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The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

As Kobe Bryant once said, “There is power in understanding the journey of others to help create your own.” That’s why the Learning Leader Show exists—to understand the journeys of other leaders so that we can better understand our own. This show is full of learnings taught by world-class leaders—personal stories of successes, failures, and lessons learned along the way. Our guests come from diverse backgrounds—CEOs of multi-billion dollar companies, best-selling authors, Navy SEALs, and professional athletes. My role in this endeavor is to talk to the most thoughtful, accomplished, and intentional leaders in the world so that we can learn from them as we each create our own journeys.
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Now displaying: 2016
Dec 29, 2016

Episode 183: Barry Schwartz - The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less

Barry Schwartz studies the link between economics and psychology, offering startling insights into modern life. Lately, working with Ken Sharpe, he's studying wisdom. In his 2004 book The Paradox of Choice, Barry Schwartz tackles one of the great mysteries of modern life: Why is it that societies of great abundance — where individuals are offered more freedom and choice (personal, professional, material) than ever before — are now witnessing a near-epidemic of depression? Conventional wisdom tells us that greater choice is for the greater good, but Schwartz argues the opposite: He makes a compelling case that the abundance of choice in today's western world is actually making us miserable.

Infinite choice is paralyzing, Schwartz argues, and exhausting to the human psyche.It leads us to set unreasonably high expectations, question our choices before we even make them and blame our failures entirely on ourselves. His relatable examples, from consumer products (jeans, TVs, salad dressings) to lifestyle choices (where to live, what job to take, who and when to marry), underscore this central point: Too much choice undermines happiness.

Episode 183: Barry Schwartz - The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

"When you have infinite choice... Instead of being liberate, you get paralyzed."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Common themes to sustain excellence:
    • People really care about what they're trying to achieve
    • They want to change people's lives
  • Why the leaders of organizations must give their employees opportunities to stretch, and demonstrate mastery
  • Why Barry wore shorts during his legendary TED Talk
  • People think the more choices we have, the better we'll be. It has limits...
  • The consequences with ease of communication -- "People are thinking less, and talking more."
  • Why Twitter is bad
  • Daniel Kahneman's work -- System 1 and System 2
  • Why are movies on an airplane better?
  • The proper way to set expectations
  • The secret to happiness
  • How to manage expectations:
    • Make the rare not common - ie: Deliberately drink great win infrequently
  • Why are people affiliated with organized religion happier? -- Less to do with religion and more to do with community. Most religions are full of constraints
  • "Why We Work" -- Dan Pink's work on this is fantastic
  • The future of work -- A world full of contractors

“The secret to happiness is low expectations." -- Barry Schwartz

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Barry Schwartz on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by FreshBooksFreshBooks is offering a 30 day, unrestricted free trial to my listeners. To claim it, just go to FreshBooks.com/Learning and enter LEARNING LEADER in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section.

Dec 26, 2016

Episode 182: Vinh Giang - Why You Should Make The Leap

Vinh Giang is a motivational/ inspirational keynote speaker and he uses magic as his metaphor when he speaks (He's found a way to make the medicine taste good!). He's built a successful online business that teaches magic to over 41,000 students from all over the world. His business won South Australian young entrepreneur of the year in 2013. In 2016, his online business has just combined forces with 52Kards which is one of America's leading online magic schools, after combining our schools together and many years of hard work they now teach over 500,000 students from all over the world. Vinh's other area of expertise is performance, being a magician and speaker he's spent 80% of the year on stage performing and presenting to people all over the world.

Episode 182: Vinh Giang - Why You Should Make The Leap

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

"It took millions of years of serendipitous events for you to be here, and now that you are here, you are alive for 80 years on average. When you compare how long it took for you to get here versus how long you are her for... It's like you are alive for 1 minute. It's a privilege to be alive."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Common themes to sustain excellence:
    • The ability to face your fears head on
    • Not avoiding difficult conversations
  • Why Vinh stopped trying to live up to others expectations
  • How David Blaine helped is business
  • The importance of having a speaker reel/highlight video
  • Why you should work with documentary makers -- They are story-tellers
  • The 3 Elements to a great speaker
    • Educate
    • Inspire
    • Entertain
  • You must have a relentless belief that it can be done
  • The power of magic -- It brings out the inner child in everyone
  • You're alive for 1 minute and you've already lived 20 seconds of it... What will you do for the remaining 40 seconds?
  • Why are people so scared to take chances?
  • "Happiness is progress"
  • "We all have the right ingredients... We just need the recipe."
  • Goal Setting -- We need to take time to recalibrate
  • "You're like a glass of muddy water... Until you're still, you won't have clarity."
  • Public speaking -- Why this should be taught in schools from a young age
  • "I've realized the beauty in the unknown. Magic lives in the unknown. The most beautiful things in life are the unknown."
  • Why 5 year plans are not helpful

“Don't you think the most addictive thing in the world is comfort?"

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Vinh Giang on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by FreshBooksFreshBooks is offering a 30 day, unrestricted free trial to my listeners. To claim it, just go to FreshBooks.com/Learning and enter LEARNING LEADER in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section.

Dec 22, 2016

 

Episode 185: Haben Girma - The First Deafblind Harvard Law Graduate, Champion Of Change

An internationally acclaimed accessibility leader, Haben Girma has earned recognition as a White House “Champion of Change”, Forbes 30 under 30 leader, and BBC Women of Africa Hero. The first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, Haben champions equal access to information for people with disabilities. She has been honored by President Barack Obama, President Bill Clinton, and many others.

People with disabilities represent the largest minority group, numbering one billion worldwide. Reaching a group of this scale creates value for everyone. Organizations that prioritize accessibility benefit by gaining access to a much larger user base, improving the experience for both disabled and non-disabled users, and facilitating further innovation.

Watch Haben teach 4,000 developers the connection between Disability & Innovation at Apple’s 2016 Worldwide Developers Conference.

Haben has been featured extensively in media round the world, including the BBC, CBS, Forbes, the Washington Post, MTV, NPR, and many more.

Haben grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area where she currently lives. She holds a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology from Lewis & Clark College and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. In addition to her accessibility work, she enjoys salsa dancing, surfing, and traveling the world.

Episode 185: Haben Girma - The First Deafblind Harvard Law Graduate, Champion Of Change

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

"Excellent leaders are honest about their strengths and weaknesses."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Common themes to sustain excellence:
    • Honest about strengths and weaknesses
    • Great problem solvers
    • High level of self-awareness
  • Haben is Deafblind - she understands her strengths and weaknesses very well
  • Her TED Talk - Advocating for others -- How and why she champions equal access to information for people with disabilities
  • Communicating and hugging President Barack Obama
  • How she communicates -- The use of braille.  For our talk on this podcast, she had an interpreter listen to what I said and then type it out for her to read in braille
  • What are the best ways to communicate with people who are deaf -- Haben helps me understand
  • Why you should never tell her that her story inspires you
  • How chocolate cake played a role in her becoming an advocacy attorney
  • What advice given to others who want to go into advocacy? Start with yourself. Maybe there is a gender bias, religious, or racial. Build up from there...
  • Haben describes how she experiences movies
  • The best piece of advice she's received: Don't insist on doing something by yourself. Ask for help. Work smart. Sometimes it's better to be helped by others
  • What she hopes people learn from her speeches? That she continually adds value to others
  • Haben's thoughts on Helen Keller - She's brilliant
  • Haben's brother is also Deafblind -- He works in technology
  • How she actively makes a choice to ignore fear
  • Why Uber denied her a ride 3 times and what happened
  • Her Goals: Change our culture -- Disability adds value... Trainings & Workshops

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 179: How To Sustain Excellence - The Best Answers From 178 Questions

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Haben Girma on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by FreshBooksFreshBooks is offering a 30 day, unrestricted free trial to my listeners. To claim it, just go to FreshBooks.com/Learning and enter LEARNING LEADER in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section.

Dec 18, 2016

Episode 181: Srini Rao - How To Be Unmistakably Creative

Srini Rao is the host and founder of The Unmistakable Creative podcast where he's conducted over 600 interviews with thought leaders and people from all walks of life. This has given him an incredibly distinctive view into branding, storytelling, and marketing. Srini has also written multiple books including the Wall Street Journal bestseller The Art of Being Unmistakable; created,planned, and executed a 60-person conference called the Instigator Experience;and am publishing the forthcoming Unmistakable book with Penguin Portfolio. Somewhere along the way his compass led him in the direction of an economics degree from the University of California at Berkeley and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Extracting unmistakable stories out of people is his superpower. And in his spare time he's usually chasing waves.

