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Companies do not always stall because they have a strategy problem. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Jonathan Lewis explore how identity shapes growth, culture, succession, and the way leaders respond to a changing workforce.   In this episode, Dean Newlund and Jonathan Lewis discuss: Identity as a driver of business growthThe five phases of the disruption cycleCulture and the idea behind the leaderSuccession and generational leadershipRebuilding work through relationships and purpose   Key Takeaways: Identity acts as a form of leverage because who you are determines which strategies and opportunities you are willing to consider.Organizations can respond to saturation by returning to the growth cycle, defining a new market, and finding new ways to bring life into the company.Strong cultures are built around an enduring idea that new leaders can embody in their own way rather than depending entirely on one individual.Leaders can better understand their identity by looking at the people they serve, the responsibilities they carry, and the relationships around them.Leaders can become rebuilders by taking responsibility for their community, company, or department and creating a more relational, purposeful story of work.  "People are culture, people are identity, and so if you change people, you are changing your identity and your culture.” — Jonathan Lewis   About Jonathan Lewis: Jonathan David Lewis is the owner and president of McKee Wallwork, a nationally recognized brand strategy firm that helps CEOs and leadership teams through pivotal moments. A sought-after speaker, Forbes contributor, and author of three books, including Brand vs. Wild: Building Resilient Brands for Harsh Business Environments and The Rebuilders: Daily Foundations for the Leaders We Need, Jonathan draws on more than a decade of proprietary research and hard-won experience to help audiences restore decisiveness in the face of disruption, stalled growth, and organizational change. He is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.    Connect with Jonathan Lewis:   Website: https://www.mckeewallwork.com/ Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jonathan-David-Lewis/author/B01N6U2ABA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanlewis11/     See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/ The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

What separates elite performers may have less to do with talent and more to do with mindset, daily rituals, and sustainability.  Dean Newlund and Gary Chupik explore what business leaders can learn from elite athletes about performance, recovery, decision-making, and lasting change.   In this episode, Dean Newlund and Gary Chupik discuss: Mental performance across sports and businessDaily rituals and recoverySustainability, ambition, and personal capacityDecision-making and limiting choicesQuestions, ownership, and organizational change  Key Takeaways: Create a personal daily regimen of five or seven things that put you in the best position to succeed, such as getting enough sleep, hydrating, or making time for future-focused thinking.Protect periods of rest and reduce reactionary inputs by creating space away from phones, email, and social media so you can approach the day more intentionally.Sustainable growth may require choosing opportunities based on what feels manageable and enjoyable rather than automatically pursuing everything that appears lucrative or beneficial for your career.Excellence often requires limiting choices and closing doors that do not align with the direction, purpose, or level of performance you want to achieve.Change is more likely to take hold when people are actively involved in figuring out the next steps, with a designated change champion helping keep the process moving.  “Don’t trust the process. Attack the process.” — Gary Chupik  About Gary Chupik: Gary Chupik is internationally recognized as one of the top mental performance coaches in the world, helping professional teams, athletes, and business professionals find their next level in performance. He is an international speaker, writer, and certified leadership coach, with clients including the Houston Texans, Seattle Mariners, Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing. With over 30 years of leadership experience, Gary has inspired over 25,000 high-performers and coached over 600 athletes and business people.  Connect with Gary Chupik:   Website: http://www.elitemindsetnation.com/ & https://www.onedayelevate.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garychupik Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitemindset/       See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/ The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

