In this episode, Wendi and Mark discuss:

• The origin story of HeadCount and why Mark built his first traffic counter from Radio Shack parts
• Why tracking store traffic and conversion is essential—and still underutilized
• The myth that more foot traffic automatically equals more sales
• How traffic and conversion data impact labor optimization and the in-store customer experience
• What the pandemic revealed about the true value of in-person retail visits

Key Takeaways:

• Store traffic is likened to a non-renewable resource—every visit is a finite opportunity that demands attention and respect.
• Relying solely on sales data without tracking traffic or conversion is equated to navigating retail in total darkness.
• Foundational metrics—traffic, conversion, and average ticket—are positioned as the true drivers behind retail success, beyond just sales figures.
• Conversion rates expose hidden inefficiencies, such as lost sales caused by poor service or misaligned staffing patterns.
• Over 80% of purchases still happen in-store, challenging the myth that online retail has made brick-and-mortar obsolete.

“Store traffic is a precious, non-renewable resource.” - Mark Ryski

Connect with Mark Ryski:

Website: https://headcount.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-ryski-8826601/ 

Mark’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Store-Traffic-Gift-Retailers-Converting/dp/B0F1XG8QC5 

https://www.amazon.com/When-Retail-Customers-Count-Ryski/dp/1420824759 https://www.amazon.com/Conversion-Last-Great-Retail-Metric/dp/1463414226

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Lisa discuss:

• How a life-changing Peace Corps experience led Lisa to launch Kuli Kuli Foods
• The challenges of building a superfood brand from scratch with no business background
• The role of crowdfunding and millennial entrepreneurship in bringing bold ideas to life
• The social impact of climate-smart crops like moringa on small farmers and communities
• Scaling sustainably and staying mission-aligned while growing a national brand

Key Takeaways:

• A transformative Peace Corps moment in Niger becomes the unlikely catalyst for Lisa’s discovery of moringa—a nutrient-dense plant that would redefine both her health and purpose.
• Rather than seeking early validation from traditional investors, Lisa turned to the crowd, proving that community belief can fund more than just ideas; it can launch global movements.
• Resilience, for Lisa, isn't fueled by hustle alone; it’s rooted in strict self-care, where sleep, exercise, and nutrition serve as non-negotiable foundations for entrepreneurial stamina.
• When disaster struck—literally—with a wildfire wiping out their only farming partner, the company didn’t fold; it adapted, using the setback as fuel to broaden its global sourcing network.
• In a sea of polished pitches, an unfiltered email from Zimbabwe and a photo with local farmers broke through the noise, revealing how authenticity can open doors where strategy stalls.

“I don’t want to be the only one—I want more brands with transparent supply chains and products that are good for people, communities, and the planet. I’d rather be the flame that sparks the fire than the only one trying to hold the torch alone.” - Lisa Curtis

Connect with Lisa Curtis:

Websites: https://www.kulikulifoods.com/ , https://lisamariecurtis.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamariecurtis 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Rob discuss:

• Why "us conversations" are critical for scaling high-performance teams
• How friction silently kills productivity and growth inside organizations
• The evolution of leadership from startup chaos to scalable operations
• How AI is revolutionizing meeting productivity and team coaching
• Defining true high-performance teams and why trust matters as much as execution

Key Takeaways:

• True scaling isn’t just about building systems; it’s about cultivating human collaboration across every level of the organization to unlock sustained growth.
• Building high-performance teams hinges not solely on goal achievement but on the deliberate nurturing of trust, synergy, and collective intelligence.
• Hidden beneath the surface of many organizations, friction emerges as an invisible force that silently erodes productivity and, if left unaddressed, ultimately stifles long-term growth potential.
• While AI is revolutionizing meeting effectiveness and feedback mechanisms, it will never replace the irreplaceable — authentic human connection and emotional resonance.
• An important leadership evolution is spotlighted, urging CEOs to shift their focus from obsessing over operational "it" issues to fostering "us" conversations that empower scalable, trust-driven cultures.

“A high-performing team doesn’t just get the job done — it builds trust and creates solutions that are better than any one person could have come up with alone.” - Rob Bier

Connect with Rob Bier:

Website: https://www.robbier.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-bier/ 

Rob’s Book: https://www.robbier.com/smooth-scaling 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi, Kim & Dawn discuss:

• What “healthy conflict” really means—and how it drives innovation and growth
• Common leadership mistakes when navigating workplace conflict
• Why conflict coaching and early intervention are crucial leadership tools
• The SORTED and HERE models: actionable frameworks for addressing disputes
• The role of HR in building a culture of trust, collaboration, and psychological safety

Key Takeaways:

• Conflict isn’t something to fear or manage away—it’s the fertile ground where creativity, innovation, and meaningful change take root.
• Trust in leadership is often forged not through quick fixes but through the steady presence of curiosity, competence, and the courage to delay reactive responses.
• With the SORTED framework, complex emotional narratives are transformed into structured insights, empowering leaders to engage thoughtfully and effectively.
• By stepping beyond traditional HR roles, professionals become strategic catalysts, using coaching and mediation to reshape workplace culture from the inside out.
• Innovation is shown to thrive in environments that welcome constructive tension, where non-conformity is not a threat but a spark for better solutions.

“Conflict is the root of all change… when those perspectives sit side by side, something new is trying to emerge.”  - Kim Faircloth

Connect with Kim Faircloth & Dawn Bedlivy:

Website: https://conflictsparkschange.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-faircloth-phd-acc-sphr-shrm-scp-8b57962a/ 

               https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-bedlivy/ 

Kim & Dawn’s Book: https://conflictsparkschange.com/book/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Dr. Robyn discuss:

• The powerful journey from a cult upbringing to becoming a top executive coach
• How trauma often appears as hyper-independence and burnout in high achievers
• Why traditional therapy or coaching may not work for top performers—and what does
• Understanding the “3 AM spike” and how to quiet your emotional brain during the day
• Her five-point paradigm for transforming chaos into clarity and competitive advantage

Key Takeaways:

• Hyper-independence—often mistaken for strength—is actually a deeply rooted trauma response born from early-life mistrust and lack of support.
• Dr. Robyn challenges common perceptions by illustrating how impostor syndrome doesn't fade with success but intensifies as one's awareness and responsibility grow at the top.
• Emotional chaos tends to surface most at night, not because of timing, but due to an entire day spent suppressing the emotional brain while the logical mind dominates.
• Support systems are redefined—not merely as networks of people, but as a deliberate mix of habits, environments, and relationships that either nourish or quietly dismantle your potential.
• Instead of piling on productivity hacks, high-achievers often need someone who can hold space for the whole human, messy, brilliant, and capable, beyond titles and accomplishments.

“Never feel shame about the person you had to be to become the person that you are, but become the person you're supposed to be. Don't get stuck in the person that you were.” - Dr. Robyn Lynette

Connect with Dr. Robyn Lynette:

Website: https://mentalmacgyver.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRobyn 

TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7HKJn7NDZs 

Keynote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx12TTCoojg 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Todd discuss:

• Why leadership isn’t about power or position, but the courage to face hard truths
• The “overprotective program” that silently sabotages effective leadership
• Why most leadership development efforts fail to create real change
• How to bridge the gap between avoidance and aggression in critical conversations
• The Real Work Methodology and how it’s transforming leaders across global industries

Key Takeaways:

• The instinct to stay silent during high-stakes conversations isn't a matter of lacking courage, but rather the unconscious grip of an "overprotective program" designed to shield us from discomfort.
• Leadership is redefined not by authority or title, but by the ability to confront uncomfortable truths and guide others toward meaningful action.
• At the heart of impactful leadership lies the quality of conversation—honest dialogue becomes the catalyst for elevated performance, trust, and transformation.
• Through immersive role-play and sharp behavioral feedback, a methodology emerges that rewires instinctive reactions, offering leaders a tangible path to lasting growth.
• Rather than focusing on personal recognition, Todd frames legacy as the ripple effect of empowering others to lead with skill, candor, and conviction well into the future.

“The ethos that my colleagues and I share at Holzman Leadership is that every human being is capable of being a force for good in the world. And one of the primary ways to do good is by engaging other people—whether they work for you, are your colleagues, your bosses, or your customers—in facing the truth of things.” - Todd Holzman

Want free leadership tools?

Mention Wendi Swanson and the Unleashed Podcast in your email to Lace Gilger at admin@holzmanleadership.com, and unlock a ton of exclusive free resources!