Episode 181: Srini Rao - How To Be Unmistakably Creative

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

"All change is proceeded by crisis."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Common themes to sustain excellence:
    • A pathological inability to accept the status quo
    • Resilience
    • A disciplined work ethic
  • Why the path is never linear
  • Reading 100 books a year
  • How to turn disadvantages into disproportionate advantages
  • The Pepperdine MBA - How it impacted Srini
  • "Most people like the idea of leaping, but not executing on it"
  • How to make "micro-changes"
  • Creating multiple streams of revenue:
    • Author (book deals)
    • Speaking
    • Sponsors
    • Projects
  • Why you should write 1,000 words per day
  • "Systems vs. Goals"
  • Stephen Pressfield - "The Resistance"
  • The "8 Step Daily Routine"
  • Why surfing helps Srini
  • Having the ability to navigate and weave in and out of relationships
  • Learning Leader = A lifelong commitment to becoming better on a daily basis

“Is what you're doing today leading to what you want to do five years from now?"

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Srini Rao on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by  Mizzen and Main: Performance fabric menswear. The most comfortable/durable dress shirts you will find on the market. I personally own 22 of them. To get free shipping, use the code "ryanhawk" -- To get $50 off when you purchase three shirts, use the code "ryanhawk3" -- Thank you for your support!

Dec 12, 2016

Episode 180: Michael Watkins - The First 90 Days: How To Ensure Success In Your New Role

Dr. Michael Watkins is the author of Your Next Move: The Leader’s Guide to Navigating Major Career Transitions, and the international bestseller The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at all Levels, which The Economist called “the on-boarding bible.” With more than 750,000 copies sold in English, and translations in 27 languages, The First 90 Days has become the standard reference for leaders in transition. Recently The First 90 Days was named one of the best 100 business books of all time.

Drawing on the perfect combination of research and hand-on experience, he has spent the last two decades working with leaders – both corporate and public — as they transition to new roles, negotiate the future of their organizations, and craft their legacy as leaders.

Episode 180: Michael Watkins - The First 90 Days: How To Ensure Success In Your New Role

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“I help leaders and their teams make good career transitions."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Common themes to sustain excellence:
    • Learning Agility - Not shy about learning, and they don't expect themselves to have all the answers
    • Diversity of Experience - Multiple functions, multiple companies
    • Delicate balance between humility and ego
  • Jeff Immelt from GE is a good example
  • Confidence vs. Ego -- Desire to achieve, but cannot create echo chambers.
  • The First 90 Days -- Michael's world-wide best selling book on how to transition to a leadership role
  • The Leadership Pipeline - Another book to help make the transition from individual contributor to management. It's a completely different skill set
  • The toughest move/promotion is the very first one
  • The common traps leaders fall in to -- Relying only on what they're good at. Must broaden skills. You have to be a force multiplier.
    • Common Issues and problems leaders run in to: "Coming in with the answer. Not building lateral relationships. Engaging on the wrong side of learning."
  • Why you must re-learn how to learn
    • How is the culture different?
      • Politically
      • Technically
  • Who is the "dream team?" The five people you must meet immediately upon taking a new role
  • The importance of the boss and the role she plays in helping
  • Momentum -- Creating early wins.  Why you must make this happen
    • Look for little irritants to remove
    • Secure a win by thinking differently
  • Your first public address to the group -- Prepare, Prepare, Prepare. The first impression is vital
  • How to prepare for a management (role) interview
  • Why a "One Sheet" of your core beliefs is better than a 30-60-90 day plan

“You have to be a force multiplier. You can't be a super-rep."

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Michael Watkins on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by  Mizzen and Main: Performance fabric menswear. The most comfortable/durable dress shirts you will find on the market. I personally own 22 of them. To get free shipping, use the code "ryanhawk" -- To get $50 off when you purchase three shirts, use the code "ryanhawk3" -- Thank you for your support!

Dec 8, 2016

Episode 179: How To Sustain Excellence - The Best Answers from 178 Conversations

This is an episode unlike any other... I've listened through some of the best answers to the question: "What are the common characteristics/themes amongst those who have sustained excellence over an extended period of time?" We (my editor, Scott Donnell and me) pulled out some of the best, most useful answers and created an "all-star" Sustaining Excellence episode. I think you'll like it. I welcome all feedback via Twitter or you can send me an e-mail.

Episode 179: How To Sustain Excellence - The Best Answers from 178 Conversations

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

In This Episode, You Will Learn

#78 Kat Cole - A scale, a balance of 2 buckets: Courage & Confidence + Curiosity & Humility. “They are productive achievers vs destructive achievers”

#127 Adam Grant - “They are dedicated learners. What’s fascinating by them is no matter how much excellence they achieve, they are always raising the bar. The more they accomplish the more they expect of themselves. Curiosity is the starting point for all originality”

#107 Simon Sinek - “They have vision, they have charisma? I’m not so sure that’s true. They don’t need a Steve Jobs vision.  One thing I’m comfortable saying is courage.  It takes tremendous courage to stick to your values."

#117 Tim Urban"The impact you make is the level of measurement for a leader.  It's different than what's normal"

#86 Seth Godin - “They’ve made a choice”

#114 Cal Newport - “The leader respects how hard everything is that’s worth doing.” Everything’s harder than you think. Impactful contribution is really hard.”

#115 Amy Porterfield - “The first word that comes to mind is consistency… Followed mentors. All create consistent content and show up consistently. Have a drive to follow up

#42 Rob DeMartini - “To measure success you have to look at more aspects of their lives.  What was I seeing that was consistent? 4 things: Naturally curious, do they want to see how things are working? Could it be different? If you’re curious, it opens up so much. Energy & Optimism. Personal Awareness

#105 David Burkus - “I think there is a consistent dissatisfaction… I need to be proud of what I’ve done, but constantly frustrated that I’m not further along.  That balance.”

#82 Dan Pink - “Curiosity, they follow their noses, especially if they know a lot of stuff. Generosity, I love the way you put it, sustaining excellence. Reasonably generous people. They don’t pull up the ladder when they get to the top. They are hardworking and conscientious, grit. Peter Drucker comes to mind"

#74 Tim Kight - “People who consistently perform. Intentional, purposeful, and constantly building skill.”

#77 Adam Braun - “3 things: Tremendously intrinsically motivated, integrity, surround themselves with people who play a level above them.”

#48 Cameron Herold - “Sense of vulnerability… Checked ego at the door. Realize they aren’t the smartest person in the room. Sense of curiosity.”

#122 Sarah Robb O’Hagan - “One of the biggest single things is curiosity, goes hand in hand with humility. They don’t ever feel like they’ve reached the top of the mountain.”

#98 Alison Levine - “Resilience more than anything else. Resilient about putting one foot in front of the other."

#68 Joey Coleman - “I think all leaders have 3 general things in common. 1) A growth and learning mindset. Constantly thirsting for knowledge and learning. 2) Gratitude, they recognize how lucky and blessed they are. Take time to appreciate the gifts and blessings in their lives. 3) Gentle with themselves

#108 Steven Kotler - “Ferocious about forward progress.  Nothing mild about how they attack life.  Level of commitment. The day to day.”

#43 Philip McKernan - “The eyes, peace of mind.  I can see that. Use the eyes as a gateway to see their bullshit.”

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing a compilation episode like this, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by Mizzen and Main: Performance fabric menswear. The most comfortable/durable dress shirts you will find on the market. I personally own 22 of them. To get free shipping, use the code "ryanhawk" -- To get $50 off when you purchase three shirts, use the code "ryanhawk3" -- Thank you for your support!

Dec 5, 2016

Episode 178: Sol Orwell - CEO, Digital Nomad, Vulnerability As A Leader

Sol Orwell is an entrepreneur and business developer, most known for his work as the co-founder of Examine.com. He was recognized as a 2014 Game Changer by Men’s Fitness and profiled by Forbes as a seven-figure entrepreneur.

Sol describes himself as semi-retired, which allows him to travel three to four months out of the year. He does not take investment money to retain control of his companies and free time.

He has stepped back from an active role in Examine.com to focus on other projects. He blogs about business development in the context of making money online on SJO.com and serves on the advisory board for Schwarzenegger.com as a health and fitness expert.

Episode 178: Sol Orwell - CEO, Digital Nomad, Vulnerability As A Leader

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“I did what any normal person would do – I gave the company to my #2 to run, paid him more than I paid myself, and basically became a digital nomad."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Common themes to sustain excellence = "A deep level for creating creativity."
  • Why Deep Work is so critical to Sol's success
  • A typical day:
    • 2 minute cold shower
    • The 5 Minute Journal
    • A 10-15 minute walk -- "Get the brain started"
    • Get to work
    • Done with work by 2:30 every single day
  • Friday's are always no work days... Just "reading days"
  • The specific process Sol has taken to build a life around "creating businesses around my interests"
  • The process of purchasing Examine.com for $41,000 (and why he did it)
  • Putting his #2 in charge so he could travel the world and be a "digital nomad"
  • The Picasso Principle
  • How to create this lifestyle: Have no ego, create a blueprint, execute, trust others
  • Creating a "Side Hustle" -- A how to
  • Why you must "Get Started"
  • The #cookielife
  • Vulnerability is "when you don't know what the response will be when you put yourself out there."
  • 1,000 true fans
  • Why Sol does not take VC money
  • Changing his name to Sol Orwell... Why?
  • How travel can create empathy and why that's so important for a leader... Being grateful
  • Learning Leader = Constantly learning. Have self-awareness. Take criticism, and foster the spirit to accept it
  • "Luck is a function of observation"

“I think a big part of entrepreneurship is to realize that you can trust other people. You can be rewarded for trusting other people. You don’t have to necessarily look over their shoulder.”

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Sol Orwell on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by  Mizzen and Main: Performance fabric menswear. The most comfortable/durable dress shirts you will find on the market. I personally own 22 of them. To get free shipping, use the code "ryanhawk" -- To get $50 off when you purchase three shirts, use the code "ryanhawk3" -- Thank you for your support!

Nov 27, 2016

Episode 177: Michael Gerber - "The World's #1 Small Business Guru" (The E-Myth Revisited)

Michael E. Gerber is a true legend of entrepreneurship. Inc. Magazine
 calls him “the World’s #1 Small Business Guru” — the entrepreneurial and small business thought leader who has impacted the lives of millions of individuals and hundreds of thousands of companies worldwide for over 40 years. Michael is the author of the mega-bestseller “The E-Myth Revisited” and five other E-Myth books concerning small business and entrepreneurship.  The Wall Street Journal named the E-Myth the #1 business book of all time (November 2011) having sold millions of copies and has now been applied in 145 countries, in 29 languages and is taught in 118 universities.

The originator, in 1977, of the small business coaching industry, with his founding of The Michael Thomas Corporation, The E-Myth Academy, E-Myth Worldwide, Michael E. Gerber Companies, since that time having served over 100,000 small business clients. And today launching “Beyond The E-Myth: The Evolution of an Enterprise: From a Company of One to a Company of 1,000!: The Course – The Program – The Book” – a revolutionary process to prepare a small company for acquisition by readying it to scale (Scale to Sale).

Episode 177: Michael Gerber - "The World's #1 Small Business Guru" (The E-Myth Revisited)

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“You must work ON the company to perfect the system IN the company."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Common themes within the best performers:
    • They don't think about "me"
    • They think about the puzzle... And what's missing from it
    •  Steve Jobs, Apple.  Tom Watson, IBM.
  • The importance on learning how to play the saxophone and having the desire to be the best in the world -- how that translated to success later in Michael's life
    • "I only teach people that want to become the best saxophone player in the world."
  • Practice, Practice, Practice -- Doing it the right way. Having a plan
  • The most important aspects for Michael's early success:
    • Vision - You must believe that you can do something beyond what seems possible initially
    • Discipline - You must practice
    • A great coach - The importance of great mentors in our lives
  • The agreement between coach/mentor and mentee at the beginning of the relationship is critical to the long term success
  • Why McDonald's is the most successful small business on the planet
    • Working ON the store to perfect the system IN the store
      • Lesson: So can you. Go to work to prepare you company to scale and sell just like Ray Crock did
  • The focus should be on the system (Starbucks, McDonald's)
  • The eight steps to grow and scale
  • Beyond the "E-myth"

“If you can't scale it, you can't sell it."

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Michael Gerber on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by  Mizzen and Main: Performance fabric menswear. The most comfortable/durable dress shirts you will find on the market. I personally own 22 of them. To get free shipping, use the code "ryanhawk" -- To get $50 off when you purchase three shirts, use the code "ryanhawk3" -- Thank you for your support!

Nov 21, 2016

Episode 176: Jeffrey Gitomer - Why Sales Is The Greatest Profession In The World

Jeffrey Gitomer is the author of The New York Times best sellers The Sales Bible, The Little Red Book of Selling, The Little Black Book of Connections, and The Little Gold Book of YES! Attitude. All of his books have been number one best sellers on Amazon.com, including Customer Satisfaction is Worthless, Customer Loyalty is Priceless, The Little Red Book of Sales Answers, The Little Green Book of Getting Your Way, The Little Platinum Book of Cha-Ching!, The Little Teal Book of Trust, Social BOOM!, and The Little Book of Leadership, and 21.5 Unbreakable Laws of Selling. Jeffrey’s books have appeared on best-seller lists more than 850 times and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

Episode 176: Jeffrey Gitomer - Why Sales Is The Greatest Profession In The World

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“Most sales are made after the 7th NO."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Common themes within the best performers:
    • Great attitude
    • Deep belief in themselves
    •  Approachable and good sense of humor
    • You like to hang out with them
  • How to judge a great sales professional:
    • Will you do business with them again?
    • Will you refer them to friends/family
  • Understanding the ethics of a sales professional
  • Why sales is the greatest profession in the world
  • The duty of the sales leader
  • The Wells Fargo Fiasco
  • Why Jeffrey was banned from USAir
  • A live role play -- How Jeffrey sells books on a plane (he sells to me)
  • Keys to successful cold-calling: Engaging, approachable, having a good time
  • Why Jeffrey believes he's the greatest sales professional in the world
  • Why new managers need to be trained/coached (A LOT)
  • Jeffrey's process for speaking to large audiences
  • Why Jeffrey prefers to drive a Lexus
  • Using creativity to differentiate and dominate
  • Saying thank you like John Ruhlin
  • The process of learning from customers: Why it's absolutely vital to your success

“People don't like to be sold, but they love to buy."

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Jeffrey Gitomer on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by  Mizzen and Main: Performance fabric menswear. The most comfortable/durable dress shirts you will find on the market. I personally own 22 of them. To get free shipping, use the code "ryanhawk" -- To get $50 off when you purchase three shirts, use the code "ryanhawk3" -- Thank you for your support!

Nov 14, 2016

Episode 175: Michael Hyatt - How To Get Noticed In A Noisy World

For years, Michael Hyatt had people write and refer to him as their virtual mentor. His mission is to help high achievers win at work and succeed at life. Michael writes on personal development, leadership, productivity, and public influence.

He is the author of the New York Times best seller, Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World. It is also a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller. In addition, I am the founder of Platform University. Michael is also the co-author of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best seller, Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want.

He is the founder and CEO of Michael Hyatt & Company, an online leadership development company. They help overwhelmed high achievers get the clarity, confidence, and tools they need to win at work and succeed at life.

Episode 175: Michael Hyatt - How To Get Noticed In A Noisy World

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“Being present at work is a strategic advantage."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Sustained excellence = People who have the ability to "lead themselves" and are disciplined in all aspects of life
  • The power of taking a 2 week hiatus - Unplugged, reading novels, cognitive input, relationship building with family, sets the tank to FULL when you get back
  • Doing 4 big launches per year -- all hands on deck,
  • Being present at work and being present at home.  Being present is a strategic advantage.
  • Having 5 daughters -- "The goal of parenting is to de-parent to help your child self-actualize"
  • Studying James Altucher and Bill Murray and their approach to life
  • Goal Setting -- Too many people set goals within their comfort zone.  We need to challenge our imagination
  • Michael's book Platform: Get Noticed In A Noisy World and the impact it's had on so many
  • His blog: Started in 2004. The first 4 years it only received 1,000 visitors/month. Now it gets 1,000,000/month
  • Platform = "Deconstructs how to get heard"
  • How he's built his company from 1 to 21 employees
  • Having multiple revenue streams -- Speaking, Writing, Online Courses, Membership Site
  • 5,000 members a month paying $37/month
  • Why you need to "get started"
  • "5 Days To Your Best Year Ever"
  • Start a blog, podcast, vlog, newsletter
  • Career advice: Be hyper responsive to people, have a "courage to act."  Always keep your word even when it's expensive.
  • How his new book helps people get clarity about where they are going

“Tension is the enemy of performance."

