Conversations That Grow

In this engaging episode of "Push To Be More," host Matt Edmundson sits down with Vanessa Judelman, a seasoned leader and the dynamic president of Mosaic People Development. They explore the transformative journey of leadership through the lens of coaching, adversity, and conviction. Vanessa shares her personal story of overcoming a challenging work situation and how it propelled her into entrepreneurship and leadership development. If you're looking to elevate your leadership skills or understand the critical importance of coaching in leadership, this episode is packed with insights.Key Highlights:Vanessa's Leadership Journey: Discover how a negative experience with a boss inspired Vanessa to start her own business and why she believes good things can emerge from bad situations.The Essence of Coaching in Leadership: Learn why coaching is more than a skill—it's a fundamental aspect of effective leadership. Vanessa emphasises how coaching can unlock potential, foster growth, and lead to team success.Conviction as a Leadership Superpower: Understand the role of conviction in leadership decision-making. Vanessa discusses how leaders can navigate complex challenges with grace and make transformative decisions for their teams and organisations.Key Takeaways:Adversity can be a catalyst for personal and professional growth.Coaching is crucial for unlocking team members' potential and fostering an environment of learning and development.Leadership is not about wielding authority but empowering others to realise their full potential.Conviction and a growth mindset are essential traits for navigating the complexities of modern leadership.Join us in this deep dive as Vanessa Judelman illuminates the path to becoming a more effective, empowering, and successful leader. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned executive, or somewhere in between, this episode offers valuable lessons on the importance of coaching skills in leadership.Remember to subscribe to "Push To Be More" on your favorite podcast platform to get insights, links, and the complete transcript of our conversation directly to your inbox. And don't forget, leadership success starts with coaching!-----------------------------------------------------------------------For more insights and resources, visit our website at pushtobemore.com and explore the transformative power of leadership with us.

Join host Matt Edmundson as he talks with Stephen Whyte, an investor and business turnaround expert, on this week's episode of "Push To Be More." Stephen shares his experiences and insights on steering underperforming businesses towards profitability, the importance of effective leadership, and personal anecdotes that highlight his entrepreneurial journey.Key Discussion Points:Introduction to Stephen Whyte:Background: Explore Stephen's journey in the B2B software sector and his recent shift from QADEX to NED Holdings.Business Transformation: Insight into his effective strategies for revitalizing struggling businesses.The Inspiration Behind Leadership:Past Experiences: Understand how Stephen’s previous roles shaped his leadership style.Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC): Discussion on the crucial role of GRC in maintaining the integrity and profitability of businesses.Strategic Moves and Business Philosophy:QADEX Exit and NED Holdings Leadership: Stephen explains his strategic departure from QADEX and his new leadership dynamics at NED Holdings.Project Make Stephen Redundant: A unique initiative aimed at empowering teams and fostering business growth through autonomy.Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations:Work-Life Balance: Insights into managing personal life and career, including the transition to becoming an "empty nester."Future Plans: Stephen shares his aspirations for the future and the strategic direction of NED Holdings after moving back to Ireland.Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:Entrepreneurial Challenges: Addressing common hurdles like imposter syndrome and the importance of perseverance in entrepreneurship.Stephen Whyte leaves us with profound lessons on leadership and the transformative power of effective governance and strategic foresight in business. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation, full of actionable insights for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills or steer a business towards success.----------------------------Listen to this week’s episode of "Push To Be More" to gain from Stephen Whyte's invaluable experiences and forward-thinking business strategies! #BusinessTurnaround #LeadershipInsights #Entrepreneurship #StrategicLeadership

In this insightful episode of 'Push To Be More,' host Matt Edmundson engages in a conversation with Staeven Frey, exploring the intriguing and often misunderstood realm of neurodiversity. Staeven shares his personal journey of discovering his neurodiverse identity and the transformative insights it has brought to his life.Show Notes:Introduction to NeurodiversityStaeven Frey discusses his path to understanding his neurodiverse identity.The importance of recognising neurodiversity in shaping individual experiences.Childhood and Adult ExperiencesReflections on how a late diagnosis provided clarity on past life events.The role of neurodiversity in understanding personal interactions and professional endeavors.The Dual Desire for Uniqueness and NormalcyExploring the human need to feel both special and part of a community.How neurodiversity fulfills these desires in unique ways.The Power of Self-AcceptanceEmbracing neurodiverse traits as a source of strength.Staeven’s insights on turning perceived weaknesses into advantages.Human Connectedness and NeurodiversityFinding common ground in our differences.The role of shared experiences in building a sense of belonging.Thriving with NeurodiversityPractical advice on leveraging neurodiverse traits in personal and professional life.Staeven's approach to creating environments conducive to his neurodiverse needs.Join us in this episode as we get into the heart of what it means to be neurodiverse and discover the unexpected gifts it can bring to our lives. Staeven’s story is not just about understanding neurodiversity; it's a journey towards embracing the full spectrum of human experience.Tune in to this enriching conversation and uncover the superpowers hidden within our unique minds.#PushToBeMore #Neurodiversity #MentalHealthAwareness #PodcastLife

Step into an extraordinary tale of resilience and self-discovery with Jake Kauffman, as he shares his journey from a life-altering brain injury to a path of authentic transformation. Uncover the essence of overcoming adversity and redefining what it means to live a fulfilling life.Join us as we explore Jake Kauffman's extraordinary journey of overcoming significant life challenges. In this episode, we discuss his insights on transforming inner pain, the powerful themes from his book "Let Love In," and the impact of social media on self-perception. Kauffman's experiences shed light on the process of 'unbecoming' to reconnect with our true selves, the cultural obsession with productivity, and the real essence of personal fulfillment.Key Takeaways:Embracing Inner Transformation: Jake Kauffman's recovery from a traumatic brain injury serves as a powerful testament to confronting and healing inner pain. His story emphasizes that true transformation and reaching our full potential often stem from life's most challenging experiences, urging us to reevaluate our lives and identities.The Journey of 'Unbecoming': Kauffman's philosophy revolves around the concept of 'unbecoming' - shedding societal expectations and false identities to return to our authentic selves. This process, as discussed in his book "Let Love In," highlights the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in achieving personal success and fulfillment.Redefining Success in the Social Media Era: The episode also delves into the impact of social media on our self-perception and the cultural pressure for constant productivity. Jake and Matt explore how embracing our true, vulnerable selves can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life, countering the often misleading portrayals of success on social platforms.

Explore the exhilarating world of entrepreneurship with John St. Pierre from Entrepreneurs United as he shares his rollercoaster journey of building a $50 million venture, facing dramatic losses, and bouncing back stronger than ever. It's a tale of resilience, reflection, and realigning life and business goals.This episode features John St. Pierre in a candid conversation with Matt Edmundson, where John reveals the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. From the rise and fall of a multi-million dollar venture to his upcoming book "The 100 Million Dollar Journey," John's story is a masterclass in facing adversity and thriving in the business world. Grab your notepad, as you're about to learn the art of setting goals, finding purpose, and maintaining balance in life and work.Key Takeaways:The Power of Resilience in Business: John's journey underscores the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship. His experiences with the dramatic growth and loss of his ventures serve as a vivid reminder that success often comes with its share of setbacks. This part of the discussion is a valuable lesson in not just surviving but thriving through the ups and downs of business.Self-Reflection as a Tool for Success: John emphasizes daily self-reflection, starting each day afresh with thoughts and plans. His unique approach of jotting down ideas every morning for 20 minutes has been transformative. This practice underlines the significance of self-awareness and strategic thinking in personal and professional growth.Aligning Business Goals with Personal Values: A crucial aspect of John's philosophy is setting a 'True North' life plan and aligning business strategies with personal life goals. This approach is a guiding light for entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of not losing sight of one's personal values and objectives amidst business pursuits.

Dive into an intriguing conversation with Linn Boo, a trailblazer in cybersecurity, as she shares her unique journey from Essex to Newquay, battles with self-doubt, and her innovative approach to work-life balance. Discover how she juggles her love for the environment, furniture-making, and leading a cybersecurity firm.Join us in this captivating episode where Linn Boo, the founder of Boo Consulting, unravels her life story, career in cybersecurity, and personal philosophies. Host Matt Edmundson delves into Linn's experiences, from relocating for a dream lifestyle to her pioneering efforts in people-first cybersecurity. Get inspired by Linn's approach to productivity, work-life balance, and ethical hacking.Key Takeaways:Life and Career Transition: Linn Boo shares her transformative journey from Essex to Newquay, driven by her passion for the environment. She discusses how embracing change and following her instincts has been crucial in her career, especially in the dynamic field of cybersecurity.Work-Life Harmony and Productivity: Linn emphasizes the importance of balancing professional and personal life. She advocates for a four-day workweek at her company and indulges in hobbies like furniture-making and gardening. These practices, she believes, are key to recharging and maintaining high productivity.Cybersecurity Insights: As a seasoned expert, Linn offers practical advice on cybersecurity, such as creating strong passwords and the ethical aspects of hacking. Her insights extend to the challenges and rewards of running Boo Consulting, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and trust in one's instincts in cybersecurity.

Dive into the inspiring journey of Brooke Sellas, from her roots in non-profit work to founding a successful digital marketing agency. Discover how authenticity and personal values shape not just a business, but an entire life journey.In this episode, we chat with Brooke Sellas, CEO of B Squared Media, about her fascinating transition from non-profit organisations to leading a digital marketing empire. Brooke shares her experiences of relocating, embracing authenticity in business, and the impact of personal relationships on her career path. We also explore the role of brands in social issues and get personal with Brooke’s love for horseback riding and her dreams for the future.Key Takeaways:The Power of Authenticity: Brooke discusses her initial reluctance to be labeled as "likable" in a professional setting. She later realizes that her genuine personality and ability to authentically connect with people are crucial assets, teaching us the importance of embracing our true selves in our careers.Aligning Values with Business: The conversation highlights how brands like Nike and Patagonia resonate with their audiences by standing firm on social issues. Brooke's insights into the alignment of personal and brand values offer a fresh perspective on how businesses can genuinely connect with consumers.Life’s Influence on Career Paths: Brooke's move from Texas to the Northeast and her passion for horseback riding are not just personal anecdotes but pivotal moments influencing her professional journey. These stories underscore the significance of personal decisions and relationships in shaping our professional trajectories.

Discover how Mario Lanzarotti transitioned from a phase of intense self-doubt to creating the groundbreaking Zenpreneur Method, transforming the very essence of entrepreneurship.This episode takes you through the riveting story of Mario Lanzarotti's personal and professional metamorphosis. From facing a life-altering realization that halted his pilot career to finding his true calling, Mario's journey is a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity. Learn about his Zenpreneur Method, a philosophy that challenges the traditional hustle of entrepreneurship, and how podcasting has been a vital tool in his growth and connection-building.Key Takeaways:The Epiphany: Mario's story is a striking example of self-reinvention. His shift from aspiring pilot to a visionary entrepreneur underscores the importance of aligning one's career with their true self, even when it means leaving behind long-held dreams.Zenpreneur Method: Mario advocates for a balanced entrepreneurial lifestyle, emphasizing the need to avoid burnout. His approach is a refreshing contrast to the usual hustle culture, focusing on effectiveness and mindfulness in business practices.Power of Podcasting: Mario's personal growth and the evolution of his "Zenpreneur Podcast" highlight the significant role of podcasting in learning, networking, and personal development. His experience underlines the impact of sharing and absorbing insights through this dynamic medium.

Dive into a riveting conversation with Matthew Brackett, a modern-day Renaissance man, as he unravels the tapestry of his life, from being one of 13 children to navigating the realms of leadership, culture, and personal growth. Join us in exploring how a diverse upbringing and a life of introspection shape one’s worldview and professional approach.In this episode, we sit down with the multifaceted Matthew Brackett from Brackett Alliance. With experiences ranging from the Navy to executive coaching, Matthew embodies a unique blend of personal and professional wisdom. We delve into his fascinating life story, discussing the impact of a large family, cultural immersion, and the transformative journey from ministry to leadership. His insights on self-awareness, the power of podcasting, and balancing life's complexities offer invaluable lessons for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of life and leadership.Key Takeaways:The Mosaic of Life Experiences: Matthew's journey underscores the richness that diverse life experiences bring to leadership roles. From his upbringing in a large family to his time in the Navy and his various cultural experiences, each chapter has contributed to his holistic understanding of human dynamics and effective leadership.Personal Growth and Self-Awareness: A key theme in Matthew's narrative is the importance of introspection and self-awareness. His transition from ministry to coaching reveals the complexities of identity and the impact of major life decisions. This story resonates with anyone facing their own crossroads in life and career.The Transformative Power of Storytelling: Matthew's use of podcasting as a tool for connection and personal expression illustrates the medium's potential beyond mere marketing. His journey highlights how sharing experiences can foster community, amplify voices, and promote personal and professional growth.

Join us as Monica Sharma-Patnekar shares her inspiring journey through personal hurdles, professional transitions, and the profound influence of her mother on her life.In this episode, Matt Edmundson chats with Monica Sharma-Patnekar, a branding expert and devoted mother. Monica delves into her experiences of overcoming racist bullying faced by her daughter, her husband's battle with burnout, and her own journey through panic attacks and self-discovery. She shares the strength she draws from her mother's remarkable life story and how it shaped her. This conversation is a deep dive into resilience, parental influence, and finding peace amidst life's storms.Three Takeaways:1. Monica's Reflection on Personal Growth and Family Challenges: Monica opens up about her daughter's experiences with racist bullying, her husband's struggle with burnout, and her own battle with panic attacks. These challenges led her to a journey of self-care and growth, emphasising the importance of addressing emotional health and seeking help when needed.2. Influence of Monica's Mother: A significant part of the discussion revolves around the extraordinary life of Monica's mother. Her resilience as a single mother in a foreign country and her success against numerous odds greatly influenced Monica's perspectives on life, teaching her the values of hard work, determination, and the ability to overcome adversity.3. The Power of Nature and Simple Pleasures: Monica shares a transformative experience during a family trip to the mountains in India, highlighting the healing power of nature. She also stresses the importance of simple joys like reading, dancing, and spending time with loved ones as essential components of her self-care routine.