Connect with Todd Holzman:

Website: https://holzman.com/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-holzman-43061a/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Jeffrey discuss:

• Why employee engagement is the real secret to thriving in modern retail
• How Jeffrey turned a tough upbringing into leadership wisdom
• The hidden dangers of AI taking over retail without people-first planning
• Why leadership starts with being on the floor, not in the office
• How simple changes like knowing employee strengths can radically improve stores

Key Takeaways:

• In an age of automation, retail is being revitalized not by technology alone, but by a return to human touch, experience, ethics, and genuine connection are its new lifeblood.
• Employee engagement isn’t just a metric—it’s the driving force behind customer loyalty, far outweighing AI tools or big marketing spends.
• A vivid picture of leadership emerges, not from titles or corner offices, but from presence—being hands-on, fair, and consistent becomes the real currency of influence and morale.
• Through cleverly designed frameworks like SAGE and CAPED, Jeffrey distills decades of retail wisdom into actionable principles that nurture authenticity, empowerment, and alignment.
• One seemingly small gesture—remembering a name, offering help—can become the defining moment of a brand experience, proving that loyalty is often won or lost in the details we overlook.

“Employees are the most important aspect of your company—it's not the customers. Customers are very important, but they're not the most important. I know a lot of companies that had customers, but they didn’t have good employees. And next thing you know—guess what—they didn’t have customers anymore.” - Jeffrey McNulty

Connect with Jeffrey McNulty:

Website: https://newretailethos.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreypmcnulty/ 

Online Courses: https://theultimateretailcourse.com/ 

Jeffrey’s Book: https://newretailethos.com/theultimate-retail-manual 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Scott discuss:

• How vulnerability, not ego, became Scott's greatest leadership tool
• Why storytelling is a powerful catalyst for mental health support in the workplace
• The birth of One Morning and its mission to humanize EAPs and drive cultural change
• The dangers of destructive heroes and how one employee’s honesty changed Scott’s life
• Practical leadership strategies to create belonging without sacrificing professionalism

Key Takeaways:

• Scott redefines vulnerability as the ultimate leadership asset—one that forges deeper trust, authentic relationships, and sustainable influence.
• Rather than being compartmentalized, mental health emerges as a vital thread in organizational culture, with acknowledgment and support proving transformative for morale, retention, and human connection.
• It’s emotional resonance—not raw data—that ultimately breaks barriers and dismantles stigma around mental health in the workplace.
• A single voice, unafraid to speak truth to power, can catalyze a leader’s awakening and reshape the cultural fabric of an entire company.
• Employees don’t crave perfection or relentless strategy—they yearn for leaders who slow down, show up, and offer hope in uncertain times.

“I believe vulnerability is probably one of the greatest gifts that we can give people, because everybody's dealing with something... and when we're vulnerable, we let other people know that they're not alone, and it allows other people to stand up taller. We give people a reputation to live up to.” - Scott McGohan

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Dial 988 or visit: https://988lifeline.org/ 

At the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, they understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors are available for you. You are not alone.

Crisis Text Line

741-741 is the phone number for the Crisis Text Line, a free, confidential service that offers mental health support 24/7. You can text the Crisis Text Line from anywhere in the United States. How to use the Crisis Text Line

Text the keyword "HOME" to 741-741

Text the keyword "SUPPORT" to 741-741

Text the keyword "CONNECT" to 741-741

Connect with Scott McGohan:

Website: https://www.scottmcgohan.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-mcgohan-26b9797/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psmcgohan/ 

Email: scott@onemorning.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Karen discuss:

• Authentic leadership and the roles of catalyst, creator, and connector in transformation
• Importance of understanding employees’ values and avoiding burnout in leadership
• Coaching over micromanagement to foster employee independence and motivation
• Leveraging digital tools to consolidate customer feedback and improve brand strategy
• Addressing unvoiced customer needs to drive experience transformation and loyalty

Key Takeaways:

• A firm belief in one’s vision serves as a powerful catalyst for transformation, enabling leaders to navigate economic challenges and drive meaningful change.
• Leadership thrives on active listening and alignment with employees' values, fostering motivation, retention, and a culture of trust.
• Redefining success beyond career achievements allows individuals to lead with authenticity, embrace purposeful pauses, and empower those around them.
• Small, strategic customer experience improvements—such as responding swiftly to online communities—can create momentum for larger transformations and boost loyalty.
• Companies unlock valuable insights by consolidating feedback from multiple channels, ensuring they genuinely understand and meet customer expectations.

“As goes the leadership, so goes the team. Leadership sets the tone for the entire team. The success or failure of an organization happens at the middle management level. It’s not the CEOs nor the frontline employees—it’s the 'mushy middle' in between, whom we rarely train to become great leaders. They will either elevate or stifle an entire organization, affecting everything from stock performance to human potential, talent retention, and beyond.” - Karen Mangia

Connect with Karen Mangia:

Website: https://engineeredinnovationgroup.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenmangia/ 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/success-from-anywhere/id1643712391 

Karen’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Mangia/author/B08DDDV5YW 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Shawn discuss:

• Omnichannel retail execution requiring soft, hard, and business skills
• Lovesac’s evolution through digital disruption and retail industry shifts
• Principles behind the “designed for life” philosophy and sustainable product design
• Innovation driven by necessity, patents, and a strong internal culture
• Challenges of scaling lifestyle businesses while sustaining long-term ambition

Key Takeaways:

• The power of continuous innovation shines through, proving that even ideas born from uncertainty or playfulness can evolve into enduring and industry-shaping enterprises.
• A well-executed omnichannel strategy demands a blend of technical, interpersonal, and strategic skills—highlighting how modern retail success hinges on both people and platforms.
• Shifting consumer expectations and digital disruptions call for a bold reimagining of core products and business models, where adaptability becomes a competitive advantage.
• Long-term value is created not by chasing trends but by building timeless, functional, and sustainable products that grow with the customer through every stage of life.
• A brand’s resilience is rooted in its people—where cultural alignment, selective hiring, and unshakable ambition work together to navigate adversity and fuel legacy-building success.

“Maintain top ambition with infinite patience. And look, patience is one of those things that sounds antithetical to ambition... but it’s not. Patience should not be misconstrued with complacence. I had to learn that the hard way. I was a very impatient, precocious founder who had it rammed down my throat — and thankfully, I’m on the other side of that. But I haven’t lost my ambition.” 

- Shawn D. Nelson

Connect with Shawn D. Nelson:

Websites: https://www.lovesac.com/ , http://shawndnelson.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndnelson/ 

Shawn’s Book: https://shawndnelson.com/book/ 

Podcast: https://shawndnelson.com/podcast/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Kyle discuss:

• Challenges of promoting untrained employees into leadership roles
• Role of self-reflection in uncovering fear and improving leadership
• Value of vulnerability, authenticity, and ego-free connection in leadership
• Transformation of difficult team members through relationship-building and principles
• Lasting impact of leadership grounded in authenticity, trust, and shared values

Key Takeaways:

• The essence of leadership lies in vulnerability, authenticity, and a people-first mindset, emphasizing human connection over transactional management tactics.
• Rather than being innate, leadership is cultivated through continuous effort, humility, and the willingness to acknowledge and uplift others.
• A culture of alignment and excellence emerges when teams unite around core principles, engage in data-driven dialogue, and lean into challenges together.
• Through stories of transformation, the power of patient relationship-building and principled action becomes clear, especially when prioritizing people over performance metrics.
• Fulfillment in leadership stems from creating meaningful change—by staying rooted in foundational truths, embracing discomfort, and investing in others' growth.

“Leaders are not born... repetition is required to get better at something. But that repetition, again, only comes after you've made the commitment to get better at something.” 

- Kyle McDowell

Connect with Kyle McDowell:

Website: https://kylemcdowellinc.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylemcdowellinc/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylemcdowellinc/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KyleMcDowellInc 

Twitter: https://x.com/KyleMcDowellInc 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kylemcdowellinc 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylemcdowellinc 

Kyle’s Book: https://kylemcdowellinc.com/bestselling-book/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, Wendi and Ruth discuss:

• The transformative power of "unhiding" in embracing vulnerability and authenticity
• The impact of societal pressures and learned behaviors on creativity and innovation
• Overcoming fear of judgment to foster genuine connection and belonging
• Strategies for creating safe spaces that encourage vulnerability and trust
• Unhidden leadership and the freedom of living an authentic life

Key Takeaways:

• Unhiding one’s true self fosters liberation, creativity, and deeper personal fulfillment, demonstrating the power of authenticity in unlocking potential.
• A broader understanding of diversity, including factors like disability, age, and geography, highlights the need for inclusive spaces where individuals feel safe expressing their full identities.
• Societal pressures and learned behaviors often push individuals to hide parts of themselves, leading to exhaustion, disconnection, and lost opportunities for innovation.
• Leadership thrives on fostering environments of psychological safety, where vulnerability is modeled, empowering employees to engage authentically and contribute meaningfully.
• Empathy emerges as a critical leadership skill, requiring intentional development to create connections, inspire followership, and cultivate a culture of shared understanding.

