Soul of Business with Blaine Bartlett

“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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”Motivation Is Manipulation”
Join me and my guest Dr. Roger Gerard (www.rogergerard.com), founder and CEO of of Sloan & Gerard Consulting, a private consulting practice serving executives and boards in strategic planning, operational planning, executive coaching, and management development. Roger is the author of several books, including Lead with Purpose: Reignite Passion and Engagement for Professionals in Crisis and Owning the Room: Leading with Mind, Heart, and Spirit to Make Extraordinary Choices in a Demanding World. In this conversation, Blaine and Roger explore the essence of compassionate leadership, emphasizing the importance of connection and understanding in effective leadership. 

Show Notes:
Summary
In this conversation, Blaine and Dr. Roger Gerard explore the essence of leadership and purpose in business. They discuss the importance of understanding the soul of business, which is rooted in purpose, and how this can transform organizational culture. The dialogue delves into the distinction between motivation and inspiration, emphasizing that true engagement comes from within rather than external manipulation. They also challenge common misconceptions about business, particularly the notion that profit is the primary purpose, advocating instead for a focus on enhancing the human experience. Blaine and Roger Gerard explore the essence of compassionate leadership, emphasizing the importance of connection and understanding in effective leadership. They discuss the significance of rounding in leadership, the challenges of cultural shifts, and the dynamics of resistance within organizations. Roger outlines the five promises leaders should make to foster trust and engagement, and the conversation concludes with a call to action for leaders to actively engage with their teams.

Takeaways
* Leadership is about influencing, not controlling.
* Purpose is the meta holder of coordinated movement.
* Organizations often operate under outdated paradigms.
* People come together to meet their needs and the business’s needs.
* Manipulation leads to resistance and disengagement.
* Inspiration is internally driven, not externally imposed.
* The concept of family in business is misleading.
* Profit should not be the sole purpose of business.
* Community building is essential for organizational success.
* Understanding the soul of business requires redefining common terms.
* Compassionate leadership is rooted in connection.
* Leaders must understand the needs of their teams.
* Rounding is essential for effective leadership.
* Cultural shifts require patience and commitment.
* Impatience is a major barrier to change.
* Leaders should seek buy-in, not mere compliance.
* Vulnerability is key to leading with purpose.
* Cynics, apathetics, and naysayers hinder progress.
* Listening with respect builds trust.
* Leaders must actively engage and take action.

#leadershipdevelopment #leadership #soulofbusiness #trust #empowerment #decisionmaking

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”I Had To Pivot Pretty Quickly.”

Join me and my guest Marina Gee, founder and CEO of MG Media Creative (mgmediacreative.com). In this conversation, we delve into the evolution of MG Media, focusing on their successful shift from social media to optimizing marketing systems. The discussion highlights the significance of relationships in business and the core values that drive success, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach in navigating challenges and fostering growth. We discuss her entrepreneurial journey, focusing on the challenges faced during growth, and the importance of maintaining personal connections within a business. The role of leadership touches on employee motivation, the impact of burnout, and the necessity of reconnecting with passion in both business and personal pursuits.

SHOW NOTES

Summary

In this conversation, Blaine and Marina Gee delve into the evolution of MG Media, focusing on the shift from working with their client’s social media to optimizing their marketing systems. The discussion highlights the significance of relationships in business and the core values that drive success, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach in navigating challenges and fostering growth. Blaine and Marina discuss her journey of entrepreneurship, focusing on the evolution of MG Media, the challenges she faced as they’ve grown, and the importance of maintaining personal connections within a business. They explore the role of leadership, the definition of the soul of a business, and how an effective vision can align teams. The discussion also touches on employee motivation, the impact of burnout, and the necessity of reconnecting with passion in both business and personal pursuits.

Takeaways

• The evolution of a business often requires a strategic pivot.
• Building relationships is essential for organizational success.
• Understanding what moves the needle is key in marketing.
• The soul of a business is its core values and purpose.
• Personal growth is intertwined with professional development.
• Navigating high-pressure environments requires balance and resilience.
• Effective marketing strategies are rooted in personal connections.
• A healthy relationship with challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• Maintaining long-term relationships with clients is crucial for growth.
• As businesses grow, the focus often shifts from personal connections to larger goals.
• Leadership skills must evolve as organizations mature.
• The soul of a business lies in the relationships formed within it.
• Vision helps align teams and clarify goals.
• Effective communication of vision is essential for team alignment.
• Burnout often stems from losing connection to purpose, not just workload.
• Reconnecting with the essence of work can reignite passion.
• Continuous learning and adaptation are key to entrepreneurial success.

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Join me and my guest Gwenn Aspen, co-founder and CEO of Anequim LLC(www.anequim.net). Anequim has been named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list for the last three consecutive years with 300% 3-year growth. In a world that often undermines our potential, Gwenn’s experience demonstrates how to rise above negativity and self-doubt. Gwenn’s secret to entrepreneurship lies in staying committed to a goal and remaining passionate about it over time. By sharing her story of falling and getting back up repeatedly, she strives to inspire audiences to see that they can achieve their dreams through a life process that brings results.