AI is changing how businesses communicate, work, and make decisions, but it also raises new questions about trust, authenticity, and original thinking. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Gal Borenstein explore hybrid work, digital trust, responsible AI adoption, and why innovation still depends on human judgment and creativity.   In this episode, Dean Newlund and Gal Borenstein discuss: How hybrid work is reshaping business and workplace cultureBuilding authenticity into digital communicationAI's impact on attention, creativity, and original thinkingQuestions leaders should ask before adopting AIWhy disruptive innovation requires CEO backing  Key Takeaways: Hybrid work can give employees more flexibility while helping companies reduce real estate and other overhead costs.Digital trust requires recognizing that what people see online may not be authentic and creating clear signals of human involvement.AI can improve productivity, but relying on it without your own intellect, knowledge, values, and judgment can weaken original thinking.Businesses should identify a real, validated problem before adopting AI rather than using it simply because competitors are doing so.Real innovation requires creating something that challenges existing thinking and has an actual impact.  "Trust no one, verify, and create opportunities to build trust through innovation.” — Gal Borenstein   About Gal Borenstein: Gal S. Borenstein is the Founder and CEO of The Borenstein Group, a nationally recognized B2B and B2G branding, marketing, and public relations agency serving defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, and technology companies for over three decades. With more than 30 years of experience advising CEOs, CMOs, and founders, he specializes in brand transformation, strategic messaging, digital trust, and go-to-market positioning. He is also the author of Don’t Believe the Hype. When Trust Is on the Line and Beating Goliath with AI: The Small Business Playbook to Outsmart Your Biggest Competitors.   Connect with Gal Borenstein:   Website: https://www.borensteingroup.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gal-S.-Borenstein/author/B00J9AZ0GQ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BorensteinGroup_WashingtonDC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/galborensteinexecutiveprofile/     See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/ The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

What happens when a growing organization’s systems can no longer support its vision? Dean Newlund and Carol Schultz discuss chief of staff roles, CEO accountability, communication, competency models, feedback culture, and organizational structures that help teams grow.   In this episode, Dean Newlund and Carol Schultz discuss: Telling clients the truth and leading with integrityWhat a chief of staff really doesRecognizing when people problems are systems problemsBuilding competency models around organizational needsCreating stronger communication, feedback, and leadership accountability  Key Takeaways: Tell clients the truth, even when doing so creates a risk of losing the business.Look at the systems behind recurring people problems before assuming another person is the solution.Use competency models to make hiring and performance reviews more objective and clarify what employees are expected to do.Build a culture of feedback by modeling effective communication and teaching people how to use language well.Give teams room to make mistakes, learn, and become more independent instead of solving every problem for them.  "An effective CEO is one that is self-aware. An effective CEO is one that, I believe, is vulnerable and authentic. An effective CEO is not afraid of looking bad, and I don't mean physically.” — Carol Schultz   About Carol Schultz: Carol Schultz, CEO of Vertical Elevation and Inc. Magazine columnist, is an outspoken entrepreneur who helps CEOs stop running their companies and start leading them. She draws on decades of experience as a recruiter and executive coach to deliver The Chief of Staff Scaffold System, a 9-step program that teaches founders to restructure their time, delegate effectively, and refocus on growth. Known for her no-BS honesty and willingness to ruffle feathers, Carol combines bold truth-telling with lessons learned from her own early leadership missteps.   Connect with Carol Schultz:   Website: https://verticalelevation.com Email: [email protected] Book: Powered by People: https://www.amazon.com/Powered-People-Talent-Centric-Organizations-Recruitment-ebook/dp/B09ZZC81J6 Show: Evolving Your Workplace: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolving-your-workplace/id1562180951 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolbschultz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growgreatteams/     See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/ The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

What happens when the life you built no longer feels like your own? Dean Newlund talks with Wendy Valentine about self-awareness, rebuilding after rock bottom, changing the thoughts and behaviors that keep us stuck, and finding the courage to become the person we want to be.   In this episode, Dean Newlund and Wendy Valentine discuss: Awakening through breakdowns and major life transitionsLetting go of beliefs and behaviors that no longer fitRebuilding your life through intentional personal growthSelf-awareness in a world full of distractionsEmbracing discomfort, change, and new possibilities  Key Takeaways: When staying stuck and starting over both require effort, choose where you want that energy to take you.Focus on who you want to become, not only the goals, plans, and tasks you want to accomplish.Experiment with different practices, such as journaling, hiking, meditation, or therapy, to build a personal toolbox that works for you.Negative emotions and difficult experiences do not automatically mean you are doing something wrong; they are part of being human.Ask what your 90-year-old self would thank you for, then use that perspective to make choices with fewer regrets.  "You've got to get your toolbox. Get your toolbox of things that you know that will work for you.” — Wendy Valentine   About Wendy Valentine: Wendy Valentine is the author of Women Waking Up: The Midlife Manifesto for Passion, Purpose, and Play, a #1 Amazon New Release, and host of The Midlife Makeover Show. After navigating divorce, menopause, job loss, debt, and an empty nest all at once, Wendy stopped living on autopilot and started designing a life that felt like her own. Today, she empowers women to reconnect with their purpose and create bold, joy-fueled lives. Splitting her time between Portugal and traveling the USA in her RV, Wendy is living proof that life gets better, not smaller, with age.    Connect with Wendy Valentine:   Website: https://wendyvalentine.com/ Book: Women Waking Up: https://wendyvalentine.com/womenwakingup Show: The Midlife Makeover Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-midlife-makeover-show-women-over-40-menopause/id1609342417 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellowendyvalentine/     See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/ The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

What if strategy isn’t the biggest barrier to business growth? Dean Newlund talks with Nick Avaria, founder of Agency Acquisitions, about founder bottlenecks, organizational blind spots, management, leadership, growth, and AI.   In this episode, Dean Newlund and Nick Avaria discuss: Systems and structures that support business growthBlind spots that can quietly limit growthChallenges in making the jump from $2M to $8MWhy management matters alongside strong leadershipAI, talent, and changing approaches to workplace surveillance  Key Takeaways: Examine whether your systems reinforce the behaviors you need, rather than assuming a stronger strategy will solve operational problems.Treat problems as part of growth and use them to identify where your systems, culture, or communication need to become more sophisticated.Build a function to a reasonably working level before handing it off, so a new leader can improve an existing foundation instead of starting from scratch.Give management its proper place alongside leadership, with clear systems and direction underneath the energy and vision leaders provide.Spend time experimenting with AI before delegating it entirely, so you understand its capabilities well enough to make informed decisions and hold others accountable.  "When you have rock-solid management, and then you come and sprinkle some leadership on top, magic happens.” — Nick Avaria   About Nick Avaria: Nick has spent over a decade as an agency owner, scaling multiple agencies past 7 and 8-figures per year. He has bought and sold 7 agencies and specializes in scaling, leadership, systems, and company culture. His philosophy is simple: Make more profit, reinvest in training, pay staff more, hire top performers, and repeat. After seeing agency owners burn out working 60+ hours per week, Nick began consulting to help them build profitable workplaces where employees and clients can thrive while spending less time behind their desk. He still owns agencies and has found a system that consistently scales agencies at high profits.   Connect with Nick Avaria:   Website: https://agencyacquisitions.io/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AgencyAcquisitions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickavaria/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nick_avaria/     See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/ The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Change is part of every leader’s job, but resistance is not always a communication problem. In this episode, Dean Newlund talks with Travis Hahler about the neuroscience behind resistance and how leaders can help people move forward through change.   In this episode, Dean Newlund and Travis Hahler discuss: The brain’s response to uncertainty and why change can trigger resistanceNeurological barriers that shape transitions and influence responsesLoss, ambiguity, and emotional reactions during changeLeadership approaches to resistance and creating room for adaptationStaying curious as new technologies reshape how we work  Key Takeaways: Resistance is often neurological rather than willful refusal; think in terms of routine, threat bias, and ambiguity aversion.Diagnose perceived loss by naming what people may fear losing, such as control, competence, relationships, or comfort.Create space and structure for adaptation with pacing, repetition, and safe opportunities to practice and fail.Use curiosity to surface root causes by asking what people need and what information or support is missing.Balance learning with delivery by protecting time for training and experimentation while keeping essential work moving.  "Every change equals loss. And so it just naturally is something that our brain kind of pushes against.” — Travis Hahler   About Travis Hahler: Travis D. Hahler transforms how Fortune 500 companies navigate change by revealing a startling truth: Resistance isn't rebellion—it’s biology. As Senior Director of Global Strategy and Transformation at Salesforce and Founder of The Neurological Nomad, Hahler brings neuroscience and business acumen to organizational transformation. Over fifteen years, Hahler has guided more than one hundred companies through successful transformations. Rethink Resistance represents Hahler’s mission to democratize neuroscience for business leaders.   Connect with Travis Hahler:   Website: https://www.theneurologicalnomad.com/ Book: RETHINK RESISTANCE: Embracing Neuroscience to Lead Transformational Change: https://www.amazon.com/Rethink-Resistance-Embracing-Neuroscience-Transformational/dp/1639081895 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisdhahler/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurologicalnomad/     See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/ The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Courage can show up in telling the truth, making difficult decisions, and acting without having all the answers. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Ryan Berman explore what courage looks like in leadership, how fear shapes our choices, and how we can build the courage to move forward.   In this episode, Dean Newlund and Ryan Berman discuss: Why telling the truth and staying authentic takes courage How fear shapes leadership and workplace culture Building courage through curiosity and experimentation Using knowledge, belief, and action to make decisions Managing loneliness and perspective in leadership   Key Takeaways: Create more alignment between your personal and professional self by examining whether your work reflects the values that give you energy. Make courageous conversations safer by checking impact and asking what the other person heard instead of assuming your intent was clear. Treat mistakes as part of experimentation, creating space to test ideas, learn from what happens, and keep moving. Use knowledge, faith, and action together to avoid paralysis from overthinking or recklessness from acting without enough understanding. Pay attention to relationships that may shift as you grow in leadership, and make connection and shared purpose part of how you lead.   "Knowledge plus faith plus action equals courage.” — Ryan Berman   About Ryan Berman: Ryan Berman is a corporate fear fighter, founder of Courageous, author of Return On Courage, and host of The Courageous Podcast. For 25+ years, Ryan has helped companies operationalize courage where they need it most, counseling organizations including Google, Procter & Gamble, Kellogg’s, Kraft Heinz, Bausch & Lomb, Tropicana, the Atlanta Falcons, and Snapchat. His consulting firm, Courageous, guides clients through courageous conversations, decisions, ideas, and transformation. Ryan believes that change is hard, but the hardships of not changing are far harder.    Connect with Ryan Berman:   Website: http://www.ryanberman.com/ Book: Return On Courage: https://www.returnoncourage.com/ Show: The Courageous Podcast: https://ryanberman.com/courageous-podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bravewhatshard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan_berman/       See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/ The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

AI is reshaping jobs, workflows, and the way organizations operate. In this episode, Dean Newlund talks with Nadav Wilf, founder of ZeremAI, about how CEOs can build an AI strategy that drives business results.   In this episode, Dean Newlund and Nadav Wilf discuss: Where AI is changing jobs and responsibilities The three stages of AI use inside a business Turning AI productivity into deeper operational automation How different approaches to AI regulation affect innovation What AI companions could mean for human connection   Key Takeaways: Start with business needs and workflows when deciding where AI can create the most value. Move beyond basic prompting by progressing toward automated and AI native systems as your organization develops its capabilities. Look for entire responsibilities AI can take over rather than using it only to make existing tasks faster. Understand the tradeoffs behind AI regulation and how approaches in the United States, European Union, and China shape innovation, risk, and control. Be intentional about human relationships as AI companions become more common and consider how technology can support rather than replace human connection.   "AI is incredibly exciting. There's so much opportunity and things you can do, and there's a lot [you] can't do still, and it's about creating that relationship and finding that balance.” — Nadav Wilf   About Nadav Wilf: Nadav Wilf is an entrepreneur, investor, and the CEO of ZeremAI, a company at the forefront of AI implementation and systems automation. With a career spanning over two decades, Nadav is a three-time founder with multiple successful exits who has dedicated his life to understanding how technology can unlock human potential. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human talent, Nadav approaches it as a catalyst for a high-performance culture, helping organizations restructure their workflows to reclaim massive amounts of productive time. A dynamic speaker and strategic advisor, he speaks passionately about the transition into an AI-first economy, the rise of AI agents, and how leaders can navigate the massive cultural and operational shifts of the modern workplace.   Connect with Nadav Wilf:   Website: https://zerem.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadavwilf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadavwilf/       See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/ The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Authority isn't about having the loudest voice or the biggest title. It's about consistently creating value that earns trust over time. In this episode, Dean Newlund sits down with Mitch Matthews to discuss building authentic authority, creating career options, communicating with authenticity, and leading with curiosity.   In this episode, Dean Newlund and Mitch Matthews discuss: Why authority is earned instead of borrowed The lighthouse post approach to building influence Creating more career options before you need them Showing up authentically instead of performing Leading with curiosity in difficult conversations   Key Takeaways: Borrowed authority may open doors, but lasting influence comes from consistently sharing your own experience and expertise. You don't need to quit your job to build something meaningful; small, consistent investments of time can create future opportunities. The most effective communication feels natural because people connect with authenticity more than a carefully crafted persona. Boredom often signals a need for growth, and introducing something new can restore energy and momentum. Curiosity creates space for understanding and makes difficult conversations more productive than trying to prove someone else wrong.   "When we talk about authority and impact, it's being able to say, 'How do we have a positive impact on the people we feel called to help?'” — Mitch Matthews   About Mitch Matthews: Mitch Matthews is a success coach, speaker, and creator of the top 1% podcast DREAM THINK DO - where he helps high-achieving leaders and entrepreneurs dream bigger, think better, and do more of what they were put on the planet to do. He’s worked with organizations like Nike, NASA, and Disney, and he’s the creator of The Authority Bridge™ - a proven process that helps professionals turn their experience into a coaching and speaking business they love.   Connect with Mitch Matthews:   Website: https://mitchmatthews.com/ Show: The DREAM THINK DO Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dream-think-do-motivation-encouragement-strategy/id958773768 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchmatthews/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mitch.matthews.104/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitch.matthews/ The Authority Bridge™ initiative: https://mitchmatthews.com/authoritybridge/ Get Mitch's weekly insights at MitchMatthews.com/4things Free guide on finding and keeping your first coaching clients at MitchMatthews.com/44ways Free resource for building a coaching or business practice at MitchMatthews.com/11prayers     See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/ The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Strong leaders know that facts alone rarely change minds. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Danny Bobrow explore why authentic connection comes before persuasion and how leaders can communicate in ways that earn trust, strengthen relationships, and inspire action.   In this episode, Dean Newlund and Danny Bobrow discuss: Lessons from endurance sports and teamwork The Persuasion Blueprint framework Persuasion in digital and AI-assisted communication Building stronger relationships through emotional awareness Leadership communication during difficult conversations   Key Takeaways: Begin difficult conversations by helping people feel understood before trying to convince them. Care and emotional attunement create the foundation for collaboration. Let enthusiasm grow by discovering what already motivates the other person instead of overwhelming them with your own excitement. In digital communication, take time to write thoughtful, respectful messages that provide context and show consideration. Before debating emotional issues, understand where someone is coming from instead of leading with facts alone. Use AI to support your thinking, but preserve authentic judgment and relationships where trust depends on your own words.   "What people are really craving is to be understood, not to be impressed.” — Danny Bobrow   About Danny Bobrow: Daniel A. “Danny” Bobrow is the creator of The Art of First Impressions™ and The Persuasion Blueprint™, communication mastery programs that help businesses build trust and drive ethical conversion. He is President of AIM Dental Marketing, which has helped grow dental practices since 1989, and serves as Executive Director of Climb for a Cause™ and The Smile Tree™. Danny is the Founding Executive Committee Chair of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health and holds two MBAs from the University of Chicago and K.U.L. Belgium. A Distinguished Toastmaster, mediator, mountaineer, and endurance athlete,  Danny champions patient persistence and respectful resilience.   Connect with Danny Bobrow:   Website: https://www.dannybobrow.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannybobrow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielABobrow/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielabobrow       See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/ The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