“Unhiding is the key to connection. When we unhide, we don't just change ourselves—we create ripple effects that transform every room we walk into. When we show up as a person who is safe, who is authentic, who shows up as our best self where we can, we invite others to do the same. The truth is, people connect with us not because of perfection but because of our struggles. They connect with us when we feel. When they see that we can be human.” 

- Ruth Rathblott

Connect with Ruth Rathblott:

Website: https://ruthrathblott.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-rathblott/ 

TEDx: https://www.ted.com/talks/ruth_rathblott_when_i_stopped_hiding_i_found_freedom 

Ruth’s Books: https://geni.us/singlehandedly, https://geni.us/UnhideAndSeek

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Cheryl discuss:

• Evolution of decision-making education and its late formalization
• Adapting decision-making approaches as careers progress
• Cognitive biases and the role of self-awareness in complex problem-solving
• AREA method and decision-making profiles for enhanced collaboration
• AI’s role in decision-making alongside human intuition and leadership

Key Takeaways:

• AREA Method emerges as a structured decision-making framework, designed to counter cognitive biases and cultivate a more objective, holistic approach to complex problem-solving.
• Effective leadership hinges on well-trained managers, cautioning against the common misstep of promoting top salespeople into leadership without proper management training.
• A deeper appreciation for intellectual diversity and distinct decision-making profiles fosters stronger collaboration, with roles like adventurer, detective, listener, thinker, and visionary offering unique perspectives that enhance decision quality.
• The AREA approach unfolds in five phases, guiding decision-makers through primary and secondary research, interviews, hypothesis testing, and a pre-mortem analysis to anticipate potential weaknesses before taking action.
• While AI plays a pivotal role in information gathering, human intuition, and strategic reflection—exemplified by the Cheetah Paws technique—remain indispensable for high-stakes leadership decisions.

“We're stuck in our own perspective and our perspective is not somebody else's. I might think it's really important to make decisions based on facts and data. And you may say, well, that's missing out on the people. I think we should collect wisdom from others. And so you can just see that if we stay in our own worldview and we have a certain comfort zone, that is not necessarily the way to really have a fulsome understanding of the problems that we're solving.” - Cheryl Einhorn

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/bQ0lfgGXkWs

Connect with Cheryl Einhorn:

Website: https://www.areamethod.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylstrausseinhorn/ 

Cheryl’s Books: https://www.areamethod.com/problem-solved-4/, https://www.areamethod.com/investing-in-financial-research/ , https://www.amazon.com/Problem-Solver-Maximizing-Strengths-Publications/dp/1501768034/

Cheryl’s LinkedIn Course: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/strengthen-your-decision-making-with-generative-ai 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode Wendi and Matthew discuss:

• Disconnect between leadership theory and real-world practice
• The need for a collaborative, non-blaming mindset for alignment
• True leadership emerging under pressure and applied knowledge
• Reframing mindsets to improve communication and adaptability
• The value of adversity, curiosity, and mutual understanding in leadership

Key Takeaways:

• A collaborative mindset, open communication, and mutual feedback are emphasized as essential elements for achieving collective success and personal fulfillment within teams.
• A non-blaming and curious approach fosters neutral communication, strengthens team dynamics, and nurtures a culture of understanding.
• The power of reframing perspectives, such as avoiding personal assumptions, emerges as a key strategy for improving communication, acknowledging emotions, and aligning toward shared goals.
• Through a structured approach, effective one-on-one meetings are portrayed as a space for balanced responsibility, clear goal-setting, and solution-focused discussions that drive growth.
• True leadership thrives on redefining goals, embracing fluidity between leader and follower roles, and prioritizing collaboration over confrontation.

“When I change my steps, I change our dance. The only thing I can control is how I show up.” - Matthew Gould

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7-ijkOyvv6o

Connect with Matthew Gould:

Website: https://www.moreco.ca/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moreco.ca/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgouldmoreco/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Matt discuss:

• Connecting technology with people and executing business strategies
• Developing a unique brand voice through critical creative thinking
• Importance of metacognition for overcoming biases and enhancing learning
• Evolution of the Irreverent Health podcast to focus on practical longevity
• Role of AI in amplifying quality input and the necessity of metacognitive ability

Key Takeaways:

• Interdisciplinary thinking emerges as a key driver of innovation, demonstrating how connecting diverse ideas leads to problem-solving that extends beyond technical expertise.
• A distinct brand voice, shaped by personal quirks and authenticity, becomes a powerful tool for fostering memorable interactions and standing out in a crowded market.
• Metacognition is a transformative skill that enables individuals to challenge assumptions, refine their thinking, and unlock new levels of creativity and insight.
• By embracing curiosity across disciplines and engaging in diverse pursuits, individuals can cultivate deeper understanding, adaptability, and continuous personal growth.
• AI’s true potential lies not in replacing human judgment but in amplifying high-quality input, reinforcing the need for metacognitive skills to ensure meaningful and responsible application.

“Intentionality is everything—just do it on purpose. Stop waiting, stop overthinking, and take action. Whether it's dating, starting a podcast, or building a business, nothing happens without a decision. Fail forward, figure it out as you go, and make the world believe you meant to do it all along.” - Matt Hampton

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6fBI7IXdC4k

Connect with Matt Hampton:

Website: https://envoydesign.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-matt-hampton/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Eileen discuss:

• Overcoming obstacles to become Puerto Rico’s first female transportation secretary
• Gaining engineering experience through internships at Disney and NASA
• Leading infrastructure investments and establishing a maintenance program
• Navigating resilience, self-care, and advocating for women's health awareness
• Mentoring in STEM, fostering employee accessibility, and embracing authenticity in leadership

Key Takeaways:

• A powerful message emerges about embracing challenges and conquering fears, revealing untapped potential that leads to greatness.
• Failure is reframed as a stepping stone to success, emphasizing the importance of self-care, goal-setting, and perseverance in combating imposter syndrome.
• A structured approach to achievement, where focus, preparation, and intentional planning pave the way for progress while maintaining a balance between present joy and future aspirations.
• The necessity of adaptability—expecting change, learning from setbacks, and fostering resilience through shared experiences and empathy.
• Individuals are urged to take initiative, uplift other women, build strong networks, and drive success through tenacity, commitment, and authenticity.

“I believe in self-initiative and drive—you have to have that for yourself. You cannot wait for others to care about your success. You are the one who will care the most about it, and you are the one responsible for it. Do not blame anybody else or rely on someone else to make your dreams come true. They can help you, and I have so many mentors and amazing people in my life, but you are the one who is responsible first. You're the one. And that self-initiative has to be there.” - Eileen Vélez-Vega

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/9lEGHit19BQ

Connect with Eileen Vélez-Vega:

Website: https://www.kimley-horn.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileenmvelez-vega/ 

TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqEtJBRBc9s 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, Wendi and Wendy discuss:

• The future of work embracing flexibility and career growth
• Strategies for assessing value-added expectations and making incremental changes 
• Balancing flexibility, efficiency, and compensation without sacrificing benefits 
• Effective leadership and team culture in an evolving work environment 
• Challenges and opportunities of hybrid work and fostering collaboration 

Key Takeaways:

• The evolving workplace demands a balance between flexibility and career growth, requiring individuals and organizations to adopt pragmatic strategies that foster long-term success amid constant change.
• A closer look at work-life balance reveals that true efficiency stems from understanding individual needs, optimizing processes, and making incremental, data-driven improvements that enhance both productivity and well-being.
• Intentionality and negotiation emerge as critical skills, empowering employees to set boundaries and shape work arrangements that align with their professional aspirations and the shifting dynamics of the job market.
• Leadership in the modern era is no longer about rigid authority but about adaptability—understanding team members' unique goals, fostering engagement, and cultivating a culture of trust and productivity.
• Hybrid work is cementing its place in the future, not just as a reaction to market forces but as a strategic shift driven by employment laws, commercial real estate trends, and leaders prioritizing retention through flexibility.

