Find My Catalyst Podcast cover image

Find My Catalyst Podcast

Latest episodes

undefined
Aug 10, 2024 • 23min

Enabling and Empowering Success - Self, Teams, and Family with Mike Simmons

"Leadership starts with self, so you are all leaders." "Enable and empower people to achieve the results they want to achieve through a combination of people and process." "If your people aren't getting fired up about the work that they're doing, something's wrong." Find Your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/ Mike Simmons discusses the concepts of enabling and empowering others by providing clear communication, objectives, and processes. The host outlines practical strategies for leaders to help their teams succeed, emphasizing that leadership begins with self-awareness and the proper alignment of goals. The discussion is practical, actionable, and rooted in personal experience. 5 Key Takeaways: Define Objectives Clearly Clear objectives are crucial for empowerment. Aligning goals helps everyone understand their roles. Simple tools like goal-setting cards can clarify objectives. Set Timelines Deadlines provide structure and accountability. Setting a timeline helps manage expectations. It’s not micromanagement; it’s clarity in purpose. Utilize Effective Processes Processes are step-by-step guides to achieving goals. Tools and processes together form systems that drive success. Regularly assess and adjust processes to ensure progress. Leadership Begins with Self Self-leadership is the foundation of enabling others. Lead yourself well to earn the right to lead others. Continuous self-improvement is key to effective leadership. Design Backward, Execute Forward Start with the end goal in mind and plan steps backward. This approach ensures clarity and alignment in execution. Regular assessment during execution keeps the team on track. Find Your Catalyst at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/
undefined
Aug 7, 2024 • 59min

RevGenius Founder Jared Robin on Leadership, Fractional Roles, and the Future of Collaboration

"Leadership is more about empowering others to do the thing than doing the thing yourself." "If you're collaborating, their goals are your goals." "The cool thing about fractional roles is you're addressing a specific problem or specific need." Summary: In this episode, Jared Robin discusses the importance of leadership, collaboration, and personal development in business. He explores how empowering individuals can drive organizational success and shares insights from his own journey in building RevGenius. Jared also touches on the evolving role of fractionals and the significance of alignment and integrity in leadership. Key Takeaways: The Importance of Leadership: Leadership involves empowering and enabling team members. Successful leaders set reasonable expectations and allow teams to figure things out. Empathy and honesty are crucial in building strong relationships within teams. Collaboration and Alignment: Aligning goals between collaborators is key to achieving success. True collaboration involves understanding and working towards the goals of others. Misalignment in collaboration can lead to a lack of integrity and ineffective outcomes. Fractional Roles and Their Impact: Fractional roles address specific business needs and bring in specialized expertise. They provide flexibility for companies to scale and adapt quickly. Clear communication about objectives and expectations is essential in fractional work. Personal Growth and Overcoming Fear: Personal growth requires awareness, presence, and a deliberate approach. Overcoming fear involves meditation, self-care, and being open to change. Balancing personal relationships and work commitments enhances overall leadership effectiveness. Building a Community: RevGenius aims to create trusted spaces for revenue leaders to collaborate and grow. The community supports individual growth and leverages the power of collective knowledge. Collaboration among diverse individuals fosters innovation and new opportunities. This episode is brought to you by The Phoenix Club & Catalyst A.C.T.S. - learn more at https://www.findmycatalyst.com/
undefined
Aug 6, 2024 • 48min

From Overthinking to Creating: Will Aitken's Guide to Authentic Content Creation

"The biggest mistake people make when starting content creation is overthinking before doing." "It's amazing what happens when people smile; a joke can break down walls and start genuine conversations." "You don't know what you're good at until you actually go out there and start doing it." In this episode, Will Aitken discusses the journey of content creation and the importance of authenticity and creativity. He shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, the power of humor, and how to start creating with intention. Will encourages listeners to find their catalyst by embracing what makes them unique and experimenting with their content. 5 Key Takeaways: Overcoming Self-Doubt: Don't overthink your initial steps; start creating and learn as you go. Reflection is crucial: analyze what works and what doesn't, but don't dwell on perfection. Embrace failures as learning experiences to grow and improve. The Power of Humor and Authenticity: Use humor to build rapport and break down barriers in communication. Self-deprecation can be a tool to connect with others, making you relatable and approachable. Authenticity in content attracts genuine engagement and fosters trust. Intentional Content Creation: Consistency and experimentation are key; try different approaches to find what resonates. Be intentional about your content's purpose and the value it provides. Reflect on successful content to double down on what works. Leveraging Technology: Use accessible tools and technology to enhance content quality without overextending budgets. Continuously learn and adapt to new editing techniques and tools. Balance creative input with outsourcing to focus on strategic aspects of content creation. Finding Your Catalyst: Discover what energizes and excites you, using it as a catalyst for creativity. Align your content creation goals with personal and professional objectives. Create for the joy and fulfillment it brings, rather than solely for external validation or financial gain. This podcast is brought to you by The Phoenix Club & Catalyst A.C.T.S. - for more information head to https://www.findmycatalyst.com/
undefined
Aug 1, 2024 • 26min

How to Hit Your Sales Targets: A Step-by-Step Guide to Sales Success with Mike Simmons

In this episode, Mike Simmons delves into the strategic process of hitting sales targets. He discusses the importance of understanding your numbers, creating multiple pathways to achieve goals, and building a solid pipeline. Mike shares insights from his experience, emphasizing the need for detailed planning and execution to drive sales success. Key Quotes "Think a bit like fractals; it's the same process repeating itself over and over again to create scale inside your business." "I want to design a plan with certain numbers that gives me three paths to hitting my number." "If you're not creating pipeline or developing it, you're missing the mark." Mike Simmons discusses the art of hitting sales targets by breaking down the process into manageable parts. He explains how to identify ideal customers, create effective outreach strategies, and develop a robust sales pipeline. The episode offers practical tips on aligning efforts to achieve sales goals efficiently. Key Takeaways 1. Know Your Numbers Define Targets: Break down annual goals into specific deal sizes and numbers to achieve clarity. Pathways to Success: Develop three distinct paths to hit your targets, ensuring flexibility and adaptability. Personalize Metrics: Use your own sales metrics rather than industry benchmarks to guide your strategy. 2. Build a Robust Pipeline Identify Opportunities: Use existing relationships and potential new leads to fill your pipeline. Develop Relationships: Focus on building long-term relationships with target accounts for sustained growth. Regular Assessment: Continuously evaluate your pipeline to ensure it aligns with sales objectives. 3. Effective Outreach Target Accounts: Prioritize a list of 25 key accounts and engage with them consistently. Multi-Channel Engagement: Use various communication channels to reach decision-makers effectively. Measure Success: Track the effectiveness of outreach activities to refine strategies and improve results. 4. Strategic Event Participation Networking: Attend events where potential clients congregate to expand your network. Proactive Engagement: Design a strategy for engaging with prospects at events rather than relying on chance meetings. Leverage Community Groups: Utilize community and industry groups to connect with potential leads. 5. Continuous Improvement Iterative Process: Regularly review and refine your sales approach to adapt to market changes. Feedback Loops: Use feedback from interactions to enhance communication and sales tactics. Personal Development: Invest in learning and growth to stay ahead in the sales field. By following these structured strategies, sales professionals can effectively align their actions with their targets, ensuring progress and success in hitting their sales goals.
undefined
Jul 29, 2024 • 47min

