Leaders & Legacies

In this episode, Jay Aigner shares invaluable leadership lessons from his entrepreneurial journey. He emphasizes the importance of embracing failure as a steppingstone to success, highlighting how rejection fueled his determination to build a thriving global team. Aigner's leadership is rooted in empowerment and delegation, enabling his team of 60 to innovate and drive growth. He believes in creating a culture of trust, where team members are encouraged to take initiative and contribute ideas. Aigner's approach to leadership is not just about managing but inspiring and mentoring, demonstrating that effective leadership can transform challenges into opportunities for development and success. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and the ability to lead by example.Want to learn more about Jay's work? Check out their website at https://www.jdaqa.com.Connect with Jay on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

In this enlightening episode, Anneliese Vance, a visionary entrepreneur dubbed "Mommy CEO" and podcaster, shares her profound journey from navigating the complexities of family-owned businesses to pioneering a unique blend of marketing and leadership aimed at enhancing family life. With a steadfast belief in the importance of a father's presence at home, Vance's mission transcends conventional business goals, focusing instead on the holistic well-being of family units. Her leadership style, deeply rooted in empathy and driven by a purpose far beyond profit margins, emphasizes the critical role of balance between professional success and family harmony.Vance's narrative is a testament to adaptive leadership, showcasing her departure from traditional paths like college and early career choices to embrace a more impactful and fulfilling direction. By leveraging her expertise in marketing, she offers a lifeline to fathers striving to remain integral parts of their children's lives while navigating the demands of entrepreneurship. Her approach redefines leadership, presenting a model where success is measured not just in financial terms but in the quality of familial relationships and the legacy left for future generations. Through Vance's story, listeners are invited to reconsider their definitions of success, leadership, and the enduring impact of prioritizing family in the business world.Want to learn more about Anneliese's work? Check out their website at https://www.nevermissamomentconsulting.com.Connect with Anneliese on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/anneliesemvance.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Joshua Brunson's journey is a testament to the influence of upbringing on professional success. Growing up with a father who built and sold multiple businesses, Josh was immersed in an environment where entrepreneurship and sales were part of daily life. His father's unwavering belief in his products and services, coupled with relentless dedication, laid the foundation for Josh's understanding of what it takes to succeed in sales.Josh emphasized the importance of authenticity in sales. He believes that being genuine and accountable is crucial for building trust with clients. Authenticity isn't just a buzzword; it's a strategic approach that can differentiate you in a crowded market.One of the most insightful parts of the discussion revolved around strategies for handling objections in sales. Josh shared his approach to understanding the root of objections by diving deep into the psychology of potential clients. He uses a methodical questioning process to uncover their current obstacles, feelings of self-worth, and ultimately, their goals and desires.Want to learn more about Joshua's work? Check out their website at http://masteryinsales.com/.Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-brunson-89131958/.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Bill McCormick's story is a fascinating one. He and Sue ventured into the world of entrepreneurship after a sudden change in circumstances, and they quickly realized the potential of LinkedIn as a tool for building their business. By tapping into the social aspect of digital sales, they were able to connect with clients in a more personal and effective way, particularly in Bermuda, where a significant portion of their clientele is based.Before diving into the world of digital sales, his background was quite varied. Bill spent his early years in sales, but he wasn't particularly successful at it. He took a detour into public service as a 911 dispatcher, which was a stark contrast to the hustle of sales. However, life had other plans, and when his wife's boss passed away unexpectedly, they decided to start their own promotional product business. This leap into entrepreneurship was both daunting and exhilarating.Want to learn more about Bill's work? Check out their website at https://allsellingissocial.com/.Connect with Bill on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/billmccormickdigisales/.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Jerry McNamara, a leader of five companies, known for their growth and workplace excellence. McNamara aims to impact 5 million people in five years through better businesses, focusing on work-life balance. He operates "Proven Chaos" and "Best Places to Lead."Jerry shares his challenging upbringing, leaving home at 16 due to an alcoholic mother. He learned resilience, community importance, and personal responsibility, highlighting the power of self-preservation.McNamara emphasizes perspective, community, and intuition in leadership. His success comes from the right environment and overcoming life's challenges, advocating for hiring individuals who have triumphed over adversity.Finally, McNamara discusses forgiveness and growth. His journey to forgive his mother transformed him, underscoring intentional living and positive impacts on future generations. He urges leaders to join communities like business roundtables for growth and overcoming challenges, demonstrating the value of forgiveness, community, and intentional leadership.Want to learn more about Jerry's work? Check out his website at http://provenchaos.com/. Connect with Jerry on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrymacnamara. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Mike Horne is a Coach and Organization Consultant for Science, Technology, and Engineering Leaders. Mike's journey is a testament to the power of diverse experiences shaping a purpose-driven career. His early work with the Gallup Opinion Research Corporation laid the foundation for his understanding of people's opinions and behaviors. But it was his involvement in the lettuce boycotts alongside Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta that truly ignited his passion for labor-management relations. These formative experiences paved the way for his eventual foray into organization development, where he now excels in guiding leaders and organizations through complex challenges and transitions.One of the main topics we delved into was the daunting transition from technical roles to leadership positions, particularly in fields like science and technology. Mike underscored the significance of self-awareness and agency in this process. He shared compelling examples of how he assists executives in tackling intricate issues, instilling hope, and fostering discernment within their teams. It's about more than just technical know-how; it's about cultivating the leadership acumen to guide teams to success.Connect with Mike on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehorne1/.Learn more about Mike at https://mike-horne.com/.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Wayne Ledoux is the Founder and CEO of Mayhem Digital Media. Wayne's story begins with his service in the Air Force, where he honed his technical skills working on F-16s. Post-2008 crisis, when the job landscape shifted dramatically, Wayne found himself at a crossroads. While he considered continuing in the aerospace sector with giants like Boeing or Lockheed, fate had other plans. He leaped into the world of marketing and sales, starting with selling websites and SEO services to real estate agents.In 2016, Wayne's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own agency, Mayhem Digital Media, with a focus on generating leads and appointments for the solar industry. This niche was thriving until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, throwing a wrench into the traditional methods of conducting home visits for solar installations.The pandemic was a turning point for many businesses, and Mayhem Digital Media was no exception. Wayne saw an opportunity amidst the chaos and pivoted his business to cater to high-ticket coaches and course creators. He stressed the significance of personalized coaching and the right leadership to enhance team performance, acknowledging the diverse talents within his team and the need for varied coaching styles.Connect with Wayne on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayhemdigital/.Learn more Wayne about at https://www.mayhemdigitalmedia.com/.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Your host, Craig Andrews, talks with the CEO and Head of Creativity of Perception Content Media, Michael Baker. The conversation with Michael began with a dive into his unique upbringing. One could imagine growing up on a tour bus, traveling from venue to venue—not the typical childhood, right? Michael recounted his early years with a mix of nostalgia and humor, sharing anecdotes like the time he was trapped inside an old school bus due to a toothache while his family prepared for a performance. It's these experiences that shaped his perspective on life, teaching him adaptability and the unconventional nature of 'normalcy.'Michael's career as a rock star is nothing short of impressive. As the lead singer and songwriter for Fall of Envy and a solo artist at Three Six Four, he's been streamed over 20 million times worldwide. His talent has led him to share stages with icons like Guns and Roses, Papa Roach, and even the legendary James Brown. Michael humbly described these experiences, highlighting a particularly memorable performance in front of 75,000 people at the Florida Gators' Gator Growl.The big question was how Michael transitioned from rock star to founder of Perception Content Media. He shared the pivotal moment when he met his wife and decided to step away from the pursuit of a major record deal. Moving to Nashville, a city synonymous with music, to leave the industry behind was an ironic twist in his life's narrative. Michael's journey through HR and tech eventually led him to discover his passion for marketing, where he could blend his creativity with his desire to help others grow their businesses.Connect with Michael on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeltbaker73/.Learn more about Michael at https://perceptioncontentmedia.com/.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Liz Wolf has an entrepreneurial spirit that was nurtured in an unlikely place—a sheep farm in western Pennsylvania. Growing up with her mother and two sisters, Liz learned the ropes of running a business through their cottage industry selling sheepskin and wool items. This early exposure to entrepreneurship was not just about the adorable fluffiness of sheep but also about the hard realities of animal husbandry and the importance of resilience.One might think managing 300 sheep could get a bit... aromatic, but Liz explained the importance of space and proper care in preventing the stink—a lesson that translates well into the business world. The farm also faced its share of predators, not coyotes, but stray dogs and even sheep thieves. These challenges were a testament to the need for vigilance and protection, much like safeguarding a business.Liz's journey took a turn when she moved to New York City and, alongside her husband John, established a successful computer consulting business. They specialized in implementing a CRM software called Maximizer, helping businesses streamline their sales processes. This experience reinforced the value of systems and communication in achieving business success.After years in the tech industry, Liz felt a calling to pivot her career toward coaching. Despite the fear of financial uncertainty and the potential strain on her marriage, she leaped. This transition was not just a career change but a personal evolution, reflecting the courage to pursue a path aligned with her passion for personal development and abundance principles.Connect with Liz on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizwolfecoach/.Learn more about Liz at https://lizwolfecoaching.com/.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.

Alex Brueckmann's story is one of remarkable adaptability and cultural immersion. Born and raised near the historic city of Nuremberg, Germany, Alex made the bold move to Vancouver, Canada, just three years ago. Despite the short time frame, his English is impressively clear, a testament to his love for languages and his musical ear, which he believes helps him adapt to the sounds and flows of different tongues. As a semi-professional DJ and a speaker of multiple languages, including French and Spanish, Alex embodies the spirit of a global citizen.The move to Canada was not without its challenges, especially during the uncertainty of a global pandemic. Alex's advice to business owners facing the unknown is to "lean into the chaos." He believes that embracing fear and running towards uncertainty can lead to growth and innovation. This mindset was crucial for him as he established his consulting firm in a new country, advising high-growth startups and Fortune 1000 executive teams.Alex's book, "The Strategy Legacy," is a testament to his expertise in strategy and leadership. He shared the meticulous three-year process of writing, editing, finding a publisher, and the focused marketing efforts that led to its recognition on the Wall Street Journal bestseller list. His success underscores the importance of purposeful action and collaboration within an organization.Connect with Alex on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderbrueckmann/.Learn more about Alex at https://brueckmann.ca/.Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.Want to learn more about Craig Andrew's work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.