“Be open and honest with your team, because people want to work for a great leader. But in the absence of a great leader, they want to work for a leader who wants to be great. So if you don’t think you’re great yet, bring them along on your journey. Let them know you’re investing in yourself because you want to be great—they’ll keep following you.” - Wendy Cocke

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/JMF-o9_X3h4

Connect with Wendy Cocke:

Website: https://www.engineeringleadershipsolutions.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-anderson-cocke/ 

Email: wendy.anderson.cocke@gmail.com 

Wendy’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Flex-Work-Defining-Success/dp/B0B5TDKFYW/ https://www.amazon.com/Reimagine-Your-Work-Managing-Business/dp/B0CMSSWSJ5/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Therese discuss:

• Transition from mentoring to hosting "Critically Speaking" on societal and health issues
• Challenges of misinformation spreading faster than peer-reviewed publications
• Links between underarm treatments, breast cancer, and autism prediction in fetal brain imaging
• Impact of obesity, endocrine disruptors, and chemical exposure on rising health conditions
• Sin Fronteras nonprofit supporting scientists, collaboration, and artistic innovation

Key Takeaways:

• The podcast "Critically Speaking" emerges as a platform bridging societal and health concerns while addressing the lag in combating misinformation, underscoring the importance of timely, factual communication.
• Scientific insights reveal startling links between chemically-treated underarms and breast cancer, as well as autism prediction through fetal brain imaging, pushing for deeper exploration of health and environmental impacts.
• Amid systemic challenges like mansplaining and gender discrimination, there’s a powerful call to champion female scientists, advocate for their contributions, and inspire the next generation of women in biological sciences.
• Emphasizing informed decision-making, the discussion highlights the risks of chemicals like glyphosate, the value of organic food, and the need for tools like the EWG app to guide safer lifestyle choices.
• Rooted in perseverance and self-belief, the narrative inspires action—urging individuals to embrace opportunities, critically evaluate contrasting evidence, and champion publicly funded science for a better future.

“I guess one of the most important things, I think, is that people look at the data. If they're going to believe something or they think, 'Oh, wow, I better be careful about that,' or, 'Did you hear this?' I think they should try to find a way to access the original information so that they can really make an informed decision and not just base it on what they heard or saw from some sound bite headline on social media. I think that's really important.” - Therese Markow

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/O5n07L1xTTE

Connect with Therese Markow:

Website: https://criticallyspeaking.net/ 

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@critically_speaking 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/criticallyspeakingpod 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/critically_speaking/ 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/critically-speaking/id1463016517 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Ramin discuss:

• Learning every aspect of a business and taking bold risks to achieve goals
• Prioritizing people over work to create a family-like workplace culture
• Empathy, gratitude, and family support as pillars of leadership and entrepreneurship
• Measuring success through positive impact rather than material possessions
• Encouraging open dialogue, questioning, and creativity to foster ownership and innovation

Key Takeaways:

• The transformative power of self-belief, visualizing goals, and taking bold risks as fundamental steps toward achieving success.
• Prioritizing human connections and relationships over profits, fostering genuine care and intentionality to build trust and loyalty.
• Leadership principles focus on cultivating empathy, gratitude, and selflessness while maintaining accountability through clear boundaries and disciplined practices.
• Success is redefined as the positive impact made on others, shifting away from material possessions or status symbols toward a legacy of meaningful connections.
• The value of creating judgment-free environments, encouraging open dialogue, and embracing creativity to inspire innovation and collaborative growth.

“My existence in this world has a purpose. I am here for some reason—we’re all here for some reason. My reason is to help as many people as possible because legacy is everything. You’re not going to be defined by how much money you made; you’re going to be defined by how many people you helped.” - Ramin Jahedi

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6BmNZnUI5q8

Connect with Ramin Jahedi:

Website: https://blackopsagency.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raminjahedi/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talk2rami/ 

Twitter: https://x.com/Talk2Rami/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Talk2Rami 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk2rami/id1525226939 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode Wendi and Lisa discuss:

• Financial struggles shape money philosophy and highlight societal contrasts
• Mindset rewiring leads to wealth building and financial freedom
• Vulnerable storytelling empowers others to address personal struggles
• Societal expectations and comparisons obstruct financial independence
• Budgets become flexible cash flow plans aligned with individual goals

Key Takeaways:

• Financial freedom requires questioning societal perceptions and comparisons, emphasizing personal desires and authentic financial goals.
• Reframing budgets as empowering tools, such as "cash flow" or "roadmap to adventure," shifts focus from restrictions to joyful financial planning.
• Societal norms highlight a disparity between women’s restrictive budgeting expectations and men’s encouragement to take financial risks.
• Abundance is achieved by investing in oneself, even if it involves taking on debt, as this can lead to successful ventures and meaningful growth.
• Women are encouraged to embrace imperfection, take risks, lead boldly, and fail forward to drive transformative change and achieve financial equity.

“First and foremost, remember: this is your only life—your only time in this body, in this moment. So, what are you waiting for? If not now, when? And if you’re waiting for permission to take control, here it is: permission granted. Your freedom—whatever it means to you—is 1000% worth the journey. But let it be your freedom, your definition of success—not someone else’s.”  - Lisa Chastain

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZEU7GCkXk00

Connect with Lisa Chastain:

Website: https://lisachastain.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisachastain/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savvymoneywithlisa 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvymoneywithlisa/ 

Podcast: https://lisachastain.com/podcast/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcbyns9cEvGtWm6GgOiUW-Q 

Liberate: The Ultimate 90 Day Financial Bootcamp: https://lisachastain.com/the-ultimate-90-day-financial-bootcamp/ 

Stop Budgeting Free Guide: https://lisachastain.com/stop-budgeting/

Lisa’s Books: https://lisachastain.com/book/ , https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stop-budgeting-start-living-lisa-chastain/1146384270 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode Wendi and Jason discuss:

• Transition from academia to financial independence education through infinite banking
• Lessons from a frugal mindset and the importance of avoiding debt
• Principles of infinite banking using whole life insurance for financial leverage
• Strategies for implementing infinite banking within families for long-term benefits
• Advantages of whole life insurance for cash accumulation, business growth, and retirement planning

Key Takeaways:

• Financial discipline emerges as a universal cornerstone of wealth-building, emphasizing the prioritization of profits over consumption regardless of income level.
• Whole life insurance policies, when used strategically, can act as financing tools, offering lower-interest loans, tax-advantaged cash value growth, and access to policy loans for financial flexibility.
• A well-designed whole life insurance policy requires curiosity, discipline, and a long-term outlook, proving effective for accumulating wealth over time.
• By self-financing major purchases within the family, the infinite banking concept fosters wealth growth, strengthens retirement accounts, and creates opportunities for tax-free inheritance.
• Embracing a mindset of abundance, coupled with learning sound financial principles and forming the right teams, can transform financial challenges into a life filled with enjoyment and purpose.

“Well, you’ve got to have an abundance mindset versus a scarcity mindset. This truly allows you to open up and start thinking your way through it. The sky’s the limit, it truly is. There’s abundance around us, and if people simply start to believe that and make a mindset or team change, they can partake in it. Having the right person to guide you with solid financial knowledge or other areas is key. The first step is to be curious and lean in.” - Jason Henderson

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/-YV6sa-2NFo

Connect with Jason Henderson:

Jason’s Calendly: www.askjasonh.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hendersonandfloyd 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonihenderson/ 

Podcast: https://masteryourmillionspodcast.com/ 

Jason’s Book: www.themasteryourmillionsbook.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Eric discuss:

• ERISA's role in governing retirement plans and the importance of compliance
• Eric's "Swiss army knife" metaphor and unlicensed thought leadership freedom
• Purpose-driven, servant leadership approach grounded in faith
• Characteristics of great leaders and inspiring ethical followership
• Developing a personal leadership philosophy as a guiding compass

Key Takeaways:

• Purpose-driven servant leadership emerges as a cornerstone of effective leadership, emphasizing faith, finding good in people, and making a meaningful impact on others.
• A guiding philosophy of leadership serves as a personal compass, aligning purpose with actions and ensuring ethical and inspired followership.
• Success in leadership hinges on defining clear objectives, recruiting the right talent, providing essential tools, and setting uncompromising standards of excellence.
• Recognizing and valuing contributors through intentional encouragement fosters a culture of appreciation, reinforcing team motivation and cohesion.
• A leadership legacy is shaped by wholehearted dedication, love for faith-driven principles, and the intentional sharing of knowledge with future generations.