AI can now do far more than summarize meetings. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Artem Koren explore how meeting intelligence is evolving into AI that helps leaders execute business goals, improve collaboration, and rethink the future of work.   In this episode, Dean Newlund and Artem Koren discuss: The evolution of AI-powered meeting intelligence Connecting everyday work to organizational goals Practical AI applications for business workflows Leadership behaviors in times of uncertainty Balancing automation with human judgment   Key Takeaways: AI can remove repetitive work, but leaders should continue reviewing its output to ensure it reflects their own thinking, judgment, and communication style. Custom AI workflows can help organizations evaluate meetings against their own standards, making it easier to reinforce desired behaviors and improve consistency. Rather than focusing only on individual tasks, AI can help employees connect their daily work to broader business goals and organizational priorities. When problems arise, leaders build stronger teams by staying calm, assessing the situation, addressing the immediate issue, and learning from what happened instead of reacting emotionally. Use AI to support decisions and execution, but preserve the human moments that strengthen relationships, trust, and personal connection.   "Assess the situation, stop the bleed, figure out what you do to prevent this thing from happening in the future, and implement those changes.” — Artem Koren   About Artem Koren: Artem is the Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder of Semby AI. Artem has 16+ years of product management experience and has applied AI learning to his work since 2009. Artem is passionate about using AI to enrich humanity and create positive change.   Connect with Artem Koren:   Website: https://www.sembly.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akoren/       See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/ The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Strong sales conversations are built long before the pitch begins. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Glenn Poulos explore practical strategies for building trust, strengthening customer relationships, and creating memorable buying experiences in both in-person and virtual sales environments.   In this episode, Dean Newlund and Glenn Poulos discuss: Relationship-driven approaches to professional selling Adapting traditional sales practices for virtual environments Communication techniques that strengthen customer trust Career decisions, entrepreneurship, and business growth Lessons learned from decades of sales and leadership experience   Key Takeaways: Listening carefully, remembering people, and learning about their environment creates stronger trust than leading with product features. Instead of covering everything you offer, identify the customer's primary problem and build your presentation around solving it. Whether meeting in person or virtually, thoughtful preparation, genuine rapport, and attention to detail leave a stronger impression than a polished sales pitch. Working for strong, market-leading organizations can create greater career growth and reduce the effort spent defending your value. Recognizing what you do well, letting go of poor-fit pursuits, and building on your strengths leads to greater confidence and effectiveness.   "You only have one life to live, so you should always work for the best possible company.” — Glenn Poulos   About Glenn Poulos: Glenn Poulos is a three-time entrepreneur and seasoned strategist leading ProgUSA, a long-standing power industry supplier focused on equipment and tools supporting today’s grid and tomorrow’s data center power needs. He previously built and exited two successful companies, including Gap Wireless, which grew to more than $80 million in sales before its eight-figure exit. He is the multiple international award-winning author of Never Sit in the Lobby and is known for blending sharp sales discipline with a human, rapport-driven approach to leadership. Outside of work, Glenn is an in-demand charity DJ under the name Phossl.   Connect with Glenn Poulos:   Website: https://glennpoulos.com/ Book: Never Sit in the Lobby: https://glennpoulos.com/book/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@glennpoulos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennpoulos/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/GlennPoulos Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glenn.poulos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenn.poulos/     See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/ The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Great leadership doesn't begin with better answers—it begins with asking better questions. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Ashley Jablow explore how design thinking can help leaders create intentional cultures, embrace uncertainty, and make better decisions through empathy, experimentation, and purposeful action.   In this episode, Dean Newlund and Ashley Jablow discuss: Applying design thinking beyond product development Why organizational culture should be intentionally designed Innovation, leadership, and navigating uncertainty Creativity within organizational and personal constraints Designing meaningful careers and life transitions   Key Takeaways: Start every challenge by understanding the people involved before jumping to solutions. Ashley explains that designing with empathy leads to more effective decisions for employees, customers, and leaders alike. Favor small, fast experiments over waiting for perfect plans. Ashley encourages leaders to learn from each attempt, iterate, and build confidence through continuous experimentation. Building innovative teams requires creating enough trust and psychological safety for people to contribute ideas, take healthy risks, and learn from failures without fear. Constraints such as limited time, resources, or existing commitments can become productive design tools by narrowing focus and encouraging more creative problem-solving. When facing uncertainty, Ashley recommends asking, “What is the smallest, fastest, cheapest thing that I could do or try today to learn the most?” to identify low-risk actions that generate valuable learning and momentum.   "You kind of have to build the plane while you're flying it.” — Ashley Jablow   About Ashley Jablow: Ashley Jablow (Jab-lo, pronouns: she/her) is the founder of Wayfinders Collective and creator of Life Design School, a creative studio for people in career and life transition. A seasoned facilitator, speaker, coach, and design strategist, Ashley blends design thinking and innovation, emotional intelligence, and creative tools to spark clarity and action for teams and individuals navigating change. She's also the artist and author of 100 Days of Designing My Life, a guided journal series for reflection and reinvention.   Connect with Ashley Jablow:   Website: https://www.wayfinderscollective.com/ & https://www.lifedesignschool.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyjablow/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyjablow/     See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/ The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

High-performing organizations don't improve engagement by chance. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Ryan Englin explore why employee engagement is ultimately a leadership responsibility and how small, consistent actions can strengthen retention, trust, and business performance.   In this episode, Dean Newlund and Ryan Englin discuss: The relationship between leadership and employee engagement Recruiting as part of an organization's marketing strategy Building workplace cultures that improve retention Practical approaches to gathering employee feedback The business impact of disengagement on organizational performance   Key Takeaways: Leaders should regularly measure engagement through short quarterly pulse surveys and communicate what actions will be taken, helping employees see that their feedback leads to meaningful change. Frequent feedback conversations are more effective than relying solely on annual performance reviews because employees need ongoing clarity about expectations and opportunities for growth. According to Ryan, organizations attract stronger candidates when they become workplaces people genuinely want to join rather than relying primarily on recruiting tactics. Ryan argues that engagement grows when employees feel cared for, develop trusted workplace relationships, and have opportunities to build meaningful connections with colleagues. Disengagement can create measurable business costs through turnover, rework, overtime, and lower productivity, making employee engagement a leadership and financial priority.   "When you have an engaged workforce, they want to work for you, and they want to continue working for you.” — Ryan Englin   About Ryan Englin: Ryan Englin is passionate about helping growing businesses, particularly in blue-collar industries, build productive companies by hiring the right people. Growing up, he watched his father work long hours as an owner/operator and witnessed firsthand the challenges of hiring and retaining quality frontline employees. That experience inspired Ryan to help businesses find a better way. Through his company, Core Matters, Ryan provides coaching and training on attracting, hiring, and retaining top employees. Using his Core Fit Hiring System, he helps small and midsize businesses hire better people, faster. Over nearly a decade, Ryan has worked with more than 100 clients, helping business owners achieve their hiring and growth goals.   Connect with Ryan Englin:   Website: https://corematters.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corematters/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanenglin/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecorematters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecorematters/     See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/ The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/ Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.