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In today's episode, we're sitting down with Aaron Arnold, executive director of Waukegan to College, for a deep dive into the critical role of leadership in addressing societal and mental health issues. We'll hear Aaron's candid discussion on embracing change, overcoming the challenges of delegating, and the role of self-regulation and stress management in maintaining mental well-being, even for high-stress professionals. Plus, he shares personal stories about the significance of tokens, reminders, and why living without regrets has become a guiding principle in his life. Key Topics00:21 Introduction 05:08 Executive director describes leadership at Waukegan to College. 08:53 Struggle with bringing change, facing self-doubt. 09:49 Change requires discomfort to break the status quo. 11:24 Leadership as a skill is about management. 18:11 Leading with demonstration, not coercion, motivates self-discovery. 20:30 Leadership: Problem-solving or tension management paradox. 28:17 Mental health support for stress management at work. 35:14 Self-care, seeking support, and gratitude practice. 39:38 Learning to delegate and embrace discomfort for growth. 45:48 Embrace risks, believe in your uniqueness, follow your passion, don't take life seriously. Guest BioAaron Arnold is a visionary leader and strategist whose commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development has made a significant impact across various communities. With a personal philosophy centered on maximizing his contribution to the world, Aaron dedicated ten years to transformative work in South America. Here, he immersed himself in the educational and developmental processes of students, recognizing that the true potential for societal progress lay in nurturing young minds. During his tenure, Aaron identified a critical gap in the support and resources available for professionals dedicated to youth mentorship. Addressing this need, he founded a national organization committed to the provision of comprehensive leadership and resource development services. This platform became a cornerstone for a network that supports educators and leaders who guide young individuals in their formative years. Aaron's leadership approach is captured in his belief that effective leaders render themselves unnecessary as their initiatives reach self-sustaining maturity. His professional journey is a testament to the enduring value of mentorship, international collaboration, and the power of investing in future generations for the betterment of society. LinkedIn CONNECT WITH DANIEL FULLER, KYLE MALONEY, AND FULLSTACK PEOA turnkey HR for emerging companies, FullStack PEO removes the human resource, compliance, and payroll headaches from a company’s to-do list. FullStack also produces the Savage to Sage podcast, co-hosted by Partner and VP of Business Development, Daniel Fuller and Senior Account Executive, Kyle Maloney. Linkedin - Daniel  ||  [email protected] Linkedin - Kyle  ||  [email protected] SavagetoSage.com brought to you by FullStackPeo.com

This week on Savage to Sage, we talk with Justin Clifford, CEO of Bereave. In our conversation, he shares how he navigated through the multifaceted life of a startup CEO and mastered the art of context switching—from intense finance meetings to heartfelt customer conversations. Join us as we explore the balancing act of fatherhood with the demands of startup culture, the undeniable need for community in an entrepreneur's life, and how businesses can compassionately support employees through the darkest times. Get ready for a deep dive into the world of emotional intelligence and purpose-driven leadership. Tune in now to get to know Justin Clifford, a leader who's not only shaping a company's culture but also reshaping how we view and manage grief in the workplace. Key Topics00:00 Introduction 05:54 Prioritizing education and communication in sales career. 12:42 Experience in fast-paced roles, then a break. 16:14 Seeking community, finding motivation and energy. 21:02 Revealing depth of community through genuine care. 26:19 Extend parental leave, consider bereavement support at work. 30:16 Express gratitude for team's focus on well-being. 32:52 Gratitude practice shifts perspective on life's frustrations. Guest BioJustin Clifford is the CEO of Bereave, a company built to help those who may be experiencing a loss, either in personal or professional spaces. Driven by a desire to transform their pain into something meaningful, Bereave was created to be a platform to address the shortcomings the co-founders experienced firsthand when going through the death of loved ones. Bereave stands as a testament to the idea that from the depths of personal tragedy can emerge a profound understanding and a commitment to aiding others in similar situations. Justin's story is ultimately one of helping take care of others, generosity, and an enduring desire to make the journey of loss a little less lonely for others. Bereave LinkedIn Connect With Daniel Fuller, Kyle Maloney, and Fullstack PEOA turnkey HR for emerging companies, FullStack PEO removes the human resource, compliance, and payroll headaches from a company’s to-do list. FullStack also produces the Savage to Sage podcast, co-hosted by Partner and VP of Business Development, Daniel Fuller and Senior Account Executive, Kyle Maloney. Linkedin - Daniel  ||  [email protected] Linkedin - Kyle  ||  [email protected] SavagetoSage.com brought to you by FullStackPeo.com