“Develop your own leadership philosophy, and there are seven key elements to it. First, define and continuously refine your purpose. Second, find the right people. Third, train them well. Fourth, give them the tools they need to do their job. Fifth, pat them on the back often enough. Sixth, set a standard for excellence. And seventh—while it's a little nebulous, it ties everything together—be an inspiration and an encourager." - Eric Dyson

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/I9Wsr5h6yyg

Connect with Eric Dyson:

Website: https://90northllc.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/401kguy/ 

Email: edyson@90northllc.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Maria discuss:

• The transformative role of empathy in careers and leadership
• Impact of near-death experience on researching empathy
• Empathetic leadership during layoffs and tough decisions
• Addressing employee issues through active listening and compassion
• Communicating expectations and managing performance with empathy

Key Takeaways:

• Empathy emerges as a transformative leadership tool, enabling tough decisions while maintaining compassion, ultimately fostering trust and connection within teams.
• The pandemic heightened the demand for empathetic, human-centric cultures, demonstrating its role in enhancing employee engagement, innovation, and workplace adaptability.
• By addressing underlying challenges rather than surface-level incidents, leaders can defuse tensions and drive team success through active listening and support.
• Empathy's impact on business extends beyond interpersonal relationships, influencing customer loyalty, retention, and overall brand reputation, especially with Gen Z and millennials.
• Intentional leadership requires balancing empathy with goal-setting and boundaries, ensuring resources and clarity are provided without emotional overreach.

“I think recognizing and acknowledging that empathy is a strength, not a weakness, and making sure that we take care of ourselves so that we can be there for other people. It's not selfish to know your boundaries. Express your boundaries. It's not selfish to take care of yourself. Like we're saying, take a time out because you're going to show up better for people if you do.” - Maria Ross

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/bDbJpjhVodA

Connect with Maria Ross:

Website: https://www.red-slice.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariajross/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redslicemaria/ 

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@redslicemaria 

Twitter: https://x.com/redslice 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redslice 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Redslice-MariaRoss 

TEDx Talk: https://bit.ly/MariaRossTEDx

Podcast: https://www.red-slice.com/podcast/ 

Maria’s Books: https://www.red-slice.com/books/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Mahesh discuss:

• How crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter empower creators to raise funds and build audiences
• Mentorship and teaching leadership skills to foster creativity and innovation
• The influence of relationship building and aligning aspirations with company goals
• Management style of "guided chaos" developed during a pivotal role at Smartsheet
• Importance of honest communication and lessons from delivering bad news

Key Takeaways:

• Crowdfunding platforms are celebrated as transformative tools that empower creators to maintain control, build engaged communities, and innovate outside traditional funding models.
• The importance of mentorship and leadership is highlighted, with a focus on fostering creativity through embracing human imperfections and leveraging unique strengths.
• A "guided chaos" management style is explored, demonstrating how flexibility and clear boundaries can align team goals with organizational success.
• Lessons from failure emphasize the need for honest and pragmatic communication, particularly in delivering difficult feedback to maintain trust and growth.
• A strong drive for positive impact and relationship-building emerges, showcasing the value of aligning personal aspirations with company objectives to leave lasting team improvements.

“Management and leadership can be messy to navigate, but if you step into it for the right reasons, it’s incredibly fulfilling. You’re shaping people’s careers, transforming company trajectories, and creating lasting impact. As long as you go in with your eyes open, you’ll do great.” - Mahesh Guruswamy

Watch this episode on Youtube:  https://youtu.be/AG0DWsRkjQc

Connect with Mahesh Guruswamy:

Website: https://www.maheshguruswamy.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maheshguruswamy/ 

Mahesh’s BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/How-Deliver-Bad-News-Away/dp/B0D7FHTTNN 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Wayne discuss:

• Challenges of building trust and connections in virtual teams
• Risks of remote work becoming transactional and trust-deficient
• Effective remote leadership through intentional communication tools
• Leadership’s role in remote work success versus location dependence
• RTO mandates and their conflicts with DEI goals and strategic planning

Key Takeaways:

• The pandemic accelerated remote work, but its success hinges more on leadership quality than the physical location of employees. Effective leadership remains the backbone of trust, productivity, and connection in virtual environments.
• Building trust in virtual teams requires consistent exposure and deliberate communication. Intentional interactions help foster meaningful relationships, preventing remote work from becoming purely transactional.
• Using appropriate communication tools for different messages is key to effective remote leadership. Balancing the richness and scope of communication ensures clarity, engagement, and connection within teams.
• Hybrid work thrives when workflows and outputs guide decisions on where and when tasks are completed. Strategic planning, rather than rigid policies, determines the success of hybrid models.
• Leaders who prioritize engagement and flexibility foster trust and productivity in hybrid and remote settings. Strong leadership, not mandatory office presence, drives team cohesion and effectiveness.

“Good leaders and teammates understand that using the right balance of richness and scope allows us to build relationships to function as a team to do good work.” - Wayne Turmel

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/XSVjJhAfry4

Connect with Wayne Turmel:

Websites: https://kevineikenberry.com/ , https://longdistanceworklife.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayneturmel/ 

Wayne’s BOOKS: https://longdistanceworklife.com/the-long-distance-worklife-series/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Mike discuss:

• Career transitions from engineering to sales and marketing roles
• Creativity and problem-solving in engineering beyond process work
• Evolution of marketing from niche forums to digital platforms
• AI's role in data analysis, idea generation, and communication skills
• Employee ownership, leadership challenges, and cultural integration in acquisitions

Key Takeaways:

• Engineering is more than process work; it thrives on creative problem-solving, which lays a foundation for success in other fields like marketing.
• The rapid digital evolution of marketing highlights the need for clear, audience-focused communication, especially for complex products.
• AI is a powerful tool for data analysis and idea generation, but it still falls short in delivering deep, innovative insights on specialized topics.
• Employee ownership models, driven by transparency and shared control, boost motivation and long-term performance while requiring leaders to relinquish control.
• Successful acquisitions depend on cultural integration and setting realistic expectations, while hiring and trusting smarter individuals can accelerate growth.

“One of the reasons I wanted to go to employee ownership was that I believed it was the best way to keep the business growing as an independent business. Is it employee ownership I see, or is it growth? The two are closely linked. But realistically, being too focused on controlling things ultimately stunts a company’s growth — you’ve got to let go.” - Mike Maynard

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/tblPrtZ6dQk

Connect with Mike Maynard:

Website: https://www.napierb2b.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemaynard/ 

Email: mike@napierb2b.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode Wendi and Todd discuss:

• Building sustainable impact through contractor training and community leadership
• Faith-based business practices reflecting biblical values and connections
• Importance of installation quality and addressing pricing pressures
• Effective sales practices and coaching younger generations
• Visioning growth, navigating challenges, and leaving a leadership legacy

Key Takeaways:

• Sustainable innovation and contractor training are pivotal for maintaining quality and making a meaningful impact, while community service reinforces a commitment to broader societal change.
• Relationships, communication, and trust serve as foundational pillars for professional success, fostering innovation and building a resilient business culture.
• Guided by faith-based values, the company emphasizes accountability, integrity, and servant leadership, shaping both business practices and workplace ethics.
• Prioritizing character and work ethic over skills can enhance sales practices and create a more trustworthy and effective professional environment.
• Adapting to challenges, such as supply chain disruptions during COVID-19, highlights the importance of vision, multigenerational strengths, and maintaining strong relationships to ensure continuous growth and entrepreneurial success.

“I believe in playing to your strengths. Know what your strengths are and play to those. But by the same token, you still realize it comes down to relationships. So, take the time to analyze the relationships in your life. Look for the ones where you're saying, 'That could be stronger, that could be better.' Go out there and make it better. Do what you’ve got to do to make it better. Yeah. You know, share love, share peace, just connect with people, and improve those relationships.” - Todd Miller

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/yqISfYZcnww

Connect with Todd Miller:

Website: https://isaiahindustries.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-miller-31b2661/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Bryan has focused most of his career on leadership and organizational development. He was formerly the Vice President of Management and Organizational Development for one of the largest retailers in the United States. He taught graduate-level courses at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and George Fox University. His courses consistently received top scores from graduating students.

In this episode Wendi and Bryan discuss:

• The impact of emotional intelligence and overcoming confirmation bias through self-awareness
• Leadership challenges, workplace politics, and maintaining core values
• Paradigms and belief systems shaping perspectives, including the toilet paper roll dilemma
• Personality assessment tools and the importance of communication style flexibility
• Recognizing and overcoming confirmation bias to embrace diverse viewpoints

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional intelligence and self-awareness emerge as powerful tools, fostering open-mindedness, better decision-making, and stronger relationships by addressing biases and enhancing communication.
• The ability to embrace diverse viewpoints and navigate idea-based conflicts is highlighted as essential for collaborative problem-solving and creating healthy team dynamics.
• Personality assessments and style flexibility reveal the value of understanding different communication preferences, enabling leaders to improve team cohesion and effectiveness.
• Lifelong learning, mentoring, and curiosity about diverse perspectives are celebrated as pathways to leadership growth and intentional living, fostering wisdom and resilience.
• Leadership is reframed as a journey of continuous growth, where perceived imperfections are opportunities for development and every stage is embraced as part of the process.

