The Jody Maberry Show

"Let's embrace disconnection and just take a moment to appreciate what you see." Episode Highlights [00:01:55] How hiking and disconnecting connects you with work [00:03:26] Valuable habit of taking breaks and brainstorming with a partner. [00:09:20] Life is ongoing work. Embrace different perspectives for creativity. [00:10:04] Getting away from distractions in nature sparks fresh ideas for Dan, who anticipates creating new content based on the experience with his companion. Connect with Dan: www.dancockerell.com About Dan - https://dancockerell.com/about/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dancockerell/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancockerell/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/dancockerellspeaker Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry Go Outside for Fresh Ideas Nature can transform your creativity and recharge your mind. While Dan Cockerell and were sitting trailside at Bryce Canyon National Park we decided to record a podcast episode. This conversation business strategies to the magic of disconnecting from the digital connectivity to immerse oneself in the beauty of national parks. Why knew a simple hike could spark a whole new perspective on work and life? Dan's pursuit to unplug and escape into the wilderness was not only refreshing but also a catalyst for a fresh wave of creativity. Hiking can be a breeding ground for innovative ideas and concepts. A good hike is a powerful mental cleanse, too. he stillness of nature allowed Dan and I to reflect on their brainstorming sessions and business plans. Nature has the incredible ability to shape new connections and fuel brainstorming sessions. If you've been wary of taking a deep dive into nature, these insights should be reason enough to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. After all, the magic of hiking, unplugging, and embracing nature's serenity could hold the key to unlocking your next big idea. Embrace the great outdoors a little more. Who knows? Your next big breakthrough could be waiting for you atop that mountain peak or hidden along a forest trail.

"I'm more knowledgeable and think about things different now because of all the people I've had the chance to interview." Episode Highlights [00:00:59] Impacts of disruptive innovation such as drones in parks. [00:05:03] Being a Park Ranger is not just about nature, it involves dirty work and dealing with difficult people, and yet is still a fabulous job. [00:07:11] Theme parks are fun, but nature is truly spectacular. [00:10:16] Be mindful and promote a hospitality mentality. Connect with Josh Order the Book The Hospitality Mentality https://www.roller.software/ http://attractionpros.com/category/podcast/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshualiebman Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry Learning From the People You Interview There have been many incredible learning opportunities that have come from podcasting. Each lesson has started with a conversation full of meaningful questions. In this episode, Josh Liebman, author of The Hospitality Mentality, returns to ask me three thought-provoking questions. We dive into the world of podcasting, park ranger experiences, and learning from the people you interview. The first thing Josh asked me was about learning opportunities that come from hosting a podcast. The lessons from podcast guests are invaluable. For example, a conversation with the director of South Carolina State Parks still stands out to me. He opened my eyes to the concept of disruptive innovation. It draws parallels between drones and other inventions that have impacted the park industry. That conversation was a great eye opener and reminder that we should always be open to new ideas and perspectives. Next, we talk about my favorite places to drive. The best drive can leave you in awe. This question made me recall a drive through the mountains of North Carolina, surrounded by vibrant autumn colors. It's a reminder to take the time to appreciate and experience the natural beauty that surrounds us. Finally, we had to debunk some myths of being a park ranger. There is a misconception that this job is all about hugging trees and communing with nature. While it certainly has its rewarding moments, being a park ranger can also be incredibly challenging and messy. No matter how idyllic a profession may seem, there are always behind-the-scenes realities to consider. Make sure to listen to the full episode for more on the importance of learning from the people we interview. Even if you are not hosting a podcast, there are many things you can learn from the people around you. Just start asking questions.

"The most important thing is the conversation that you're having with your guest. It is way more qualitative than it is quantitative." Episode Highlights [00:01:59] Discovering the efforts of running a complex amusement park and creating a seamless guest experience [00:04:08] Utilizing formal education and experience to help elevate guest experiences. [00:07:37] Impact of Ron Logan, Disney legend and professor. [00:14:54] Guest enthusiasm should not exceed employee enthusiasm. [00:20:14] Stepping stones to success and fulfillment. [00:25:12] A Hospitality Mentality Book; best way to start is by building a service culture. Connect with Josh Order the Book The Hospitality Mentality http://www.attractionpros.com/ http://attractionpros.com/category/podcast/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshualiebman Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry The Hospitality Mentality Josh Liebman has been immersed in the world of hospitality, tourism, and attraction spaces for over 18 years. He brings his vast experience and expertise for a conversation around creating raving fans through your guest experience and this new book, The Hospitality Mentality. Josh has seen it all, starting from his early days working as a ride operator at the prestigious Cedar Point amusement park, and is here to shed light on the power of hospitality in any field. Josh has used his vast experience to build customer service training programs. As demand for Josh's expertise grew, he saw an opportunity to have a macro impact on his industry. So, instead of working for one park at a time, he started consulting for many, helping implement his ideas and elevating guest experiences across the board. Applying the principles of exceptional customer service and guest experience can have a transformative impact, even in unexpected industries like child support call centers. By adopting a mindset that values empathy, responsiveness, and resolution, leaders can create positive outcomes and build strong relationships. As early as chapter one of Josh's upcoming book, he highlights the importance of getting rid of customers and focusing on building a service culture. One essential aspect of a hospitality mentality is effectively resolving service failures and complaints. Josh emphasizes the significance of embracing these situations as opportunities to build trust, demonstrate genuine care, and turn a negative experience into a positive one. By nurturing a culture that prioritizes outstanding service, organizations can create an environment where employees are motivated to exceed expectations and deliver memorable experiences to clients or customers. Make sure to listen to the full conversation with Josh Liebman for even more on the power of a hospitality mentality and its potential to transform industries.. Remember, a little bit of hospitality can go a long way in making a difference.

"Quit goofing around and start working on your own stuff." Episode Highlights [00:02:05] Cockrell Academy and unfinished book project. [00:03:59] Prioritizing personal projects over client work. [00:07:09] Email works for words of encouragement and accountability. [00:10:55] rite a standalone book before pursuing a series Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry Why Won't Jody Maberry Finish Writing His Book? In our previous episode, Lauren Gaggioli joined for a conversation about the value of understanding SEO. And guess what? She's back again, this time to ask me three questions the challenges of entrepreneurship and personal projects. Her questions lead to a reflective conversation about the struggles of maintaining focus, prioritizing tasks, and the importance of pushing ourselves to achieve our goals. Three questions we address: What was the hardest season or project in my entrepreneurial journey? What is holding me back from finishing my book? Can people start emailing me for word counts again? As entrepreneurs, it can be easy to get caught up celebrating accomplishments. The reality is that it is in the valleys where the real growth happens and we all need to take time to share the challenges and obstacles we face. It is from these experiences that we can truly connect and learn from each other.. For example, I continue to struggle finishing my book, guilty of making excuses and prioritizing other tasks instead. Sometimes, we forget to amplify our own voices and need others to remind us of our worth. There is a lot of power of encouragement. Let's take a moment to uplift each other and show support for our fellow entrepreneurs, authors, and dreamers. After you finish listen to this episode, send me an email with words of encouragement and support. It's a great idea to hold myself accountable, keep him on track, and stay motivated. Your emails will serve as a reminder of the impact my work has on people and the importance of completing this book. Thank you for your continued support. I can't wait to hear from you!