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Michael Hyatt on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by  Mizzen and Main: Performance fabric menswear. The most comfortable/durable dress shirts you will find on the market. I personally own 22 of them. To get free shipping, use the code "ryanhawk" -- To get $50 off when you purchase three shirts, use the code "ryanhawk3" -- Thank you for your support!

Nov 10, 2016

Episode 174: Jessica Tracy - Pride: The Secret To Human Success

Jessica Tracy is a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, where she also directs the Emotion and Self Lab. Her research focuses on emotions and emotion expression, and especially on the self-conscious emotions of pride and shame. She has published over 80 journal articles, book chapters, edited volumes, and reviews, and her groundbreaking work on pride has been covered by hundreds of media outlets, including ABC’s Good Morning America, NPR’s All Things Considered, the New York Times, the Economist, and Scientific American. Tracy was born and raised in Washington, D.C., and now lives in Vancouver with her daughter and her partner.

Her book is: Take Pride: Why the Deadliest Sin Holds the Secret to Human Success. It has received rave reviews by some of the brightest minds in the world

Episode 174: Jessica Tracy - Pride: The Secret To Human Success

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“Good pride = Authentic.  Bad pride = Hubristic."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Jessica's initial interest in Pride - Started studying in grad school in 1999.
  • Managing the challenge of others caring about us -- At an evolutionary level. We need authentic pride
  • Sharing on social media - Pride in "likes" -- only posting the 5% best aspect of our lives
    • It's a slippery slope caring too much what others think
    • The "over sharers" on social media -- what it really means
  • Lance Armstrong initially had authentic pride -- an incredible work ethic... Then is grew to hubristic pride and he doped/cheated
  • JJ Watt -- Hubristic pride? The "log cabin" story
  • Pride in the workplace - Power and Leadership
  • Authentic Pride -- Leads to prestige
  • Bosses: The "do what I tell you or you'll be fired" are bosses who have hubristic pride. Insecure, people dislike them and typically will quit.
  • Prestigious leaders are well-liked and respected bosses. Secure in themselves
  • Donald Trump = Hubristic pride
  • The story of Dean Karnazes - successful businessman -- At 30 realized something was missing. Became a runner
  • Good pride = Authentic.  Bad pride = Hubristic.
  • Execution
  • Common themes of excellence = Growth mindset -- Intrinsic goals vs money/fame

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Jessica Tracy on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by  Mizzen and Main: Performance fabric menswear. The most comfortable/durable dress shirts you will find on the market. I personally own 22 of them. To get free shipping, use the code "ryanhawk" -- To get $50 off when you purchase three shirts, use the code "ryanhawk3" -- Thank you for your support!

Nov 7, 2016

Episode 173: Jon Levy - The Science Of Adventure (The 2 AM Principle)

Jon Levy is a behavior scientist, consultant, writer and keynote speaker best known for his work in the fields of Influence and Social Experience.

He created The “Influencers”, a private community and dining experience for tastemakers and industry leaders. Members range across all industries from well-known actors and Olympians, to executives at major companies and royalty. Influencers has received a fair share of media including stories in The New York Times, Forbes, Fast Company, The Observer, to name a few. Combining years of experience running Influencers and research, Jon has developed a deep understanding in designing social experiences and creating influencer programs for brands.

After years of studying what has become known as “The Science of Adventure”, Jon was able to discern that every adventurous experience follows a predictable four stage processes. Each stage has specific characteristics that, when applied, make the experience exciting. His newest book is titled The 2 Am Principle: Discover The Science of Adventure.

Episode 173: Jon Levy - The Science Of Adventure (The 2 AM Principle)

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“Your brain responds to novelty. If you want to have an exciting life, you need to get outside of your comfort zone."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Update on "The Influencers" -- In 8 cities, 2 countries, over 800 people hosted
  • Why Jon visited every continent in 2015
  • Novelty - Your brain responds to it. How to create it...
  • Why it's great to travel alone
  • Travel - Do something remarkable with a level of perceived risk. It will bring growth
  • How to live this lifestyle if you are married with kids...
  • An example of an introvert traveling to Europe for the first time -- A "How To" guide to have a great time
  • The Ben Franklin Effect... Stacking Favors
  • The "IKEA" effect -- What it means and how it impacts all of us
  • The "science of optimal anxiety" -- AKA Productive Discomfort.  Say yes to a lot of things to have a wealth of experiences
  • E.P.I.C. Model of Adventure
    • Establish - Put the right people and elements in place
    • Push Boundaries - Growth, talk to strangers
    • Increase - More
    • Continue - End in style... Close the keynote with something memorable. Humans remember the peak and how it ends
  • New ways to introduce yourself at conference - "I convince people to cook me dinner"
  • George Lowenstein and his impact on Jon
  • How to travel the world with little money

"Routine is the enemy of excitement." - Jon Levy

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Jon Levy on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by  Mizzen and Main: Performance fabric menswear. The most comfortable/durable dress shirts you will find on the market. I personally own 22 of them. To get free shipping, use the code "ryanhawk" -- To get $50 off when you purchase three shirts, use the code "ryanhawk3" -- Thank you for your support!

Nov 2, 2016

Episode 172: Sarah Knight - The Life Changing Magic Of...

Warning: This episode contains a lot of graphic language. If you prefer episodes with only clean language, please skip this one.

Per Amazon.com: Sarah in her own words: "I'm a writer, editor, and recovering perfectionist. I spent fifteen years working in the New York publishing industry where I was privileged to edit talented authors such as Jessica Knoll, Gillian Flynn, Emily Nagoski, James Lee Burke, Chris Cleave, and many, many more. In 2015 I left it all behind in pursuit of more sunshine, less stress, and a daily abundance of pina coladas - moving with my husband from Brooklyn to the Dominican Republic. My first book, THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF NOT GIVING A F*CK, is an international bestseller.
My new book - another fun, profane guide to mental decluttering - is called GET YOUR SH*T TOGETHER. It will be published on December 27, 2016."

Episode 172: Sarah Knight - The Life Changing Magic Of...

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“If you don't take care of yourself first, then you won't be any good for others."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Work ethic, dedication to the goal, and "Getting up and doing the work" will lead to sustained excellence
  • Why Sarah left an incredible career where she was "climbing the ladder"
  • The year Sarah spent preparing to leave her corporate job
  • Her work life at the moment: ghost write, edit, live in Dominican Republic
  • Why it's important to have a long term plan if you're planning on leaving your current job
  • How "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" inspired her
  • The art of "mental decluttering"
  • How to decide what matters most to you
  • People Pleasing -- The "not sorry" method. Use honesty and be polite. "You must stop caring about what others think"
  • Why "selfish" has become a 4 letter word
  • The career checklist - Why Sarah dislikes it
  • Street smarts vs. Book smarts -- Can be a false dichotomy
  • Why she decided to move to the Dominican Republic with her husband
  • How do you prioritize what's truly important? -- The "must-do" method
  • Tim Urban's article: Why You Should Stop Caring What Other People Think 
  • The fine line of being a friend and "not wanting to go to baby showers" -- Again, say No with honesty and be polite.

"You can't control what others think of you."

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Sarah Knight on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by  Mizzen and Main: Performance fabric menswear. The most comfortable/durable dress shirts you will find on the market. I personally own 22 of them. To get free shipping, use the code "ryanhawk" -- To get $50 off when you purchase three shirts, use the code "ryanhawk3" -- Thank you for your support!

Oct 30, 2016

Episode 171: Scott Berkun - Big Ideas For Curious Minds

Scott Berkun is a bestselling author and popular speaker on creativity, philosophy, culture, business and many other subjects. He’s the author of six books, including  The Myths of Innovation,  Confessions of a Public Speaker, and The Year Without Pants. His work has appeared, or been mentioned, in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, The Guardian, Wired magazine, Forbes, USA Today, Wired, Fast Company, National Public Radio, The Huffington Post and other media.

Born and raised in Queens, NYC, he studied philosophy, computer science and design at CMU, was a manager at Microsoft (’94-’03) and WordPress.com (’10-’12), taught creativity at the University of Washington, was a co-host of CNBC’s The Business of Innovation TV show, is named on 5 U.S. patents, blogs for Harvard Business and BusinessWeek, and has appeared as an expert on various subjects on CNN, CNBC, NPR and MSNBC. He’s also the MC and speaker coach for Ignite Seattle, a finalist in the Amtrak 2014 writer’s residency program and the director of the short film We Make Seattle.

Episode 171: Scott Berkun - Big Ideas For Curious Minds 

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“The first tip to pitching well: Learn about the other persons environment"

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Having a sports background to learn a work ethic and set goals can lead to sustained excellence
  • The process for Scott to quit his job at Microsoft to become a full time writer/author -- And why he did it
  • Writing process
    • #1 Don't chase headlines - Don't chase traffic... Write good content
    • Write about evergreen topics that people will always want to read
    • Consistently write and produce content  -- Stick to a rigorous schedule (he released work Tuesday & Thursday)
  • Understand your habits over time -- Plan your day (when to wake up, eat, workout, write)
  • The topics he covers when he gives a keynote speech:
    • Innovation and creative thinking
    • Management/Leadership
  • Why he likes to prepare and not give the same speech over and over
  • Time spent on preparing vs. delivering = 10x1... Meaning he spends 10 hours to give a 1 hour talk
  • Teaching a creative thinking class at a University
  • The importance of "combining ideas"
  • "Passion is self perception of your interests... There is a need for self awareness"
  • Self discovery --> You need to try different things/ideas
  • Street smarts vs. Book smarts -- Can be a false dichotomy
  • "How to call BS on a Guru"
    • Have higher expectations
    • How you read - Every chapter stop and plan for situations. Apply what would I do differently
    • Read with a different intent
    • Have a willingness to experiment
  • Why Scott hates speed reading
  • "How to pitch an idea"
  • "How to run a brainstorming meeting" -- It's about volume. You must be very clear about intended results and action plans
    • Have a good facilitator who says "Yes, and..."

"It's very important to understand that all ideas are made up of other ideas... We need to combine ideas like "Uber for Laundry.""

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Scott Berkun on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by Daor Design - Daor Design will help you build your brand like nobody’s business. Most of their work falls into one of four categories: Logo Design, Print Design, Web Design or Digital Marketing. They pride themselves in being a trusted, valued resource for their growing family of clients.

Oct 23, 2016

Episode 170: Simon Sinek - Why "Together Is Better"

Simon Sinek sparked a movement with his bestsellers START WITH WHY and LEADERS EAT LAST. His newest book, Together Is Better, will inspire more readers to ask for help, help others, and discover their own courage through a charming story about change. Simon Sinek is an optimist. He teaches leaders and organizations how to inspire people. From members of Congress to foreign ambassadors, from small businesses to corporations like Microsoft and 3M, from Hollywood to the Pentagon, he has presented his ideas about the power of why. He has written two books, Leaders Eat Last and Start With Why and is quoted frequently by national publications. He was previously a guest on The Learning Leader Show, Episode #107 which remains one of the most popular episodes in the show's history... This one is even better.

Episode 170: Simon Sinek - Why "Together Is Better"

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“Most people live their lives by accident as it happens. Fulfillment comes when we live our lives on purpose."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • "We're social animals and we need each other"
  • The goal is to find ourselves in a place that we dream to go to
  • "Joy comes from relationships we form when we feel someone cares about us"
  • Why The Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas is incredible (the people)
    • Their employees love their jobs -- Why? Their managers constantly work to make the employees lives better
  • Why you must be a student of leadership
    • Often times someone gets promoted based on current performance, but they are rarely trained on how to lead.  Leaders must take time off to regularly train on leading others. Most don't unfortunately. "All the best leaders I know are students of leadership."
  • Execution: The leaders are responsible for the people who are responsible for the results. It's a human job. Consistency and intensity. Daily practice of little things (ie. ban phones in meetings, instead of people texting and email, they will talk)
  • Need to know what we stand for and what we are against
  • Why Jack Welch is a bad leader
  • "Jack Welch is a blight on the business world. GE needed a $300B bailout." - Simon Sinek
  • Being willing to say "I don't know." Having the courage to speak up when you don't know. Ask questions.
  • "Courage is not a deep internal fortitude. When we feel someone cares about us, we're able to make courageous decisions."
  • How Simon started his business as a consultant
  • How his TEDx Talk changed his life
  • Why successful athletes suffer from depression
  • "People come first... Winning is second." - John Wooden
  • Why you must know your "why." What you're a part of...

"Leadership: It's a human job. The daily practice of little things. Consistency and intensity."

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Simon Sinek on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by Daor Design - Daor Design will help you build your brand like nobody’s business. Most of their work falls into one of four categories: Logo Design, Print Design, Web Design or Digital Marketing. They pride themselves in being a trusted, valued resource for their growing family of clients.

Oct 19, 2016

Episode 169: Amelia Boone - How The Best Obstacle Racer In The World Embraces Pain

Amelia Boone is a full-time corporate attorney and probably the world's most decorated obstacle racer. Since the sport's inception five years ago, she's amassed more than 30 victories and 50 podiums. Career highlights include:

• 3x winner of the World's Toughest Mudder (2012, 2014, 2015)
• Spartan Race World Champion 2013
• Spartan Race Points Series Champion (2013 & 2015)
• 3x Death Race Finisher (Winter 2012, Summer 2012, Summer 2013)

When Amelia's not out on an obstacle course, you'll find her nurturing a budding ultra running obsession, working as a full-time attorney, or watching wrestling pay-per-views. Most likely with a box of Pop-Tarts or a bag of ketchup chips in hand. (Bio from AmeliaBooneRacing.com)

Episode 169: Amelia Boone - How The Best Obstacle Racer In The World Embraces Pain

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“For me, pain is something we shouldn't be afraid of. I feel most alive doing that."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • High level performers have an innate drive, self-motivated, constantly striving to get better
  • Can it be learned? Yes.  Need to find what it is inside of you that drives you. Cultivate it. Create routines and schedules to sustain excellence
  • How Amelia is able to be a full time attorney working for Apple AND the best obstacle racer in the world
  • The importance of prioritizing and eliminating what doesn't matter. Set your life up to eliminate time wasters -- (ie. She moved very close to her office at Apple in order to avoid wasting time with a long commute)
  • Her morning routine - Wake up at 4:00 am and train: "If I don't train, then nothing feels right."
  • How has racing impacted life as an attorney: Why having a full schedule helps her. Creates the need for focus and forces Amelia to do it
  • How Amelia creates the best version of herself
  • The difference between competing with yourself vs competing with others
  • What her relationship is like with other racers? She is friendly but knows she is the target that everyone wants to beat
  • How she's able to regularly beat everyone in a race (men and women)
  • Dealing with an injury from over-training (broken femur)
  • How the injury has changed her -- 
    • Creating her ability to be happy for the success of others
    • Dealing with Identity issues
    • Prior to the injury, she found herself caught in the cycle of "What happens if I don't win?"
    • She's learned there is more to life than winning and losing
  • How does Amelia deal with the immense pain during a 24 hour race? Compartmentalize ("Make it to the next obstacle... then the next"). If "you're really in the pain cave, then focus on others. Talk to other racers, volunteers. Get your mind off of it."
  • People who have sustained excellence have a remarkable ability to pivot. They always find a way to be successful regardless of what they are doing. "What can you be the best at right now?"
  • What is success? What is happiness? What's the best?
  • The Barkley Marathons - Why Amelia will be the first female to finish the race
  • Why you should not avoid pain. "For me, pain is something we shouldn't be afraid of. I feel most alive doing that." We've created a world we there is no pain. That's not healthy."
  • Her pre race process - Night before there are nerves. The day of: logical and methodical approach to planning everything for the race. Then zone out, be by herself and think. Be thankful, humble, and fortunate to be there.
  • How to enjoy the process and not just focus on the results
  • "There has never been a better time to start something than right now."
    • Adding something new can make you more efficient. Amelia became a racer at age 28.
  • "The key to life is being a lifelong learner"

"I've always wanted to be the best version of myself. If I don't train, nothing seems right."

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 055: Joe DeSena - Spartan Race CEO, Delayed Gratification, & Helping 1 Million People

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Amelia Boone on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by Daor Design - Daor Design will help you build your brand like nobody’s business. Most of their work falls into one of four categories: Logo Design, Print Design, Web Design or Digital Marketing. They pride themselves in being a trusted, valued resource for their growing family of clients.

Oct 16, 2016

Episode 168: Mark Sisson - How To Become A Fat Burning Beast

Mark Sisson is a former elite endurance athlete who has made health and fitness his life’s work. In his younger days, he was on the track toward medical school for a while , but he got detoured by a different track—literally—and a dream of making the US Olympic team for the marathon. As the decades passed, he realized that his calling was as an independent researcher, critical thinker, motivator, and communicator—to get people to take responsibility for their health and fitness.

Mark's mission is to change the lives of 100 million people with his Primal Blueprint movement and where he blogs at Mark's Daily Apple. 

 

Episode 168: Mark Sisson - How To Become A Fat Burning Beast

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“Your body will learn to burn fat if the glucose (sugar) is not there. Your body doesn't know if it's eaten bread or skittles."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Common themes in people who sustain excellence: Their ability to deal with stress
  • Mark's health philosophy:
    • Fresh, nutrient dense, high antioxidant, preferably locally grown/naturally raised food choices
    • Daily activity—whether it’s the gym or a walk along the beach, it all counts
    • Plenty of quality sleep, sun exposure, play, and intellectual stimulation
    • Avoid all sweets and sweetened beverages. Once you break free, they lose their allure
    • Time for fun—don’t take anything too seriously
    • Ethical behavior—because what goes around comes around
    • Taking responsibility for yourself and your life—openness to new things and ideas
  • The importance of gaining muscle mass
  • How we screw up our diet at birth
    • We must get away from a sugar based life
    • Eat meat, fish, seeds, nuts -- You'll be better at burning fat
  • Have walking meetings, use a stand up desk, use a treadmill desk
  • It is imperative that we get sunlight on a regular basis
  • How do you become a fat burning beast? Carbohydrates create glucose, body burns it and stores fat. Don't eat pasta, cereal, bread, or crackers
    • The body will burn fat if glucose is not there
  • Why Mark is never hungry for breakfast
  • Why you should get rid of grains
  • Sugar is evil
  • Mark's thought on "cheat days"
  • The NY Times story discussing the scientist who were paid to say that fat was bad and sugar was okay
  • How to maintain this lifestyle if you regularly travel
  • Discussing vegans -- The success comes from what you give up more than what you eat
  • A typical day in the life of Mark - Food eaten, workouts done, business meetings
  • The 10 Primal Blueprint Laws

"I will teach you how to become a fat burning beast."

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Mark Sisson on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by Daor Design - Daor Design will help you build your brand like nobody’s business. Most of their work falls into one of four categories: Logo Design, Print Design, Web Design or Digital Marketing. They pride themselves in being a trusted, valued resource for their growing family of clients.

Oct 12, 2016

Episode 167: Robert Cialdini - The Godfather of Influence

Harvard Business Review lists Dr. Cialdini’s research in “Breakthrough Ideas for Today’s Business Agenda.” Influence has been listed on the “New York Times Business Best Seller List.” Fortune Magazine lists Influence in their “75 Smartest Business Books.”CEO Read lists Influence in their “100 Best Business Books of All Time.”

Dr. Robert Cialdini has spent his entire career researching the science of influence earning him an international reputation as an expert in the fields of persuasion, compliance, and negotiation.

His books including, Influence: Science & Practice, are the result of decades of peer-reviewed research on why people comply with requests.Influence has sold over 3 million copies, is a New York Times Bestseller and has been published in over 30 languages. His new book, Pre-Suasion:  A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade, published by Simon & Schuster, quickly became a Wall Street Journal and a New York Times Bestseller.

Because of the world-wide recognition of Dr. Cialdini’s cutting edge scientific research and his ethical business and policy applications, he is frequently regarded as the “Godfather of influence.”

Episode 167: Robert Cialdini - The Godfather of Influence

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“Give people a reputation to live up to."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Empathy is one of the most important characteristics of a great leader (Warren Buffett & Charlie Munger)
  • A 20 year gap in books written... Why? Dr. Cialdini wanted to have sufficient research for Pre-Suasion
  • How the process of "Pre-Suading" happens -- A story shared
  • Story of a business partner who screwed up -- How he primed him by saying "I hate when this happens to nice guys like you"
  • When you receive a job offer, ask for advice from your mentors -- Their response might surprise you
  • When you ask for advice, you develop a partnership  and you collaborate.  That person becomes part of your and your success
  • The proper way to start every interview (when you are being interviewed): "I would like for you to answer a couple questions for me before we start... Why did you want me here? Why am I great for this role?"  This will prime the interviewer to share positives about you. They will work to prove themselves right (about what they said of you) throughout the rest of the interview.
  • The art of priming  -- People want to prove themselves right
  • How to get a raise or a promotion? When people are uncertain or fear they will lose you (assuming you provide value), they likely fear losses more than achieving gains.  It benefits the organization to hold on to (and it's cheaper) great talent.
  • Reciprocity - Why should a man give flowers at the beginning of a date?
  • Unity - Donald Trump claims to be an outsider -- "We're in this together as outsiders. We are the same group." It resonates with people and creates unity.
  • The Beijing Restaurant experiment
  • The profession of selling -- The new way of thinking: How to create trust = Start with a weakness of your product. Warren Buffett does this better than anyone
  • Great leaders need to be effective inside an organization
  • Learnt the power of asking for advice

"We are in this together. We are of the same group."

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Dr. Robert Cialdini on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by Daor Design - Daor Design will help you build your brand like nobody’s business. Most of their work falls into one of four categories: Logo Design, Print Design, Web Design or Digital Marketing. They pride themselves in being a trusted, valued resource for their growing family of clients.

Oct 9, 2016

Episode 166: Charles Duhigg - How To Create Habits Using Mental Models

Charles Duhigg, is a reporter for The New York Times, and the best selling author of multiple books, including  The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better. They about the science of habit formation in our lives, companies and societies.

He's worked at the Times since 2006. His latest series focused on Apple and was named “The iEconomy.” It won a Pulitzer prize for explanatory reporting in 2013.

He studied history at Yale and received an MBA from Harvard Business School. He's appeared on This American Life, N.P.R., The Newshour with Jim Lehrer, and Frontline.  Details on his newest book, Smarter Faster Better: a fascinating book that explores the science of productivity, and why managing how you think is more important than what you think—with an appendix of real-world lessons to apply to your life.
At the core of Smarter Faster Better are eight key productivity concepts—from motivation and goal setting to focus and decision making—that explain why some people and companies get so much done. Drawing on the latest findings in neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics—as well as the experiences of CEOs, educational reformers, four-star generals, FBI agents, airplane pilots, and Broadway songwriters—this painstakingly researched book explains that the most productive people, companies, and organizations don’t merely act differently.

Episode 166: Charles Duhigg - How To Create Habits Using Mental Models

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“Lorne Michaels creates  psychological safety."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Common themes of sustained excellence = Creating a habit of thinking deeply
    • It's possible to be busy all the time and never accomplish anything
  • Having "contemplative routines" -- Habits, priorities.  Michael Lewis is a great example -- He's always finding great stories
  • There is a diversity in how people succeed
  • It's very easy to be reactive -- The brain prefers this
  • The most successful people take time to think -- Needs in life change
  • The art of pairing stretch goals with SMART goals.  Structure.  Write this down
    • Specific
    • Measurable
    • Achievable
    • Realistic
    • Timeline
  • Every morning creates a new to do list -- Stretch goals are most important
  • There are practices in order to be productive and practices to be happy
  • 2 Categories
    • What you have
    • What is going to happen
  • Mentals Models -- The stories we tell ourselves prior to the event happening "what are all the things that could possibly go wrong on this flight?"
  • Nurses in a NICU -- Very easy to be overcome with details
  • Saturday Night Live
    • Everyone gets to speak in equal proportion
    • People show each other who is listening
    • There is a psychological safety in their approach
  • Lorne Michaels forces this safety
  • The power of story telling

"There is a diversity in how people succeed.  That's why thinking is so important."

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Charles Duhigg on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by Daor Design - Daor Design will help you build your brand like nobody’s business. Most of their work falls into one of four categories: Logo Design, Print Design, Web Design or Digital Marketing. They pride themselves in being a trusted, valued resource for their growing family of clients.