“If we're aspiring to have influence with others and to be a leader in our personal lives or our professional lives, I would suggest to people that a green apple in early May is just as perfect for its stage of development as that red, ripe, gorgeous apple in the fall. They're just in two different spots on the journey, and all of those are valid. So, if you've got self-talk that says you're not as smart as you are, you're not a good leader, you're too fat, you're too stupid, or anything like that, I would just encourage you to think of the journey. You're a green apple that has some development to do, and it's perfect for where you are. ” - Bryan Yager

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dxfD6AFt88I?si=WZEsLh7SM9hnojbO

Recommended Book: “Think Again”- Adam Grant : https://www.amazon.com/Think-Again-Power-Knowing-What/dp/B08HJQHNH9/ 

BYG Key Lessons: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-yr3yu6XCEh61vRQBFQYOZoeuWtvQNbnqtnsgtox4Yg/edit?usp=sharing 

MMM Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/monday-morning-minute-6974792906951827456/ 

Connect with Bryan Yager:

Website: https://bryanyager.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanyagergroupllc/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Jeff discuss:

• Belief vs. reality: physical and moral laws governing existence
• Leadership’s role in DEI&A and the evolution of DEI concepts
• Examining DEI theory roots, merit vs. diversity quotas, and organizational impact
• Achieving unity through a Creator-centered worldview and genuine empathy
• Cultivating authentic belonging through servant leadership and intentional care

Key Takeaways:

• Belief alone cannot alter reality; physical and moral laws shape existence beyond individual convictions, presenting a foundation for grounded decision-making.
• DEI theories grounded in Marxist principles attempt to address power disparities with representation quotas, yet they often lack consistency and realistic application across diverse settings.
• Hiring based on quotas rather than merit risks fostering resentment, diminishing talent, and harming organizational performance, underlining the need for merit-based advancement.
• True inclusion is achieved through authentic empathy and care, seeing individuals as complete human beings beyond mere professional roles, which naturally builds belonging.
• Leaders can foster a unified and compassionate culture by valuing contributions at all levels, demonstrating humility, and using resources to support meaningful, community-focused initiatives.

“The thing about truth is, it doesn't require your belief in order to be true. Truth sits by itself. You can believe whatever you want, but you will still be governed by truth. So, we will still be governed by God's laws.”  - Jeff Lawrence

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P0a3YMx5QiY?si=wqLAIwNFMfXwb9yd

Connect with Jeff Lawrence:

Website: https://jeffglawrence.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.lawrence.98/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffglawrenceposts/ 

Email: jeff@jeffglawrence.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Jeff discuss:

• Transitioning leadership from title to behavior-centered on authentic care
• Foundations of servant leadership: humility, empathy, and prioritizing others' needs
• Building loyalty through empathy and addressing individual hopes and dreams
• Inverting traditional hierarchies: leaders serve rather than being served
• Nurturing leadership in others by finding purpose in God’s unique design

Key Takeaways:

• Servant leadership is built on humility, empathy, and a genuine focus on others, setting aside personal gain to uplift the team and foster a nurturing environment.
• Authentic care for team members, seeing them as people rather than resources, fosters loyalty and belonging, reducing turnover and enhancing commitment.
• True leaders prioritize team achievements, empowering others and cultivating a space for growth, rather than maintaining a hierarchical stance of authority.
• Leadership success lies in self-awareness and embracing one's weaknesses, as humility and gratitude are essential to developing emotional intelligence.
• Purpose-driven leadership finds value in a higher calling, recognizing a greater purpose from God’s unique design over self-reliance, inspiring others to lead with integrity and authenticity.

“ I think some of the best leaders were the best followers. If you can be a great follower, there's an opportunity that in time, you could potentially be a great leader. A leader is not because of a title; it's because of influence, and that influence comes from relationships. Great leaders beget great leaders.” - Jeff Lawrence

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L8XwV_z6_5Y?si=Nsk_GojfGM8yiEg9

Connect with Jeff Lawrence:

Website: https://jeffglawrence.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.lawrence.98/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffglawrenceposts/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Peter discuss:

• The jewelry industry's struggle with retail evolution and product display issues
• Identifying innate traits like drive, optimism, empathy, and resilience in great salespeople
• Importance of personal connection and emotional selling over high product knowledge
• Behavioral interviewing to assess candidates' character, motivation, and cultural fit
• Need for a process-driven approach to align traits, resumes, and company culture for optimal hiring decisions

Key Takeaways:

• Success in sales relies more on inherent traits like drive, optimism, empathy, and resilience, rather than product knowledge alone.
• Revamping traditional hiring practices through behavioral interviews allows companies to uncover the innate traits necessary for top performance, often overlooked in typical processes.
• A process-driven hiring approach, involving multiple interviews, ensures candidates are thoroughly assessed for key qualities like resilience, competitiveness, and a strong sales mindset.
• Cultural alignment is vital; placing the right candidate in a supportive culture fosters success, while a mismatch can lead to underperformance.

“If you're struggling to hire, it's not about finding people being difficult—it's about lacking a process. You need a structured approach that seeks out candidates with drive, optimism, empathy, and resilience, even if they don't have the experience. Sometimes, the best fit for your business isn't looking for you—you have to go find them.” - Peter Smith

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bEv5wzBAeYU?si=eL0mfQwMid7jycPV

Connect with Peter Smith:

Website: https://www.theretailsmiths.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-smith-20a77a33/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Recommended Books:

• Hiring Squirrels, Peter Smith https://www.amazon.com/Hiring-Squirrels-Essential-Interview-Questions/dp/1500269271 
• Good to Great, Jim Collins https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996 
• First, Break All The Rules, Marcus Buckingham https://www.amazon.com/First-Break-All-Rules-Differently/dp/1595621113 
• How To Hire A-Players, Eric Herrenkohl https://www.amazon.com/How-Hire-Players-Recruiting-Department/dp/0470562242 
• Never Hire A Bad Salesperson Again, Christopher Croner and Richard Abrahamhttps://www.amazon.com/Never-Hire-Bad-Salesperson-Again/dp/0578972522 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Ryan Vescio, as a state attorney for 15 years, managed criminal matters ranging from high-profile murders to heart-wrenching child abuse and sex trafficking cases. This daily experience of handling a wide variety of complex cases required him to be a quick study and exposed him to a vast network of attorneys, judges, and experts providing technical and detailed testimony. Intensive on-the-job training equipped Ryan with the ability to effectively navigate the complexities of the court system, while boldly representing his litigation clients on the grounds of what is fair, just, right, and good.

Chuck Whittington has over 30 years of experience as a business leader in the food packaging industry, holding roles in sales, marketing, and national-level leadership. He currently serves as the senior executive leading the Business Transformation Office (BTO) and advises the company’s President and CEO on transformation and integration strategies. In addition to his business career, Chuck served for over 32 years in the U.S. Army, most recently as Deputy Director of the Army National Guard, where he led strategy, policy, and budgeting efforts in partnership with state and territory Adjutants General. He also served as Acting Director of the Army National Guard, working closely with the Chief of Staff of the Army and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau.

In this episode, Wendi, Ryan, and Chuck discuss:

• Evolution of leadership skills through self-awareness, humility, and teamwork
• Challenges of volunteer leadership
• Traits of a leader include empathy, accountability, followership, and more
• Balancing humility with authority in leadership to drive change effectively
• Power of vulnerability in leadership to create meaningful human connections

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership development hinges on self-awareness, humility, and teamwork, with continuous learning being a key driver of growth and effectiveness.
• A successful leader empowers their team, recognizing and coaching individual strengths and weaknesses, which fosters a culture of mentorship and support.
• Followership requires active listening, constructive feedback, and accountability, making it essential for organizational success.
• Leaders are encouraged to cultivate sound decision-making, resilience, and perspective, with failure embraced as a powerful opportunity for personal growth.
• Volunteerism and unexpected opportunities provide rich learning experiences, helping develop leadership skills beyond formal roles. 

“What reinforces being human, real, and vulnerable is that when you resonate with someone beneath you, they build a connection. And to me, that connection pushes things forward—it drives people to raise extra money for philanthropy or put in two extra hours off the clock because you’re in the same fight, even though you're in different places.” 

- Ryan Vescio

“Understand that the crucible that you're going to move through to become a young leader will have the highs and lows. If you surround yourself with good, capable people, if you're honest, if you have integrity, if you're a communicator, and if you can prove yourself to be resilient over time, stick to it.”

