Imagine being a first-generation American, navigating the labyrinth of leadership, and emerging as a successful entrepreneur. That's the journey our guest, Jeff Zelaya, embarked on, and in this episode, he opens up about his unique leadership development story. Through candid conversations, we delve into the mindset of a successful entrepreneur, exploring the importance of integrity and balanced success. Jeff generously shares insights into common pitfalls CEOs face and stresses the significance of embodying leadership in both business and personal life.Ever pondered the intersection of AI trends and marketing? It's a fascinating area that we tackle in this episode, overcoming the fear associated with embracing such revolutionary technology. We delve into how AI has the potential to revolutionize business processes, saving time and enhancing efficiency. As we steer through these uncharted waters, we also tap into the power of building social capital and personal branding. Jeff spotlights the importance of nurturing connections with thought leaders and influencers, offering invaluable tips on building a robust network.Lastly, we discuss essential books for leaders and the role of defining and living by family and business values. Jeff's work in developing successful digital agencies is also highlighted, with particular focus on his commitment to making a difference in people's lives. Gear up for an illuminating conversation featuring invaluable insights on  leadership with Jeff Zelaya.Support the show

Ever wondered how authentic conversations can transform the way you prospect? Join us on a journey with Adam Packard, the charismatic CEO of Ninja Prospecting. Adam’s compelling story of entrepreneurship, shaped by the influence of his father and his own personal experiences, will leave you inspired. He offers a fresh approach to prospecting, emphasizing that genuine conversations and a spam-free strategy are the keys to success. Regardless of your industry, you’ll learn to lead by example and apply these powerful prospecting principles.Don't you just love when a business exceeds your expectations? Adam believes that the secret to Ninja Prospecting's success lies in underpromising and overdelivering. And it doesn't stop there. He also reveals how his background as a PGA Class A golf pro has shaped his unique leadership style. As we navigate the intricate maze of LinkedIn, listen in for Adam's words of wisdom on staying ahead of the game. Join us as we explore the tumultuous emotional landscape of entrepreneurship. Filled with highs and lows, this thrilling ride requires a balanced mindset. Adam shares his proven strategies for managing emotions, with a focus on controlling what is directly in your hands and letting go of the rest. Remember, it's okay to disconnect and take a breather; in fact, it's necessary! Get ready to hear Adam's advice to his past self and how he turned the business from a sole responsibility into a shared experience. Support the show

What if you could turn your deepest traumas into the fuel for resilience and growth? That's exactly what our guest, Cyrus Rustom, did. Growing up in the shadow of a traumatic childhood, and later facing a near-death experience in Afghanistan as an elite Royal Marine Commando, Cyrus chose to rise above adversity. This remarkable journey didn't stop there, though. It catapulted him into a successful career in the fitness industry, including working for the Royal Family in Dubai.Cyrus Rustom's story is a testament to the power of persistence. Surviving a massive accident, he harnessed his experience to foster an impressive resilience. His narrative also unveils the impact of key life-altering decisions - like his choice to stay with his father after his parents' divorce. Cyrus's experience as a Royal Marine Commando taught him the power of unwavering determination and the necessity of discomfort to carve out your own path.But Cyrus's journey is not just about overcoming trauma and adversity. It's also about self-discovery, growth, and leadership. After experiencing the Landmark Forum, Cyrus had an eye-opening realization about his inner voice and how it impacted his personal growth. His venture into entrepreneurship underscores the importance of vision and the absence of a Plan B. His story is a vivid reminder that you are not alone in your journey. Having a coach and a strong support system are integral to success. Join us for this compelling episode, as we glean leadership lessons from one of the most resilient individuals we've ever had the privilege of speaking with.Support the show

Picture this: living in a van, exploring the globe, and suddenly, you find yourself stepping into a 30-day role in your boyfriend's team, which evolves into your first COO role. That's the extraordinary path Jhana Li took as she journeyed into becoming a leader. Her experiences taught her invaluable lessons about harnessing teamwork to its true potential, as well as the critical importance of converting business operations into comprehensible language for the team and visionaries to understand. Now, let's take a moment and ask ourselves: What truly matters to us as CEOs - controlling everything in our business, or personal freedom coupled with making an impact larger than ourselves? This compelling episode brings home the raw truth about a CEO's evolution and the trials they undergo in the process of delegation. Hear a client's riveting tale of inching towards burnout before recognizing the need to relinquish control. To wrap it up, we delve into the realm of business seen through the lens of a personal development tool. Jhana and I unravel how business data can be interpreted to enhance our leadership styles, strategic thinking, and the pivotal role of self-compassion in understanding it. We zero in on the significance of owning our experiences and how our triumphs and failures mold us into better leaders. So, if you're ready to embark on a journey of transformation, growth, and a fresh perspective on business, this episode is for you. Tune in and redefine your leadership style!Support the show

What if the secret to becoming a highly successful leader was hidden in plain sight, nestled within your own life experiences? That's the question we explore with our guest, William VanderBloemen, founder of VanderBloemen Search Group, as he shares his unique journey of leadership, steeped in lessons from corporate practices, pastoral ministry, and entrepreneurship. Drawing inspiration from the stories of other leaders, William highlights the importance of every experience - even his first job as a newspaper boy - as vital stepping stones in our career growth.Join us as we delve into William's data-driven book, 'Be The Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest', a treasure trove of habits that set successful people apart. William shares how to cut through the noise and make yourself indispensable, emphasizing the power of self-awareness and the wisdom in Socrates' adage, "Know thyself." We also explore the surprising impact of quickly responding to leads, and how the right tools can facilitate personal growth.In the final part of our conversation, William reveals how to elevate your leadership skills and stay ahead of the game. Hear his insights on the importance of agility, the value of surrounding yourself with younger leaders, and the necessity of remaining relevant over time. By taking a marathon approach to personal and professional growth, we can develop the humility, teachability and self-awareness needed to thrive. This episode is guaranteed to inspire you to take deliberate strides towards your own growth journey. Support the show

Have you ever thought about the power of the right words spoken by the right person at just the right time? Our guest, Jonathan Rivera, a faith-driven entrepreneur and a leader who leads with love, shares his story of transformation from a high school dropout to a successful entrepreneur. Don't miss this episode if you've ever wondered about the profound impact of words and the importance of leading with love.We dive into Jonathan's unique perspective on prioritizing one's day around four F's - faith, fitness, family, and finances. He sheds light on the mystery behind his morning ritual of a rosary and coffee, revealing how this routine sets the tone for his day. You'll also hear about Jonathan's continuous journey of leadership development, fueled by resources such as podcasts, books, and biographies.Listen in as Jonathan shares his struggles, triumphs, and the crucial lessons he's learned along the way. Support the show

What if the secret to effective leadership was as simple as keeping small promises to yourself? This episode of Catalytic Leadership will make you rethink your leadership approach as we chat with our special guest, Josh Parish, CEO of GetUpGang.com. Josh brings his unique viewpoint from a background in baseball, emphasizing the importance of detailed instructions, leading by example, and the role of a positive mindset in achieving goals. With an unexpected twist, we also discuss the link between physical strength and leadership. We explore simple activities to maintain bodily strength and share why a step-by-step approach to habit change can be remarkably impactful. But that’s not all, as Josh also opens up about the role of mentors in his life, the delicate art of taking wise counsel, and the challenges of giving too much. Strap in for a deep dive into replenishing your creative well and maintaining your balance.Whether you’re a seasoned leader or an aspiring one, you'll find his advice invaluable. Don't forget to hit subscribe to Catalytic Leadership for more insightful conversations about the many facets of leadership growth.Support the show

Join us today on a transformational journey with special guest, Andrea Johnson, a  coach and an advocate for female leaders. Andrea's powerful story of breaking free from societal norms and embracing her abilities for critical thinking, creativity, and leadership is not only inspiring, but it prompts us all to question our own preconceived notions. From her unusual upbringing in Seoul, South Korea, to her mother's battle with gender inequality, Andrea has gathered an array of unique experiences and insights that have shaped her perspective on life.Andrea’s journey towards becoming an intentional optimist is rooted in personal struggle and profound transformation. Her mother’s strength in the face of gender inequality and illness has led her to redefine her beliefs and discover her voice. Imbued with the resilience of her mother and her own accumulated wisdom, Andrea shares how she cultivates a lifestyle filled with optimism, wonder, energy, courage, and resilience.As we conclude, we turn our attention to the deeply ingrained assumptions around gender roles in leadership positions. We explore how these attitudes impact the way women are perceived and treated in the workplace. Andrea shares her insights from her years of experience and how women can unlock their leadership potential. This episode will inspire you to challenge your perceptions, redefine your path, and step into your leadership potential, regardless of your gender. Tune in for a dose of inspiration, transformation, and an enlightening conversation with Andrea Johnson.Support the show

What if you could peer into the future of social media and tap into the resources of a seasoned digital marketing maven? Today, we're in for a treat as we have the opportunity to do just that with our esteemed guest, Mandy Hoskinson. Based in Los Angeles, Mandy wears multiple hats as a visual artist, a digital marketer, and the proud founder of her own boutique marketing agency. Mandy invites us into her world, shedding light on her journey from leading projects at UCLA to carving her niche in the digital marketing industry. Her unique approach to leadership, which involves actively removing obstacles and focusing on team welfare, is truly inspiring.Mandy shares her perspective on the future of social media, emphasizing the importance of embracing new technologies as an early adopter. She believes in the power of tech stack sharing and the potential of AI tools in marketing. From her experience, Mandy gives us a glimpse into the benefits of CEO social accounts and how they can be optimized for positivity and vulnerability, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn. We round off this discussion of digital trends with Mandy’s insights on how creative practices can be used in tools like Google Sheets for personal growth.In the final stretch of our conversation, Mandy opens up about her personal journey and the transformative power of honesty. She underscores the significance of learning from mentors, defending your team, and the importance of reading and personal creative practice. Mandy's story is a testament to the potential for success in both digital marketing and creative pursuits and serves as a valuable guide for all aspiring leaders in the digital world. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, insights, and a generous dose of inspiration from Mandy Hoskinson.Connect with Mandy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandahoskinson/Support the show

Ever wondered about the exciting journey of a global business strategist who pivoted from being a high-profile attorney in Washington DC to embracing entrepreneurship? Meet our guest for this episode, the remarkable Kerry-Ann Powell, who shares her extraordinary transformation. Kerry-Ann discusses how her leadership skills were honed by observing her parents, stepping into leadership roles at a young age, and strategically evolving in her career. Our conversation with Kerry-Ann covers her experiences leading the fundraising efforts for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and how she founded her own strategic business and consulting firm. Discover how she leveraged courage, consistency, and strategy to navigate the challenges of fundraising amidst an economic crisis and domestic terrorist scare. She also highlights the importance of enjoying the journey to the top and embracing the unconventional people who accompany us on our path.As we continue, Kerry-Ann dispenses some insightful advice on building a successful business, drawing a beautiful analogy with nurturing a bamboo tree. She emphasizes the significance of teamwork, strategic thinking, and self-leadership. Drawing wisdom from her favorite books, 'The Big Leap' and 'BE 2.0' by Jim Collins, she encourages us to remain ahead of the times and use our values and beliefs as a compass in our journey. Support the show

Have you ever wondered how leadership principles can transform a business? Get ready to learn from our distinguished guest, John Rossman, an early Amazon executive and leadership expert, as he shares invaluable insights on his journey to the top and the role of leadership in driving significant change. Expect a discussion on the delicate art of managing scaling or descaling businesses, and how leading an experiment differs from leading an entire business.Experience the world of Amazon through the eyes of John Rossman, who had the privilege of observing the essential role of leadership principles in fostering innovation. The clear yet demanding leadership style of Jeff Bezos, Amazon's founder, is put under the microscope. John's unique contributions as a team and individual advisor, and how those roles enriched his leadership journey, are also explored. You'll also get a glimpse into the inception of Amazon's leadership principles and how they can revolutionize your business.Finally, we dive into John's upcoming book, 'Big Bet Leadership', an essential playbook for thriving in the hyper-digital era. Prepare to be enlightened on the concept of 'big bets': initiatives with great concept risk and the difference between leadership and management. John emphasizes the significance of aligning these to the mission to create value. Additionally, he discusses the need for diverse policies in innovation and experimentation to fast-track learning. John also shares wisdom on the importance of pushing against the status quo, delegating, and broadening our understanding of problem-solving. This episode is packed with insights that every aspiring leader cannot afford to miss!Support the show

Have you ever wondered what it takes to break free from a cult and find your voice? Our guest, Amber Powers, shares her extraordinary journey of resilience and strength from a repressed upbringing to a thriving entrepreneur. After the passing of her mother, Amber felt the lingering effects of the trauma inflicted through the silent treatment, but she discovered her voice and strived to create a space free from repression and oppression. It was during Amber's venture into entrepreneurship that her struggle for genuine connection at Florida's local networking events came to light. Undeterred, she took it upon herself to establish a global group for women business owners, providing them not just a platform, but a community to overcome obstacles, celebrate achievements, and foster meaningful relationships. Amber further shares her insights into the vital role of ethical influence in shaping narratives, an area that she passionately works in.Navigating through life's adversities, Amber's story stands testament to the power of resilience as a catalyst for change, a principle that resonates with our host, Dr William Attaway. Join us for an enlightening episode that promises to leave you inspired!Support the show

Ever felt trapped in the rigid confines of a 9-5 job that offers little to no flexibility? Meet Annelise Worn, a business strategist and agency CEO who managed to transform failing work-life balance into a flourishing business. Listen to her inspiring story of leadership, systems, and the ultimate journey to freedom. Discover how Annelise, from her in-laws' kitchen table, built a business without any prior business know-how. Learn the power of systems, policies, and procedures that turned her team into a powerhouse of productivity. We delve into how a change in her reading list, podcasts, and conversations reshaped her insights and learning. On a more personal note, uncover the sweet spot between family life and work she found amidst the pandemic, all thanks to systems and structures that gave her the freedom to enjoy life.As a leader, it's important to care for your self, set boundaries, and lead by example. Annalise opens up on how she treats herself like a million-dollar racehorse to achieve peak performance, with her unique system of professional development, strategic thinking, and life GPS document. Are you ready to break free from fear, embrace change, and start your leadership growth journey? This episode is for you.Support the show

What if you could harness the power of social media and networking to grow your business? Join us for a dynamic conversation with business coach Lorraine Duncan, who brings a wealth of experience from managing a family business for 30 years. Lorraine imparts her wisdom on leadership, emphasizing its role in positive encouragement and serving others. She also talks about the significance of social media, likening it to a gigantic networking pond where business owners can connect with their audience on a deeper level. If you’re not on social media, you’re missing out!We also get into the meat of networking and its impact on business growth. Lorraine shares her insights on cultivating successful relationships, both in business and in personal life, and how these connections can lead to unexpected opportunities. She highlights the essence of good marketing – solving people's problems - and gives away some of her strategies for staying on top of her game and elevating her leadership skills. Moreover, we discuss the importance of reading and learning from the books we read. We conclude, recognizing that every entrepreneur needs a strong, supportive network to thrive. Get ready to level up your leadership skills with Lorraine Duncan!Support the show

Ever wished you could stick your hand into the magical hat of podcasting and pull out a success? You're in luck. Today's chat with Tracy Hazzard, the media savant and co-founder of Podetize, will unravel the secrets of the podcasting world, offering you a peek into her toolbox of strategies. With Tracy as our guide, we explore the elements that make a podcast truly binge-worthy, and the ways in which she remains a titan in an industry that never stops evolving.Podcasting isn't just about content; it's also about how you leverage opportunities and make the most of the tools at your disposal. For instance, imagine transforming your email conversion rates using something as simple as audio promotions. Tracy takes us down that road, sharing her experiences and strategies that could lead to a significant uptick in your click-through numbers. Not only that, but she also enlightens us on how AI is revolutionizing podcasting, from creating a brand-new show to improving workflow efficiency. Add to that a lively discussion about the importance of a resource library, and you've got a powerhouse of insights.But Tracy's ingenuity doesn't stop there. She shares the journey of innovation that took two and a half years to build something that didn't exist yet, and how it's scoring big with podcasts. Get a glimpse into her strategies to resurrect old content and make it shine again. Beyond that, in the entrepreneurial world, she stresses the importance of making smart cuts and building value. From using provisional patents to save money to her best advice for entrepreneurs, this episode is packed with wisdom that could be the game-changer for your business. Join us for a fascinating conversation with Tracy Hazzard that promises to be as insightful as it is inspiring.Support the show

Prepare to be inspired as we sit down with the dynamic Lindy Nowak, founder and CEO of Up in a Day, a game-changing turnkey website product. Lindy unravels her journey, highlighting the importance of leadership, team dynamics, and the power of maintaining a stress-free environment in the pursuit of high-quality results. It's a deep dive into how a leader can empower a creative team under pressure while keeping a firm eye on quality.As we journey through the world of AI and SaaS products with Lindy, get ready to gain insights into the vital role of streamlining business processes. We candidly discuss the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur, shedding light on the reality of business growth. We'll get you thinking about how many products you use in your business, and whether there's room to streamline for greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness.Then, we shine a spotlight on the fundamental pillars of business growth and website optimization. Lindy shares precious nuggets on identifying profitable markets, setting clear objectives, and the common pitfalls business owners face with their websites. And, as a bonus, Lindy even offers some glimpses into the future of the website agency services industry, including the prospect of AI-built websites. So join us for this enlightening conversation, where we explore not just the importance of a professional website for businesses, but also how Up in a Day is helping small businesses and entrepreneurs establish the online presence they need to thrive.Support the show

Ever wondered what it takes to be a successful CEO and build an impactful personal brand? Then strap in, as I sit down with Jeff Dolan, the dynamic CEO of Wavve, who walks us through his journey and imparts hard-earned wisdom on leadership, personal branding, and more. Jeff gives us a peek into his early ambitions, the importance of sales as a leadership skill, and how respect is instrumental in business success. Let's dive into an enriching discussion about Wavve's unique mission to aid podcasters and audio creators in making their mark on social media.As we continue our chat, Jeff dissects the CEO role and the value of life-long learning in leadership. He drives home the importance of consistency in creating content and leveraging it to mold a robust personal brand. Ever wondered how to maintain a commanding presence in Zoom calls? Jeff provides us with insightful tips, emphasizing the impact of self-assessment, confidence, and the role of health in effective leadership. He shares an intriguing analogy of a jar of water, underlining how your life choices influence the perception of others towards you.Closing our eye-opening conversation, we traverse the hurdles of high-performance leadership and delve into strategies to eliminate performance valleys. Jeff shares his personal journey through jaw surgery and the life-changing impact it had on him, emphasizing the importance of a solid support system and faith. You wouldn't want to miss his thoughts on time travel, the concept of stacking dominoes, and their implications for goal achievement. Join us to absorb a wealth of knowledge from a leader who's been there and done that.Support the show

What happens when you take a renowned business strategist, a keynote speaker, an executive coach, and a Forbes contributor – and throw them into a single conversation? You get a riveting discussion that's brimming with insights on leadership and human-to-human engagement in businesses. Join us as we sit down with Bryan Kramer, CEO of H2H Companies and Co-Owner of Pure Matter Silicon Valley Marketing Agency, to take a deep dive into his journey and his innovative H2H approach.Get ready, because you're about to discover the secret sauce that makes great companies so successful. Brian breaks down their customer service model, pinpointing simplicity, empathy, and imperfection as the key ingredients. And guess what? You can apply these same principles to improve your brand's reputation and foster stronger, more authentic connections. But the learning doesn't stop there. We'll also be exploring the crucial role of trust in businesses and relationships, and the art of swift action and sincere apologies when trust is broken.As we draw our conversation to a close, we explore the transformative impact of technology on creative industries. Brian emphasizes the importance of strategy in marketing and the value of continuously exploring new tech. We also delve into personal anecdotes, discussing the power of curiosity and teachability in leadership, overcoming challenges, and learning from interactions with others. So, if you're ready for a thought-provoking discussion packed with valuable insights, don't miss this episode.Support the show

What does it take to break free from the corporate mold and chart your own course as an entrepreneur? Chad Harward, founder and CEO of Pinpoint Management, joins us to answer this question with a frank discussion about his own journey from marketing director to business owner. Navigating the uncharted waters of entrepreneurship, Chad shares valuable insights on risk-taking, leadership growth, and the power of purpose in business. This episode is a treasure trove of strategies for staying motivated and on track in the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship. Learn from Chad's experience of reverse engineering a five-year plan and the importance of quick execution and financial trust in realizing your business goals. He offers a compelling perspective on adaptation and the necessity of making changes, illuminating these concepts through his monkey trap and monkey bars analogy. But Chad's wisdom goes beyond mere business strategy. He encourages a shift in perspective - from just making sales to making a difference. Recommending reads like Simon Sinek's 'Start With Why' and Michael McCallowick's 'Profit First', he underscores the transformative power of continuous learning. And for those looking to elevate their leadership skills, Chad introduces his coaching services - a resource for leaders seeking to grow and thrive. Join us for this inspiring conversation with Chad Harward and glean the insights you need to steer your own ship towards success.Support the show

Come along on a journey packed with insightful strategies and intriguing discussions as we journey from freelancer to international agency owner with our guest, the brilliant mind behind SEOLeverage.com, Gert Mellak. Garner the essence of his successful transition from coding at a young age of 13 to becoming the proud owner of an SEO platform that beautifully combines machine learning insights and expert human SEO consulting. We explore the potency of an 80-hour work week in pushing the limits, leading to outsourcing and team-building for ultimate freedom and efficiency in work.Transitioning from an in-person environment to a remote one can be like navigating a minefield. But worry not, for we've collected some tried and tested strategies that are sure to guide you through the treacherous terrains. Examine the challenges of bringing new team members up to speed, fostering a team culture remotely, and maintaining those all-important relationships through regular conversations. Plus, get insider tips on how Gert mastered the art of hiring and retaining employees in a remote work environment.The ever-evolving world of SEO can be tricky to navigate, but it doesn't have to be. Understand the importance of staying relevant amidst Google's ever-changing algorithm and optimizing websites for better crawling and indexing. Learn from our discussion on content strategy reassessment, the benefits of long-term brand focus, and building trust with customers. We wrap things up with an exploration of effective leadership principles that can facilitate growth within your team. Connect with Gert Mellak on LinkedIn and get ready to be inspired, informed, and equipped for success in your own endeavors.Support the show