Soul of Business with Blaine Bartlett

“See The Light In You”

Join me and my guest Professor M.S. Rao, PhD, the father of ‘Soft Leadership’ and founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India. Prof. Rao (www.linkedin.com/in/professormsrao) is an International Leadership Guru with forty-four years of experience and is the author of fifty-four books, including the bestselling See the Light in You. He has published over 300 papers and articles in prestigious international publications to numerous to highlight. He is a C-Suite advisor and global keynote speaker and brings a strategic eye and long-range vision to his work given his multifaceted professional experience including military, teaching, training, research, consultancy, and philosophy.

Show Notes:

Join Blaine and his guest, the remarkable Professor M.S. Rao, a pioneer in soft leadership and an author of 54 books. Professor Rao shares his inspiring journey from joining the Indian Air Force at 18 to becoming an accidental educator and a prolific author. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, including a stroke that left him partially paralyzed, Professor Rao’s resilience and dedication to leadership and education shine through. Discover how his unique perspective on leadership, emphasizing partnership over command, is shaping the future of business. Join us as we delve into his vision of grooming a million global leaders by 2030 and explore the soul of business through his eyes.

Key Topics:

• Professor Rao’s transition from military service to education
• The concept of soft leadership and its impact on modern business
• Overcoming personal challenges and the power of resilience
• Professor Rao’s vision for grooming a million global leaders by 2030

Notable Quotes:

• “Soul of business is to add value and impact.”
• “Life is not a straight line; it’s about continuously starting over.”

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“Perception Is Nine Tenths Of The Law”

Join me and my guest Dr. Shanda Gore, founder and President of Mays and Associates, Ltd. (www.maysassociatesltd.com), a full-service global leadership development, strategic planning and culture building consulting firm. Dr. Gore leads the MAYS team of experts who work with organizations from city and county municipalities, private small to large business corporations, large athletic organizations. She is the author of the new book, The PinLeader Path: Identify, Engage, and Develop Effective Human and AI Leadership for Your Organizational Culture and has been interviewed by the Big10 Network for her work with the college football officials in the Big10, MAC, Missouri Valley, and Pioneer conferences.

SHOW NOTES

SPONSORED BY: Power of You!

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

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Shanda Gore and Blaine explore the intricate relationship between leadership, organizational culture, and the essence of business. They discuss the importance of understanding the ‘soul’ of a business, which is rooted in its founding principles and mission. Dr. Gore introduces her concept of the ‘Pin Leader Path,’ emphasizing the need for leaders to connect with their teams and foster a culture of trust and effective communication. The discussion also touches on the challenges of motivation versus inspiration in leadership, the significance of trust within teams, and the value of case studies in understanding effective leadership practices.

Takeaways

• The soul of a business is its founding principles.
• Effective leaders must connect with their teams.
• Trust is essential for team dynamics.
• Motivation should be balanced with inspiration.
• Perception can shape leadership effectiveness.
• Active listening is a critical leadership skill.
• Organizations must adapt to cultural needs.
• Exit interviews can inform retention strategies.
• The Pin Leader Path offers a framework for leadership development.
• Emotional intelligence is key to effective leadership.

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”What Business Are We In?”

Join me and my guest Stephanie Chung (stephaniechung.com), former President at JetSuite where, as an aviation trailblazer, she was the first African-American private aviation company president. She is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and author whose work has been translated into 60 different languages. Her works, particularly in applying neuroscience to sales and leadership, offer groundbreaking and practical strategies for professional growth. At the heart of Stephanie’s extraordinary success is her unwavering belief in the strength of human connections, fueling a journey that inspires us all to be better, together.

SHOW NOTES

SPONSORED BY: Power of You!

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

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Blaine and Stephanie Chung explore the essence of leadership, emphasizing the importance of responsibility, diversity, and the need for curiosity in today’s complex business environment. They discuss the concept of ‘The Soul of Business,’ highlighting how leaders can inspire and motivate their teams by understanding their contributions to the organization’s success. Stephanie introduces her book, ‘Ally Leadership,’ which provides a framework for leading diverse teams effectively. The discussion also touches on the significance of healthy confrontation and constructive conflict as essential elements for innovation and growth within organizations.

Takeaways

• The soul of business is about responsibility and influence.
• Leaders must understand the impact of their actions on others.
• Diversity in teams leads to better innovation and performance.
• Curiosity is essential for effective leadership and understanding.
• Healthy confrontation can drive growth and improvement.
• Leaders should create an environment where all voices are heard.
• Understanding the business model is crucial for all employees.
• Leaders need to embrace the complexity of diverse teams.
• Self-awareness and accountability are key in leadership roles.
• Engagement scores indicate a need for change in leadership approaches.

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”The Human Cost Of Efficiency”

Join me and my guests Dan Parry, Head of Communications at London based Working Voices and Nick Smallman, Founder and CEO at Working Voices (workingvoices.com) as we discuss their new book Engaging Teams. Work environments that largely stress efficiency while devaluing employee wellbeing are contributing to an epidemic of worker disengagement. Businesses that hope to survive disruption and retain a skilled workforce must recognize that their survival depends upon employee wellbeing. The worldwide cost of employee disengagement in terms of lost productivity has reached $8.9 trillion a year — equal to 9 percent of global GDP.

SPONSORED BY POWER OF YOU™ . Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you

Summary

In this conversation, Blaine, Dan Parry, and Nick Smallman explore the concept of the ‘soul of business’ and its implications for employee engagement and organizational culture. They discuss the persistent issue of worker disengagement, the impact of efficiency-driven practices on employee morale, and the importance of social wellbeing in fostering a thriving workplace. The discussion highlights the need for leaders to adopt a more human-centric approach to business, especially in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the critical importance of psychological safety, employee autonomy, and the impact of AI on the workplace. They explore the causes of burnout and the need for future skills in a rapidly changing work environment. The discussion emphasizes the role of culture in fostering social well-being and the strategic importance of HR in enhancing employee engagement and retention.

Takeaways

• The soul of business evokes emotional engagement.
• Employee disengagement has not improved in 25 years.
• COVID revealed long-standing disengagement issues.
• Efficiency can lead to employee resentment.
• Survivor syndrome affects those who remain after layoffs.
• Human consequences of efficiency are often overlooked.
• Leaders must focus on social wellbeing.
• Creating a less human workplace is unhealthy.
• The best workable solution is not always the most efficient.
• Engaging teams is crucial for performance and culture. Suppressing natural human rebellions is counterproductive.
• Psychological safety is essential for creativity and innovation.
• Employee autonomy leads to greater engagement and satisfaction.
• AI will significantly change workplace dynamics in the coming years.
• Burnout often stems from disconnection from meaningful work.
• Future skills include critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
• Social well-being is crucial for a healthy workplace culture.
• Trust and respect are foundational to employee engagement.
• HR should act as a strategic partner in fostering workplace culture.
• Leadership must focus on guiding teams through change.

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 ”Money Is A Wise And Loving Force”

Join me and my guest Judy Wilkins-Smith (judywilkins-smith.com), Founder of System Dynamics for Individuals & Organizations. Judy is a highly regarded international, organizational, individual and family patterns expert, systemic coach, and trainer. For two decades, Judy has been assisting high-performance individuals, Fortune 500 executives, organizational teams and legacy families to create lasting breakthroughs and peak performance with systemic constellation work. Her clients include NASA, Microsoft, Pfizer, Exxon Mobil, Shell, Chevron, JP Morgan, Kraft Heinz, MARS Petcare North America, MARS LATAM, and the William Morris Agency. 

SPONSORED BY: Power of You!

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

Summary

In this conversation, Judy Wilkins-Smith and Blaine explore the transformative power of family constellation work and emotional DNA. They discuss how understanding and addressing unconscious patterns can lead to personal and organizational breakthroughs. Judy shares her insights on the importance of choice, mindset, and the role of money as a generative energy. The conversation culminates in an invitation to an upcoming event focused on helping individuals and organizations become unstoppable by leveraging their emotional DNA.

Takeaways

• Family constellation work reveals unconscious patterns affecting individuals and organizations.
• Emotional DNA encompasses inherited patterns of thoughts, feelings, and actions.
• Transformational experiences can lead to profound shifts in mindset and behavior.
• Choice is a fundamental aspect of personal growth and development.
• Organizations can benefit from understanding their patterns of give and receive.
• Money is a wise and loving force that should be embraced, not feared.
• Every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and learning.
• The importance of aligning head, heart, and gut for effective decision-making.
• Participants in constellation work often experience immediate and lasting transformations.

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”There’s A Moral Fabric To Reality”

Join me and my guest Wade Chumney (wadechumney.com), speaker, consultant and transformational leader who is a recognized thought leader on AI and Human Ethics. He hosts two podcasts: The AI Ethics Dude ,and The Reflective Revolution, and co-hosts the Consciousness RenAIssance YouTube channel. Wade is an Associate Professor of Business Ethics & Law and holds a Juris Doctor and a Masters of Information Systems. He is an adherent of the Platonic wisdom tradition and has written a book about developing one’s consciousness titled Conscious Business Ethics: The Practical Guide to Wisdom. 

SPONSORED BY: Power of You! Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you

Summary

In this conversation, Blaine and Wade Chumney explore the intersection of business ethics, AI, and the concept of the ‘soul of business.’ They discuss the importance of intention in business practices, the ethical implications of AI, and the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Wade shares insights from his AI ethics class, emphasizing the significance of aligning AI development with human values and the potential consequences of neglecting ethical considerations. In this conversation, Wade Chumney and Blaine Bartlett explore the profound connections between wisdom, ethics, and consciousness in both personal and business contexts. They discuss the journey from information to wisdom, the importance of ethical frameworks in business, and how systems thinking can enhance our understanding of interconnectedness. The dialogue also delves into the role of AI as a transformative tool for personal growth and ethical decision-making, emphasizing the need for a conscious approach to technology and life.

Takeaways

• The purpose of business is to uplift the experience of living on this planet.
• Intention is the core choice in business and ethics.
• AI ethics is crucial for humanity’s sake and future.
• The alignment problem in AI is significant and needs attention.
• Adaptability is key in a rapidly changing world influenced by technology.
• The younger generation is more aware of AI’s implications than older generations.
• Business can have a soul, reflecting its foundational purpose and values.
• Wisdom informs adaptability, which is essential for survival in business.
• The rapid pace of AI development poses ethical challenges that must be addressed.
• Teaching AI ethics is vital for preparing future leaders. Information transforms into knowledge, which becomes wisdom.
• Conscious business ethics links to wisdom through ethical frameworks.
• Understanding systems thinking is crucial for personal and societal growth.
• Plato’s cave allegory illustrates the journey from ignorance to enlightenment.
• Wisdom involves practical application of knowledge in daily life.
• The development of consciousness is essential for ethical living.
• Business ethics should reflect personal ethics and values.
• Nature serves as a model for ethical business practices.
• AI can be a powerful tool for enhancing consciousness.
• Compassion and connection are fundamental to ethical decision-making.

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”I Was The Bottleneck”

Join me and my guest Kirsten Graham, co-founder of Six Figure Business Coaching (www.sixfigurebusinesscoaching.com). Kirsten understands that time is the most valuable asset for business owners and has firsthand experience in the challenges entrepreneurs face when trying to scale without burnout. Recognizing the power of strategic delegation, she helps business owners outsource effectively so they can focus on revenue-generating activities. Kirsten teaches entrepreneurs how to leverage the expertise of Virtual Assistants (VAs) to streamline operations, increase visibility, and drive business growth. 

SPONSORED BY: ⁠Power of You!⁠

SHOW NOTES

Summary

In this conversation, Kirsten Graham and Blaine discuss the intricacies of business staffing, focusing on the role of virtual assistants and the importance of effective training and onboarding processes. They explore how outsourcing can empower small business owners, the challenges of managing remote teams, and the significance of creating a supportive work environment for virtual assistants. The discussion emphasizes the need for business owners to step into leadership roles to effectively manage their teams and drive growth. In this conversation, Kirsten Graham and Blaine Bartlett explore the dynamics of leadership, the importance of hiring for cultural fit, and the diverse roles that virtual assistants can play in a business. They discuss the challenges business owners face in stepping into leadership roles, the significance of building a strong company culture, and the cost-effective solutions that virtual assistants provide. The conversation highlights the impact of steady employment on the lives of virtual assistants and emphasizes the importance of treating them as valued team members.

Takeaways

• Kirsten Graham is co-founder of Six Figure Business Coaching.
• Outsourcing can make hiring affordable for small business owners.
• Training virtual assistants is crucial for effective integration.
• Business owners must step into leadership roles for success.
• Standard operating procedures are essential for managing tasks.
• The right support can significantly help business growth.
• Virtual assistants can work for multiple clients depending on needs.
• Creating a supportive environment is key for virtual assistants.
• Effective onboarding processes are often lacking in small businesses.
• Understanding team dynamics is vital for business success. Many clients struggle with stepping into leadership roles.
• Setting clear expectations is crucial for effective management.
• Hiring for both hard and soft skills is essential.
• Virtual assistants can become integral parts of a business culture.
• Empowering team members allows them to work in their unique abilities.
• Diverse roles of virtual assistants extend beyond administrative tasks.
• Cost-effective solutions can be found through virtual assistants.
• Cultural differences must be understood and respected in outsourcing.
• Steady employment can significantly improve the lives of virtual assistants.
• Building long-term relationships with virtual assistants fosters loyalty and productivity.

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“Inspiration Is Something Else”

Join me and my guest Tami Reiss, founder of The Leader Within (www.tamireiss.com). She is a leadership coach who helps ambitious professionals turn strategy into alignment, presence into power, and ideas into action.  In this interview we explore the essence of leadership in today’s world, emphasizing the importance of influence over authority, the role of vulnerability, and the need for collaboration. We discuss the impact of AI on leadership, the significance of creating a clear vision, and the necessity of navigating conflict effectively. 

SHOW NOTES

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Tami Reiss and Blaine explore the essence of leadership in today’s world, emphasizing the importance of influence over authority, the role of vulnerability, and the need for collaboration. They discuss the impact of AI on leadership, the significance of creating a clear vision, and the necessity of navigating conflict effectively. Tami shares insights from her experience as an executive coach and her new children’s book that teaches collaboration skills. The discussion highlights actionable advice for leaders to inspire their teams and foster a culture of innovation.

Takeaways

• Leadership is about inspiring action and motion.
• Businesses are fundamentally a collection of humans with needs.
• Inspiration differs from motivation; it taps into emotional engagement.
• Healthy conflict is essential for innovation and growth.
• Vulnerability fosters connection and trust in leadership.
• Decisiveness is crucial for effective leadership.
• Asking questions opens the door for dialogue and collaboration.
• Children learn collaboration through play, which is vital for future workplaces.
• A clear vision is necessary for guiding teams towards a common goal.
• Empowering teams involves providing the right tools and support.

#leadership #inspiration #soulofbusiness #compassionatecapitalism #influence #vulnerability

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”Not for profit but for good”

Join me and my guest Jim Feiner, founder of Refer2Give (www.refertogive.com). Jim is one of the only private developers of affordable housing on Martha’s Vineyard – not for profit but for good. With over half a billion dollars in real estate transactions under his belt, the inspiration behind Refer2Give emanated from the resounding success of Jim’s ‘Client’s Choice‘ initiative program that donates 10% of every sales commission earned by Feiner Real Estate to the local charity of the client’s choice. Building upon the momentum of over $400,000 in contributions to local nonprofits, Refer2Give presents an opportunity to establish meaningful and significant contributions to charitable organizations around the country while ensuring a seamless process free of any costs to all parties.

SHOW NOTES

Summary

In this episode of ‘The Soul of Business,’ Blaine speaks with Jim Feiner, a real estate broker from Martha’s Vineyard, who has integrated social responsibility into his business model. They discuss the importance of uplifting communities through business, the ripple effects of philanthropy, and how redefining success can lead to a more fulfilling life. Jim shares his journey of merging real estate with charitable giving, emphasizing the interconnectedness of actions and their impacts on society. The conversation highlights the moral obligations of businesses to be stewards of life and the transformative power of giving back.

 Takeaways

• The purpose of business is to uplift the experience of being alive.
• Social responsibility can be integrated into any business model.
• Community impact is more visible in smaller areas like Martha’s Vineyard.
• Philanthropy can be a fun and rewarding process.
• Giving back reinforces the idea of having enough.
• Success should be defined by experiences, not just financial outcomes.
• A new business model can create a ripple effect of giving.
• Ethical standards in real estate are crucial for community trust.
• The act of giving can lead to personal fulfillment and growth.
• It’s important to be a center of distribution rather than accumulation.

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”I Wanted To Make A Difference”

Join me and my guest Donovan Ryckis), founder and CEO of of Ethos Benefits (www.ethosbenefits.com,) a firm dedicated to advancing fiduciary-driven health insurance strategies for employers nationwide. Donovan and his wife and business partner Chelsea, have pioneered a revolutionary approach that effectively eliminates fraud, waste, and abuse from employer healthcare plans while increasing savings for both employers and their employees. Donovan is also the producer of the documentary “It’s Not Personal, It’s Just Healthcare.”

SHOW NOTES

Summary

In this episode of The Soul of Business, Blaine interviews Donovan Ryckis, founder and CEO of Ethos Benefits. Their conversation explores Donovan’s journey from financial services to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of making a meaningful impact in the industry. They discuss the challenges of employer-sponsored healthcare, the need to address fraud, waste, and abuse, and the significance of having a strong ethos in business. Donovan also shares insights from his documentary “It’s Not Personal, It’s Just Healthcare” and the future direction of his work.

Takeaways

• The entrepreneurial journey often involves finding fulfillment beyond financial success.
• Healthcare is deeply connected to the well-being of individuals and organizations.
• Ethos Benefits aims to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse in healthcare plans.
• A strong ethos in a company can lead to better employee outcomes.
• Understanding the underlying issues in healthcare can lead to innovative solutions.
• The healthcare system often fails to keep costs low due to misaligned incentives.
• Donovan’s transition to healthcare was driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact.
• The documentary highlights the challenges and solutions in employer-sponsored healthcare.
• Engaging employees in healthcare discussions can lead to significant changes.
• The future of healthcare requires a focus on reducing claims rather than just managing them.

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