- Chuck Whittington

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/85fWUIjbA88?si=h6-nHE-IvqNLyJE_

Connect with Ryan Vescio and Chuck Whittington:

Websites: https://shuffieldlowman.com/ / https://pactivevergreen.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-james-vescio-11a30740/ 

                https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-whittington-688b2256/              

Emails: rvescio@shuffieldlowman.com  / cwhittrun1@sbcglobal.net 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it

In this episode, Wendi and Clinton discuss:

• Transition from individual sales to team leadership and management
• Importance of understanding customer needs and delivering exceptional service
• Creating a fun and authentic work environment to foster team happiness
• Adapting to labor force shifts and customer expectations during COVID-19
• Continuous recruitment and building trust for sustainable success

Key Takeaways:

• The transition from individual sales to team leadership showcases how removing obstacles, equipping team members, and leading by example are pivotal for driving sales and team success.
• Understanding customer needs and providing a trusted consultancy approach fosters loyalty, repeat business, and valuable referrals.
• The value of authenticity in leadership, where creating a fun and genuine work environment allows employees to thrive and feel comfortable being themselves.
• Retention and team happiness are highlighted as crucial metrics, driven by celebrating victories, fostering empathy, and maintaining a culture that values both fun and support.
• A reflection on post-COVID challenges shows that continuous adaptation, innovative problem-solving, and a people-centric approach—both for employees and customers—are essential for overcoming modern business hurdles.

“Be your genuine self. There are going to be times when customers will walk in, and you might want to tell them this or that, but at the end of the day, they need to know who you are as much as you need to know who they are. So, as long as there’s that authentic trust between both parties and both can succeed together, I think that’s what really matters. It doesn’t really matter what you’re selling or if you’re a manager or not. I think whoever your client may be, you need to have that two-way street of, 'Hey, we can trust each other, and I’ll be your person to do this.” 

- Clinton Bui

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEQXGYkwU_A

Connect with Clinton Bui:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintonbui/ 

Email: clinton.bui@hotmail.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Peter discuss:

• Peter's unexpected entry into sales and passion for continuous improvement
• Differentiating skills of top retail sales professionals and evolving retail landscape
• Role of consumer psychology and sensory experiences in enhancing customer engagement
• Impact of choice limitation on simplifying decision-making for customers
• Importance of human interaction, empathy, and continuous learning in retail sales success

Key Takeaways:

• Retail sales require a deep understanding of nuanced skills to distinguish top performers and create successful careers in the industry.
• The retail landscape is evolving with the rise of online retailers opening physical stores, making it crucial to adapt to new consumer behavior.
• Sensory experiences such as lighting, scent, and music play a vital role in emotionally engaging customers and enhancing their interaction with the store.
• Simplifying decision-making by limiting choices helps customers feel less overwhelmed, allowing them to make more confident purchases.
• Empathy and human connection are key elements in modern retail sales, with the in-store focus shifting toward engaging, relationship-based interactions rather than pure product knowledge.

“More product knowledge won't move people, but more people knowledge will move more product.” - Peter Smith

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5U3LImH2QU

Connect with Peter Smith:

Website: https://www.theretailsmiths.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-smith-20a77a33/ 

Peter’s BOOK: 

Hiring Squirrels: https://www.amazon.com/Hiring-Squirrels-Essential-Interview-Questions/dp/1500269271 

Sell Something: https://www.amazon.com/Sell-Something-Principles-Perspectives-Salespeople/dp/1537628569 

The Sales Minute https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Minute-Tips-Retail-Salespeople/dp/1647195756 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

References:

• Mindfulness - Ellen Langer https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-25th-anniversary-Merloyd-Lawrence/dp/0738217999 
• The Art of Choosing - Iyengar https://www.amazon.com/The-Art-of-Choosing-audiobook/dp/B003D7S8W4 
• Influence - Cialdini https://www.amazon.com/Influence-New-Expanded-Psychology-Persuasion/dp/B08RLT11Q3 
• You Have More Influence Than You Think - Bohns https://www.amazon.com/Have-More-Influence-Than-Think/dp/B097J348F6 
• Using Behavioral Science in Marketing - Harhut https://www.amazon.com/Using-Behavioral-Science-Marketing-Instinctive/dp/1398606480 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Mark discuss:

• Improving retail performance through traffic and conversion data
• Aligning staffing with traffic patterns for operational efficiency
• Revolutionizing retail with AI-driven SKU-level conversion analysis
• Importance of staff engagement in boosting conversion rates
• The pandemic's impact on store traffic and potential for conversion improvements

Key Takeaways:

• A major focus is placed on aligning staffing schedules with traffic patterns, emphasizing that retailers often overlook crucial insights from traffic counters.
• Prioritizing insights over raw data reveals the importance of empowering frontline staff with actionable information, driving culture change beyond mere technology upgrades.
• AI's role in revolutionizing retail shines through its ability to provide SKU-level conversion analysis, optimizing localized assortments and operational decisions.
• Despite pandemic challenges, store traffic has rebounded, highlighting the potential to improve profitability by just a 1% increase in conversion rates.
• The conversation shifts to emphasize optimizing conversion from existing visitors as a more effective strategy than simply driving more traffic.

“We want to create a wonderful, personalized shopping experience and remove all barriers and friction points within the store. What many fail to appreciate is that conversion rates can show you, right down to the hour—literally the hour of the day—when these things are occurring. If you know what time of day and exactly where they're happening, you're in a position to do something about it: improve those friction points, minimize them, and boost conversion rates.” 

- Mark Ryski

Connect with Mark Ryski:

Website: https://headcount.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-ryski-8826601/ 

Email: mark.ryski@headcount.com 

Mark’s BOOKS: https://www.amazon.com/When-Retail-Customers-Count-Ryski/dp/1420824759 

https://www.amazon.com/Conversion-Last-Great-Retail-Metric/dp/1463414226 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode Wendi and Matthew discuss:

• Overcoming ego-driven leadership failures through humility and vulnerability
• Empowering teams through inclusive, collaborative leadership
• Challenges of budget cuts in employee training and development
• Building trust and reducing turnover through coaching
• Fostering employee well-being with humane leadership

Key Takeaways:

• Effective leadership stems from embracing humility, vulnerability, and curiosity, fostering a mindset focused on personal growth and inclusivity rather than positional authority.
• Leadership thrives on a collaborative approach, where open dialogue, shared vision, and diverse perspectives empower team members and promote innovation.
• Humane, relationship-based leadership generates extraordinary results by fostering employee well-being across mental, physical, spiritual, and financial dimensions.
• Skillfully embracing conflict in a truthful way builds trust, improves relationships, and accelerates both personal and organizational success.
• Stepping out of comfort zones, seeking mentorship, and committing to authentic conversations help leaders and teams grow both personally and professionally.

“What’s led me to this is I’m passionate about people thriving mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially. And I believe, and it’s proven, there’s so much proof out there that when you do it in a humane, relational way, you generate extraordinary results. Actually, extraordinary results. Five-star. And when you do it the other way, you still might get profit. But boy, is that a costly way. That’s a really costly way to do it. The fighting way or the loving way.” 

- Matthew Gould

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rJUKynEUbw

Connect with Matthew Gould:

Website: https://www.moreco.ca/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgouldmoreco/ 

Email: matt@moreco.ca 

Phone: 604.328.8500

More Co Resources: https://www.moreco.ca/resources 

Matthew’s BOOK: https://www.amazon.ca/Lead-Your-Heart-Relationship-based-Leadership/dp/1777103606/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1687893058&sr=1-1 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Guided by core values like collaboration, empowerment, and authenticity, Daniel leads with a practical, people-first mindset. He emphasizes clear communication, teamwork, and sustainable success in all his efforts. Alongside his corporate role, Daniel also coaches’ university soccer, where he applies his leadership principles to help student-athletes grow. His diverse experience informs his approach to leadership, blending practical outcomes with personal development.

In this episode Wendi and Daniel discuss:

• Importance of customer experience in modern retail strategies
• Millennial and Gen Z buyer behavior shaping sales approaches
• The need for training programs that prioritize collaboration, communication, and empowerment
• 'Learn, Sell, Earn' philosophy and its impact on sales growth
• Role of active listening and storytelling in business success

Key Takeaways:

• Continuous learning and active listening have been essential for overcoming imposter syndrome and excelling in leadership roles, underscoring the value of self-awareness and adaptability.
• For brands and retailers, owning the "last mile" is crucial to customer satisfaction and retention, and measuring customer experience beyond transactions remains a challenge.
• Millennials, who dominate B2B buying, value self-discovery, and extensive pre-purchase research, making it essential for brands to provide educational resources to build lasting relationships.
• Blending voluntary and mandatory learning programs, along with using gamification and personalized experiences, significantly boosts sales performance and learner engagement.
• Engaging Gen Z and millennial learners through interactive, multimedia training methods is critical for enhancing retention and productivity while embracing failure and learning from new experiences drives ongoing growth.

“Listen first, talk last. You may not have all the experience or know what you're doing, but you can leverage what you learn from those around you. Move forward with something you're passionate about. I was lucky to relate business to coaching and leadership. Not everyone gets that opportunity. So, try different things, and remember that listening is a huge component.” - Daniel Mendonca

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_iIQRQnL04

Connect with Daniel Mendonca:

Website: https://halight.com/ 

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/halightlms/ 

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmendonca89/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

With over 30 years of experience in learning, development, and training across North America and Europe, he worked with organizations of all sizes. His expertise spans workshop facilitation, consultation, speeches, curriculum design, and offering insight as a trusted advisor.

At his core, Kurt is a servant leader who embraces a mindset of continuous learning, believing that growth and change are possible for everyone. His passion for encouraging others drives his work, and he lives by the motto: “Do what you love with a passion for growing others, and your reward will follow.”

In this episode Wendi and Kurt discuss:

• Building an intentional culture during adversity and disruption
• Gauging culture through accountability, learning, and success
• Creating a "pitch culture" and increasing engagement through a pilot initiative
• Embedding core values in hiring, onboarding, and training processes
• Overcoming challenges like securing buy-in and addressing microcultures in maintaining a culture

Key Takeaways:

• Caring for employees and fostering a supportive culture leads to increased productivity and performance, as well as trust in leadership.
• Building an intentional organizational culture is crucial for thriving amidst adversity, disruption, and chaos, helping companies persevere through challenges.
• Consistent follow-through, overcoming resistance, and avoiding the flavor-of-the-month mentality are -key challenges in maintaining organizational culture.
• Organizational culture is shaped by stories, core values, transparency, progress over perfection, grace for learning and failing, and perseverance, forming the foundation for growth.
• Buy-in from employees, addressing micro-cultures, and consistent follow-up are essential for effective collaboration and adoption of desired behaviors and initiatives.

“Culture, to me, is about how you treat the people around you. It's the environment that you create for them to be who they are and who they are becoming. That's something I'm always doing my very best to live out: I want to be who I am, and I want to be conscious of who I am becoming.” 

- Kurt Reinhart

Connect with Kurt Reinhart:

Website: https://russellcellular.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-reinhart-363202a/ 

Email: kurt.reinhart@russellcellular.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

In this episode, Wendi and Bruce discuss:

• Importance of consistency and outperforming competitors by staying true to brand values
• Issues arising from automation overshadowing customer-centric approaches
• Need for effective training and resources to enable employees to deliver on the brand promise
• The role of culture in ensuring a positive customer experience and continuous improvement
• Prioritizing customer experience through leadership that aligns with brand values and employee engagement

Key Takeaways:

• It underscores how consistent leadership that fosters team ownership through collaboration is vital in driving long-term business transformations.
• The increasing disconnect between brand promises and actual customer experiences highlights how companies often fail to deliver on their commitments.
• By focusing on efficiency over customer-centricity, many brands are unintentionally damaging their customer relations, with automation sometimes exacerbating the issue.
• The conversation sheds light on the need for businesses to invest in proper training and resources, ensuring employees are equipped to uphold the brand's values in every customer interaction.
• A misalignment between company culture and customer experience can lead to widespread dissatisfaction, underscoring the importance of continuous improvement and employee engagement.

“It's all about living up to the expectation you set as an organization. To me, it's about bringing to life that brand experience. Whatever your brand promise is, that is the customer experience you're trying to deliver against.” 

- Bruce Herscovici

Connect with Bruce Herscovici:

Website: https://www.mileendretailgroup.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bherscovici/ 

Email: bruce.herscovici@mileendretailgroup.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Resources: 

4 Elements of Execution: https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/16M800vA3v21ZZj0ArDC_s1BsL9L0bViUBy3-YCcNBqc/edit 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

David Noiseux is a talented and visionary design creative with a desire to create innovative and impactful learning solutions. After 16 years in the Telecommunication and Public sector as a Facilitator and Creative Lead, he made the decision to offer his learning expertise to all organizations.  He uses his creativity and extensive expertise in the learning field to design courses that drive user engagement and compelling experiences for your teams.

In this episode Wendi, Olivier, and David discuss:

• Impact of technology on learning and development
• Shifts in corporate training budgets and their effects
• Challenges in demonstrating training ROI in a tech-driven world
• Advantages of continuous learning and creating a culture of accountability
• The cost of inaction and the need for effective post-training support

Key Takeaways:

• The confluence of technology, pandemic-driven changes, and evolving workplace values necessitates a fresh approach to learning and development, recognizing its broader impact on business success.
• Despite a shrinking workforce and declining employee satisfaction, training budgets are being redistributed, potentially neglecting a vital element of workforce empowerment and engagement, causing employee turnover, which often has unrecognized losses.
• Real success in learning and development doesn't come from the training event itself. It comes from how well the learnings are integrated into daily work and reinforced over time.
• Key statistics highlight the tangible benefits of employee engagement, including lower turnover rates, heightened productivity, and increased customer satisfaction, thereby painting a picture where training investments are not a cost. They are a crucial driver of overall company performance.
• Budgeting for employee development isn't just a good HR practice; it's a strategic move that boosts revenue and profitability by reducing turnover costs and fostering a dedicated workforce.

“What's important for employees these days is feeling recognized, respected, and that their values align with the company's values. They also want to bring their authentic selves to work and be able to be themselves.” 

- David Noiseux

“I think it's important for organizations to survey their employees, find out what they're looking for, and build a strong plan to put that in place.”

-Olivier Paiement

Connect with Olivier Paiement and David Noiseux:

Website: https://www.neweralearning.ca/ 

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/formation-new-era-learning/ 

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-paiement-149100a2/ 

               https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-noiseux-7258b24b/ 

Email: olivier@neweralearning.ca , david@neweralearning.ca

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

With over 30 years of experience in learning, development, and training across North America and Europe, he has worked with organizations of all sizes. His expertise spans workshop facilitation, consultation, speeches, curriculum design, and offering insight as a trusted advisor.

At his core, Kurt is a servant leader who embraces a mindset of continuous learning, believing that growth and change are possible for everyone. His passion for encouraging others drives his work, and he lives by the motto: “Do what you love with a passion for growing others, and your reward will follow.”

In this episode Wendi and Kurt discuss:

• The deep fulfillment found in personal and leadership development
• Adapting business strategies and development programs in the ever-changing post-COVID labor market
• From ‘Great Resignation’ to ‘Great Realization’: The importance of investing in your people
• Challenges and nuances in measuring the ROI of behavioral-based training
• The cultural shift from “training” to holistic personal and professional growth

Key Takeaways:

• A profound sense of purpose and assisting others in their moment of realization transcends monetary rewards, offering a more substantial, enduring form of personal satisfaction.
• In the face of the great reshuffle, including the 'Great Resignation' and 'Great Regret,' businesses like Russell Cellular are compelled to embrace change and prioritize learning and development as a key retention strategy.
• Return on investment in learning and development presents a complex challenge, particularly when gauging the impact of experiential, people-focused programs. ROI is not always directly tied to revenue or a specific outcome.
• Leadership in adversity is not just about weathering the storm; it's recognizing that your daily routine and response to challenges craft your journey of personal growth and purpose. Often disruption and chaos propel leaders to lead better. Embrace and leverage the opportunities presented through change.
• Wendi and Kurt underscore the transformative power of surrendering control and cultivating gratitude, as life's unpredictable outcomes can lead to unexpected personal development and meaning.
• Know your why. If the why is in place and you believe it in your core, you will not get stuck and will continue to move forward.

“Every day, I strive to live by five principles. First, wake up with gratitude. Second, pray or meditate—find a moment of mindfulness to start the day. Third, always be learning; there's always something new to discover. Fourth, seek community—don't go through life alone, connect with others who offer truth and support. Lastly, surrender control; focus on your response and trust in something greater than yourself.” - Kurt Reinhart

Connect with Kurt Reinhart:

Website: https://russellcellular.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-reinhart-363202a/ 

Email: kurt.reinhart@russellcellular.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Resources:

Kurt Reinhart. (2010)  So you are the manager…Now what?

Marshall Goldsmith. (2007). What got you here won’t get you there. (Mark Reiter)

David Kolb. (1984). Experiential Learning Theory (ELT)

Simon Sinek. Start with why; golden circle.

Chip Heath & Dan Heath. (2007). Made to stick.

The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL). 70-20-10

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.