He shares invaluable lessons on mental and physical resilience, authentic leadership, and the profound impact of humility. The discussion covers Mike’s personal battles, including his wife’s cancer diagnosis, and how faith and perseverance played a crucial role in overcoming adversity. Mike also introduces the concept of “hero lessons,” emphasizing humility in response to life’s events.

Mike Housey currently serves as EVP/General Manager of Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits of Indiana. He has spearheaded impressive achievements, including driving a $1.5B sales organization to a 67 basis point gross profit margin increase over five years. Beyond the boardroom, Mike is an Ironman triathlete, a devoted husband of 33 years to Marne, and a proud father of three. His wealth of personal and professional experience makes him a respected mentor and leader.

Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. Watch the episode on YouTube.

Mike Housey Episode Highlights 

The Foundation of an Iron Life: At the heart of this episode is Mike’s incredible story, both as a leader and a human being. Currently serving as the Executive Vice President and General Manager at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits of Indiana, Mike has achieved feats many business leaders aspire to. He shares how he led a $1.5 billion sales organization to new heights, increasing year-over-year gross profit margins, all while creating authentic connections with his team. But leadership, as Mike reveals, is more than just hitting numbers. “People don’t buy into you because of your title,” he explains. “They buy in because of how you show up and treat them.” Throughout the episode, Mike unpacks the importance of humility, trust, and resilience—qualities that have defined his career and shaped his life outside the boardroom.

Strength Through Adversity: Mike’s iron resolve wasn’t forged in the comfort of victory but rather in the trials and tribulations of life. He opens up about his wife Marne’s battle with brain cancer, an experience that tested his faith, love, and strength. “Adversity doesn’t define you. How you respond to it does,” Mike shares earnestly. His reflections on navigating one of life’s greatest challenges add a deeply human element to a conversation largely centered on leadership and personal growth.

The Practices That Shape Progress: This episode isn’t just about stories; it’s packed with actionable insights. Mike dives into the concept of “building an iron life,” a philosophy rooted in daily habits, discipline, and balance. From his experience training and competing as an Ironman triathlete to leading large teams, Mike demonstrates how investing in yourself and remaining curious can propel you forward. “Leadership is less about having the answers and more about asking the right questions,” he notes. For those juggling work, family, and personal goals, his insights on maintaining equilibrium—whether it’s through routines, faith, or setting priorities—are deeply relatable and practical.

Implementing Hero Lessons: Mike shares a concept he refers to as the “hero lesson” framework. This involves reflecting on past events, understanding responses, and using humility to transform outcomes positively. Such insights into self-management and empathy are vital in leadership and personal development, illustrating how adaptive thinking can lead to constructive outcomes.

Building Culture and Leadership Evolution: Mike also sheds light on the importance of corporate culture. Upon transitioning into a new leadership role, Mike emphasizes the necessity of connecting with individuals personally before discussing professional objectives. This approach fosters a culture of openness and collaboration. His leadership philosophy has continuously evolved with an underpinning thread of trust, radical curiosity, and humility.

Finding Purpose and Personal Fulfillment: The core essence of Mike’s journey centers around family and personal fulfillment. Balancing professional ambitions with enriching personal relationships has been pivotal. For Mike, maintaining family values and pursuing holistic growth has ensured that his legacy extends beyond professional accolades. His practices, such as daily routines that focus on body, mind, and soul, symbolize the “iron life,” emphasizing health, faith, and resilience.

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction to Building an Iron Life

00:04 Mike Housey’s Journey and Achievements

01:44 The Power of Authenticity and Humility

03:32 The Origin of Iron Life

06:46 Mike Housey’s Backstory

11:53 Overcoming Adversity: Marne’s Battle with Brain Cancer

17:08 Faith and Resilience in Tough Times

19:19 The Concept of Iron Life and Its Impact

24:16 The Hero Lessons: Humility and Response

34:30 Embracing Radical Curiosity in Leadership

35:42 Evolving Leadership Dynamics

38:17 Building a Positive Team Culture

40:47 Transitioning to a New Leadership Role

44:56 Balancing Professional and Personal Life

50:38 Daily Routines for Success

56:06 The Impact of Ironman on Leadership

01:00:20 The Essence of True Leadership

Connect with Mike Housey

Grab a copy of Mike’s book Iron Life

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn

Get Better Today with Matt Mayberry

Embark on a transformative journey with 2x Wall Street Journal and National bestselling author and world-renowned thought leader Matt Mayberry on his podcast, Get Better Today.

In each captivating episode, Matt unlocks the underlying characteristics of success through riveting conversations with some of today’s most influential people, from pioneering CEOs and transformative leaders to world-class athletes and living legends. Step into Matt’s world of endless curiosity and experience a refreshing fusion of critical thinking, varying perspectives, and storytelling that redefines leadership, business acumen, personal development, and the art of peak performance.

The post Business Executive Mike Housey: Building an Iron Life appeared first on Matt Mayberry.