SHOW NOTES

Summary

In this conversation, Blaine and Gwen Aspen explore the essence of business, focusing on the importance of values, relationships, and self-forgiveness in navigating challenges. They discuss the dynamics of remote teams, the significance of personal goals in alignment with business objectives, and the necessity of maintaining identity amidst change. Gwen shares her insights on leadership, conflict resolution, and the role of emotional intelligence in fostering a positive organizational culture.

Takeaways

• The soul of business is defined by its values.
• Relationships and intent are crucial in business.
• Integrity should guide decision-making in conflicts.
• Self-forgiveness is essential for moving forward.
• Remote teams can enhance management practices.
• Clarity in roles and responsibilities is vital.
• Flexibility is necessary in a changing business landscape.
• Understanding personal goals fosters employee engagement.
• Emotional intelligence is key to effective leadership.
• Staying connected to the mission simplifies complexities.

Sound Bites

• “The soul of business is its values.”
• “We empower employees to make decisions.”
• “Self-forgiveness helps us move forward.”
• “Remote teams can be a secret weapon.”
• “Clarity on roles is essential for success.”
• “We need to stay connected to our mission.”
• “It’s not rocket science, but stick to it.”

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What Hangs In The Balance?

Join me and my guest Lt. Colonel (ret.) Philippe Johnson (www.philippejohnson.com). Philippe is author of What Hangs In The Balance and is an advocate for principled and ethical leadership in public service. During his 24 years on active-duty Philippe served as a fixed- and rotary-wing pilot, intelligence officer, and diplomat (military attaché). In this conversation, we delve into the complexities of leadership, particularly focusing on ethical considerations, the importance of character traits, and the distinction between principled and unprincipled loyalty. The discussion emphasizes the risks associated with a lack of principled leadership and the vital role of selfless leadership in fostering a positive organizational culture. 

SHOW NOTES

Summary

In this conversation, Blaine and Philippe Johnson delve into the complexities of leadership, particularly focusing on ethical considerations, the importance of character traits, and the distinction between principled and unprincipled loyalty. They explore how effective leadership is defined by the ability to accomplish organizational missions while maintaining a connection to core values. The discussion emphasizes the risks associated with a lack of principled leadership and the vital role of selfless leadership in fostering a positive organizational culture. In this conversation, Philippe discusses the essence of principled leadership, emphasizing the importance of selflessness, moral courage, and the connection to purpose. He reflects on his leadership journey, the impact of exemplary leaders, and the significance of self-awareness in leadership roles. The dialogue also explores the challenges of leadership in a divided nation, the role of fear versus ideals, and the necessity of ethical leadership in fostering a positive organizational culture.

Takeaways

• Leadership is fundamentally about causing movement.
• Effective leadership is tied to the mission of an organization.
• Character traits like humility and empathy are essential for leaders.
• Principled loyalty is crucial for ethical decision-making.
• Unprincipled loyalty can lead to detrimental outcomes.
• The risks of ineffective leadership include low morale and poor mission accomplishment.
• Selfless leadership connects individuals to the organization’s core mission.
• Leaders must balance loyalty to their superiors with their ethical obligations.
• The essence of leadership involves influencing others positively.
• Ethical leadership is increasingly important in today’s global context. Finding ways to stay connected to our core mission is essential.
• Leaders must exemplify the core values of their organization.
• Selflessness in leadership involves prioritizing the mission over personal interests.
• Moral courage is crucial for leaders, especially in challenging situations.
• Leadership training should reinforce foundational values and character traits.
• Learning from bad examples can be as valuable as learning from good ones.
• Self-awareness is vital for understanding how others perceive you.
• Feedback is essential for growth and improvement in leadership.
• Effective leadership generates possibilities for individuals and organizations.
• The use of fear in leadership can lead to negative consequences for democracy.

Sound Bites

• “Leaders cause movement.”
• “Character matters in leadership development.”
• “Principled loyalty vs. unprincipled loyalty.”
• “How do I keep connected to that purpose?”
• “Setting the example is crucial for leaders.”
• “Self-awareness is huge for leaders.”
• “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”
• “You can’t have the rule of law without facts.”
• “What hangs in the balance is on me.”

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“From Idea to Impact”

Join me and my guest Dr. Peggy McColl. Peggy is an internationally renowned speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and a mentor to authors and entrepreneurs worldwide. With over 46 years of experience studying success and personal development, Dr. McColl has transformed countless lives by helping individuals align with their vision, overcome limitations, and achieve extraordinary results. She has authored 24 books, sold in nearly 100 countries and translated into 37 languages, empowering readers with practical tools for creating prosperity and fulfillment.

SHOW NOTES

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Blaine and Dr. Peggy McColl explore the essence of the Soul of Business, emphasizing the importance of vision, purpose, and the role of authors in creating meaningful contributions to the world. They discuss the evolution of business, the significance of commitment, and the power of imagination in the creative process. The dialogue highlights the tenacity required in entrepreneurship and the necessity of enjoying the journey of business and authorship. Blaine and Peggy also explore the intersection of business and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a soulful approach to entrepreneurship. They discuss the transformative journey of writing, the significance of mentorship, and the evolving nature of fulfillment in one’s career. The dialogue also touches on the myth of retirement, the necessity of continuous expression and growth, and the importance of embracing change and innovation in the face of new challenges. Ultimately, they highlight the role of intuition and impact in effective leadership, encouraging listeners to serve and create meaningfully in their lives.

Takeaways

·      The soul of business is about serving others.

·      A successful business is driven by the leader’s vision.

·      Authors play a crucial role in sharing valuable insights.

·      Staying connected to one’s purpose is essential for authors.

·      Commitment is a continuous process, not a one-time declaration.

·      Imagination is vital for bringing ideas to life.

·      Tenacity is key in overcoming obstacles in business.

·      Business should be viewed as a game to enjoy the process.

·      Flexibility is necessary to adapt to changing circumstances.

·      The journey of business and authorship should be enjoyable. Businesses should express their soul, not just run.

·      Writing often leads to unexpected transformations.

·      Mentorship reveals opportunities we may overlook.

·      Personal experiences can inspire impactful stories.

·      Fulfillment can come from new ventures at any age.

·      Retirement should not mean stopping growth.

·      Continuous expression is vital for personal development.

·      Embracing change is essential for success.

·      Intuition guides us in making impactful decisions.

·      Service to others enhances our own fulfillment.

Sound Bites

“It’s about how will I serve?”

“You have to become the commitment.”

“Business is a game, we’re playing a game.”

“Enjoy the journey.”

“The soul wants to grow.”

“Having a mentor can be so helpful.”

“If I’m not growing, I’m withering.”

“Embrace it, you know, find a way.”

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“Transforming Liabilities Into Assets”

Join me and my guest Christy Pretzinger, CEO and Founder of WG Content(wgcontent.com). Christy is a popular podcast speaker and is co-author of the upcoming book “Your Cultural Balance Sheet: Keys to Creating an Environment Where People Can Thrive.” She’s also a long-time member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global nonprofit comprising business leaders from 65 countries. Christy transformed the landscape of healthcare content creation and, along the way, transformed what it’s like to work at a growing agency. She intentionally focused on building the business based on kindness. And that approach has proven to be good for people and the bottom line.

SHOW NOTES

Summary

In this episode of The Soul of Business, Blaine Bartlett engages with Christy Pretzinger, CEO and founder of WG Content, to explore the significance of culture in business. They discuss how kindness can be integrated into operational practices, the importance of maintaining core values, and the role of emotional intelligence in leadership. Christy introduces her concept of the Cultural Balance Sheet, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and the potential for liabilities to transform into assets. The conversation highlights practical steps for fostering a positive workplace culture and the necessity of vulnerability in leadership.

Takeaways

• Culture is the core of business and should be prioritized.
• Kindness in business is not a weakness but a strength.
• Values should remain constant as organizations grow.
• Joy can coexist with profit in the workplace.
• Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.
• Vulnerability fosters trust and connection in teams.
• Liabilities can be transformed into assets with intention.
• Emotional intelligence is key to understanding team dynamics.
• Clear boundaries are essential for a healthy work environment.
• A cultural balance sheet can guide organizational improvement.

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“The Power Of Authentic Harmony”

Join me and my guest Dr. Pauline Crawford (www.corporateheartinternational.com), CEO of The International University of Entreprenology. Pauline is celebrated for her groundbreaking work in creating Authentic Harmony Cultures and Emerging Leaders who integrate the concept of a Joint Custody World into their strategies for growth enterprises. Advocating for inclusivity and synergy between men and women in leadership and team dynamics, her experience-backed methodology and the Gender Dynamics Intelligence (GDI©) framework, she empowers individuals to navigate relationships and organizational dynamics with emotional intelligence and authenticity.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Blaine and Dr. Pauline Crawford explore the concept of a ‘joint custody world’ where men and women share responsibility for the planet. They discuss the importance of authentic harmony cultures, the value of differences, and how understanding these differences can lead to better collaboration and communication. The conversation emphasizes the need for intergenerational wisdom and the role of vulnerability in fostering connections. Ultimately, they highlight the importance of creating a better future for the next generations.

Takeaways

• We are all interacting with aliens in our daily lives.
• The concept of joint custody applies to our shared responsibility for the planet.
• Saying goodbye to equality and embracing harmony is essential for progress.
• Differences among people are magical and should be celebrated, not feared.
• Authentic harmony cultures require understanding and appreciating differences.
• The future of business should focus on the heart and emotional intelligence.
• Intergenerational wisdom can bridge the gap between different age groups.
• Vulnerability is key to connecting with others and fostering understanding.
• Words can have different interpretations, leading to misunderstandings.
• Creating a better world for our children is a shared responsibility.

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