"Not only had I figured out how to get them to the site, I'd figured out how to convert them to paying clients" Episode Highlights [00:01:39] How a boring topic turned out to be exciting and valuable [00:06:00] SEO is important for websites to succeed in Google search; focus on key actions to be effective. [00:10:00] Language matching is crucial for Google search. Using different language isolates users and hinders connection. Linguistic mirroring signals intent and empathy. [00:12:06] Lee's website had a search problem with traffic. Visitors should enter through specific pages, not the homepage. The user experience needed improvement. [00:15:53] Highly recommend new free course on DIY website audit, uncover hidden issues and improve user experience. [00:19:37] The real magic happens when someone hits your optimized sales page. 1% statistically convert and you make money off strangers. Cracking online sales funnel; building community. [00:23:48] Each page is a sales page for a trail guide. You can sell individual guides or bundle them together. Connect with Lauren https://laurengaggioli.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurengaggioli Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laurengaggioli Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry While SEO may sound dull and technical, understanding search engine optimization basics can make a tremendous impact on your online presence. However, Lauren Gaggioli, joins to explain why it is essential for getting your content discovered by the right audience and driving organic traffic to your website. Lauren stumbled upon SEO while trying to solve her own problems in the world of education. As she dug deeper into the subject, she realized its immense potential for solopreneurs and small businesses like hers. Lauren's passion and expertise eventually led her to conduct a website audit for Lee Cockrell, revealing the power and limitations of consistent good content in the SEO realm. That was when I knew I needed to have her on the show. SEO provides an incredible opportunity for small businesses to compete and thrive in the online space. With a little bit of effort and the right strategies, you can leverage it to reach your target audience and connect with potential customers. Creating good content consistently is crucial, but it's not enough on its own. By combining a strong content strategy with SEO principles, you can maximize the visibility and reach of your content, ensuring that it reaches the right people at the right time. If you've ever found SEO to be boring or overwhelming, this episode will change your perspective. Take a listen to our conversation around SEO and uncover its secrets to success. Get ready to take your online presence to new heights with the magic of search engine optimization.

Valerie Cockerll returns to turn the tables and ask me three questions. She came prepared with questions that really challenged me to reflect on some of my own experiences. The conversion ends discussing the impact of our mom's teachings and how they have influenced the approach to our careerers. This is a great one that really hits on the impact of meaningful relationships and making a long term investment in others. Some of the key takeaways from this episode: Prepare with Purpose: Women often come more prepared for interviews, knowing exactly what they want to convey. As professionals, it's essential to approach opportunities with a clear understanding of what we want to communicate. Think Long Term: Just like raising children, building relationships and investing in others requires a long-term perspective. The effort and consistency put into nurturing connections will eventually pay off and yield positive results. Lead by Example: Role modeling plays a crucial role in shaping the behaviors and values of others, whether they are your children or colleagues. By demonstrating positive traits, you inspire and influence those around you to follow suit. In a world that often focuses on short-term gains and instant gratification, it's important to take a step back and consider the value of investing in others. Whether it's in the workplace, personal relationships, or even within our families, the act of investing in others has the power to create a brighter future for everyone involved. This episode reminds us all of the significance of investing in others, not just for personal growth but also for the collective betterment of society. Take a listen and consider how you can make a positive and lasting impact in the lives of those around you. Connect with Valerie: Order the book - Manage Like a Mother Email - valerie@cockerellconsulting.com. LinkedIn - Connect with Valerie Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry Episode Highlights [00:01:28] Women come more prepared for interviews. [00:04:45] Parenting is a rewarding investment; kids mimic good behavior. [00:08:00] Genuine interest, empathy, and understanding in work. [00:11:22] Finding purpose during the pandemic. [00:14:24] Never take anything for granted; everlasting appreciation. [00:16:27] "Book: Manage Like a Mother" offers leadership lessons

"By virtue of being a kid and on the receiving end of mothering, you have learned you know what works and what doesn't work." - Valerie Cockerell This conversation brought me an all new perspective around the ways that motherhood can serve as a powerful foundation for effective leadership in any organization. Valerie Cockerell is joining to discuss her new book, "Manage Like a Mother," where she explores the intersection of motherhood and leadership. Valerie's message is simple yet impactful: leaders should manage like a mother. Valerie Cockerell is a French American former Disney leader who was part of the opening team of Disneyland Paris. She pursued her career at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida and facilitated programs for the Disney Institute. She is now a consultant in Leadership and Customer service excellence for organizations around the world. Today, she is the proud mother of 3 and lives near Boulder, Colorado. During our conversation, Valerie shares her goal of encouraging men to become advocates for women by reflecting on the impact of their own mothers. She draws parallels between the instinctive thinking and planning that mothers do for their children's futures and the long-term vision that leaders should have for their organizations. There is also value in the different approaches and strengths that women bring to the table. Many organizations recognize the need for diverse skills and perspectives in leadership roles. Valerie does a great job of explaining that while there are imperfections of mothers, the lessons we take away - good and bad - provide value. By recognizing the unique contributions that mothers make, she hopes to bridge the gender gap in the workplace and inspire men to support and advocate for women. Valerie encourages organizations to shift their focus from experience to a skills-based approach, providing women with a fair chance to compete on an equal basis. This is a great episode full of thought-provoking insight that challenges traditional notions of leadership. Valeries common-sense approch make it easy to embrace the unique skills and perspectives that mothers bring to the table. Connect with Valerie Order the book - Manage Like a Mother LinkedIn - Connect with Valerie Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry Episode Highlights [00:02:33] Women rely on love, anticipate danger, notice details. [00:06:23] Diversity in skills important; men value it. [00:07:17] Mothers aren't always perfect, but they teach valuable lessons. [00:10:35] Mothers' instinct can be transferred to leaders. [00:15:02] Men supporting women in the workplace. [00:18:54] Managing like a mother, teaching with workshops. [00:22:59] Underestimated contribution of women in workplace. [00:25:27] Be cautious of deliberate competence, strategic incompetence. [00:28:33] Get men to advocate for women.

"Data can be turned into a story. When you present numbers without a story, people just glaze over."— Alice Fairfax As is customary on the show, Alice Fairfax returns to ask three unscripted questions. Considering she is the author of "Tell Your Story: Tools to Take You from a Tweet to a TED Talk," it makes sense that her questions would dive deeper into of storytelling. Much of our conversation revolves around the importance of learned and earned stories. Both play a significant role in connecting with audiences on a universal and specific level. Alice makes an interesting connection between inviting an audience into a story and the significance of telling a good story. It is important to recognize the distinction between learned stories, which focus on information provided by companies, and earned stories, which are born out of personal experiences consumers have with a brand. When I think about my experience as a park ranger I feel that learned stories are like the informative signs, brochures, and videos encountered at parks. On the other hand, earned stories, exemplified by experiences at Disney parks, are the stories people go home and tell because they personally interacted with the brand. For a story to be remarkable, it needs to be both universal and specific. If a learned story lacks these vital elements, people are unlikely to relate to it or remember it, and therefore, they won't share it. For businesses to truly connect with their customers they need to know the importance of understanding both learned and earned stories. It is not to say it's easy. There are challenges faced by businesses like drug stores, where earned stories may be harder to create. In those situations it is best to focus on delivering outstanding learned stories that are both universal and specific. Ultimately, Alice's story formula, which focuses on making stories relatable and engaging, perfectly complements the concept of learned and earned stories. There is no denying the power of storytelling and how businesses can effectively connect with their audience through learned and earned stories. By offering memorable and remarkable experiences, brands can foster deep connections and inspire customers to share their stories, creating a lasting impact. Storytelling plays a fundamental role in engaging audiences and creating meaningful connections. Connect with Alice Visit Alice's Website Order the book Tell Your Story Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry Episode Highlights [00:02:22] Businesses should offer universal or specific stories to be remarkable. [00:04:23] Understanding and utilizing learned and earned stories [00:09:13] Developing a storytelling formula. [00:12:33] Disney and national parks both rely on storytelling to engage visitors. [00:15:38] Universal and specific elements create memorable experiences.

In business, we are telling a story whether we know it or not. Evaluate what story you are telling and how you want people to participate. Own that story and create an incredible experience that exceeds expectations. - Alice Fairfax In this episode I welcome Alice Fairfax, author of the book Tell Your Story, to share her expertise on the importance of storytelling in creating memorable experiences. With over 20 years of experience as an actor and storyteller at Disney, Alice understands the power of storytelling to captivate audiences and engage customers. We dive into many of the ways it can be used to create memorable and engaging experiences. Her journey into storytelling began with listening to tales from her father during long cross-country drives. Alice Fairfax's journey into storytelling began with listening to tales from her father during long cross-country drives. She was just a child then, but the stories of the wild west, woven by her father, left a lasting impression. Throughout our conversation, Alice emphasizes the need for businesses to recognize that they are telling a story, whether they realize it or not. She provides examples of how framing a message as an invitation rather than a demand can enhance the overall narrative and make customers feel special. Alice discusses the role of leaders as storytellers, highlighting the impact of authentic and personal stories on inspiring and motivating teams. Alice's book, Tell Your Story, is focused around the Story Formula, a tool to help craft compelling narratives. By incorporating universality and specificity into stories, individuals and organizations can create connections that resonate with audiences. This is such a great tool for anyone that is wanting to enhance customer engagement and create lasting connections through memorable experiences. This is a great conversation around the art of audience engagement. Make sure to take a listen and share this episode with anyone that is looking for more wants to make your audience, or customers, a part of the story. Connect with Alice Visit Alice's Website Order the book Tell Your Story Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry Episode Highlights 00:00:48 - Alice's Disney Career 00:03:20 - Learning to Tell a Great Story 00:06:07 - Engaging the Audience 00:12:23 - The Power of Invitation 00:14:39 - Importance of Communicating and Owning the Story 00:16:55 - The Power of Inviting Guests into a Story 00:19:42 - The Impact of Leadership and Storytelling 00:22:08 - Transition from Disney to Becoming an Author 00:24:53 - The Story Formula for Compelling Stories

Start with a mirror - true leadership begins with self-reflection. - Mike Simmons During my recent trip to Alaska I was intrigued by the innovative sales tactics used in high-end jewelry stores on the cruise. It only make sense to welcome Mike Simmons back to use his sales expertise to break down this tactic. His expertise in simplifying problem-solving and decision-making makes him the perfect person to talk about my observations on selling. Thankfully Mike has familiarity with the sales strategies based on his own experience on a cruise. The tactics used onboard are a perfect example of the importance of designing experiences to engage customers and gather feedback. They had well-orchestrated incentives and engaging experiences that keep people coming back for more throughout the sailing. The same principles used by the jewelry store sales team can be applied to simplify and streamline decision-making processes in business. Their meticulous attention to detail, strategic incentives, and structured sales approach highlights the power of isolating variables and taking action to achieve results. As Mike says, it is important to achieve results rather than just focus on execution. If you're a professional trying to to simplify problem-solving and decision-making, this episode is full of valuable insights and practical tips from Mike's experiences. Tune in to learn how to isolate variables, take action, and streamline your decision-making process to achieve the results you desire. Connect with Mike Simmons https://www.findmycatalyst.com/ Find My Catalyst Podcast Mike Simmons on LinkedIn Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry Episode Highlights 00:00:28 - Alaska Experience 00:06:28 - Building Sales into the Experience 00:09:21 - Scavenger Hunts and Trade Shows 00:11:33 - Scarcity and Urgency 00:12:41 - Additional Purchasing Options 00:14:20 - The Power of Copywriting 00:15:34 - Becoming an Extension of the Sales Team 00:16:46 - The Value of Scripts 00:18:32 - Making it Easy to Pay, 00:21:44 - Creating Your Own Laboratory 00:27:56 - The Need for Leadership and Culture Building 00:28:51 - Shifting the Focus to "Axe" 00:29:59 - Simplifying Approach and Embracing Continuous Learning 00:31:40 - Positive Feedback and Excitement for the Future