Oct 5, 2016

Episode 165: Chris Voss - Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It

Chris Voss is the Founder and CEO of the Black Swan Group Ltd and author of Never Split The Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It. He has used his many years of experience in international crisis and high-stakes negotiations to develop a unique program and team that applies these globally proven techniques to the business world.

Prior to 2008, Chris was the lead international kidnapping negotiator for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as the FBI’s hostage negotiation representative for the National Security Council’s Hostage Working Group. During his government career, he also represented the U.S. Government at two international conferences sponsored by the G-8 as an expert in kidnapping. He was the case agent on such cases as TERRSTOP (the Blind Sheikh Case – Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman), the TWA Flight 800 catastrophe and negotiated the surrender of the first hostage taker to give up in the Chase Manhattan bank robbery hostage taking.

During Chris’s 24 year tenure in the Bureau, he was trained in the art of negotiation by not only the FBI but Scotland Yard and Harvard Law School. He is also a recipient of the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement and the FBI Agents Association Award for Distinguished and Exemplary Service.

Chris currently teaches business negotiation in the MBA program as an adjunct professor at University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business and at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.  He has taught business negotiation at Harvard University, guest lectured at The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, The IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland and The Goethe School of Business in Frankfurt, Germany. Since 2009 Christopher has also worked with Insite Security as their Managing Director of the Kidnapping Resolution Practice.

Episode 165: Chris Voss - Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“Every single question you ask will trigger an emotional response on the other side."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • "Active Listening" leads to being a great negotiator
    • "In a 2 hour conversation, there will be solid gold"
  • There is always a difference in the literal truth and the actual truth
  • Why you cannot be scared to look stupid by not asking clarifying questions
  • How spending 24 years in the FBI, and negotiating over 150 kidnappings have developed his incredible ability
    • International kidnappings are bargaining... Commodities 
  • "Leaders and Learners ask and they follow through"
  • When closing a big business deal, terms and conditions are typically more important than the price: Try not to talk dollars until the very end.  Satisfaction and peace of mind is what closes most deals
  • How to develop trust and peace of mind -- Predictability with trust
  • "Be a mirror" -- How to quickly establish rapport: 1 to 3 words repeating with the other says
  • Why Howard Stern is one of the best interviewers in the world... He gets people to share things they would never normally say
  • How to negotiate better terms when discussing a job offer -- Thinking long term vs. short term -- Insist on being part of projects that help the long term success of the company. Create your value
  • "What makes you ask?" What's the question behind the question?
  • The Jeff Schilling kidnapping -- A $10m pricetage -- Using "That's right" to create a bonding moment and get Jeff back
  • The D.C. Snipers - Chris shares his involvement with that negotiation
  • How to spot liars... How to guarantee execution, what questions to use at what times
  • Liars use more words (typically) than people telling the truth to justify their story (their lie)
  • The 7-38-55 percent rule
  • When should you use the other persons first name and when it's too much
  • How to coach emotional intelligence skills

"Leaders and Learners ask and they follow through"

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Chris Voss on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by Daor Design - Daor Design will help you build your brand like nobody’s business. Most of their work falls into one of four categories: Logo Design, Print Design, Web Design or Digital Marketing. They pride themselves in being a trusted, valued resource for their growing family of clients.

Oct 2, 2016

Episode 164: Jonathan Fields - How To Live A Good Life

Jonathan Fields currently runs mission-driven media and education venture, Good Life Project®, where he and his team lead a global community in the quest to live more meaningful, connected and vital lives. They produce a top-rated podcast and video-series with millions of listens and views in more than 150 countries, where Jonathan regularly shares conversations with the world’s leading voices, like Sir Ken Robinson, Elizabeth Gilbert, Milton Glaser, Brene Brown, Gretchen Rubin and hundreds more.

He's also a best-selling author.  His latest book is titled How To Live A Good Life: Soulful Stories, Surprising Science, and Practical Wisdom

Jonathan is regularly featured in the media, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, FastCompany, Inc., Entrepreneur, USA Today, Real Simple, HOW, O Magazine, Self, Outside, Slate, Vogue, Elle, Allure, SELF, Yoga Journal, CNBC, Fox News, Today Show, PBS Nightly Business Report.

Episode 164: Jonathan Fields - How To Live A Good Life

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“A leader is someone who is willing to own not just the result, but the process."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • What does it mean to live a good life? 
    • Being completely unique
    • Immersing self with activities that fill you up
    • A sense of connection
  • How do you "help people live better lives?"
  • The origin story of "Good Life Project" -- The manifestation of what it means to live a good life
    • A conscious entrepreneur -- Launch, build, sold multiple companies
  • Key blog post - Year in reflection of 2011. 40 pages: 
    • 10 Commandments of Epic Business
  • How do you do something you love for a living? Just starting... Run experiments. The key is starting.
  • Having an annual gathering -- Camp GLP
  • What it's like working full time with your spouse on your business
  • Going to law school --> Being an entrepreneur --> Sold first business while in college
  • Being a lawyer for the government vs. life as an entrepreneur
  • A leader is someone who is willing to own now just the result, but the process.
  • WOOP = Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Process
  • Newest book... Why write it? What is it? A distillation of years of incredible conversations with teachers who are living it. Learning from those teachers sharing extremely actionable advice.
  • The ideal person to read "How To Live A Good Life" -- Someone who is in their middle years of their life, busy people who are ready to take more control
  • "Living Creed" -- "What do I believe is possible?"  "What do I believe is important?"
  • "Tell your story... Not someone else's"

“What do I believe is possible? What do I believe is important?"

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Jonathan Fields on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by Daor Design - Daor Design will help you build your brand like nobody’s business. Most of their work falls into one of four categories: Logo Design, Print Design, Web Design or Digital Marketing. They pride themselves in being a trusted, valued resource for their growing family of clients.

Sep 28, 2016

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“No matter your industry, don't build walls: Communicate, Cooperate, Collaborate, Coordinate."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • "To thine own self be true" -- Be yourself, focus on working hard and forging your own path
  • As a graduate student, Amy cold called the Raiders asking for an unpaid internship
  • 14 years later, she was hired as the CEO of the team
  • The key was looking for projects to be part of (even if she wasn't initially chosen to do it) and add value to it
  • Approaching work with an intense curiosity - Amy learned every role within the Raiders -- Even stuffing envelopes the proper way
  • Learn about all parts of the overall business, not just what you do
  • Amy was hired to work on contracts, but she ended up doing many different roles
  • "Don't ever view something as "Not My Responsibility" - If you see it's a problem, then fix it"
  • The day to day life of a CEO of an NFL team
  • The Four C's To A Successful Career - Communicate, Cooperate, Collaborate, Coordinate
  • "The only people not making mistakes are the ones who aren't trying"
  • "You Negotiate Like A Girl" - Why use that title? Amy has operated without regard to gender her entire career
  • The original title for her book was "Without Regard"
  • Keys to being a great negotiator:
    • You must find out what's important to each party... Some of the issues will be of no importance (let the opposing party have what is important to them if it's not important to you)
    • "The best deals were forged when sitting alongside someone collaborating."
    • No posturing, no lying -- Tell the truth
    • Openly share what's important -- Create transparency

“To thine own self be true"

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas - World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Amy Trask on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by Daor Design - Daor Design will help you build your brand like nobody’s business. Most of their work falls into one of four categories: Logo Design, Print Design, Web Design or Digital Marketing. They pride themselves in being a trusted, valued resource for their growing family of clients.

Sep 25, 2016

Episode 162: Adnan Virk - ESPN Broadcaster: Why You Should Always Say Yes

Adnan Virk works for ESPN. He is the first Muslim Sports anchor to be hired by ESPN. Adnan is one of the most versatile talents in all of ESPN. He is one of three main anchors for Baseball Tonight. In the baseball off-season, he has hosted SportsCenter and Outside the Lines. He is known as someone who will always say "yes" when a leader calls and asks him to fill in. He has filled in for Keith Olbermann, Mike and Mike, SVP & Russilo, and many others. He is a "cinephile." Adnan has an immense love for film, regularly picks the Oscars, and does movie reviews on radio and TV. Recently, he started his own podcast titled, "Cinephile - The Adnan Virk Movie Podcast." He interviews actors and reviews movies.  Some of his guests have been: Robert DeNiro (that story is discussed in depth on this episode), Viggo Mortensen, Denis Leary, Will Arnett, and more. His love (and knowledge) of movies is evident during this conversation.

Episode 162: Adnan Virk - ESPN Broadcaster: Why You Should Always Say Yes

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“You will always have a job if you can do a lot of things. But you REALLY get paid if you can do one thing extremely well." - Mike Greenberg

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • The Top 5 Tom Hanks movies (we respectfully disagree but had fun discussing)
  • The reason he became a sportscaster
  • How he got his job at ESPN
  • Why he chose to study Broadcasting in college
  • Where his love of film came from
  • Originally wanting to be a director and the moment when he realized he should do something else (and why)
  • What he learned writing his first script -- "You have to be economical with your words"
  • The impact his movie knowledge had on his co-workers at ESPN -- And opportunities it created for him
  • Being a "generalist" -- How and why it's helped him
  • Movie Reviews - Big, Top Gun, Rounders, Cast Away
  • "You will always have a job if you can do a lot of things. But you really get paid if you can do one thing extremely well."
  • His interview preparation process
  • A great Robert DeNiro story - Meeting him, interviewing him, and what happened after it was over
  • The greatest part about having a podcast
  • Understanding the goals you have for each interview -- Having a plan
    • Have to be prepared
    • Research (a lot)
    • Be prepared to go anywhere
  • "Whenever there is an opening, always show up. Always be there for your boss. Be known as the person who says yes when your boss calls. Don't tell them about the trouble it takes you to say yes, just do it. Show up."

“Whatever your passion is... You have to find it. And do it. You need new challenges and goals to be entertained."

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 047: David Marquet - "Turn The Ship Around"

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Adnan Virk on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by Daor Design - Daor Design will help you build your brand like nobody’s business. Most of their work falls into one of four categories: Logo Design, Print Design, Web Design or Digital Marketing. They pride themselves in being a trusted, valued resource for their growing family of clients.

Sep 21, 2016

Episode 161: Hank Fortener - "The 5 Chapters Of Your Life"

Hank Fortener saw the transformational power of adoption when his parents gave forever homes to eight kids from eight different countries and fostered 36 children while he was a boy.

Because of this, Hank created Adopt Together. AdoptTogether.org is the world's first crowd funding site for adoption. In the first 4 years, AdoptTogether.org has helped over 2,000 families raise over $8.5M to cover adoption expenses and bring their children home. Hank also speaks on the topics of leadership and teaming. He has spoken to companies such as: Sony Entertainment, Cardinal Health, Cornerstone On Demand, and a host of others. He has a podcast titled, "Typically Hazardous." Hank lives in Los Angeles with his wife Sueann and two daughters Cora and Charlotte. Hank also loves two dollar bills, great ideas, and good coffee. He currently is on tour with Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato. Had had the privilege of speaking at TEDx on "How To Use The Internet To Solve World Problems."

Episode 161: Hank Fortener - "The 5 Chapters Of Your Life"

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“What are the five chapters you want in your life?"

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • A person who is "drunk in everything about their life" who has great, healthy relationships will lead to sustaining excellence
  • The importance of consistency -- "It's the only thing that has emerged to help me be successful"
  • How to be more consistent - Set up tools (Evernote), Write 10 ideas per day (via James Altucher)
  • Balancing his four main points of emphasis right now: Writing a book, podcast, running his non-profit, World Adoption Day
  • Most excited about? Building a one of a kind type of platform -- "Creating the life I want"
  • Currently hosting a pre-show on Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato's tour -- How it came about
  • What are the 5 chapters you want in you life? -- Write them out
  • Write previous chapters in your life that you liked and didn't liked
  • Why he doesn't do well with a boss, but also why he is not a good solo entrepreneur -- He needs a team
  • 3 Keys To Being a Fantastic Leader
    • Generous - Volunteer connections, energy, and compliments
    • Trust - Character, and Honesty
    • Overwhelmingly accessible - You must be there for those that you lead "You must show up"
  • How "World Adoption Day" came about
  • Scott Harrison - Charity Water CEO is involved
  • The "Seth Godin" approach - Pitch 10 people - If it comes back, it's good.
  • The significance of a hand with a smiley face
  • The process for "creating a day" with the United Nations
  • Why adoption? His family fostered 36 children. 19 million children don't have lead parents. He grew up with 8 adopted brothers and sisters
  • Why as the lead you must be "the first in and last out"

“Ultimately, being consistent has led to long term success."

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 047: David Marquet - "Turn The Ship Around"

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

Did you enjoy the podcast?

If you enjoyed hearing Hank Fortener on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by Daor Design - Daor Design will help you build your brand like nobody’s business. Most of their work falls into one of four categories: Logo Design, Print Design, Web Design or Digital Marketing. They pride themselves in being a trusted, valued resource for their growing family of clients.

Sep 18, 2016

Episode 160: Liz Wiseman - Why Lack Of Experience Is Your Advantage

Liz Wiseman teaches leadership to executives and emerging leaders around the world. She is the President of The Wiseman Group, a leadership research and development firm headquartered in Silicon Valley. Some of her recent clients include: Apple, Disney, eBay/PayPal, Facebook, GAP, Google, Microsoft, Nike, Roche, Salesforce.com, and Twitter. Liz has been listed on the Thinkers50 ranking and named as one of the top 10 leadership thinkers in the world and recipient of the 2016 ATD Champion of Talent Award.

She is the author of three best-selling books: Rookie Smarts: Why Learning Beats Knowing in the New Game of Work, Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter and The Multiplier Effect: Tapping the Genius Inside Our Schools. She has conducted significant research in the field of leadership and collective intelligence and writes for Harvard Business Review and Fortune and her work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, Inc. and Time magazines. She is a frequent guest lecturer at BYU, and Stanford University.

A former executive at Oracle Corporation, she worked over the course of 17 years as the Vice President of Oracle University and as the global leader for Human Resource Development. During her tenure at Oracle, she led several major global initiatives and has worked and traveled in over 40 countries.

Liz holds a Bachelors degree in Business Management and a Masters of Organizational Behavior from Brigham Young University. Liz lives in Menlo Park, California with her husband and four children who share her over-active curiosity and sense of adventure. (Bio from thewisemangroup.com) (Picture from thinkers50.com)

Episode 160: Liz Wiseman - Why Lack Of Experience Is Your Advantage

Subscribe on iTunes  or Stitcher Radio

The Learning Leader Show

“The leaders job is to pull out the greatness around them."

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Having an outward orientation and thinking beyond yourself will lead to sustained excellence
  • Liz describes a "genius vs a genius maker"
  • "The leaders job is to pull out greatness around them. They are past themselves."
  • Larry Ellison is a prime example of a leader who pulls out the greatness in others
  • How to earn the trust of the CEO
  • Why learning beats knowing
  • Only 15% of what we know today will be relevant 5 years from now
  • Why lack of experience is your advantage
  • Career advice to younger workers: "Don't try to replicate someone else. Don't be a "Steve Jobs wannabe" -- Be yourself
  • Managers need to understand the value of rookies
  • The disciplines of a "multiplier vs a diminsher"
  • Signs you've reached a plateau in your career:
    • Things are running smoothly
    • You have "ready answers"
    • You're getting positive feedback all the time
    • You're the mentor
    • You're busy but bored
    • You start to play it safe
  • Diminisher = Energy killer, puts a blanket on new ideas
  • Multiplier = They use their own intelligence to amplify and help others grow and succeed
  • A Diminsher is
    • A trophy collector... Treats talented employees like trophies (until they leave)
    • A tyrant... A creator of stress
    • A "know it all"
  • A Multiplier is
    • A talent magnet... People grow around multipliers and other great leaders flow to them
    • A liberator... They give space
    • A challenger... They invite people to do hard things. They get comfortable inviting others to be uncomfortable. They create a warm environment.
    • Someone who creates a safe environment for intellectual curiosity and creates stretch

“Don't be intimidated by what you don't know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else." - Sara Blakely

Continue Learning:

You may also like these episodes:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer - Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 047: David Marquet - "Turn The Ship Around"

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

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If you enjoyed hearing Liz Wiseman on the show, please don’t hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.

Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

The Learning Leader Show is supported by Daor Design - Daor Design will help you build your brand like nobody’s business. Most of their work falls into one of four categories: Logo Design, Print Design, Web Design or Digital Marketing. They pride themselves in being a trusted, valued resource for their growing family of clients.

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