In this episode of Savage to Sage, host Daniel Fuller welcomes Josh Kanter, the entrepreneur behind Leaf Planner, for a deep dive into succession planning and the legacy of entrepreneurship. They explore the intergenerational challenges and opportunities faced by family-owned businesses, Kanter's personal commitment to building a mission-driven company, and the vital balance between personal identity and business sustainability. Listeners will gain insight into Kanter's sage wisdom on nurturing a business that not only thrives economically but also creates a lasting impact. Key Topics00:00 - Overseeing family office, advising on legacy.05:07 - Left job to navigate through family challenges.08:03 - Navigating complicated legalities in the wake of father’s passing.12:00 - Creating Leaf Planner for helping families.16:45 - Handling unexpected loss and managing complicated affairs.20:47 - Providing financial planning solutions and navigating family inheritance discussions.26:45 - Experience informs entrepreneurial approach.31:20 - Building a mission-aligned, trusting team is crucial.33:08 - Founder's ego balanced with team and family.40:03 - Appreciate authenticity, challenges of entrepreneurship, belief in possibility. Guest BioJosh Kanter is a Founder and CEO of leafplanner and Principal at Josh Kanter Wealth Advisory Services. He is multifaceted professional who navigates the intricate world of family wealth with a deft hand and a focus on legacies that extend beyond mere finances. He thrives on providing personalized guidance to other families, drawing on his profound understanding of the multifaceted aspects of wealth management. Leaf Planner joshkanter.com LinkedIn Connect With Daniel Fuller, Kyle Maloney, and Fullstack PEOA turnkey HR for emerging companies, FullStack PEO removes the human resource, compliance, and payroll headaches from a company’s to-do list. FullStack also produces the Savage to Sage podcast, co-hosted by Partner and VP of Business Development, Daniel Fuller and Senior Account Executive, Kyle Maloney. Linkedin - Daniel  ||  [email protected] Linkedin - Kyle  ||  [email protected] SavagetoSage.com brought to you by FullStackPeo.com

Throughout society, we’re working toward actively creating space for our personal journeys within our work. And not for just pieces and parts of ourselves but for the whole individual. But to do so effectively, it takes intentionality. Intentionality of resources, intentionality of mindset, and intentionality of bringing all of the human experience into our discussions. This is, in essence, the unspoken heart of Savage to Sage. That’s why I (Daniel Fuller), and my co-host, Kyle Maloney, want to lean into this even more. So in this episode, we outline our vision for where we’re going in 2024. Then, in upcoming episodes, we’ll be highlighting some very impactful portions of past interviews. “We’ve heard so often the negative examples… Because it’s so difficult to honor your humanity and honor other people in this journey toward building a successful business… [So] we also want to hear stories of human flourishing in the midst of the challenges.” – Daniel Fuller What You’ll LearnCreating space for our journeysHonoring our humanityShowcasing alternate pathwaysInterviewee recommendations? CONNECT WITH DANIEL FULLER, KYLE MALONEY AND FULLSTACK PEOA turnkey HR for emerging companies, FullStack PEO removes the human resource, compliance, and payroll headaches from a company’s to-do list.  FullStack also produces the Savage to Sage podcast, co-hosted by Partner and VP of Business Development, Daniel Fuller and Senior Account Executive, Kyle Maloney. Linkedin - Daniel  ||  [email protected] Linkedin - Kyle  ||  [email protected] SavagetoSage.com brought to you by FullStackPeo.com

At Savage to Sage, it’s our intention to grow and learn from one another as entrepreneurs. It’s why we do what we do with the podcast and at FullStack PEO. In this, it’s important to sometimes get personal. We always appreciate when others open up so we can all connect and learn, and feel it is our turn. With that in mind, I (Daniel Fuller), and my co-host, Kyle Maloney, thought it could be beneficial to share about our very eventful 2023. Join us as we reflect on how we’ve both grown, and grieved through the loss of our fathers and much more this past year. “[In both losing our fathers this year], the biggest thing that I think Daniel and I have reflected upon is just the idea of space, of needing space. And then partnering with people that kind of understand.” – Kyle Maloney What You’ll LearnLearning to live without our fathersGrowth of the familyGiving space for griefValuable lessons from guests in 2023 Recommended ResourcesBereave.io: Provides an all-in-one after loss platform for the bereaved while equipping employers with the proper leadership training and policies to ensure a smooth, supported return to the workplace after a loss. See the videos Daniel recorded with Bereave after the loss of his father: tiktok.com/@bereavecommunity. Connect with Daniel Fuller, Kyle Maloney and FullStack PEOA turnkey HR for emerging companies, FullStack PEO removes the human resource, compliance, and payroll headaches from a company’s to-do list.  FullStack also produces the Savage to Sage podcast, co-hosted by Partner and VP of Business Development, Daniel Fuller and Senior Account Executive, Kyle Maloney. Linkedin - Daniel  ||  [email protected] Linkedin - Kyle  ||  [email protected] SavagetoSage.com brought to you by FullStackPeo.com

Knowing what success means for you and those you care about will guide you as you build your business. But staying true to it can be a challenge. Your vision may change over time as your life changes. And it’s important to move with that. To discuss what it means to play your own song, I (Kyle) interviewed Ben Cooper, MBA, the Founder and Owner of Amplify. A musician and a numbers guy, Ben shared how your business is both like an instrument and a vehicle. And you are the one who moves it. “If you don’t define success for you, then there are plenty of other people willing to do it for you.” -- Ben Cooper, MBA What You’ll LearnPersonalized success metricsA life of meaningBusiness flexibilityNot always necessary Recommended ResourcesConnect with Ben Cooper, MBABen Cooper, MBA is the Founder and Owner of Amplify, a firm that makes sense of your business numbers so you can gain freedom in work and life. Ben helps business owners answer recurring questions such as, “Can I afford to ____?”, “Is it time to ____?”, “Am I on track?”, and more. amplify.business  [email protected]  Linkedin - Ben Cooper  ||  https://www.linkedin.com/company/amplifybusiness/  Connect with Daniel Fuller, Kyle Maloney and FullStack PEOA turnkey HR for emerging companies, FullStack PEO removes the human resource, compliance, and payroll headaches from a company’s to-do list.  FullStack also produces the Savage to Sage podcast, co-hosted by Partner and VP of Business Development, Daniel Fuller and Senior Account Executive, Kyle Maloney. Linkedin - Daniel  ||  [email protected] Linkedin - Kyle  ||  [email protected] SavagetoSage.com brought to you by FullStackPeo.com

As a business owner, it’s important to know where you stand both in your marketplace and in your business. It affects countless decisions you make, so gaining accurate information and holding difficult conversations have to happen. But the beauty is that entrepreneurs have the ability to face battles and make adjustments. To talk about all this, I (Kyle) interviewed Glenn Dunlap, the Co-Founder and CEO of Peerview Data, and the Founder and President of Big League Tours. Glenn opened up about the need for appropriate vulnerability and transparency. “The one fallacy about difficult conversations is that once you have them, that it’s resolved. And that’s not true. Difficult conversations often start a process of resolution. It often doesn’t finish that.” -- Glenn Dunlap What You’ll LearnReady for the conversationsDifficult conversations lingerWalking the lineIt’s just a season Recommended ResourcesBook: The Messy Middle by Scott Belsky Connect with Glenn DunlapGlenn Dunlap is the Co-Founder and CEO of Peerview Data, a SaaS firm that specializes in benchmarking and comparative analytics solutions for CPA firms, as well as the Founder and President of Big League Tours, a tour operations business that provides unique, high-end tours to all of the Major League Baseball stadiums.  peerviewdata.com  ||  bigleaguetours.com Linkedin - Glenn Dunlap  || Linkedin - Peerview Data  ||  Linkedin - Big League Tours  Connect with Daniel Fuller, Kyle Maloney and FullStack PEOA turnkey HR for emerging companies, FullStack PEO removes the human resource, compliance, and payroll headaches from a company’s to-do list.  FullStack also produces the Savage to Sage podcast, co-hosted by Partner and VP of Business Development, Daniel Fuller and Senior Account Executive, Kyle Maloney. Linkedin - Daniel  ||  [email protected] Linkedin - Kyle  ||  [email protected] SavagetoSage.com brought to you by FullStackPeo.com

When you aren’t able to fully articulate what you do and how you do it, marketing can be a struggle. And along with marketing to customers, marketing to attract the right team members can be tricky as well. Both come down to capturing the heart of your business. To explore this, I (Kyle) interviewed Kurt Kersey, the Founder, Owner and CEO of Thirty21. Kurt shared how God designed us with certain skill sets and talents, and investment in those is key in marketing and team building. “You lead with gratitude to get gratitude… Now we’re both grateful.” -- Kurt Kersey What You’ll LearnNecessary discoveryTeam is commitmentBelieving and investing in peopleLean into complexity Recommended ResourcesConnect with Kurt KerseyKurt Kersey is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Thirty21. Because great marketing requires a clear plan and diverse skill sets, it makes marketing hard for small- to mid-size businesses with small teams and competing priorities. That’s why Kurt started Thirty21: To bring the right skills at the right time.  thirty21.com  [email protected]  Linkedin - Kurt Kersey  ||  Linkedin - Thirty21 Connect with Daniel Fuller, Kyle Maloney and FullStack PEOA turnkey HR for emerging companies, FullStack PEO removes the human resource, compliance, and payroll headaches from a company’s to-do list.  FullStack also produces the Savage to Sage podcast, co-hosted by Partner and VP of Business Development, Daniel Fuller and Senior Account Executive, Kyle Maloney. Linkedin - Daniel  ||  [email protected] Linkedin - Kyle  ||  [email protected] SavagetoSage.com brought to you by FullStackPeo.com

Combining belief with business can open doors that might otherwise be more difficult to access. But it isn’t without challenges. You’re often finding yourself blazing the trail where others haven’t yet ventured. To dive into this, I (Kyle) interviewed Mark Canada, an attorney, a missionary, and the Founder, President and CEO of Marketplace & Development Enterprises (MDE). Mark shared about mentoring entrepreneurs, finding support throughout the world, and having perseverance. “Some of the things that you think will be easy, aren’t. And some of the things that, ‘Oh, man, I’m really going to have to struggle with that’, are easy.” -- Mark Canada What You’ll LearnBlaze a trailProper percentagesGo with your gutAvoid busyworkMoxy and perseverance Recommended ResourcesConnect with Mark CanadaMark Canada is an attorney, a missionary, and the Founder, President and CEO of Marketplace & Development Enterprises (MDE). MDE’s mission is to provide resources to business owners and workers to bring the presence and message of Christ through their work, while still making money and sustaining their businesses. They achieve this through the volunteership of a wide array of Christian Business and Mission practitioners, mentors, and advisors. buildmde.com  [email protected] Linkedin - Mark Canada  ||  Linkedin - Marketplace & Development Enterprises  Connect with Daniel Fuller, Kyle Maloney and FullStack PEOA turnkey HR for emerging companies, FullStack PEO removes the human resource, compliance, and payroll headaches from a company’s to-do list.  FullStack also produces the Savage to Sage podcast, co-hosted by Partner and VP of Business Development, Daniel Fuller and Senior Account Executive, Kyle Maloney. Linkedin - Daniel  ||  [email protected] Linkedin - Kyle  ||  [email protected] SavagetoSage.com brought to you by FullStackPeo.com

Being an entrepreneur brings with it a special brand of loneliness. That’s why it’s incredibly important to create space for advice and support from others who can truly relate. It can sometimes mean the difference between success and failure. To expound on this, I (Daniel) interviewed Mike Reyolds, the CEO and a partner of Innovatemap. Among other pieces of advice, Mike talked about the need for ongoing support and how that fuels the grit it takes to make dreams and concepts a reality. “The loneliness… it’s real. [That’s why] about a fourth of the meetings I took in a week were therapeutic, meaning they were for me… I’ll remember those forever.” -- Mike Reynolds What You’ll LearnEntrepreneurial lonelinessNetworking to learnConflict as a friendBusiness chaptersDeep thinking time Recommended ResourcesConnect with Mike ReynoldsMike Reynolds is the CEO and a partner of Innovatemap. He believes in supporting digital solutions that solve real problems. And he knows the best products are marketable, valuable and usable. Mike built the Innovatemap team to bring unmatched talent to their clients and their products. Innovatemap.com  Linkedin - Mike Reynolds  ||  Linkedin - Innovatemap  Connect with Daniel Fuller, Kyle Maloney and FullStack PEOA turnkey HR for emerging companies, FullStack PEO removes the human resource, compliance, and payroll headaches from a company’s to-do list.  FullStack also produces the Savage to Sage podcast, co-hosted by Partner and VP of Business Development, Daniel Fuller and Senior Account Executive, Kyle Maloney. Linkedin - Daniel  ||  [email protected] Linkedin - Kyle  ||  [email protected] SavagetoSage.com brought to you by FullStackPeo.com

The complexity of business today cannot be overstated. Woven throughout that complexity is the need for businesses to excel in interactions. As entrepreneurs, we are in a unique position to align our product strategy with intentional insight. To explore this subject, I (Kyle) interviewed Mark McCorkle, the Founder and CEO of Inflection Point. Mark shared how businesses can benefit from foresight, coupled with working through uncertainty and complexity. “The ‘unintended consequence’, in my mind, is essentially a relationship that you didn’t see until after something bad happened.” -- Mark McCorkle What You’ll LearnUnintended consequences Trade off decisionsAvoiding uncertaintyLeveraging team strengths Recommended ResourcesConnect with Mark McCorkleMark McCorkle is the Founder and CEO of Inflection Point. After 20+ years of product and technology leadership roles, Mark launched Inflection Point to provide executive teams what they need to better predict and understand complex strategic initiatives. inflectionsoftware.com  [email protected] Linkedin - Mark McCorkle  ||  Linkedin - Inflection Point  Connect with Daniel Fuller, Kyle Maloney and FullStack PEOA turnkey HR for emerging companies, FullStack PEO removes the human resource, compliance, and payroll headaches from a company’s to-do list.  FullStack also produces the Savage to Sage podcast, co-hosted by Partner and VP of Business Development, Daniel Fuller and Senior Account Executive, Kyle Maloney. Linkedin - Daniel  ||  [email protected] Linkedin - Kyle  ||  [email protected] SavagetoSage.com brought to you by FullStackPeo.com

Not every person plans to start their own business far in advance. Sometimes an entrepreneur finds themselves falling into business and it turns out to be a rapid, amazing adventure and perfect fit. To talk about this, I (Kyle) interviewed Chenel Darby, the Population Health Coach of Franciscan Health and the Owner and CEO of Choice Wellness Company. Chenel shared about the invaluable help of a mentor, the excitement and fun of suddenly starting a business, and more. “I knew, like, this could happen. This is definitely doable. What it looked like in the future, I couldn’t even tell you that. I just knew I was rolling with the flow of how things were moving. And I was okay with that.” -- Chenel Darby What You’ll LearnPassionate decision pointsBelieving in yourself despite resistancePutting in the entrepreneur workStrategic preplanningSharing to win together Recommended ResourcesConnect with Chenel DarbyChenel Darby is the Population Health Coach of Franciscan Health and the Owner and CEO of Choice Wellness Company. Choice Wellness Company provides strategies for business owners and organizational leaders to combat rising healthcare costs and qualify for significant health insurance premium discounts and awards, all while demonstrating value to their employees, and promoting quality of life and a thriving and viable workforce. choicewellnesscompany.com   [email protected]  Linkedin - Chenel Darby  ||  Linkedin - Choice Wellness Company  Connect with Daniel Fuller, Kyle Maloney and FullStack PEOA turnkey HR for emerging companies, FullStack PEO removes the human resource, compliance, and payroll headaches from a company’s to-do list.  FullStack also produces the Savage to Sage podcast, co-hosted by Partner and VP of Business Development, Daniel Fuller and Senior Account Executive, Kyle Maloney. Linkedin - Daniel  ||  [email protected] Linkedin - Kyle  ||  [email protected] SavagetoSage.com brought to you by FullStackPeo.com