Brace yourself for a paradigm shift as we debunk the myth that outstanding employees automatically translate into great leaders. Guest David Newman, a world-renowned speaker, trainer, and author of the empowering "Do It" book series, joins host Ken Schmitt to unravel this and more. This eye-opening discussion challenges common leadership myths and highlights the crucial need for emotional mastery and self-awareness. David and Ken tackle the impact of "short attention span theater" on leadership in our fast-paced world.  They explore dynamic shifts in leadership styles and share actionable strategies for engaging and guiding teams effectively. David shares his powerful philosophy on leadership – it's not just about what you say, but how you say it. Learn why leading a team is like being a parent, influencing through mood, body language, and tone. Get ready for a dose of "David-isms" – pearls of wisdom from David Newman that will reshape your approach to leadership and personal development. Listeners are in for a treat as they gain practical takeaways to enhance their leadership skills and create a positive impact in their professional lives. Join host Ken Schmitt and the brilliant David Newman as they unravel the secrets to successful leadership in the modern age. This isn't just a podcast; it's a revolution in leadership thinking. About our guest David Newman: David Newman is a nationally-recognized marketing expert and author of the Amazon #1 bestseller Do It! Marketing: 77 Instant-Action Ideas to Boost Sales, Maximize Profits and Crush Your Competition.  David Newman runs a marketing strategy firm dedicated to making thought-leading entrepreneurs and executives more successful. David's clients and audiences include Oracle, IBM, American Express, and Wells Fargo in addition to trade associations, non-profits, and entrepreneurial businesses of all sizes.  David has always worked at the intersection of speaking, technology, and professional services. As a corporate insider, David worked for global professional services firms like Towers Perrin and software maker PeopleSoft (back when they were #6 on Fortune's Best Places to Work list) as well as a 70-person IT consulting firm and a really cool publishing and training company where he served as the Vice President of Product Development. David has presented over 600 keynotes, seminars, and strategic work sessions since 1992, and his client roster includes 44 of the Fortune 500. David is a blogger for Salesforce.com and for Vistage, the world's largest CEO peer group organization, and his entrepreneurial marketing advice has been featured and quoted in The New York Times, Investors Business Daily, Sales & Marketing Management, Selling Power, Entrepreneur Magazine, and hundreds of media outlets throughout North America.

Ever had a job that felt like it sucked the soul right outta you? We've got the one and only Adam Weber in the hot seat—Chief Evangelist of 15Five, and Co-Founder of Emplify. We're talking Radical Clarity, soul-crushing jobs, and how to unlock your team’s full potential.   We dive into the nitty-gritty of those soul-crushing jobs and how to break free from their grip. Adam's experiences bring a unique perspective on finding fulfillment in your work life and fostering a positive, energized team culture. Our conversation about uncovering your team's hidden superpowers will make you rethink team dynamics. Adam also breaks down what Radical Clarity really means and why it's a game-changer in setting and achieving goals.  Ready to discover the secrets of uncovering your team's true capabilities? Join us for an eye-opening conversation filled with practical takeaways that blend professional wisdom with personal passion.    About our guest Adam Weber: Adam Weber is not just a corporate wizard but also an Author, Podcast Host, retired pastor, former musician, and aspiring comedian. Adam is the Chief Evangelist at 15Five, the performance management platform that drives business results.   Adam also previously co-founded Emplify, an employee engagement measurement platform, and Bluebridge Digital, a mobile app platform. He sold the companies in 2020 and 2016 respectively.  Additionally, he is the host of 15Five’s HR Superstars podcast, and the author of the Amazon best-selling book on leadership and culture, "Lead Like a Human". In 2020, Adam was named to Business Insider’s list of Rising Stars in HR.

In this thought-provoking bonus episode, LaSean Smith, dives even deeper into his unique leadership philosophy, including his focus on freedom over status and why leaders will need to adapt to the disappearance of middle management.  LaSean's extraordinary story begins with his exceptional coding skills as a teenager, allowing him to graduate from high school at the tender age of 16 and complete his associate degree by 18. His unconventional path led him to the military and eventually to corporate giants such as Motorola, Amazon, Microsoft, and Deloitte.  In a groundbreaking move, LaSean founded CAGR Investments,  a private investment firm with a distinctive approach to backing companies that harness the power of audience engagement and automation. His unique perspective on investment strategies adds another layer to this multifaceted conversation.  About LaSean Smith  LaSean is a seasoned tech executive with a diverse background. He began coding at the age of ten, kickstarting his tech journey. He's held various roles in engineering, product management, and strategy, including work in the Navy, entrepreneurship, consulting at Deloitte, and stints at Microsoft and Amazon. He's also the founder of CAGR Investments, a private equity firm. With multiple patents in AI and media, he's an expert in behavioral economics and systems engineering. He's produced indie films and has a wide skill set in content production and software development. He's a UCLA screenwriting program graduate, holding degrees from SIU, Arizona State, and Georgetown. His book, "Values-Based Business Design," focuses on high-growth product development in the modern global marketplace.

Ever thought, maybe I shouldn't listen to this advice? Get ready to challenge conventional wisdom. LaSean Smith shares his journey from being a gifted teenage coder, finishing high school at 16, earning an associate degree by 18, and working at major corporations like Motorola, Amazon, Microsoft, and Deloitte.  LaSean emphasizes the importance of encouraging open communication and trust. We challenge the notion of blindly following the advice of so-called "Adults in the Room" and underscore the importance of creating psychological safety in leadership.  LaSean explains why he passionately advocates for employees to explore the right kind of side hustle and promotes viewing career choices as a buffet.   This conversation is so rich and enlightening that we had to split it into two parts. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out on this bonus episode.  About LaSean Smith  LaSean is a seasoned tech executive with a diverse background. He began coding at the age of ten, kickstarting his tech journey. He's held various roles in engineering, product management, and strategy, including work in the Navy, entrepreneurship, consulting at Deloitte, and stints at Microsoft and Amazon. He's also the founder of CAGR Investments, a private equity firm. With multiple patents in AI and media, he's an expert in behavioral economics and systems engineering. He's produced indie films and has a wide skill set in content production and software development. He's a UCLA screenwriting program graduate, holding degrees from SIU, Arizona State, and Georgetown. His book, "Values-Based Business Design," focuses on high-growth product development in the modern global marketplace.

We know great leadership isn't just luck! It's a craft that takes fine-tuning, flexibility, and a whole lot more. The leadership pros I'll be chatting with this season have lived this firsthand and will be sharing the good, the bad, and the shi* they experienced along the way. About Your Host: Ken Schmitt, is CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search and the author of The Practical Optimist, An Entrepreneur's Journey through Life's Turning Points. Raised in an entrepreneurial household, Ken comes to the mic with a uniquely authentic voice, blending life, family, and business together. Not preachy, academic, or theoretical, this podcast focuses on what makes real leaders tick. Get ready to laugh while learning something about ourselves along the way! Join Ken twice a month for an exploration of authentic leadership, venturing into mentorship, hiring, employee engagement, accountability, empowerment, and beyond. Powered by TurningPoint Executive Search: Helping businesses hire the right leaders. Visit TurningPointRecruting.com

This is a tale of empowerment, intuition, and a whole lot of scrumptious inspiration! From the humble beginnings of her black, female-owned, vegan cookie startup, we explore how Maya Madsen transformed her small business into a flourishing cookie empire, all by leading with her gut. Join us as Maya shares her journey, from putting on those big girl pants to trusting her instincts. From recruiting talented student-athletes to embracing the evolution of leadership, this episode unveils the delightful secrets that have shaped her extraordinary path to sweet success.   Here is Today's Takeaway... As your business blossoms and expands, mastering the art of delegation becomes imperative! Without a candid voice to keep you in check when micromanaging tendencies arise, the road to failure becomes all too likely. It's essential to cultivate a culture of open communication and honest feedback to thrive in the journey of growth.   About Maya's Cookies: Maya Madsen is the founder and CEO of Maya's Cookies, America's #1 Black-Owned Gourmet Vegan Cookie Company. Maya's Cookies is known for offering a variety of delicious and high-quality vegan cookies in a range of flavors.   Maya Madsen, a Black female entrepreneur, started Maya's Cookies with the aim of providing vegan alternatives without compromising on taste and quality. The company has gained popularity not only for its delectable treats but also for being a Black-owned and woman-owned business.   Maya's Cookies has received positive reviews for its commitment to sustainability, using high-quality ingredients, and offering a diverse selection of flavors, from classic chocolate chips to unique and creative options. Alongside providing the highest quality product that appeals to everyone, Maya's Cookies is committed to superior customer service and community engagement, with a focus on youth and underserved communities.

Balance. You know you need it. Jake Kurtz has gained recognition as a leader and champion for the 4-day workweek movement. He joins us to dive into why it's crucial to understand your values, strengths, and weaknesses to lead effectively.   Jake reminds us that self-awareness is the secret sauce for effective leadership. He's a big believer that knowing oneself and embracing honesty about it is key to making a difference. Jake is no stranger to the art of taking calculated risks – he's experienced firsthand how these bold moves can yield substantial rewards. Brace yourself for a candid conversation where he lays bare both the exhilarating highs and the challenging lows of his entrepreneurial journey.  But what really makes Jake stand out is his vision of business as a way to make a positive impact on people's lives. It's not just about the bottom line for him; it's about leaving a mark and making the world a better place.    And let's not forget that he's a leading voice in the 4-day workweek movement. He talks about how this innovative approach to work can benefit both employees and businesses, fostering productivity, well-being, and work-life balance.   So, if you're looking for a quick dose of inspiration and wisdom on leadership, risk-taking, and finding balance, this podcast with Jake Kurtz is a must-listen. It's packed with valuable takeaways that might just reshape your perspective on success and life.    About Jake Kurtz: I am the Founder and CEO of Brick Media, a Tampa-based social media agency. We specialize in social media management and paid advertising services. We work with a variety of industries such as professional services, retail, legal, tech, B2B, restaurants, sports, and more. Before running Brick Media and owning a business full-time, I’ve always worked in marketing — both on the in-house and agency side. In the past decade, I’ve worked on campaigns for Walmart, Johnson & Johnson, Clorox, Ideal Image, Visit Florida, Dali Museum, BayCare, CDW, Hoover, Dyson, Marriott, Experience Kissimmee, Daily Burn, American Greetings, and Hallmark.

Delve into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship in cancer treatment.  In this episode, Ken sits down with the amazing Dr. Zeenia Kaul to dive deep into her entrepreneurial journey. They chat about how she's fearlessly taken risks, pushed boundaries, and played a vital role in advancing the battle against cancer, all with the goal of making a genuine impact on people's lives.   In their conversation, Ken and Zeenia dig into how curiosity fuels innovation. Zeenia spills the beans on her journey, where she's essentially been a bridge between cool discoveries in the lab (we're talking about some seriously game-changing botanical stuff) and turning those finds into groundbreaking cancer treatments. The endgame? Giving cancer patients a better shot at a longer, healthier life. 🌱🔬💪   Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between science, business, and social impact as they hear about Zeenia's remarkable journey.   Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a cancer researcher, or simply curious about the intersection of science and business, this episode will inspire you to take bold steps and embrace innovation. Join us on this exciting adventure where entrepreneurship meets the pursuit of life-changing solutions.   About our guest: Trained biomedical scientist, a citizen of the world, and a proven executive leader with demonstrated ability to deliver results in high-pressure and competitive startup environments. As Co-Founder, CEO, and CSO of ReHeva Biosciences and 10+ years of executive leadership experience, I leverage my business proficiency, financial acumen, and exceptional interpersonal skills to lead ReHeva Biosciences into the future of biopharmaceutical innovation.  Dr. Kaul’s passion for innovation and leadership stems from her desire to help others. She believes science should be leveraged to make a difference—in people, in communities, and in lives. In each of her roles, from executive director to clinical leader to community volunteer, Dr. Kaul strives to create change that improves people's lives.

Is your job like gum on your shoe? Then it's time to scrape that sh*t off and walk away! Jessica Yarbrough left her “dream job” and embraced a non-traditional business model to become a successful growth strategist. It's time to stop focusing on the what and start focusing on the why. Jessica shares her story and how you too can crush your business goals. Ken asks Jessica:  Where did you grow up, and what made you decide to study international business?Your mom was a highly successful executive who blazed a trail in the male-dominated construction industry - what was that like growing up seeing and hearing her stories?What prompted you to travel worldwide and backpack in your early 20s?When did you know you wanted to start and run your own business (and what led to the decision to build a team vs. going alone)?Given how your mom motivated you, how transparent are you with your daughter about what you experience as a business owner?I love your YouTube videos and tutorials because you discuss values and alignment as the cornerstone of building a business. Where does that values foundation come from?What words/phrases would describe your personal and or professional philosophy? You ran your own business, went in-house for three years at Elevate Digital, then went back to your business - why the change, and what were the pros and cons of working for someone else for those 4 years? What are the most significant differences when working with different generations?What do you do outside of your search to stay balanced, and do you have any guilty pleasures?You have built a reputation for helping small businesses get 'unstuck.' Why do so many owners get stuck in the first place?Have you ever thought about writing a book?What is your approach to pushing through tough times and being in the moment?Is resilience or perseverance more important?   About Jessica Yarbrough: Jessica Yarbrough has quickly developed a reputation for being one of the best business strategists and marketing and sales consultants for entrepreneurs who want to sell high-value products and services. Her background is in international business, and she has built multiple companies. Jessica is a genius at showing entrepreneurs how to build an expert platform, rapidly raise their value, build their credibility online, and attract high-paying clients. She travels the world teaching and inspiring entrepreneurs and helping them grow their influence and make the income and impact they desire. Learn more at www.jessicayarbrough.com

Canadian Simon Chou knows how to turn up the heat when it comes to marketing. Host of Marketing on Mars by night and CMO by day, Simon ignored his mother’s advice and lept into marketing instead of taking the "secure job" route. Unlock untold marketing secrets by listening to this week’s episode. Join Ken and Simon on a flavor-packed journey as they discuss how meaningful connections pave the way for opportunities and collaborations. Get ready to add some heat to your marketing.

Even giants known for their exceptional branding prowess occasionally stumble in their branding efforts. In this episode, Ken Schmitt is joined by Lisa and James Fratzke. Together we unravel the intricacies of effective branding, the courage it takes to embrace calculated risks, and the triumphs and trials of crafting a thriving enterprise from scratch.  Having accumulated over 35 years of experience working with renowned brands such as Walmart, Patagonia, and Dollar Tree, the Fratzke team shares with us how to scale, grow, and outpace the competition.  Get ready to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit, glean insights from industry trailblazers, and uncover the blueprints for building brands that not only stand the test of time but also leave an indelible mark on the ever-evolving business landscape.

Are you ready to embrace tech and AI? Want to take your customer's experience to the next level? Ken and Carl Orsbourn, author of Delivering The Digital Restaurant, reveal the recipe for exceptional CX: on-demand frictionless interactions. Though there's a lot of negativity surrounding AI, Carl will show you how to optimize it to benefit your business and preserve consumer loyalty while increasing profitability.

Being twins and co-leading a successful business isn't always easy, but Katie Rucker and Jenny Dinnen believe their respective strengths provide unique advantages. Even if you're not a twin, listen and learn how to overcome rivalries and embrace harmonious strategies to enhance your performance in your business and personal life. An effective, balanced leader needs the yin to their yang.

In a world where AI is increasingly integrated into sales, it's crucial to distinguish yourself as a HUMAN seller. Best-selling author and podcaster Andy Paul has dedicated his life to teaching others to master their sales craft. In this episode, he joins Ken at the mic to demystify the selling process. Listen in to learn the four fundamental truths of selling from a sales leader with over 4 decades of experience.

She is often hailed as the M&A whisperer, while she playfully identifies herself as the next French Ambassador. A survivor of three multibillion-dollar acquisitions, Jennifer Fondrevay sheds light on how transitions don’t just change the business, they also changes the story for the people in it. She'll shift your viewpoint on the inner workings of mergers and acquisitions and remind us that things are not always what they appear from the outside. There is always more to the story... so get ready for some good advice on how to not just survive, but thrive.

A Buddhist, a Catholic, and a Recruiter walk into a room... sounds like the beginning of a comedy act, but in reality, it's all one person. Jonathan Yung's upbringing in a multicultural household has deeply influenced his perspective. He actively incorporates the teachings of both the Catholic and Buddhist faiths into his life, forging a unique and blended belief system. For Jonathan, it's about finding harmony between asking for what you need and expressing gratitude for all you possess. With clients spanning the high-flying tech industry, Jonathan offers valuable insights on fostering diversity within companies. In this episode, he sits down with Ken to discuss the significance of having mentors with varying perspectives at different stages of life.

Venture Builder Capitalist Terrance Orr has a knack for motivating people, defining products and services, and embracing the unknown. He has dedicated his life to pursuing innovation and disruption by using his passion for establishing companies and creating job opportunities. During our conversation, Terrance shares his perspective on the future of AI, the significance of storytelling in fundraising for a startup, and why customer insights are critical for driving innovation. Raised in a small town in South Carolina with only two traffic lights, Terrance was the first person in his family to graduate from college and later obtained his law degree from Northwestern.  Terrance currently serves as Head of Network Growth at Mach49.

We're shaking things up in this episode; rather than hearing from a business leader, we're turning our attention to the classroom! There are many similarities between school and the office: teachers are often our first mentors, and can inspire our personal journeys. Nancy Beretz, a first-generation Cuban American, has been teaching middle school Spanish for two decades. She opens the door for a peek into today's American education system and discusses the value of global learning. Learn how Nancy navigated the challenges of remote learning and kept moving forward during the uncertainty of the worldwide pandemic.

If you don't like your day job, it might be time to change your wardrobe. Laura Fritz Wilde co-founded Bridging Neighbors, an executive search firm that serves clients in Germany and the Netherlands. This week on The Practical Optimist podcast, Laura and Ken discuss "when and why" to wear and shed one's "Corporate Jacket." Laura candidly shares her personal experiences on managing motherhood and career aspirations. She delves into how this varies across European countries and impacts women's career choices and work-life balance.

Attitude and activity… there are few things you control that can more significantly impact your ability to achieve your goals. Entrepreneurs Dustin and Nicole Sutton join Ken Schmitt to discuss the importance of communication, balance, and the growth mindset, all crucial for long-term success. Husband and wife from two very different industries, Dustin and Nicole share life lessons for success. They delve deep into how attitudes toward work, challenges, and opportunities directly affect success.