Soul of Business with Blaine Bartlett

”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* Organizations often operate under outdated paradigms.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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“Little By Little, A Little Becomes A Lot”

Join me and Brian Proctor (brianproctor.com), Author of My Father Knew the Secret – Growing Up with Bob Proctor in this engaging conversation. We explore the profound impact of personal development, the legacy of Bob Proctor, and the importance of authenticity in business. Brian shares insights from his new book, 12 Easy Steps to Change Your Life, emphasizing the significance of imagination and taking small steps towards achieving one’s dreams. The discussion highlights the value of joy in daily life and the power of being a center of distribution rather than a center of accumulation.

Brian was born in 1961 in Toronto, Ontario, the same year his legendary father, Bob Proctor, was given the book Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, which began his father’s 60-year journey into personal development. For close to 30 years, Brian worked alongside his father as he taught from some of the world’s largest stages. 

Brian found his niche in marketing and business development. In the very early years of the internet, Brian originated an idea to build an email list to create value and a platform for his father to share his teachings. This idea set Bob Proctor’s company up for success by opening the door early to email list building long before that was the industry standard. 

SHOW NOTES

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Blaine and Brian explore the profound impact of personal development, the legacy of Bob Proctor, and the importance of authenticity in business. Brian shares insights from his new book, 12 Easy Steps to Change Your Life, emphasizing the significance of imagination and taking small steps towards achieving one’s dreams. The discussion highlights the value of joy in daily life and the essence of being a center of distribution rather than accumulation.

Takeaways

• Brian reflects on the profound influence of his father, Bob Proctor, on his life and career.
• The title of Brian’s book came to him in a dream, showcasing the power of intuition.
• Authenticity is key in business; being true to oneself resonates with others.
• Daily joy is essential for a fulfilling life, as emphasized by Bob Proctor’s advice.
• Small, consistent actions lead to significant changes over time.
• Imagination is a powerful tool for envisioning a better future.
• The importance of staying connected to one’s dreams and desires.
• Brian’s new book offers practical steps for personal transformation.
• The conversation underscores the legacy of Bob Proctor in the self-help industry.
• Blaine and Brian discuss the importance of distribution in life and business.

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“A Potentialist In Pursuit Of Wisdom”

Join me and my guest Ben Lytle (https://potentialistfuture.com), a self-made serial entrepreneur and CEO known for being ahead of the curve. He has launched seven successful companies to date, creating billions in market value, including NYSE listed Acordia, Inc. and Anthem (now Elevance Health) with a current market value of more than $120 billion. He is a healthcare policy expert who chaired or served on state and presidential healthcare commissions and a governance leader with extensive public company experience. Ben has identified five change forces converging to create a New Reality We explore his recommended optimal adaptive actions for individuals, businesses and social institutions. 

Summary

In this conversation, Blaine and Ben Lytle explore a range of topics including personal backgrounds, the nature of change in society, entrepreneurship, healthcare insights, and the role of AI in improving healthcare systems. Ben shares his experiences as a serial entrepreneur and discusses his vision for the future through his work with the Potentialist, emphasizing the importance of integrated medicine and the potential of AI to transform healthcare delivery. In this conversation, Ben discusses the necessity for humanity to adapt to rapid changes in the world, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, critical thinking, and self-awareness. He explores the implications of population decline, the need to rethink productivity and consumerism, and the potential for unleashing human creativity in the face of technological advancements. Ben believes that by fostering wisdom and awareness, individuals can navigate the complexities of modern life and contribute to a brighter future.

Takeaways

• The conversation highlights the importance of adapting to rapid changes in society.
• Futurism is distinguished from science fiction by its reliance on facts and research.
• Building companies requires a focus on mobility and accountability.
• Integrated healthcare is essential for treating the whole person, not just symptoms.
• AI can significantly enhance healthcare by integrating patient data and improving outcomes.
• Personal health optimization is a priority for many entrepreneurs.
• The experience of patients in healthcare systems needs to be improved through integration.
• The Potentialist aims to inspire individuals to realize their full potential.
• Collaboration among healthcare professionals is crucial for effective treatment.
• The future of healthcare will rely heavily on technology and AI advancements. Only about 15% of people prosper due to adaptability.
• Wisdom is essential in a rapidly changing world.
• Critical thinking is the height of rational thinking.
• The pace of change disrupts relational dynamics.
• Population decline may lead to greater appreciation for relationships.
• We need to rethink productivity beyond consumerism.
• Human creativity will be unleashed in new ways.
• Awareness precedes choice and opens up possibilities.
• History shows that humanity can adapt and thrive.
• The future holds unprecedented opportunities for growth.

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“Facing Denial, Embracing Vulnerability”

Join me and my guest Dr. Andrew G. Kadar. Dr. Kadar, is a renowned physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and was used to taking care of patients—not being one himself. But just as he was embarking on a new marriage, a few episodes of minor chest pain sent this healthy, successful anesthesiologist to his doctor’s office, where he received a shocking diagnosis: he had severe heart disease and required immediate open-heart surgery. With extraordinary wisdom and unflinching candor Dr. Kadar describes his unexpected journey as a man in seemingly excellent health into the dire realm of illness and subsequent recovery.

Dr. Kadar is a physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology, and a Fellow of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. He graduated from the Yale University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Stanford and Harvard Universities (Massachusetts General Hospital). He has served on the faculties of the UCLA School of Medicine, Charles Drew University, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He has appeared on Good Morning America and NBC Nightly News, as well as Air Talk with Larry Mantle and The Dennis Prager Show.

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Kadar shares his unexpected journey through a significant health challenge, exploring themes of denial, vulnerability, and the importance of communication. He reflects on the lessons learned from his experience as both a doctor and a patient, emphasizing the need for connection, appreciation, and a positive impact on others. The discussion also touches on the role of caregivers and the shift in perspective regarding life and mortality.

Takeaways

• Denial can hinder our ability to face health challenges.
• Vulnerability fosters connection and understanding.
• Communication is key in patient-caregiver relationships.
• Health challenges can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.
• It’s important to appreciate the support of caregivers.
• Life’s unexpected events can be viewed as opportunities.
• A positive mindset can influence recovery and resilience.
• We should strive to make a positive impact on others.
• Understanding mortality can shift our life priorities.
• Everything in life eventually needs to be shared and distributed.

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