In this episode of, we explore the power of momentum and its crucial role in achieving success. Drawing parallels from sports, where momentum can turn the tide of a game, we explore how this concept applies to business and reaching your goals. As a leader, maintaining momentum within your team is essential.We discuss simple yet effective strategies to build and sustain momentum—things you can implement this week. Join me as I uncover the secrets to harnessing the power of momentum and propelling your team toward success.Articles mentioned: https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32910904/is-momentum-real-depth-investigation-sports-most-overused-termhttps://www.wsj.com/articles/SB119093290865641816https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/podcast/knowledge-at-wharton-podcast/the-power-of-momentum-companies-that-build-their-wave-and-ride-it/Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/

Discover what keeps a company's heart beating: its people. In this episode, we'll talk about the art of keeping a business's most valuable players - the top talent that drives success. Drawing from EB Academics' ethos and stories of sports legends like Joe Montana and Steph Curry, I reveal how nurturing standout team members is pivotal for any organization's triumph. Leadership isn't just about steering the ship; it's about ensuring every crew member is poised to shine. Tune in to hear personal anecdotes and the crucial steps for fostering an environment that values, respects, and propels top talent to their greatest potential.Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/

Discover the core principles of effective leadership and team dynamics by unraveling the intricacies of clear communication. Consider this scenario: despite your confidence in the clarity of your instructions, you're met with puzzled expressions or, worse, unintended outcomes. Throughout this discourse, we confront this challenge head-on while elucidating practical strategies to ensure the precision and purposefulness of your verbal expressions. Join me as we scrutinize the subtle nuances of communication that significantly influence leadership efficacy.Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or trying to enhance personal connections, the art of communication is your golden key. We delve into the transformative power of active listening, the silent language of nonverbal cues, and the critical balance of emotional neutrality in even the most difficult conversations. Get ready to transform your communication approach and cultivate an environment where every word is not just heard but truly understood, propelling your team to unsurpassed collaboration and success.Article mentioned in the episode: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/communication-benefits Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/

Discover the blueprint for crafting an unbeatable team as I share my hiring process - including thinking about whether or not you even should hire. It’s an eye-opener on how every hire is a critical piece of the puzzle, influencing the culture and strength of your team’s collective achievements. I'll guide you through the three-tier interview process I use for hiring great talent at EB Academics, which ensures that new team members share our core values and fit seamlessly into our culture. This episode isn't just about hiring tactics; it's also a rallying cry for leaders and entrepreneurs to wield these strategies and craft their role with intention, shaping an era of impactful leadership and dynamic team building. Tune in to transform your approach to hiring and inspire your quest for a championship team.Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/

April is the month when we hold our Annual Performance Reviews at EB Academics, where we take a look at our staff's progress, aligning with our financial cycle and providing a springboard for future development. We're not just assessing, but actively contributing to the success of our team. This episode unpacks the collaborative and continuous dialogue integral to our review process, detailing the blend of self-assessment, core values, and the structured feedback that underpins our team’s success. Tune in and find out how we document these insights, forging a path for ongoing improvement and setting intentions that resonate throughout the year.This episode covers how tailored coaching can elevate each team member's unique strengths. Whether it's boosting confidence, improving punctuality, or stepping out of comfort zones, our performance review process is designed to support continuous growth and peak performance. Throughout this episode, I share the strategies in play—rooted in our core values like integrity and teamwork—that ensure reviews are more than just a checkbox exercise. You'll learn about the power of a simple one-to-five scale and the ways in which we hold each other accountable, all while fostering an environment of positivity. So, ready to reimagine your review process? Let's get started.Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/

Navigating the choppy waters of team performance issues can be daunting for any leader, but with the right approach, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Drawing from my own leadership journey, I walk through what it truly takes to turn these challenging scenarios into opportunities for growth. Picture a thriving fish tank, disrupted by one unwell fish - that's how sensitive team dynamics can be. In this frank discussion, I impart the necessity of handling performance concerns with a blend of empathy and decisiveness, emphasizing the leader's pivotal role in fostering a culture where problems are addressed constructively and promptly.As we steer through our conversation, I underscore the significance of preparation and specificity when approaching performance conversations. By equipping yourself with concrete examples and an awareness of potential root causes, you can transform difficult discussions into clear pathways for improvement. I'll share insights on how to effectively use core values as a compass during these dialogues and the importance of maintaining emotional composure. Timeliness is key, and so is a fearless, loving leadership style that champions each team member’s journey to success within the organization.We will also tackle the complex emotions surrounding employee terminations. Handled with care, these moments can serve as catalysts for future alignment, both for the individual and the company. Reflecting on my own experience of being let go, I discuss how a well-managed termination can be a critical turning point, offering grace and encouragement. It's not just about the end of a chapter; it's about how we, as leaders, can facilitate a transition with dignity and respect, always aiming for the collective pursuit of excellence. Join me as we navigate these turbulent but transformative leadership waters together.Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/