The discussion covers Phil’s career beginning at KPMG and co-founding HCVT, overcoming early entrepreneurial fears, and challenges such as the COVID-19 crisis and a tragic employee incident. Phil emphasizes lifelong learning, citing influential works by Peter Drucker and others. He explains HCVT’s growth strategy, focusing on technical expertise and maintaining high service quality. The episode highlights HCVT’s decentralized structure, open partner communication, the importance of training, and reflecting on ethical challenges in the accounting field. Phil shares personal habits contributing to his leadership success and vision for HCVT to remain a high-end boutique firm, prioritizing quality over aggressive growth.

Under Phil’s leadership, HCVT has grown to become the 31st largest accounting firm in the United States and the Los Angeles region’s largest locally based CPA firm with more than 700 employees and partners. The firm is known for its deep technical skills and ability to address the most complex tax issues associated with business entities and high-net-worth individuals.

Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. Watch the episode on YouTube.

Philip Holthouse Episode Highlights

The Genesis of HCVT: Phil Holthouse’s journey began with his early career at KPMG. The exposure to bright minds and rigorous training laid a solid foundation for him. However, Phil and two colleagues were eager to forge their own path, so they made the decision to found HCVT out of a combination of youthful exuberance and a belief in doing things differently. Despite the fears and economic challenges of the early 1990s, their resolve, supported by equally enthusiastic families, translated into the successful launch of their firm.

Enduring Challenges and Crises: Phil openly reflects on the challenges faced during the early days, not only financial concerns but the broader implications of starting a firm amidst personal and economic uncertainties. Fast forward to recent history: the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be another formidable challenge. Like other leaders, Phil had to navigate through unprecedented disruptions, pivoting quickly to remote work, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resilience during crises.

A Culture of Learning and Growth: An intriguing aspect of HCVT’s success is its culture of continuous learning and intellectual curiosity. Phil credits his development to learning from renowned figures like Peter Drucker and John Wooden, emphasizing the importance of being a lifelong learner. HCVT upholds this value by creating an environment that encourages healthy debate and transparency. The firm’s open-book policy at the partner level ensures that all equity partners are on the same page, driving collective decision-making. Furthermore, its decentralized structure with multiple office locations creates micro-cultures that support a unified yet dynamic organizational ethos.

Driving Transparency and Technical Proficiency: Phil attributes much of HCVT’s success to transparency and a relentless pursuit of technical excellence. From the outset, the firm positioned itself as a center of technical expertise, differentiating itself from smaller firms by competing based on quality rather than cost. Training remains a cornerstone, with extensive support for professional development and a culture that champions intellectual rigor and client-centric service.

Ethics and Professionalism: The episode also highlights the ethical challenges inherent in the accounting profession. Phil shares how HCVT navigates these challenges with integrity, maintaining a strict focus on ethical practices even when faced with pressures to compromise. This commitment to ethical standards has reinforced trust with clients and set a benchmark for others in the industry.

Personal Growth and Sustained Leadership: Behind Phil’s professional accomplishments is a personal dedication to growth and balance. Whether it’s on the ice playing hockey or traveling with family, Phil underscores the importance of recharging and maintaining a work-life harmony. This personal approach complements his professional ethos, ensuring continual personal and organizational advancement.

Show Notes

00:00 Guest Introduction: Philip Holthouse

01:01 Founding HCVT: The Early Days

04:36 Overcoming Challenges and Crises

07:01 Leadership Philosophy and Mentorship

09:28 Books and Leadership Philosophy

13:09 Firm Culture and Transparency

20:44 Technical Expertise and Training

28:08 Ethical Dilemmas and Professional Integrity

31:57 Personal Habits and Work-Life Balance

37:30 Client Relationships and Future Vision

45:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with HCVT

Website

About Philip Holthouse

Get Better Today with Matt Mayberry

Embark on a transformative journey with 2x Wall Street Journal and National bestselling author and world-renowned thought leader Matt Mayberry on his podcast, Get Better Today.

In each captivating episode, Matt unlocks the underlying characteristics of success through riveting conversations with some of today’s most influential people, from pioneering CEOs and transformative leaders to world-class athletes and living legends. Step into Matt’s world of endless curiosity and experience a refreshing fusion of critical thinking, varying perspectives, and storytelling that redefines leadership, business acumen, personal development, and the art of peak performance.

The post HCVT Chairman Philip Holthouse: Lessons in Leadership appeared first on Matt Mayberry.

Elliott Parker built his career in strategy consulting at Innosight, the firm founded by Clayton Christensen, in corporate venturing, and as an entrepreneur bringing new ideas to market. To date, Elliott has launched over 40 venture-backed startups. Elliott is the author of the book The Illusion of Innovation: Escape “Efficiency” and Unleash Radical Progress.

In this article, we’ll explore key insights from the fascinating conversation with Elliott Parker, including practical steps to build resilient organizations and drive meaningful innovation.

Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. Watch the episode on YouTube.

Elliott Parker Episode Highlights

The Journey of Elliott Parker: Elliott Parker’s passion for innovation began during his first job out of college at Arthur Andersen, the once esteemed accounting firm. His position in the consulting division allowed him to witness the company’s rapid decline due to the Enron scandal. This pivotal event ignited his passion for innovation and building resilient companies. Elliott recalls how the experience at Arthur Andersen taught him the fragility of even the largest organizations. It set him on a path to understand what makes an organization resilient and why many fail despite their size and history.

Characteristics of Resilient Organizations: According to Elliott, resilient organizations share a profound care for their stakeholders, including customers from the past, present, and future. He draws an analogy with the Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, Japan. This historic temple carefully manages its resources, such as planting trees that will be used 400 years later. This meticulous care and long-term thinking imbue resilience in both the temple and, by extension, any organization that adopts similar principles. Organizations that value their long-term health over short-term gains tend to fare better in the face of adversity.

How Companies Measure Success Today: Elliott pointed out that many organizations prioritize capital efficiency metrics like Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) over long-term resilience. While capital efficiency is important, it often leads to decisions that enhance short-term gains at the expense of long-term stability. Elliott emphasizes the need for redundancy and controlled inefficiency to build resilience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, companies with highly efficient supply chains struggled when a single component broke down, proving that some inefficiency is crucial for long-term survival.

The Illusion of Innovation: Elliott’s book, The Illusion of Innovation, critiques the traditional methods large corporations use to pursue innovation. He argues that the standard approach of setting up isolated innovation teams rarely leads to the transformative results companies hope for. Instead, this often results in value-destructive activities that sap resources and attention from genuinely impactful ventures.

Learning from Startups: One of the core messages from Elliott’s work is that large organizations can learn a lot from startups. Startups thrive on experimentation and learning, while large corporations excel at execution and scaling. By combining the strengths of both, organizations can drive meaningful innovation. Elliott highlights how companies like Ford Motor Company and startups like Shelby work together, leveraging each other’s strengths to achieve extraordinary results. He stresses that large corporations should not try to act like startups but should instead find ways to integrate startup practices that foster innovation.

Practical Advice for Leaders: For leaders in large to medium-sized organizations, Elliott has practical advice. First, forget the notion that everyone in the company should be an innovator. Focus on running the business efficiently while dedicating a small, specialized team to transformative innovation. He also suggests running numerous, low-cost experiments to challenge the status quo and uncover valuable insights. This approach helps balance the need for stability with the imperative to innovate.

Embracing Chaos and Curiosity: We discussed the importance of embracing chaos and being radically curious. As Reed Hastings of Netflix believes, welcoming a certain amount of productive chaos fosters innovation and growth. Similarly, Walt Disney’s pursuit of what interested him—model trains—led to the creation of Disneyland. To be effective leaders, one must not shy away from controlled chaos. Instead, view it as an opportunity to experiment, learn, and pivot. This mindset will help organizations not only survive but also thrive in the long term.

Optimism Is A Moral Duty: Elliott concludes with a powerful message on optimism. He believes that optimism is a moral duty because it leads us to think long-term, benefiting not just current stakeholders but future generations. Contrary to popular belief, optimism is not about ignoring challenges but about believing in our capacity to solve them. He likens the challenge of being contrarian and right to the strategies employed by successful venture capitalists. By betting on non-consensus ideas and being resilient enough to withstand failure, organizations can eventually stumble upon transformative innovations.

Show Notes

0:00 Elliott Parker Intro

1:05 Elliott Parker’s Early Career and Lessons from Arthur Andersen

3:38 Building Resilient Organizations

7:20 The Importance of Continuous Experimentation

8:29 Historical Examples of Longevity in Organizations

9:54 Challenges in Measuring Success

13:47 Corporations vs. Startups: Learning and Execution

17:21 Encouraging Innovation in Large Organizations

22:10 The Illusion of Innovation

30:37 The Role of Chaos in Organizational Success

31:26 Corporate Lifespans and Capital Efficiency

32:46 The Evolution of Corporate Structures

34:48 Challenges in Modern Business Education

37:37 Risk-Taking and Entrepreneurial Success

38:21 The Importance of Contrarian Thinking

40:01 Lessons from Steph Curry for Corporations

42:51 The Power Law in Innovation and Venture Capital

45:21 The Moral Duty of Optimism

50:58 Embracing Chaos for Radical Progress

Connect with Elliott Parker

Website

The Illusion of Innovation Book

High Alpha Innovation 

Twitter

LinkedIn

Get Better Today with Matt Mayberry

Embark on a transformative journey with 2x Wall Street Journal and National bestselling author and world-renowned thought leader Matt Mayberry on his podcast, Get Better Today.

In each captivating episode, Matt unlocks the underlying characteristics of success through riveting conversations with some of today’s most influential people, from pioneering CEOs and transformative leaders to world-class athletes and living legends. Step into Matt’s world of endless curiosity and experience a refreshing fusion of critical thinking, varying perspectives, and storytelling that redefines leadership, business acumen, personal development, and the art of peak performance.

The post Elliott Parker: The Illusion of Innovation appeared first on Matt Mayberry.

The conversation also delves into leadership attributes such as courage, perseverance, and humility, and Diviney shares his fascination with the intersection of neuroscience and performance. Additionally, Rich Diviney touches on the concept of multiple identities and their unconscious influence on behavior, explaining how these identities accumulate over time and shape actions. The dialogue emphasizes the need to identify and deconstruct these identities to pursue personal excellence and achieve goals.

Rich Diviney is a retired Navy SEAL commander. In a career spanning more than twenty years, he completed more than thirteen overseas deployments—eleven of which were to Iraq and Afghanistan. As the officer in charge of training for a specialized command, Diviney spearheaded the creation of a directorate that fused physical, mental, and emotional disciplines. He led his small team to create the first-ever “Mind Gym” that helped special operators train their brains to perform faster, longer, and better in all environments—especially high-stress ones. Diviney is the founder of The Attributes Inc., which is a specialized consulting firm in leadership and team building. Rich is also the author of The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance.

Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. Watch the episode on YouTube.

Rich Diviney Episode Highlights

Understanding Optimal Performance: One of the key discussions in this podcast surrounds the critical distinction between peak and optimal performance. Rich Diviney reveals that peak performance is often perceived as the ultimate goal, especially in athletics, but in the real world, and particularly in the SEAL teams, optimal performance is what truly matters. “Peak performance is an apex, and there’s only one place you can go from an apex, and that’s down,” explains Rich. Optimal performance, on the other hand, is about doing the best possible in any given situation, whether it’s a peak condition or a gut-wrenching, difficult environment. This perspective allows for “responsible energy management,” which helps sustain long-term high performance.

Attributes of Leadership: Effective leadership is another cornerstone of Rich’s expertise. He stresses that being a leader and being in charge are two different things. Leadership is a behavior, not a position. Some critical attributes that define great leadership include empathy, decisiveness, accountability, and authenticity. These traits ensure that one’s team views them as a leader worth following. Rich underscores that real leaders build environments where team members can thrive autonomously. This style fosters trust, making it easier to shift into a more directive role when necessary without losing the team’s confidence.

Neuroscience and Performance: Rich’s fascination with neuroscience significantly influences his approach to teaching optimal performance. He collaborates closely with neuroscientists like Andrew Huberman, leveraging scientific insights to demystify what makes elite performers tick. One profound revelation is how we learn and adapt through neural connections fortified by experiences marked by intensity, novelty, and focus. This process underlines why experiential learning, even through failures, can accelerate skill acquisition and resilience.

Transition from Military Life to Civilian Life: Transitioning to civilian life is a common hurdle for many veterans. Rich Diviney shares that for him, the defining factor was prioritizing his identity as a husband and father over that of a Navy SEAL. This focus provided a foundation on which he could build new professional identities, such as author and entrepreneur. Rich emphasizes the importance of recognizing and building new identities post-transition while honoring past experiences. This mindset paves the way for successful adaptation and growth in civilian life.

Practicing Optimal Performance: Rich outlines several practical steps for maintaining optimal performance. The three components he shares center around physiology, recovery, and self-improvement.

• Physiology: Prioritize proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, and regular exercise. These are foundational to high performance.
• Recovery: Engage in activities that bring joy, which helps in micro-recovery moments and prevents burnout.
• Self-Improvement: Adopt practices like breath work, mindfulness, or any routine that aids mental clarity and resilience.

Show Notes

00:00 Guest Introduction: Rich Diviney

1:10 Understanding Optimal Performance

6:10 The Journey to Becoming a Navy SEAL

8:57 Lessons from SEAL Training

19:51 Attributes of Optimal Performance

25:01 Leadership Insights and Practices

34:20 The Irony of Leadership

35:19 Courage, Humility, and Empathy in Leadership

37:13 Delegating Responsibility vs. Accountability

40:43 Decision-Making vs. Decisiveness

45:20 The Role of Neuroscience in Optimal Performance

50:45 High Performance Protocols

54:15 Transitioning to Civilian Life

55:03 The Power of Identity

1:01:31 Defining Excellence

Connect with Rich Diviney

Website 

The Attributes Book

Get Better Today with Matt Mayberry 

Embark on a transformative journey with 2x Wall Street Journal and National bestselling author and world-renowned thought leader Matt Mayberry on his podcast, Get Better Today.

In each captivating episode, Matt unlocks the underlying characteristics of success through riveting conversations with some of today’s most influential people, from pioneering CEOs and transformative leaders to world-class athletes and living legends. Step into Matt’s world of endless curiosity and experience a refreshing fusion of critical thinking, varying perspectives, and storytelling that redefines leadership, business acumen, personal development, and the art of peak performance.

The post Rich Diviney: Achieving Optimal Performance appeared first on Matt Mayberry.

IN-Q is an Emmy-nominated poet, multi-platinum songwriter, and best-selling author of Inquire Within. Oprah named him on her SuperSoul list of the world’s most influential thought leaders, and Amazon Prime Video exclusively streams his stand-up poetry special, IN-Q: Live at the Ace Theatre.

We dive into the profound impact of storytelling on personal growth, business leadership, and making meaningful connections. IN-Q’s journey from a curious observer of life in Santa Monica to a celebrated and renowned poet and songwriter reveals the essence of creativity and the incredible power of storytelling. We explore how empathy, vulnerability, and authenticity play key roles in shaping a narrative that not only enthralls but also transforms. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone passionate about the art of storytelling, this conversation with IN-Q is bound to leave you with meaningful insights and powerful questions to ask yourself.

Find out why Oprah Winfrey named him one of the world’s most influential thought leaders. At the end, IN-Q also performs a powerful poem emphasizing self-acceptance and the impact of self-talk, which you won’t want to miss.

Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. Watch the episode on YouTube.

IN-Q Episode Highlights

The Art and Impact of Storytelling: IN-Q shares his journey from a curious child in Santa Monica, navigating through life’s ups and downs, to becoming a renowned poet and storyteller on global stages. His story underscores the notion that our stories are not just about where we come from; they are about where we are heading and how we choose to navigate our paths. For business leaders and creatives alike, the conversation veers towards incorporating storytelling into organizations and personal life narratives as a tool for profound transformation. We explore the power of vulnerability in making stories relatable, creating moments of connection that transcend the superficial layers of our professional titles or personal façades.

Creativity as a Lifeline: IN-Q delves into the creative process, discussing how creativity serves as a conduit for exploring one’s identity and the world around. He explores the significance of capturing fleeting moments of inspiration and the courage required to bring those sparks to life. IN-Q’s poetic narrative reveals that creativity isn’t about reaching for perfection but about embracing the messiness of the creative journey and finding truth and beauty within it.

The Heart of Connection: A poignant part of the discussion revolves around vulnerability. IN-Q’s reflections on conducting workshops in diverse settings, from corporate boardrooms to juvenile facilities, highlight the universal craving for genuine connection and understanding. He shares the example of an impactful workshop in a jail that led to a violence-free night, demonstrating the profound effect of vulnerability in even the most hardened environments.

Practical Wisdom for a Fulfilling Life: The conversation offers actionable insights that listeners can implement in their daily lives, providing practical wisdom for a fulfilling life. From embracing daily meditation and deep breathing to the simple yet transformative act of being kind to oneself and others, the dialogue encourages a lifestyle rooted in mindfulness, empathy, and creativity. IN-Q’s closes with a poem, a heartfelt ode to self-acceptance and resilience, which encapsulates the overarching theme of our conversation: the invitation to redefine ourselves, to uncouple our identities from past narratives, and to embrace the endless possibilities that lie in the stories we choose to tell ourselves and the world.

The Main Takeaway: What emerges from the conversation with IN-Q is a powerful reminder that storytelling, creativity, and vulnerability are not just artistic pursuits but vital life skills that can lead us to our most authentic selves and, in turn, inspire others to find their paths. This conversation serves as a beacon for anyone looking to transform their lives and the world around them through the art of storytelling. Whether you’re a business leader, a creative soul, or someone in search of personal transformation, this inspiring discussion with IN-Q offers a treasure trove of insights to guide you towards living a more connected, empathetic, and creatively fulfilling life.

Show Notes

0:00 Guest Introduction

1:30 IN-Q’s Journey: From Curiosity to Poetry

5:53 The Power of Storytelling: Changing Lives and the World

10:27 Embracing Creativity and Meditation for Personal Growth

13:54 The Art of Capturing and Cultivating Ideas

21:23 Storytelling Mastery: Techniques and Insights

25:20 Embracing Vulnerability in Storytelling

26:29 Transformative Workshops: From Juvenile Facilities to Corporate Giants

28:45 Vulnerability as a Strength in Leadership

33:14 The Art of Storytelling in Business and Personal Empowerment

40:53 Building Empathy

43:24 A Poetic Conclusion

Connect with IN-Q

Website

Inquire Within Book

YouTube Channel

Get Better Today with Matt Mayberry

Embark on a transformative journey with Wall Street Journal bestselling author and world-renowned thought leader Matt Mayberry on his podcast, Get Better Today.

In each captivating episode, Matt unlocks the underlying characteristics of success through riveting conversations with some of today’s most influential people, from pioneering CEOs and transformative leaders to world-class athletes and living legends. Step into Matt’s world of endless curiosity and experience a refreshing fusion of critical thinking, varying perspectives, and storytelling that redefines leadership, business acumen, personal development, and the art of peak performance.

The post IN-Q: Change Your Story, Change Your Life appeared first on Matt Mayberry.

Along with careers in the military and business, Mike co-authored the best-selling book, The Talent War: How Special Operations and Great Organizations Win on Talent, and enjoys a partnership with Men’s Journal as a columnist and host of The Everyday Warrior series and podcast.

In this inspiring episode, Mike Sarraille recounts his incredible journey from a young boy who grew up reading books about Vietnam and watching Hollywood to becoming a Navy SEAL and later navigating the business world as CEO of the Talent War Group. Sarraille discusses the lessons he learned about overcoming adversity, the importance of suffering and accountability, and how these lessons can be applied to everyday life and business leadership.

The episode also explores Sarraille’s approach to failure, the concept of the ‘Everyday Warrior,’ and practical advice for becoming better versions of ourselves. Additionally, Sarraille stresses the significance of training, both in the military and the business realm, to prepare for high-pressure situations and achieve greatness. Mike’s insights offer valuable lessons on personal growth, accountability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. Watch the episode on YouTube.

Mike Sarraille Episode Highlights

The Beginning of Mike’s Journey: The journey for Mike Sarraille started in the Bay Area, where his childhood books and Hollywood’s glorification of the Vietnam War sparked his fascination with the military. He noted, “Much like with football, young men ask, ‘do I have what it takes?’ I asked myself the same question related to service. I wanted to know if I had the potential to serve alongside these heroes.” Throughout his journey, Mike faced numerous challenges. Nonetheless, his unwavering determination kept him strong.

Reflections on Effective Leadership: Reflecting on his journey, Mike expressed that leadership should be grounded in love. Notably, he stated, “I led through love, but it’s love rooted in accountability. The highest form of compassion or love is accountability.” Mike emphasized the importance of self-accountability, sharing how it was a significant aspect of SEAL team culture. “We turned accountability across the culture into self-accountability,” he noted. “We would be vulnerable and say, ‘Hey guys, before I get called out on it, I made this mistake…’.”

Striking a Balance between Love and Accountability: When we discussed how to balance love and accountability in leadership, Mike touched on the necessity of understanding the gravity of leading people. “You have to realize the gravity of leading people. If you can’t love your people and pour into them, then you’re going to have a real rough go,” he admitted. Mike added that top performers were never satisfied and were always in pursuit of excellence. The best leaders in sports and the military are constantly looking for the most effective ways to influence their teams, and they always strive to strike a balance between displaying love and maintaining a high level of accountability.

Training for Success: Mike shares that becoming a Navy SEAL was an arduous process. He emphasizes how leaders in these teams pour into their members, desiring to develop them into better versions of themselves while catalyzing their growth. Commenting on this strategy’s effectiveness, Mike added, “If your people are so prepared and so well trained, no matter what situation or contingency they run into, they will overcome as one team.” Mike highlighted that in the business world, one of the first things many organizations cut when facing budget constraints is training, which is a huge mistake that will backfire.

The Everyday Warrior: The core essence and DNA of Mike Sarraille and his entire brand are based on adopting the mindset of an everyday warrior. In essence, being an ‘Everyday Warrior’ entails constantly striving for excellence and balancing professional and personal life. The SEALs’ motto, ‘the only easy day was yesterday’ stands out. It beautifully illustrates the constant challenge of being better today than we were yesterday, which is a cornerstone of the Everyday Warrior Mindset.

Show Notes

00:00 – Guest Introduction: Mike Sarraille

1:10 – Mike Sarraille’s Journey: From Childhood to Military

4:16 – Mike’s Transition from Marine Corps to Navy SEAL

5:02 – Mike’s Post-Military Life and Business Ventures

8:50 – The Importance of Leadership and Accountability

12:31 – The Role of Love in Leadership

18:12 – Mike’s Reflections on Legacy and Impact

20:47 – The Challenges of Transitioning from Military to Business

29:57 – The Power of Reflection and Introspection

30:43 – The Pursuit of Excellence

31:42 – Leadership in High-Pressure Situations

32:29 – The Power of Experience and Decision Making

33:57 – The Importance of Adaptability and Flexibility

35:52 – The Journey to Becoming a SEAL

36:12 – The Power of Shared Adversity

39:50 – The Role of Training

47:14 – The Everyday Warrior Mindset

49:23 – The Power of Failure and Growth

52:45 – Becoming an Everyday Warrior

Connect with Mike Sarraille

Website

The Everyday Warrior

Talent War Group

Get Better Today with Matt Mayberry

Embark on a transformative journey with Wall Street Journal bestselling author and world-renowned thought leader Matt Mayberry on his podcast, Get Better Today.

In each captivating episode, Matt unlocks the underlying characteristics of success through riveting conversations with some of today’s most influential people, from pioneering CEOs and transformative leaders to world-class athletes and living legends. Step into Matt’s world of endless curiosity and experience a refreshing fusion of critical thinking, varying perspectives, and storytelling that redefines leadership, business acumen, personal development, and the art of peak performance.

The post Mike Sarraille: Becoming an Everyday Warrior appeared first on Matt Mayberry.

Liz Elting has been recognized as one of the world’s most successful self-made women, and she is lauded for her efforts to address systemic barriers to success and equality, as well as to develop the next generation of women business leaders.

In this episode of Get Better Today, Liz Elting shares her inspiring journey of growing TransPerfect, a language solutions company, from an idea in her dorm room at NYU into a billion-dollar business. Highlighting the importance of leadership, setting audacious goals, pushing past fear, and the importance of hard work in achieving extraordinary results, Elting delves into her entrepreneurial journey and the key lessons she’s learned. She underscores the need for having goals to work toward, the drive for constant improvement, and the importance of a proactive mentality in leadership. Liz Elting also discusses her foundation’s mission to help women business leaders and people from marginalized communities, as well as her passion for making a positive impact in the world.

Listen to the Liz Elting episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. Watch the episode on YouTube.

Liz Elting Episode Highlights

It’s Not About You: With all of her remarkable achievements and experiences, I was curious to find out what one of the greatest lessons she discovered throughout her journey was. Liz opens up about one fundamental lesson: as a leader, it’s not about you. The focus should be on what you can inspire your team to do and motivate them towards a winning mentality. According to Liz, she learned this key lesson gradually, having initially started with virtually no management or leadership experience. Elting’s approach to differentiating their business was simple: by nurturing employees, thereby incentivizing them to perform better, and by providing superior service to their clients. As Elting puts it, “It comes back to the people, you know, on both counts.”

The Journey of Liz Elting: Going back in time, Liz Elting shares her backstory. She passionately talks about her past adversities and how they shaped her into the successful woman she is today. Having been identified as off-key in a school choir formed her resolve to thrive in other areas, even if she could not become a professional singer. She sought to find something she could do better than anyone else, and she tirelessly gave it her best. Overcoming a near-death situation when she was young further built her character, affirming to her that she was meant to live for something greater. Liz believed all these experiences had built her character and the drive to be indomitable against life’s adversities.

The Inspiration Behind Dream Big and Win: Liz Elting credits her inspiration to write her new book, Dream Big and Win, to her own journey as an entrepreneur. She wanted to share her insights and lessons learned over her 26-year experience. The aim of the book is to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs and provide them with the tools she wishes she had had in her 20s. Her new book is a blend of her entrepreneurial journey interwoven with valuable nuggets of wisdom and advice.

A Culture of Disagreement: In any successful company, conflicts and disagreements are not uncommon. According to Liz Elting, creating an environment where people feel comfortable voicing their disagreements or diverse opinions is crucial. The former TransPerfect CEO emphasized the merits of having one-on-one meetings with employees and prioritizing employee surveys and exit interviews. She further advocated for an environment that encourages employees to express their perspectives on what can be improved within the company.

Qualities of Exceptional Leaders: When asked about the significant qualities of exceptional leaders, Elting identifies curiosity and a strong sense of proactiveness as vital traits. Leaders displaying these characteristics constantly strive for better and inspire their teams to follow suit. Incline towards action, intense focus, and a high level of discipline are also equally essential for leadership success, according to Elting.

Show Notes

0:00 – Guest Introduction: Liz Elting

1:11 – Beginning of Interview with Liz Elting

3:29 – Liz Elting’s Early Life and Challenges

7:34 – Inspiration Behind Liz’s New Book

8:57 – Origins of TransPerfect

11:22 – The Importance of Taking Risks in Entrepreneurship

14:04 – The Role of Hard Work

20:05 – The Importance of Setting Goals and Taking Action

25:10 – Scaling a Company and Driving Accountability

27:40 – The Art of Giving Feedback

28:16 – The Importance of Goals in Business

28:57 – The Problem with Lack of Transparency in Organizations

29:44 – The Power of One-on-One Meetings

30:47 – The Role of Compensation in Employee Retention

31:22 – The Excuse of Not Having Time for One-on-Ones

31:38 – The Importance of Understanding Expectations

33:22 – The Key to Personal and Professional Breakthroughs

33:51 – The Power of Grit and Persistence

37:09 – How Liz Approaches Goals

41:48 – Cultivating a Culture of Psychological Safety

44:14 – Qualities of Exceptional Leaders

44:42 – The Power of Curiosity and Proactivity in Leadership

47:15 – The Mission of the Elizabeth Elting Foundation

Connect with Liz Elting

Website

Dream Big and Win Book

Elizabeth Elting Foundation

Get Better Today with Matt Mayberry

Embark on a transformative journey with Wall Street Journal bestselling author and world-renowned thought leader Matt Mayberry on his podcast, Get Better Today.

In each captivating episode, Matt unlocks the underlying characteristics of success through riveting conversations with some of today’s most influential people, from pioneering CEOs and transformative leaders to world-class athletes and living legends. Step into Matt’s world of endless curiosity and experience a refreshing fusion of critical thinking, varying perspectives, and storytelling that redefines leadership, business acumen, personal development, and the art of peak performance.

The post Liz Elting: From Dorm Room to Billion-Dollar Business appeared first on Matt Mayberry.

Today, Matthew Kelly is an internationally acclaimed speaker, author, and business consultant. His books have been published in more than 30 languages, have appeared on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller lists, and have sold more than 50 million copies.

In this captivating conversation, Matthew Kelly offers insights on embracing life’s challenges, the role of dreams in our lives, and the key attributes of effective leadership. Kelly’s conversation is deeply personal and reflective, revealing a rich perspective filled with resilience and courage. Kelly developed the “the-best-version-of-yourself” concept and has been sharing it in every arena of life for more than 25 years. It is quoted by presidents and celebrities, athletes and their coaches, business leaders, and innovators, though perhaps it is never more powerfully quoted than when a mother or father asks a child, “Will that help you become the-best-version-of-yourself?”

Listen to the Matthew Kelly episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. Watch the episode on YouTube.

Matthew Kelly Episode Highlights

Matthew Kelly’s Story: Walking the Unfamiliar Road: Matthew Kelly has had a fascinating journey. Contrary to societal expectations for planning out our lives, he emphasizes the fulfillment found in traversing unexpected paths. Matthew’s journey began with a chance to speak at an event while still in business school, from which he grew into a renowned author and speaker. He explains, “I’ve been on this adventure, and I really didn’t plan it, and I don’t know where it’s going next.” One of Matthew’s outstanding skills is his ability to capture listeners’ hearts, a gift largely honed in high school gymnasiums, where he learned the importance of audience engagement. His storytelling ability, through his books and videos, indeed touches lives profoundly.

Nurturing Passion and Purpose Amid Chaos in Our Lives: Matthew Kelly discussed the importance of living every day with passion and purpose and how to do so amid the chaos in our personal and professional lives. He emphasized that we are made for a mission—not to serve ourselves but to serve others. This principle applies in our personal lives, our professional lives, and in leadership in organizations. Matthew explained the power of dreams, asserting that having a dream for our lives injects us with passion and purpose. In his latest book, The Rocking Chair Prophet, Matthew tells the story of a man named Ezra who begins to chase his dream and how that changes him profoundly.

Learning to Slow Down and Embrace Vulnerability: Matthew Kelly expressed strong sentiments about slowing down in life. He believes that slowing down brings mindfulness, efficiency, and focus and allows us to be present in the moment. In his recent works, Matthew has expressed deep vulnerability, sharing that being honest and real with oneself is incredibly powerful, especially in coping with personal trials such as his experience overcoming cancer multiple times.

Embracing the Messy: Navigating through life’s mess requires us to fight our battles every day and strive to be better than yesterday. Matthew uses his personal experiences to send a resounding message that, despite life’s mess, we can achieve excellence and wholeness. It’s crucial to remember, as Matthew Kelly wonderfully puts it, “Life is messy, but you’re not doing it wrong.” The pursuit of excellence lies in our everyday choices, habits, and mindset. It’s not merely a goal, but a journey marked by constant growth and transformation. We must acknowledge our vulnerabilities and accept that life is messy, but within this mess lies the potential for our excellence.

Show Notes

1:00 – Guest Introduction: Matthew Kelly

1:30 – Matthew Kelly’s Journey and Career

3:54 – The Art of Public Speaking

5:48 – Living with Passion and Purpose

11:15 – The Power of Dreams

16:18 – The Importance of Personal Dreams in Professional Life

19:35 – The Role of Leaders in Encouraging Dreams

22:20 – Practical Steps for Leaders to Encourage Dreams

25:58 – Appreciating the Power of Dreams

27:33 – The Uniqueness of Human Dreams

28:28 – Redefining the Concept of a Better Future

29:56 – The Power of Giving and Simplifying Life

31:00 – The Role of Habits in Unleashing Potential

31:12 – The Power of Reading and Coaching

34:06 – The Importance of Silence and Slowing Down

35:18 – Embracing Vulnerability and Overcoming Challenges

42:03 – The Impact of Books

47:37 – Personal Definition of Excellence

Connect with Matthew Kelly

Matthew Kelly Website

Matthew Kelly YouTube Channel

Matthew Kelly Books

Get Better Today with Matt Mayberry 

Embark on a transformative journey with Wall Street Journal bestselling author and world-renowned thought leader Matt Mayberry on his podcast, Get Better Today.

In each captivating episode, Matt unlocks the underlying characteristics of success through riveting conversations with some of today’s most influential people, from pioneering CEOs and transformative leaders to world-class athletes and living legends. Step into Matt’s world of endless curiosity and experience a refreshing fusion of critical thinking, varying perspectives, and storytelling that redefines leadership, business acumen, personal development, and the art of peak performance.

The post Matthew Kelly: Becoming the Best Version of Yourself appeared first on Matt Mayberry.