In this solo episode, Mike Simmons discusses leadership from the perspective of self-leadership. He emphasizes the importance of looking inward before seeking leadership from others. Mike provides practical insights into building leadership skills through self-reflection, goal-setting, and problem-solving. He also touches on how mindset plays a crucial role in the journey to effective leadership. Key Quotes “If you're looking for leadership, start with a mirror.” “Leadership is how we move forward, and to do that, we must first know where we are and where we want to go.” “Before we can lead others, we must first demonstrate that we can lead ourselves well.” In this episode, Mike explores the essence of leadership by starting with self-leadership. He shares practical tools for decision-making, goal-setting, and problem-solving, all while reinforcing the importance of mindset. Simmons encourages listeners to take personal responsibility and develop the skills necessary to move themselves and others forward. Find Your Catalyst - and Learn. Think. Act. - at https://findmycatalyst.com 5 Key Takeaways Leadership Starts with Self Leadership begins by looking inward. Know where you are and where you want to go. Develop the ability to lead yourself before leading others. Clarity and Goal-Setting Define clear objectives and goals for yourself. Reflect on where you are versus where you want to be. Use goal-setting frameworks to guide your decisions. Problem-Solving Define the problem clearly before seeking solutions. Consider different perspectives to avoid blind spots. Use frameworks like the Catalyst A.C.T.S. hexagon to solve problems effectively. Mindset and Continuous Learning Adopt a growth mindset; be open to learning and feedback. Avoid complacency by continuously applying new skills. Learn, think, act, and reflect regularly to maintain progress. Leadership as Service Leadership is about serving others, not about titles. Lead by example, doing your own work well. Build trust through clear communication and alignment of goals.

Jen Bergren is an expert in process documentation and operations, with a strong focus on helping organizations become more efficient. She’s passionate about simplifying processes, improving onboarding experiences, and ensuring that organizations can operate smoothly and creatively through thoughtful documentation. Jen is a key voice in operational strategy and process improvement, especially in remote and asynchronous work environments. 3 Key Quotes: "If you follow a process, you can be even more creative and more innovative." "Start small... don’t try to document your entire sales process the first time." "The fear is that documenting will take time, but not doing it wastes more time in the long run." Jen dives into the importance of process documentation and its impact on business efficiency. She discusses overcoming the resistance to documenting procedures, how to prevent overcomplicating processes, and the benefits of strong onboarding. Her insights focus on creating clarity and efficiency, which helps teams operate more effectively. The Find My Catalyst Podcast is brought to your by Catalyst A.C.T.S. Find your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/ 5 Key Takeaways: 1. Start Small with Documentation Begin by documenting smaller, routine tasks to build the habit. Focus on processes that occur frequently to improve quickly. Avoid overwhelming yourself by trying to document everything at once. 2. Process Documentation Improves Creativity Having clear, repeatable steps frees up mental space for creative problem-solving. Following a structured process reduces time spent on routine tasks. It creates room for innovation without the burden of repetitive decisions. 3. Efficient Onboarding Creates a Self-Service Culture Clear documentation empowers new employees to find answers independently. A structured onboarding process reduces the need for repetitive questions. It helps remote and asynchronous teams operate smoothly without constant hand-holding. 4. Avoid Overcomplicating Processes Get early feedback from peers to ensure processes are clear and simple. Document only what's necessary—efficiency comes from eliminating unnecessary steps. Continuously improve processes without adding unnecessary complexity. 5. Operations People Are Key to Success Operations often work behind the scenes but are vital to keeping everything running. Recognizing their work can prevent burnout and improve company-wide efficiency. Encourage transparency and collaboration by elevating operations roles in the organization. Find Jen on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenbergren/

In this episode, host Mike Simmons dives into event strategies and tactics. He shares insights on different types of events, how to plan for them, and how to make the most out of attending or speaking at events. Whether you’re attending a massive trade show or a small niche event, this episode offers actionable advice for maximizing your impact. Key Quotes from Mike Simmons: "Participating in events is an investment—time, energy, and money—so make sure it’s the right fit for you." "One of the best ways to meet people is to attend sessions, observe, and engage with them afterward." "Going to an event as an attendee is just as valuable as being a sponsor, especially for smaller businesses." Mike Simmons shares strategies to maximize the value of attending or hosting events. He covers the types of events, such as large trade shows, vendor-specific, and smaller niche events, and offers tips on pre-event preparation, making connections, and post-event follow-up. This episode is packed with practical, actionable advice. This episode is brought to you by Catalyst A.C.T.S. - check out our weekly newsletter - Learn. Think. Act. - https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act 5 Key Takeaways: Types of Events: Choose Wisely Large trade shows have expo halls and keynote sessions that offer networking opportunities. Vendor-specific events help you learn from others using the same tools and systems. Small, niche events provide targeted networking and more meaningful interactions. Pre-Event Planning: Prepare for Success Visit the event website to understand the theme, agenda, and who will be speaking. Identify key people you want to meet—speakers, vendors, or peers. Create a "must-meet" list to stay focused and make meaningful connections. Networking: Engage with Purpose Focus on attending sessions where your target audience is likely to be. Introduce yourself to others after breakout sessions or during lunch. Be strategic—don’t pitch, but ask questions to learn more about the person and their challenges. Post-Event Follow-Up: Build Relationships Send personalized messages following the event to maintain the connection. Reference the sessions they attended or the conversations you had. Schedule follow-up calls or meetings to further discuss mutual interests. Attendee vs. Sponsor: Know Your Role Attending events for research or networking can be as valuable as sponsoring. Bring a team of 2-3 people to an event to cover more ground and gather diverse insights. Don’t over-invest in booths unless you know the event attracts your target audience.  

"Start. Right…you can make a lot of plans, but sometimes it's just about jumping into the cold water and seeing if you can swim." "Partnerships are not a transactional relationship. It's about working together towards a mutual goal." "Revenue is not a goal—it's a result. Understand what you want to achieve and how you can align with your partner's goals." In this episode, Martin Scholz discusses the importance of partnerships and the complexities involved in building them. He emphasizes the need for alignment within organizations, clear communication, and the value of just starting when it comes to creating community initiatives. Martin shares insights on leadership, alignment, and incentivization strategies. 5 Key Takeaways The Power of Starting Don't wait for the perfect plan—sometimes, you just need to begin. Building a community starts with initiative and grows through consistent effort. Experimentation is key; learn as you go. Understanding Partnerships Partnerships are about mutual benefit, not just profit. Aligning goals with partners is crucial for long-term success. Communication and understanding are the foundations of a strong partnership. Importance of Internal Alignment Internal conflicts can sabotage external partnerships. Clear communication within teams helps in managing expectations and reducing conflicts. Aligning incentives across departments ensures everyone works towards the same goal. Effective Incentivization Incentivize behaviors that align with long-term goals, not just short-term wins. Consider team goals over individual bonuses to encourage collaboration. Compensation structures should reflect the desired outcome, whether that’s growth, stability, or innovation. Leadership in Partnerships Leadership plays a critical role in fostering a healthy partnership ecosystem. Leaders must ensure that their teams understand and follow partnership guidelines. Address conflicts early and clearly to maintain trust within partnerships.

Three Key Quotes "If you want to fail, pitch without context. Your customers care about solving their problems, not your product." "Don’t try to be the hero. Remember, your customer is the hero, and you’re the guide helping them solve their problems." "If you always make it about you, you will fail. Focus on the needs of others to truly succeed." This episode highlights ten behaviors that can lead to failure in sales and business, from pitching without context to always focusing on personal gain. The host encourages listeners to avoid these mistakes and instead adopt a service-oriented, customer-focused mindset that enhances success and leads to more fulfilling work. The Top 10 List: How to Fail at Business and Sales Pitch Without Context Ignore the customer’s specific problems. Present your solution without understanding their needs. Fail to connect your pitch to what’s important to the customer. Assume Instead of Validate Make assumptions about what the customer wants. Skip asking clarifying questions. Focus on things not directly related to the customer’s problem. Overpower the Conversation Dominate the discussion without listening. Make the conversation all about your opinions. Fail to engage the customer in meaningful dialogue. Attempt to Solve Everything Try to address every issue at once. Spread yourself too thin and lose focus. Lack clarity in your approach, leading to confusion and failure. Work Alone Go solo without involving others. Miss out on different perspectives and collaborative solutions. Fail to build a supportive network that could help you succeed. Stick to the Script Rigidly follow a script or template without adapting. Ignore the unique aspects of each situation. Miss opportunities for personalization and creativity. Try to Be the Hero Take on all the responsibility instead of guiding the customer. Forget that the customer is the hero of their own story. Overstep your role, leading to customer disengagement. Wing It Without a Plan Enter situations without preparation or strategy. React to problems as they arise instead of anticipating them. Increase the risk of failure by lacking a clear plan. Take a “Me First” Approach Focus on your own needs rather than the customer’s. Prioritize personal gain over providing value. Alienate customers by making it all about you. Always Be Closing Constantly push for the sale without considering the customer’s readiness. Focus on closing deals rather than building relationships. Develop a reputation as a pushy salesperson who is more interested in profit than people. 5 Key Takeaways Contextualize Your Pitch Understand your customer’s unique needs before pitching. Connect your solution to what truly matters to them. Avoid generic pitches that lack relevance. Validate, Don’t Assume Ask questions to confirm your understanding of the customer’s problem. Ensure your solutions are aligned with their needs. Increase predictability by clarifying expectations. Listen More, Talk Less Engage the customer by actively listening. Make the conversation about them, not you. Foster a more productive dialogue by valuing their input. Plan and Collaborate Prepare thoroughly before meetings or pitches. Involve others to gain different perspectives and avoid blind spots. Work with a plan, but remain flexible to adjust as needed. Empower the Customer Let the customer be the hero of their story. Act as a guide, helping them navigate challenges. Focus on enabling their success rather than taking control.

Sean Barnes is a business leader who recently transitioned into full-time entrepreneurship. With a background in IT and a passion for helping others grow, Sean now leads a small but dedicated team. His insights into leadership, business strategy, and personal development make him a valuable resource for those looking to find their catalyst in both professional and personal growth. Key Quotes: On Support and Expectations: "I quickly realized that it doesn't matter how great we are at the thing we do if we don't know how to get our brand out there and sell." On Building Relationships: "I spent years pouring and helping and supporting others, but when I went out on my own, I quickly realized that not everyone would support me in the way I had supported them." On Growth: "Growth is uncomfortable. It’s going to suck. But the last thing we want to do is look back on our life and think, 'I could have done more.'" In this episode, Sean Barnes dives into the realities of entrepreneurship, from the challenges of brand building to the importance of setting boundaries. He shares personal experiences and lessons learned, emphasizing the need for persistence, self-awareness, and the willingness to grow despite discomfort. A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways: The Reality of Entrepreneurship: Building a business is more than just having a good product; it's about effective branding and sales. Not everyone who you support will support you in return. You need to be prepared for a steep learning curve and embrace every challenge. Setting Boundaries: As an entrepreneur, it's crucial to balance giving value with ensuring you are compensated. Establish clear boundaries to avoid being overwhelmed by non-paying clients. Prioritize those who respect your time and are willing to invest in your services. Networking and Building Relationships: Networking as a business owner is different from networking as an employee. Focus on creating and curating a strong personal brand, both online and offline. Cultivate relationships with intention, understanding that most won't result in immediate business. The Importance of Self-Awareness: Leaders must be aware of their own ego and how it impacts decision-making. It’s essential to maintain deep connections within your organization to avoid blind spots. Regular self-reflection and feedback from trusted individuals can help mitigate the negative effects of ego. Embracing Growth: Personal and professional growth often comes with discomfort and challenges. Push yourself to do more and overcome fears, like public speaking, to achieve your full potential. At the end of the day, it’s about striving to accomplish everything you’re capable of, despite the obstacles.

"Mindset is critical. Your Attitudes and beliefs — what attitude do you bring to each situation, and how do your beliefs impact or influence that attitude?" "Use tools to create leverage and improve problem-solving. It's about moving from your current state to your desired state." "First, make sure you get your mind right, get that mindset going, and then take advantage of the skills you've already built to move things forward." Mike discusses the importance of mindset, skill set, and tool set in successfully navigating life’s transitions, using his personal experience as an empty nester. He highlights the value of a positive attitude, continuous skill development, and effective tools in overcoming challenges and moving toward a better future. 5 Key Takeaways: Mindset Matters A positive attitude helps navigate challenges. Belief in a better future motivates action. A strong mindset prevents getting stuck during transitions. Continuous Skill Development Always build and refine skills. Effective communication is key: ask questions and listen. Applying old skills to new situations fosters innovation. Leveraging Tools Tools like effective communication plans reduce risk. Problem-solving frameworks guide action toward goals. Limiting analysis paralysis by focusing on key action points. Navigating Life Transitions Personal transitions, like empty nesting, require emotional and practical preparation. Assessing current state vs. desired state is crucial. Clear, realistic steps help manage overwhelming changes. Creating Impact Reflect on new learning and apply it immediately. Action plans accelerate progress and impact. Continuous reflection and adjustment ensure alignment with goals.  

On Leadership: "We all want our employees and our loved ones to do the right things, but often we don't get a chance to see that. We are very aware when they screw up, but the day-to-day—boy, I hope they make the right decision today." On Vulnerability in Leadership: "As a leader, if you show vulnerability, it shows weakness, which is absolutely B.S., in my opinion. Knowing your employees is the absolute best practice you can do." On Learning from Nature: "The natural environment and the work environment are so similar. The ecosystem thrives because of disaster, just like businesses can grow stronger after challenges." Donald Forgione shares insights from his extensive career as a park ranger, emphasizing the importance of leadership, vulnerability, and understanding the environment—both natural and professional. His stories highlight how observing and learning from nature can inform better business practices and stronger, more resilient teams. 5 Key Takeaways: Leadership Through Example: Employees often learn more from what you do than what you say. Demonstrating good practices, like safety, encourages others to follow. Leadership is about being visible and consistent in your actions. The Power of Vulnerability: Sharing personal challenges can build stronger connections. Vulnerability is not a weakness but a tool for authentic leadership. Oversharing can burden others; know when and what to share. Understanding and Observing Your Environment: The work environment changes daily, much like natural ecosystems. Observing small changes can help you anticipate larger shifts. Leadership requires being attuned to the needs of your team, like a ranger to their park. Designing for Success: Proper design, whether in parks or business, is crucial for smooth operations. Capacity planning ensures that resources and experiences are not overstretched. Good design enhances customer satisfaction and safety. Adapting to Change: Nature's response to disasters shows resilience—businesses can learn from this. Challenges in the workplace should be seen as opportunities for growth. Leaders must be flexible, adapting rules and policies to fit real-world scenarios. https://tailgate-talks.com/speaker-experience/podcasts/

"Everything is theoretical until you put it into practice; then it becomes practical." "To maintain focus, I gain clarity—clarity around what’s important to me and those I work with." "You learn more with the questions you ask than with the statements you make." Find your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/ Mike discusses the transition from theory to practice, emphasizing that clarity is key to maintaining focus. He provides actionable advice on applying theory, setting priorities, and effective hiring practices. By asking the right questions and understanding what truly matters, you can drive better results in business and life. 5 Key Takeaways: Theory to Practice Everything starts as theory; it becomes practical through action. Learn, think, and act—understand the theory, reflect on its application, and then apply it. Personal experience and reflection are crucial in making theory useful. Maintaining Focus Clarity is essential for maintaining focus—know what’s important. Regularly ask, “What’s important?” and “Why is it important?” Reevaluate goals and priorities every 90 days to stay aligned. Effective Hiring Leverage networks and referrals for finding the right candidates. Understand where your ideal candidates congregate and engage with them there. Ask your team for insights on where to find and recruit new talent. Job Searching Strategy Be clear on what you want and the problems you want to solve. Identify companies that align with your goals and reach out to leaders within them. Tailor your approach to each company to increase your chances of getting a conversation. Power of Questions Asking better questions leads to better understanding and results. Use questions to clarify objectives, expectations, and next steps. In conversations, end the call when objectives are met or if misalignment occurs.

Jeff Conroy is a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience as a CEO. He recently authored the book Nonprofit Leadership Success, which delves into the challenges and strategies of leading nonprofit organizations. Jeff is passionate about effective leadership, the importance of coaching, and the unique dynamics that drive nonprofit success. Key Quotes: "Coaching is someone who has experience that I can have conversations with, who understands what I need as a nonprofit CEO." "Leadership begins with a relationship—your influence depends on the kind of relationship you have with people." "Nonprofits need to act like a business; otherwise, they won't be in business." In this episode, Jeff Conroy discusses the importance of leadership in nonprofit organizations, drawing from his book Nonprofit Leadership Success. He emphasizes the need for strong relationships, the role of coaching, and how nonprofits can thrive by adopting business-like practices while staying true to their mission. 5 Key Takeaways: The Role of Coaching in Leadership: Coaching offers guidance from experienced individuals who understand specific challenges. A good coach can provide the tools needed to overcome leadership hurdles. It's important to regularly evaluate and choose the right coach for your current needs. Building Strong Relationships: Effective leadership is rooted in building solid relationships. Trust is the foundation of any successful leadership dynamic. Strong relationships between board members and staff are crucial for nonprofit success. Nonprofits Must Operate Like Businesses: Nonprofits need to implement business practices to survive and thrive. This includes creating budgets, conducting internal audits, and ensuring transparency. Effective financial management is essential to maintain trust and accountability. The Importance of a Diverse Board: A successful nonprofit requires a board with varied expertise. Board members should be selected based on how their skills can advance the nonprofit's mission. Developing committees with experts helps in making informed decisions. Succession Planning in Nonprofits: Nonprofits should have a succession plan in place for board members. Committees serve as a farm system to groom future board members. This ensures continuity and stability within the organization. Find Your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/