Ready to elevate your team's potential and turn performance reviews into a catalyst for growth? I'm breaking down how self-assessment can revolutionize the way you evaluate and motivate your team. I'll share a simple strategy that promises to transform any mundane performance review process into a dynamic tool for fostering self-awareness and professional development. By integrating self-assessment frameworks that align with your company's core values and metrics, you'll learn how to empower your employees to reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement before stepping into the formal review. Gear up as we walk through the nuts and bolts of measuring performance, encouraging team members to rate themselves and delve into their personal achievements and challenges. Imagine the value of having your team come into reviews prepared with self-reflection on what they've excelled at, where they need support, and how you, as their leader, can help them soar. It's not just about giving feedback; it's about creating a dialogue that leads to actionable growth. Tune in for this game-changing approach that's sure to spark meaningful conversations and a culture of continuous improvement within your team.Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/

Join me as I explain how KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) play a crucial role in guiding your team towards your company's goals. Discover how to empower your team to set their own KPIs, fostering a culture of autonomy and alignment.I also discuss how focusing on just one or a few KPIs, like maintaining a strong churn rate, can impact strategic initiatives. Learn about practical tools, including a Google Sheets spreadsheet, to track important business metrics. Ready to improve your KPI game and celebrate your achievements? Tune in for actionable insights and tips to lead your team to success.Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/

This episode is a treasure trove of insights, rich with personal stories and actionable advice for anyone ready to take their leadership skills to the next level. From the ability to inspire and drive momentum to the importance of self-awareness, we'll explore how these traits are not confined to the corporate world but are essential across all successful teams.Have you ever considered how your mood sets the tone for your entire team? We'll examine how being in tune with your team's needs and seeking honest feedback can transform team dynamics and performance. It's about creating a nurturing environment where your team members can truly thrive—because as a leader, your energy can make or break the collective spirit.Moreover, we'll discuss setting strategic visions, where long-term goals scaffold the day-to-day hustle and the significance of maintaining a positive outlook amidst adversities. This episode is designed to sculpt you into the leader who not only envisions a big future for your company but also passionately drives it there. Join me in unpacking these leadership essentials that are sure to leave you feeling empowered.Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the business ideas out there that you feel like you NEED to incorporate into your own business? What about when a new strategy comes along promising success? Should you jump on it right away? I've made that mistake before, and we'll talk about the consequences of rushing into decisions like that. In this episode, I'll show you how to think about these new business ideas and opportunities (or distractions) in relation to your overall business vision and goals. I'll help you navigate this issue with a list of important questions I ask myself whenever faced with a difficult decision or a new idea. Finally, I'll share a secret for making decisions that has helped me a lot over the years. If you want to make strong and strategic decisions that really matter for the success of your business, then this episode is for you.Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/

Discover the game-changing impact of intrinsic motivation and belief on your team's ability to perform and stay committed. Inspired by a conversation with one of my staff members at EB Academics, we discuss how education researcher John Hattie's findings on collective teacher efficacy and student performance are parallel examples to our own team's collective belief and impact on company growth and success.I also spent some time interviewing a few of my staff members at EB Academics for this episode, asking them: "What motivates you to show up and do great work every day at EB?" Through their answers, I'll share my thoughts on common themes I noticed and how you can apply these insights to your own team and leadership.This episode provides practical insights and questions to ask yourself as a leader about your team's own internal motivators. I also share a part of my own experience in an extremely unfulfilling position, which illustrates the profound effects intrinsic motivation has on job satisfaction and effectiveness.Unlock the secrets to leveraging individual strengths, aligning roles with core values, and fostering a culture where everyone grasps the significance of their role in the larger mission. This episode promises to leave you with strategies to not only inspire your team but also ignite a fire within yourself.Articles Mentioned:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2533589/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0361476X99910202https://visible-learning.org/hattie-ranking-influences-effect-sizes-learning-achievement/Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/

On December 30th, 2022, I made a life-changing decision. Little did I know the profound impact it would have on my life.In this episode, I'll candidly discuss how sobriety has reshaped my life, from excelling as the leader of my team to strengthening bonds of friendship and family. Join me as I explore the catalysts for change and the role of accountability in my journey.I'll reveal a landscape filled with unexpected joys and achievements. Sobriety has enhanced my leadership skills and contributed to my company's most successful year in business. It has also revitalized my parenting, allowing me to be fully present for my son and build authentic connections.My transformation is more than a personal victory; it's a testament to the power of choice and the pursuit of high performance in every area of life. Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/

Come along with me as I chat with my dad, Steve Pence, who has been my biggest mentor in both life and business. In our conversation, we explore the world of leadership as Steve shares the secrets of turning a love for sports into a successful career in business. Starting from his early days playing basketball to becoming a key figure behind US Sports Nike Camps, we uncover how coaching excellence and corporate success go hand in hand. Steve's story teaches us how to build a team-focused culture that brings out the best in individual talents, creating an environment where team achievements matter more than personal egos.Ever wondered how to turn entrepreneurial energy into real business growth? Steve shares his decision to start Nike Golf Camps, highlighting how it emphasized the company's commitment to helping employees grow. Steve and I discuss our strategic approach to hiring and mentorship, focusing on nurturing talent while supporting team members as they pursue their career goals. This episode covers employee satisfaction, competitive spirit, and the satisfaction of supporting someone's career aspirations.We finish by taking a honest look at navigating the unpredictable aspects of business finance and market changes. Using the Pareto principle and real-world examples, we explain how data-driven decisions and adaptability became our guide during uncertain times, such as the shift in camp preferences after 9/11. Additionally, we share insights into financial literacy, explaining how understanding the basics of business finances not only keeps the company healthy but also demonstrates respect and responsibility to everyone involved. This episode is more than just a story—it's a valuable resource for anyone looking to guide their business through the challenges of industry changes.Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/

In my latest episode, I reveal the powerful phrases that have reshaped my perspective and boosted my leadership skills. From the strong mental resilience of legends like Michael Jordan to the confident spirit of Muhammad Ali, we dive into the impact of positive self-talk on performance. Join me in discovering the phrases that have become my personal mantras and how they can bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be in leadership. We’ll discuss self-reflection and transformation as we explore the  discipline of "getting up, dressing up, and showing up" with determination. This episode is not just about borrowing wisdom—it's about making it yours. Learn how integrating affirmations into your daily life can strengthen your mental resilience and enhance your leadership identity. Whether you're inspired to revamp your morning routine with empowering mantras or face leadership challenges with newfound courage, I'm here to support your journey. Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/

In this episode we'll explore how core values can greatly impact a company's culture and success. We'll look at real-life experiences from EB Academics and get inspired by the book Traction. Together, we'll learn how to use these powerful principles to make smart decisions and create a thriving team environment.Picture a workplace where core values aren't just words on a wall—they actually guide everything, from hiring the right people to making tough decisions about those who don't quite fit in.In this honest conversation, we'll uncover how core values like the 'wow factor' and being 'growth oriented' can change your hiring process. They can help you find candidates who fit in perfectly with your company culture and avoid expensive mistakes.We'll discuss how to align your personal values with the company's during interviews. This is the key to creating a smooth operation within your company. And, we won't avoid the difficult discussions. I'll show you how these guiding principles can help us make tough decisions, like letting go of team members when things no longer match up.Tune in for an episode that gives you the tools to incorporate core values into your daily work and build a team that's not just talented but also truly harmonious. It's all about making your work environment the best it can be for you and your team!Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/

In this podcast episode, we'll delve into how your fitness journey can go beyond building muscles, transforming the way you lead. Discover how the combination of dumbbells and determination can enhance your decision-making and stress resilience – qualities every leader aims to master.We'll explore the layers of personal transformation, uncovering how a daily workout routine can become your secret weapon in both business and life. I invite you to understand how the mental and emotional strength gained from staying fit can elevate your leadership skills.Join me as we recount the challenges and successes of completing a Spartan sprint race, drawing parallels between the physical demands of the race and the tenacity required in running a business.This episode isn't just a personal narrative; it's an opportunity for you to explore the intersection of leadership and fitness. It aims to inspire self-belief that can withstand any obstacle you may face. So, get ready to lace up your sneakers and embark on this powerful exploration of how embracing fitness can reshape your understanding of leadership and personal growth.Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/

In this podcast episode, we delve into a crucial point that every entrepreneur reaches—a moment where expanding their business becomes the only way to prevent their dreams from shrinking back to reality. Using my own venture, EB Academics, as an example, we explore its evolution from a two-person co-founder setup to a thriving team of 16 members.Throughout the episode, I guide you through the early days marked by overwhelming responsibilities and the subsequent transformation into a leadership approach centered around teamwork. The journey is filled with honest stories about the challenges of hiring, the silent struggles of entrepreneurship, and the profound realization that the path of a leader is paved with constant choices and challenges.This episode not only reflects on my personal trials and triumphs but also provides practical steps for CEOs who find themselves at pivotal moments in their business journey. I encourage you to absorb insights that could be the key to the difference between struggling in isolation and thriving with a team that shares a common mission.Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlindmitchell/