Nick Loise is a seasoned sales leader with a passion for helping organizations enhance their sales performance. He brings a wealth of experience from various industries, focusing on building strong teams, driving revenue, and navigating complex market conditions. Key Quotes from Nick Loise "As leaders, we must rise above the minutiae and look through the tea leaves to guide our teams effectively." "If you're relying solely on social media for lead generation, be prepared for rising costs as the election approaches." "The cost of missed sales is the biggest expense for any business because it represents your future bank." Nick Loise shares insights on leadership, the impact of election cycles on marketing costs, and the importance of risk management in sales. He emphasizes the need for alignment within teams, realistic goal-setting, and the value of asking the right questions to drive business success in 2024. Key Takeaways Leadership and Alignment Importance of having open dialogues between sales and finance teams. Aligning team goals with realistic and factual data. Building strong relationships within the organization to understand risk perspectives. Impact of Election Cycles Expect increased costs for social media advertising as elections approach. Diversify lead generation sources to manage rising costs effectively. Plan ahead to mitigate budget freezes and other election-related uncertainties. Risk Management Conduct regular risk assessments to anticipate potential challenges. Foster a culture of transparency and factual reporting within sales pipelines. Understand and communicate the financial implications of business decisions. Effective Sales Strategies Focus on realistic goal-setting and avoid overinflated sales projections. Provide continuous coaching and support to sales teams. Embrace new markets and innovative strategies to drive growth. Future Outlook for 2024 Anticipate market shakeouts and focus on core business strengths. Utilize AI tools to enhance sales processes. Embrace entrepreneurial opportunities and be prepared for industry changes.

Three Key Quotes: "Do the things you want to do better and faster." "People want to make an impact. They want to feel valued." "Sales is about connecting the dots between problems that are known or unknown and solutions that are known or unknown." Mike Simmons discusses the progress and plans for Catalyst ACTS, including updates on the Phoenix Club, the podcast, and consulting projects. He emphasizes the importance of community, tools, and processes in achieving goals, and encourages listeners to think and act differently to improve their work and personal lives. Five Key Takeaways: Phoenix Club Growth and Goals Increased membership to 40 people. Monthly themes like independence from self-limiting beliefs. Aim for members to see a return on investment within 90 days. Podcast Relaunch and Structure Committed to two episodes per week: one solo and one with a guest. Using tools like Camtasia and Audiate for quick turnaround. Encourages listener feedback for continuous improvement. Community and Coaching Approach Driven to help people accomplish goals better and faster. Emphasizes the importance of connecting with others. Uses a combination of tools, processes, and coaching to support growth. Consulting Projects and Insights Shifting focus from SaaS to brick-and-mortar businesses. Emphasizes the importance of human elements in any industry. Building teams and processes to support client growth. Learn, Think, Act Newsletter Aims to accelerate speed to action and impact. Provides quick reads with actionable insights. Encourages reflection on actions to determine effectiveness. Feel free to ask any questions or provide feedback to Mike at podcast@findmycatalyst.com. Sign up for the Learn Think Act newsletter for regular insights and updates. https://findmycatalyst.com https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in Mike Simmons, founder of Catalyst ACTS and the Find My Catalyst Podcast, provides an update on the podcast, the Phoenix Club, and his consulting work. With nearly 400 episodes under his belt, Mike focuses on leadership, culture, revenue, and execution to help listeners think and act differently in their work.

Karina Mikhli is a seasoned fractional COO and workflow consultant. She founded Fractionals United, a community for fractional executives, after struggling to find a supportive network for professionals in this field. Her work focuses on helping businesses transition and thrive by providing high-level leadership on a part-time basis. Key Quotes "Community to me is a place for us to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other." "Fractional work is a win-win because it allows leaders to focus on their strengths and businesses to get the expertise they need without a full-time commitment." "The biggest mistake you can make is hiring someone who can’t get out of their own way and then not giving them the authority to do the job you hired them for." Karina Mikhli discusses the rise of fractional executive roles, the importance of community, and the benefits of hiring part-time leadership for businesses. She shares her journey in creating Fractionals United, insights on the challenges and rewards of fractional work, and tips for success in this evolving field. 5 Key Takeaways 1. Building and Sustaining Community Connection: Communities thrive on strong connections between members, fostering collaboration and support. Free Access: Ensuring accessibility helps members in transition, providing support without financial barriers. Continuous Learning: A good community encourages ongoing learning and adaptation, essential for personal and professional growth. 2. Advantages of Fractional Work Flexibility: Fractional roles offer professionals the ability to focus on preferred areas while maintaining work-life balance. Cost Efficiency: Businesses benefit from high-level expertise without the financial commitment of full-time salaries. Partnership: Fractional executives are seen as partners, bringing valuable outside perspectives to the organization. 3. Challenges and Solutions in Fractional Work Loneliness: Finding or creating a supportive community is crucial to overcoming the isolation that can come with fractional work. Misalignment: Clear communication and expectation setting between the fractional executive and the hiring company are vital. Market Awareness: Understanding the current supply-demand dynamics in the fractional job market can help set realistic expectations. 4. Keys to Successful Fractional Roles Overcommunication: Regular, transparent communication helps build trust and ensures alignment with business goals. Expectation Management: Setting clear boundaries and expectations upfront prevents scope creep and misunderstandings. Adaptability: Fractional roles require the ability to juggle multiple clients and projects efficiently. 5. Hiring and Integrating Fractional Executives Strategic Fit: Ensuring the fractional executive's strengths align with the company’s needs is essential for success. Trust and Authority: Businesses must trust and empower their fractional hires to make impactful decisions. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluating the financial and strategic benefits of fractional hires can guide effective decision-making.

Andrea Waltz is an experienced author and co-author of the book "Go for No." She has spent over twenty years in the publishing industry and recently wrote "The Million Dollar Book Formula" with her partner, Richard Fenton. Andrea is passionate about helping others write and publish their own books, drawing on her extensive experience and unique insights. Three Key Quotes: "Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should do it." "You don't have to go out there and write the Odyssey or the Iliad." "You want a best-consumed book, not just a best-selling one." Andrea Waltz discusses the journey of writing her book, "The Million Dollar Book Formula," emphasizing the importance of focusing on the core message, keeping books concise, and targeting the right audience. She provides insights on overcoming common writing struggles and highlights strategies for creating impactful, consumable content. 5 Key Takeaways: Focus on Core Message: Narrow down the problem your book aims to solve. Avoid unnecessary scope creep and stick to essential content. Keep the book concise and to the point. Understand Your Audience: Identify your ideal customer profile (ICP) for the book. Cater to a specific niche rather than trying to appeal to everyone. Consider the needs and preferences of your target readers. Simplify the Writing Process: Use a question-and-answer format to structure your book. Turn key questions into chapter headers. Remove content that is "nice to know" but not essential. Embrace Unique Formats: Consider shorter books or different formats like workbooks. Be creative with the book's design and layout. Think about how best to deliver your message effectively. Strategize for Marketing: Focus on where you sell your book, such as using Amazon for better visibility. Make sure your book is easy to consume, encouraging recommendations. Include bonus content to engage readers and provide additional value. By applying these principles, Andrea Waltz demonstrates how to write and publish a book that not only sells but also effectively communicates its message and resonates with its audience.

Amir Feizpour is an experienced entrepreneur and AI enthusiast. He is the founder of a startup that focuses on leveraging AI and natural language processing (NLP) to enhance knowledge management and improve performance in various business areas. Amir is passionate about mental health, community building, and the evolving role of AI in our lives. Key Quotes "It's a marathon, not a sprint. How do you sustain performance over such a long time?" "Mental health is not something that I'd be the worst on at all... learning how to deal with that is very interesting and there's a lot of room to learn." "ChatGPT really changed a lot of things, including the very first thing that it changed, which was the expectation of the users from what our platform was doing." 50-Word Summary In this episode, Amir Feizpour discusses the challenges and excitement of building a startup, the importance of sustaining mental and physical health, and the transformative impact of AI on knowledge management. He shares insights on community building, cognitive health, and the evolving landscape of AI technology in business. 5 Key Takeaways Sustaining Performance Over Time Mental Health: Regularly assess and address mental health to maintain long-term performance. Community Support: Building a community of like-minded individuals can provide support and motivation. Physical Health: Incorporating physical activities and routines helps sustain performance. Impact of AI on Knowledge Management User Expectations: AI has drastically shifted user expectations, particularly with tools like ChatGPT. Efficiency: AI tools can streamline knowledge synthesis and proposal writing. Collaboration: AI can act as a collaborative assistant, integrating seamlessly into existing workflows. Community Building and Social Health Learning from Others: Engage with a community to share knowledge and support each other’s growth. Social Interaction: Addressing social health is crucial for overall well-being. Overcoming Isolation: Building communities helps combat feelings of isolation, especially in challenging times. Navigating the AI Evolution Adapting to Change: Stay adaptable as AI technology and user expectations evolve. Embracing Tools: Use AI tools to enhance human tasks, not replace them. Ethical Responsibility: Focus on responsible use of AI to ensure positive outcomes. Integrating Health and Technology Holistic Approach: Combine physical, mental, and social health strategies for overall well-being. AI Assistance: AI can provide personalized insights and suggestions to improve health. Proactive Measures: Implement proactive health measures to prevent burnout and maintain productivity. Conclusion This episode highlights the importance of sustaining mental and physical health, the evolving role of AI in business, and the power of community support. Amir Feizpour provides valuable insights into navigating the challenges of a startup, the impact of AI on knowledge management, and the significance of holistic health strategies in achieving long-term success.

Amy Looper is a resilience coach and transformational leader. She focuses on helping individuals navigate through life’s uncertainties by fostering resilience and well-being. Amy shares insights on breaking free from the hustle culture, finding alignment with one's purpose, and the importance of self-care. Three Key Quotes from Amy Looper: "Resilience is all about navigating the uncertainty of life. It’s really the core of well-being." "You have to give permission to yourself to receive... that's important for high performance." "Self-reflection is a huge part of the catalyst for doing that because you have to process what you're actually doing." Amy discusses her journey of building resilience and breaking away from the hustle culture. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, spiritual alignment, and the power of self-reflection. Amy shares practical tips for managing burnout and achieving a balanced, purpose-driven life. Five Key Takeaways: Understanding Resilience: Definition: Navigating life's uncertainties and making it a core of well-being. Application: Building resilience through self-awareness and intentional practices. Outcome: Achieving a calm and confident state, ready for new challenges. Importance of Self-Care: Permission: Allow yourself to take breaks and focus on personal well-being. Routine: Establish a daily regimen that includes emotional, physical, and spiritual breaks. Impact: Increased performance and a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Breaking Free from Hustle Culture: Shift: Move away from the 9-5 grind and embrace a more flexible, entrepreneurial mindset. Leverage: Utilize natural rhythms and personal strengths to optimize productivity. Result: More present time for family and personal interests. Spiritual Alignment: Practice: Engage in spiritual activities like prayer and reflection to align with a higher purpose. Guidance: Seek direction from a higher power for daily decisions and actions. Benefit: Enhanced clarity, focus, and a sense of purpose in life. Managing Burnout: Indicators: Recognize signs of burnout such as irritability, emotional instability, and constant busyness. Prevention: Implement strategies like exercise, proper nutrition, and emotional breaks. Recovery: Allow yourself to rest and reflect, breaking the cycle of stress and overwork. Listeners are encouraged to share this episode with others who might benefit from Amy's insights on resilience and well-being.

Joe Aurilia is an operations expert with a deep understanding of how community involvement, leadership roles, and efficient processes drive business success. With experience in various leadership positions, Joe shares his insights on the importance of collaboration between COOs and CROs, the role of operations in business, and the value of mentorship. Three Key Quotes: "When you stay in your silo, you block yourself from having new ideas and new back and forth. I didn't want that to happen." "The COO is supposed to be there to allow the CEO to do their vision and their dreaming...to eliminate them from the day-to-day." "The lack of a curator exponentially increases the quantity of tribal knowledge. When someone walks out the door, that tribal knowledge is lost forever." Joe Aurilia discusses the critical role of operations in business, the need for community involvement, and how COOs and CROs can work together for success. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and continuous learning, sharing his experiences and practical advice on achieving alignment and efficiency within organizations. Five Key Takeaways: Importance of Community Involvement: Community groups provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. Engaging in communities helps prevent isolation and stagnation of ideas. Asynchronous communication in communities can foster continuous learning and collaboration. Role of the COO: COOs support the CEO by handling day-to-day operations, allowing the CEO to focus on vision. They act as the glue between different teams, ensuring smooth operations. Effective COOs enable businesses to streamline processes and reduce deal cycle times. Collaboration between COO and CRO: Successful collaboration is essential for business operations and revenue generation. COOs and CROs must communicate effectively to address pain points and streamline processes. Flexibility and maintaining compliance are key to overcoming challenges in this relationship. Mentorship and Leadership Development: Mentorship within community groups like Pavilion helps aspiring leaders grow. Exposure to various leadership roles enhances understanding and collaboration within the C-suite. Continuous learning and knowledge sharing are vital for personal and organizational growth. Knowledge Management and Curatorship: Effective knowledge management prevents loss of critical information when employees leave. Organizations need curators to manage and maintain essential knowledge. Utilizing AI tools can aid in managing unstructured data, but human input remains crucial.

Mike Simmons is a business consultant and founder who specializes in helping organizations streamline their processes to achieve better results. With a focus on decision-making and communication, Mike provides actionable insights on how to eliminate unnecessary steps to accelerate progress. Three Key Quotes from Mike Simmons "The most common mistake with communication is believing that it actually occurred." - Jody Mayberry "Start with a couple of questions. Validate understanding. Confirm that you've heard it properly." "Apply the right tool in the right place to create leverage and accelerate speed to impact." In this episode, Mike Simmons discusses the importance of eliminating unnecessary steps before accelerating progress in business. He emphasizes effective communication, proper decision-making tools, and the need to validate understanding. By organizing information and applying the right tools, organizations can improve efficiency and achieve better outcomes. Five Key Takeaways Effective Communication Validate understanding to avoid miscommunication. Ask questions to confirm the message was received correctly. Identify and involve the right people to solve specific challenges. Organizing Information Break down tasks into manageable clusters. Prioritize steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Use collaborative tools to gather and organize data. Decision-Making Tools Use a two-by-two matrix to reduce blind spots and improve decisions. Implement a hexagon framework for problem-solving. Apply a simple square model for communication challenges. Eliminating Before Accelerating Identify unnecessary steps that hinder progress. Focus on the most critical tasks first. Use the right tools to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. Adapting to Challenges Be prepared to face and overcome adversity. Stay committed to your goals despite difficulties. Continuously evaluate and adjust your strategies for better results. These takeaways, rooted in the theme of finding a catalyst, provide practical steps to improve communication, decision-making, and overall business processes. By eliminating unnecessary steps and applying the right tools, organizations can accelerate their path to success. https://findmycatalyst.com/speaking

Key Quotes: "If you've been hammering nails in with a wrench your entire life and someone gives you a hammer, it will feel almost like you had discovered fire for the first time." "Focus on doing what you're made for and delegate the rest to drive success in your life and business." "The Eisenhower matrix helps you derisk the decision-making process by distinguishing between urgent and important tasks." Join Mike Simmons as he explores how to simplify decision-making using the energy vs. impact quadrant and the Eisenhower matrix. Learn to focus on high-impact tasks that energize you, delegate low-impact activities, and make informed decisions to boost productivity and effectiveness in your personal and professional life. 5 Key Takeaways: Energy vs. Impact Quadrant: Identify tasks that energize you versus those that drain you. Focus on high-impact activities that provide energy. Delegate or eliminate low-impact tasks that consume your energy. The Power of Delegation: Delegate tasks that drain you but might energize others. Use delegation to focus on your strengths. Enhance team productivity by assigning tasks based on energy and impact. Using the Eisenhower Matrix: Differentiate between urgent and important tasks. Prioritize important but not urgent tasks for long-term benefits. Reduce stress by managing urgent tasks effectively. Simplifying Decision-Making: Use simple tools like the energy vs. impact quadrant to make decisions. Reduce complexity by focusing on two key dimensions: energy and impact. Apply the Eisenhower matrix to streamline decision processes. Optimizing for Effectiveness: Align tasks with your strengths and passions for maximum impact. Balance high-energy activities with necessary tasks that might drain you. Continuously evaluate and adjust your tasks to optimize productivity and well-being. By applying these principles, you can simplify your decision-making process, increase your productivity, and find a better balance in both your personal and professional life. https://findmycatalyst.com/

Key Quotes "Support is reactive. It's something that is absolutely necessary. People are gonna break things; people are gonna need help." "Success is proactive. How do we design for success given what I know about what the future looks like inside your business?" "If your success team is acting reactive, they might be a support team, and you are just calling them something different." Summary This episode delves into the differences between support and success in business, advocating for proactive success planning to ensure growth and customer retention. Mike shares practical insights on how businesses can effectively design and implement success strategies. Key Takeaways Understanding Support Definition: Support is reactive, addressing issues as they arise. Examples: Customer support, medical support, structural support. Importance: Essential for addressing immediate problems and providing necessary assistance. Understanding Success Definition: Success is proactive, planning for future achievements. Examples: Implementation success, designing pathways for business growth. Importance: Helps in anticipating future needs and creating strategies to achieve goals. Designing for Success Backward Planning: Start from the desired outcome and plan steps backward. Proactive Approach: Anticipate future challenges and prepare solutions in advance. Implementation: Use experiences and expertise to guide planning and execution. Roles and Responsibilities Support Team: Reacts to issues and provides immediate solutions. Success Team: Focuses on long-term goals and proactive strategies. Distinction: Clear separation between reactive support and proactive success roles to avoid confusion. Success Metrics Quota Carrying: Success teams can have revenue targets to drive growth - this works best when the client/business relation is not complex. Customer Engagement: Ensure seamless interaction between success and sales teams. Growth Focus: Emphasize growth and implementation over mere renewal targets. By understanding and clearly defining the roles of support and success teams, businesses can create more effective strategies to foster customer satisfaction and achieve long-term success. Book Mike as Speaker for your team, org, or association.  https://www.findmycatalyst.com/speaking