Building Community with Leslie Greenwood

Leslie Greenwood is community builder, known for her work with Pavilion and her consulting firm, Chief Evangelist Consulting. Jen Simmons and Mike Simmons are the leaders of the Phoenix Club, a community aimed at connecting professionals from diverse backgrounds. Three Key Quotes: Leslie Greenwood: "Connection, growth, and expanding your reach are what truly excite me about community." Jen Simmons: "We're trying to put a lot of thought into what our members are looking for and why they came to a community in the first place." Mike Simmons: "People rise together by contributing to others, helping each other work through their challenges." In this episode, Leslie Greenwood, Jen Simmons, and Mike Simmons discuss the intricacies of building and maintaining a successful community. They share insights on setting up foundational guidelines, engaging members, and the importance of continuous feedback. The conversation highlights strategies for fostering connections and driving meaningful interactions. Five Key Takeaways: Foundation and Structure: Set Clear Mission and Values: Start with a clear mission, vision, and values to guide the community's purpose. Create Community Guidelines: Establish terms of service, privacy policies, and community guidelines to set expectations. Develop a Content Calendar: Plan content in advance to keep members engaged and provide continuous value. Engagement and Interaction: Encourage Introductions: Create a welcoming environment where new members feel comfortable sharing about themselves. Foster Connections: Act as a relationship broker, connecting members with similar interests or goals. Social Listening: Regularly monitor conversations to understand member needs and interests. Challenges and Solutions: Manage Member Expectations: Clearly communicate what the community offers and continuously gather feedback. Address Non-Engagement: If posts receive little interaction, explore ways to make content more relevant and engaging. Handle Difficult Situations: Address any violations of community guidelines promptly and transparently. Growth and Sustainability: Phased Migration: When moving platforms, plan a phased approach to ensure smooth transition and member retention. Member Participation: Highlight and reward active members to encourage participation and create a sense of belonging. Long-Term Vision: Understand that building a mature community takes time and consistent effort. Value and Feedback: Conduct Interviews: Regularly interview members to understand their needs and how the community can serve them better. Iterate Based on Feedback: Use feedback to make continuous improvements and keep the community relevant. Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that all members feel valued and heard, fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. These key points align with the theme of "finding a catalyst," as they provide practical steps for creating and sustaining a vibrant, engaged community.
undefined
Jul 27, 2024 • 15min

Simplify Getting Things Done and Achieving Results - Mike Simmons

Key Quotes: "Your north star can change over time. And it's okay." "Strategy from my perspective…is how will we do it? Not what will we do." "With the right mindset, with the right skill set and the right tool set, you can move the world." Mike Simmons discusses life and business strategies using the game metaphor. He emphasizes finding a changing North Star, creating a clear GAME PLAN with goals, actions, metrics, and execution, and using the GAME FACE as an assessment. This approach helps individuals and businesses achieve success through structured, actionable steps. 5 Key Takeaways: Finding Your North Star: Your North Star is your guiding goal. It can change over time, reflecting growth and new insights. Identifying it helps focus your efforts on what truly matters. Creating a Game Plan: A game plan includes goals, actions, metrics, and execution. It organizes efforts to improve the likelihood of success. Clarity in the plan enhances focus and progress. Strategy vs. Tactics: Strategy defines how you will achieve your goals. Tactics are the specific actions taken to implement the strategy. Both are essential for effective execution and progress. GAME FACE Method: Focus, Accountability, Clarity, and Effort are crucial. Regular self-assessment helps maintain progress. Each element ensures you stay on track towards your goals. Reflecting and Adjusting: Regular reflection ensures your efforts are effective. Adjustments may be needed if progress stalls. Simplifying processes helps manage and measure progress. Connecting to the Theme "Find Your Catalyst": Identify Your Catalyst: Understand what drives you and set clear, meaningful goals. Regularly revisit and refine your goals as you grow. Strategize and Execute: Develop a clear plan and take actionable steps. Align your efforts with your long-term vision. Continuous Improvement: Use the GAME FACE method to stay focused and accountable. Regularly assess and refine your approach for better results.
undefined
Jul 22, 2024 • 50min

Called to Empower - Coach Kurt Hines

Coach Kurt Hines, head football coach and author, shares his journey of empowering others through faith, leadership, and personal growth. With over 27 years of coaching experience, Hines emphasizes the importance of servant leadership and helping others find their strength and purpose. Key Quotes "I truly feel like I've been called to empower. That's where I get the most joy in life – when I can bless, serve, and empower others." "Leadership is about serving others. It’s about creating more leaders by empowering those you lead." "We need to take pride in the fact that when we face adversity, it’s an opportunity for growth and to embrace the challenges that shape us." Episode Summary In this episode, Coach Kurt Hines discusses his new book, "Called to Empower," and shares his insights on leadership, faith, and personal growth. Hines emphasizes the importance of empowering others and how facing adversity can lead to significant personal development. The conversation highlights the transformative power of servant leadership and the impact of living with intention and purpose. Key Takeaways 1. Embracing Empowerment Understanding Empowerment: Empowering others brings immense joy and fulfillment. Servant Leadership: True leadership is about serving others and creating more leaders. Personal Growth: Helping others realize their inner strength is a profound experience. 2. Facing Adversity Growth Through Challenges: Adversity is not the enemy but a friend that helps us grow. Embracing Difficulties: Facing and overcoming challenges is crucial for success. Resilience: Building resilience through adversity strengthens personal and professional life. 3. Leadership Principles Know Your Why: Understanding and sharing your purpose is essential for effective leadership. Building Relationships: Strong relationships are the foundation of successful leadership. Defining Success: Clearly define what winning means for you and your team. 4. The Importance of Faith Spiritual Guidance: Faith plays a significant role in providing direction and purpose. Serving with Faith: Being a Christlike servant leader means leading with love and humility. Greater Purpose: Recognizing a higher power helps in understanding our place in the world. 5. Lifelong Learning and Reflection Continuous Improvement: Strive to get one percent better every day. Reflective Practice: Regularly reflect on your actions and experiences to learn and grow. Goal Setting: Setting and achieving small, concrete goals leads to significant progress over time. Coach Kurt Hines inspires listeners with his dedication to empowering others and his commitment to servant leadership. His insights on facing adversity and living with intention offer valuable lessons for personal and professional growth. Through his experiences and faith, Hines encourages us to find our catalyst for change and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
undefined
Jul 19, 2024 • 11min

Transform Your Performance: How Mindset, Skillset, and Toolset Drive Success with Mike Simmons

In this episode, Mike Simmons explores the crucial elements of mindset, skillset, and toolset, and their roles in personal and business growth. Mike emphasizes the importance of each component and how they interconnect to drive performance and success. Three Key Quotes: "In the absence of mindset, the other stuff doesn't work. Don't care what your skill set is and what your tool set is, if you don't have the right mindset, you're not in a position to be successful." "Skills are our abilities and experience—what we can do and what we've done in the past. Improving these capabilities can involve learning, hiring, or testing new things." "Tools and processes create systems that help generate leverage. This includes everything from marketing budgets to AI tools used correctly with the right skills." Mike Simmons delves into how mindset, skillset, and toolset impact growth in business and personal life. He breaks down each element, offering insights on perspectives about money, capabilities, and leveraging tools. Mike also encourages listeners to reflect on their experiences and mindset shifts to achieve success. 5 Key Takeaways: Mindset: The Foundation of Success Our attitudes and beliefs shape our perspective. A healthy relationship with money views it as a tool or resource. Success begins with the right mindset; it influences everything else. Skillset: Building Capabilities Skills are based on our abilities and past experiences. Identify gaps in skillset and seek opportunities for learning and growth. Strengthen skillsets by hiring, learning, or testing new methods. Toolset: Creating Leverage Tools, processes, and systems enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Effective use of tools requires understanding and skill. Combining tools and processes creates robust systems for growth. Perspective on Money and Investments How we view money impacts our financial decisions and growth. Perspectives change with different investment scales ($5 to $500,000). Understand your views on money to make better financial choices. Applying Mindset, Skillset, and Toolset Each element plays a crucial role in performance and success. Start with mindset, then build necessary skills, and finally leverage tools. Reflect on personal stories to understand the impact of these elements. For more insights and practical tips, sign up for the "Learn Think Act" newsletter, and don't forget to share this episode with someone who might benefit from it!
undefined
Jul 15, 2024 • 58min

From Firefighter to Entrepreneur: David Landis Shares Tips on Growth and Self-Mastery

David Landis is a seasoned firefighter turned entrepreneur and self-mastery advocate. With a unique blend of practical experience and creative insight, David emphasizes the importance of mindset, resilience, and growth in both personal and professional realms. His journey from a structured firefighting career to navigating the uncertainties of entrepreneurship provides valuable lessons on adaptability and self-leadership. Three Key Quotes "We don't rise to the level of our expectations; we fall to the level of our training." "Confidence isn't about knowing everything; it's about knowing you can figure it out." "Move. Keep moving. Figure it out as you go." David Landis shares his transformative journey from firefighting to entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of mindset, resilience, and growth. He discusses overcoming challenges, embracing change, and the critical role of self-mastery. His insights offer practical advice for navigating transitions and developing a resilient mindset. 5 Key Takeaways Embracing Change Change is inevitable and necessary for growth. Initial excitement can be followed by uncertainty, but perseverance is key. Transition periods require a shift in mindset and self-leadership. Developing Self-Mastery Self-mastery involves clear values, priorities, and self-discipline. Preparation and practice are essential for handling unpredictable situations. Building personal systems and structures enhances resilience. Building Confidence Confidence comes from the ability to figure things out, not just from knowledge. Embrace mistakes and learn from them to grow. Reframe challenges as opportunities to develop new skills. Responsibility and Adaptability Radical responsibility means taking full ownership of your life and actions. Adaptability is crucial in an ever-changing world. Continuous learning and self-improvement are vital for long-term success. The Power of Community Surround yourself with supportive and forward-thinking individuals. Engage in conversations that promote growth and positivity. Choose your influences carefully to shape a constructive mindset. By focusing on these principles, David Landis illustrates how to find your catalyst for personal and professional growth, navigating life's challenges with resilience and a positive mindset. https://davidlandis.me  https://findmycatalyst.com  
undefined
Jul 13, 2024 • 16min

Unmasking Revenue Challenges: How Leadership and Culture Drive Business Success with Mike Simmons

Mike Simmons is the founder of Catalyst A.C.T.S., an organization dedicated to improving leadership, culture, and revenue execution in businesses. With a strong focus on practical tools and processes, Mike helps organizations build effective teams and achieve their goals. Key Quotes: "The revenue challenge inside your business is likely a culture challenge in disguise, and culture starts with leadership." "Leadership is how we move forward; culture is how we do what we do; revenue is how we create the ability to do what we do; and execution is how we achieve results." "Sales is a thinking process. Business is a thinking process. Life is a thinking process. How are you thinking different about yours?" In this episode, Mike Simmons delves into the critical connection between leadership, culture, and revenue. He emphasizes that many revenue problems stem from cultural issues, which in turn are rooted in leadership. By focusing on self-leadership and implementing effective systems and tools, organizations can create a positive culture and drive successful execution. Key Takeaways: Leadership and Culture: Leadership starts with self-awareness and a clear vision. Culture defines how things are done within the organization. Effective leadership and a strong culture are foundational for business success. Self-Leadership: Knowing your goals and vision is crucial for progress. Self-leadership involves understanding your strengths and areas for growth. Continuous improvement and self-reflection are key to leading others effectively. Tools and Processes: Implementing consistent tools and processes enhances team performance. Decision-making frameworks help in prioritizing and making informed choices. Communication tools ensure clarity and alignment within the team. Revenue and Execution: Revenue generation is tied to the organization's ability to solve problems and meet customer needs. Execution requires a clear plan with defined goals, actions, and metrics. Regularly assessing and adjusting the plan ensures that efforts are aligned with goals. Overcoming Challenges: Identifying internal and external customers helps in understanding the impact of your work. Addressing cultural challenges can remove barriers to revenue generation. Building a supportive community, like the Phoenix Club, provides resources and support for overcoming business challenges. By focusing on leadership, culture, and effective execution, businesses can create a thriving environment where teams are aligned, and goals are achieved. Mike Simmons provides practical insights and tools to help organizations navigate these aspects and drive sustainable growth. https://findmycatalyst.com 

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode