growth leads to better retention and engagement.
• Rethinking delegation can transform how teams operate and grow.
• Magic happens when people come together to collaborate.
• Everything in nature seeks to express its possibilities.

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Leader As A Host

Join me and my guest Taylor Scott (leadwithhospitality.com), a best-selling author, inspirational keynote speaker, and organizational development consultant. Members of today’s workforce—especially millennials and Gen Z—are looking for inspiring environments and work that truly fulfills them.

They admire leaders for the same reasons they love their favorite hotels, resorts, restaurants, or bars: how they make them feel is essential. Scott knows that the most effective leaders approach their roles with heart, emotionally connecting with their team members before attempting to manage them.

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SPONSORED BY: Power of You!

Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you

Summary

In this episode of the Soul of Business, Blaine engages with Taylor Scott, a leadership consultant and author, discussing the intersection of hospitality and leadership. Taylor shares his journey from working in the hospitality industry to developing leadership workshops, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection and the essence of gracious hospitality in effective leadership. The conversation explores the Aloha spirit and its five virtues that can enhance leadership effectiveness, as well as the significance of creating meaningful connections in both personal and professional settings.

Takeaways

• The essence of gracious hospitality is how you make people feel.
• Leadership should be approached as a service to others.
• Emotional connection is crucial for inspiring action.
• The Aloha spirit embodies compassion, encouragement, kindness, hospitality, and leadership.
• Effective leaders prioritize human connection
  and emotional intelligence.
• Before inspiring others, leaders must first connect with them.
• Visibility and networking are key for personal branding.
• Leadership development can be rooted in personal experiences and stories.
• Creating a welcoming environment is essential for team success.
• The journey from hospitality to leadership can be transformative.

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“Profit With Impact”

Join me and my guest Russell McLeod, Founder of Mightyhum (https://mightyhum.com), an organization of social entrepreneurs and experienced advisors. With over 20 years of experience, Russell champions profit with purpose, the circular economy, and collaboration for positive progress. Prior to Mightyhum, he served as Executive Director of ME to WE, one of Canada’s most recognized social enterprises. Under his leadership, ME to WE delivered over $20 million in cash and in-kind donations to WE Charity, impacting hundreds of thousands of people with access to clean water, education, and supporting women-led businesses globally. Russell’s mission is to inspire belief in a better way to do business—one that solves pressing global issues while driving sustainable success.

SHOW NOTES

SPONSORED BY: Power of You!

Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you

Summary

In this conversation, Blaine and Russell McLeod explore the intersection of business and social impact, discussing the importance of maintaining the soul of a business while
navigating the challenges of social enterprises. They delve into the significance of profitability, customer-centric approaches, and the integration of impact into the value chain, emphasizing that successful organizations must
balance their mission with effective business practices.

Takeaways

• The purpose of business is to create the possibility of thriving on the planet.
• Organizations often lose sight of their founding ideals as they grow.
• Social enterprises struggle to integrate impact while building a sustainable business.
• Profitability is essential for the health and sustainability of an organization.
• Customer needs must come before impact messaging in business.
• Successful organizations integrate their impact into their value chain.
• The beauty industry is a significant contributor to pollution.
• Profit is not synonymous with greed; it enables greater impact.
• Understanding the context of messaging is crucial for success.
• Nature teaches us to be centers of distribution, not accumulation.

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“Develop Your People, Don’t Try To Keep Them ”

Join me and my guest Mark Peters, CEO of Butterball Farms, Inc. (https://butterballfarms.com), recognized nationally as one of The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® from 2018 to 2024. In 2003, he organized a West Michigan-based pioneering group of CEOs and community leaders to create The SOURCE, a nonprofit that has helped hundreds of workers navigate challenges interfering with their jobs. Their unique approach is based on realizing that the growth of their employees is intimately tied to the development of their businesses and communities. This has resulted in an average annual return on investment of 200 percent to its partner organizations.

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SPONSORED BY: Power of You!

Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you

Summary

In this episode, Blaine interviews Mark Peters, CEO of Butterball Farms, discussing the essence of employee engagement and retention. Mark shares insights from his book, The Retention Trap, emphasizing the importance of investing in human capital and creating a supportive work environment. Mark’s approach challenges traditional notions of employee retention. Instead of merely keeping employees, the focus shifts to nurturing talent, even if it means preparing them for opportunities beyond the company. This holistic view of business as a steward of talent leads to dynamic enterprises and thriving communities. Mark also discusses the formation of a talent network (The SOURCE) among small businesses to enhance employee development and retention, ultimately redefining the purpose of business as a means to uplift individuals and communities.

Takeaways

• Employee engagement is the Holy Grail of business.
• Investing in human capital leads to resilient businesses.
• The soul of business is about making the world better.
• Retention should focus on the right people, not just keeping anyone.
• Creating a talent network can help small businesses thrive.
• It’s okay for employees to seek growth outside the company.
• The ROI of investing in people can be multi-generational.
• Business should uplift individuals through their work.
• Understanding employee aspirations is key to retention.
• Proximity to employees allows for deeper relationships.

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“One Size Does Not Fit All, Leaders Must Adapt ”

Join me and my guest Andrew Oxley, founder of The Oxley Group (transformingresults.com), an Executive and Leadership Coaching Practice with a focus on helping companies attract, develop, and retain high-performing employees that deliver exceptional performance. We explore the importance of passion, the distinction between leadership and management, and how to inspire rather than just motivate. Andrew shares insights from his latest book, “The Four Faces of Frustration” and offers practical advice for leaders navigating change and fostering engagement across diverse teams.

SHOW NOTES

SPONSORED BY: Power of You!

Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you

Summary

In this episode Blaine engages with Andrew Oxley, a leadership consultant and Founder of The Oxley Group, as they discuss the nuances of leadership in today’s volatile environments. They explore the importance of purpose, the distinction between management and leadership, and the dynamics of generational differences in the workforce. The conversation delves into the significance of motivation versus inspiration, the challenges of hiring for culture, and the concept of frustration as a reflection of communication styles. Andrew shares insights from his book, “The Four Faces of Frustration,” and emphasizes the need for leaders to create environments that foster growth and engagement.

Takeaways

• Leadership is about causing possibility in volatile environments.
• People want to know their work has meaning beyond just numbers.
• Flexibility in leadership allows for better control and adaptability.
• Inspiration comes from within, while motivation often looks outward.
• Hiring for attitude and cultural fit is more important than skills.
• Clarity around values leads to higher employee commitment.
• Frustration can reveal underlying communication styles.
• Small behavioral changes can lead to significant impacts in teams.
• Understanding generational dynamics is crucial for effective leadership.
• Leaders should act as centers of distribution, not accumulation.

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“Books Have A Sacred Nature”

Join me and my guest Everett O’Keefe, the founder and CEO of Ignite Press (www.IgnitePress.us) a hybrid publishing company that specializes in helping entrepreneurs, business, and medical professionals, ignite their businesses by becoming bestselling authors. Everett is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and International #1 Bestselling Author. The Power of the Published is his most recent solo work. He has also helped create and launch more than 200 bestselling books for his clients. Everett speaks across the nation on the power of publishing. He is the winner of multiple awards.

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Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Blaine and Everett O’Keefe explore the profound impact of books and publishing on business and personal legacy. They discuss the evolution of reading, the future of AI in publishing, and how leaders can convey the essence of their businesses through writing. Everett shares insights on the importance of rapidly writing books and the unique relationship between authors and readers, emphasizing the co-creative process that occurs when engaging with written works. The discussion highlights the significance of storytelling in shaping ideas and the transformative power of literature in society.

Takeaways

• Books are a powerful medium for conveying ideas and philosophies.
• The future of publishing includes AI that allows interactive reading experiences.
• Every business leader should consider writing a book to share their vision.
• The relationship between author and reader is co-creative and dynamic.
• Rapidly written books are more likely to be completed and published.
• Books can serve as a legacy for future generations.
• The publishing landscape is evolving with new technologies.
• Addiction is a significant issue that can be addressed through literature.
• Books have a sacred nature that other media do not possess.
• The act of writing a book can clarify and solidify a leader’s philosophy.

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