#MeetCoolPeople

What to know what it’s like to be a power connector? In today's episode #MeetCoolPeople, we're joined by Jeffrey Casanova, a 30-year sales professional with a passion for leadership through coaching. Through his diverse experience both in corporate settings and on the baseball field, Jeffrey unpacks the art of leadership, the nuances of sales across different demographics, and the critical importance of cybersecurity in today's business ecosystem. Jeffrey kicked off his early days in sales, mastering the delicate art of customer interactions while selling men's designer suits in California. This experience not only honed his sales tactics but also solidified his love for connecting with people - something that has propelled his career forward. He loves to draw parallels between coaching sports and leading a corporate team, emphasizing the indispensable values of accountability, flexibility, and organization. These skills aren't just for the ballpark or the boardroom; they are crucial life skills that young people carry into adulthood. The thing that’s stood out the most for myself is Jeffrey’s ability and willingness to cbe a powerful connector. As i’ve got to know him personally in the Dallas Fort Worth area, he has been the single more key person to helping me get connected to the business community right in my back yard. And THAT is why I knew you needed to meet him! 🙂 Here are a few things we covered during out chat… The art of adapting: Understand and incorporate different communication styles and cultural nuances in sales strategies.Leadership beyond the boardroom: How principles from coaching youth sports apply to corporate leadership and personal growth.Cybersecurity is everyone’s business: Key strategies for protecting your corporate environment in a digital world.Building lasting connections: The importance of nurturing relationships not just for business gains but for long-term personal and professional growth.The "karma" of networking: Building a network isn't just about what others can offer you but also about how you can contribute to their success. I’d love for you to take a moment to connect with Jeffrey and let him know you heard him on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast. Reach out to him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-o-casanova-31a747b/

In this episode of #MeetCoolPeopl, I had the pleasure of welcoming Casey Hasten, director of recruiting and coaching at VIP, podcast host, and powerhouse CEO Success North Dallas. We dove into discussions ranging from the significance of making valuable connections to the power of saying 'no' to events that don't align with your goals. Casey shared the key elements that have significantly contributed to her success and personal growth. We also tackled the art of balancing professional commitments with personal time, something Casey has mastered to maintain her well-being and productivity. Here are a few key nuggets we covered in our conversation: - **Professional Networking**: Casey stressed how networking events changed her life, especially meeting Bill Wallace, who introduced her to Success North Dallas. She highlighted the importance of being selective with your networking to ensure it adds value to your life and career. - **The Power of Saying No**: We discussed how crucial it is to guard your time. Learning to decline events or commitments that don't serve you or align with your priorities is vital for maintaining your health and focus. - **Commitment and Prioritization**: Casey provided insights into how managing commitments through clear and decisive choices can lead to greater effectiveness and satisfaction in both professional and personal spheres. - **Personal Development**: Casey's pursuit of always learning and the creation of her journal, "Awaken Your Potential," shows the importance she places on continual growth and empowerment. - **The Role of Routine**: A structured morning routine, influenced by Hal Elrod’s "The Miracle Morning," helps Casey stay grounded and productive, demonstrating the transformative power of dedicated personal time. If you want to get connected with Casey and discover more about her strategies for success, personal growth, and networking, you can reach her at hello@caseyhaston.com.

Welcome back to the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast and I had the pleasure of having a couple of great chats with Cliff Ravenscraft, a business strategy and mindset coach, who many know as the Podcast Answer Man. In today's episode, Cliff delves deep into the philosophy of work-life balance, a topic that resonates with so many of us in today's fast-paced world. He stresses the importance of being fully invested in each moment and prioritizing life experiences over work demands. Through our conversation, he talks about how embracing work as a part of life rather than a separate entity can lead to a more fulfilling existence. Cliff also shared his thoughts on success, urging us to take a step back, evaluate our choices, and priorities purposely. He also walked through an exercise he goes through with clients to help them find their top 3 goals that actually have true meaning in their life.. But it's not all just about the money or the success—it's about finding peace, fulfillment, and contentment. Cliff shared some of his coaching methods, targeting entrepreneurs who may feel that something is missing despite their financial achievements.  Key takeaways from this episode: - Balance is about integration, focusing on being present and intentional with your time. - Success requires clarity—identify your wants, sort out your dreams, and set clear, achievable goals. - Mindset plays a crucial role in podcasting—technical skills are not enough; purpose and overcoming barriers are critical. - Identify yourself beyond the labels—ask foundational questions to uncover deeper personal truths. - Value each connection and conversation for its unique contribution to your life. Connect with Cliff and watch his presentation from “Free The Dream” at https://mindsetanswerman.com/free.

In this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I had the pleasure of inviting an amazing guest after my own heart, Greg Wasserman, the head of growth partnerships and community at Cast Magic. This conversation was a goldmine for anyone passionate about podcasting, relationship building, and content creation. Greg brought with him over 15 years of experience in advertising, sales, and partnerships and shared an abundance of knowledge on the inner workings of podcast advertising and brand building. One of the core themes we dug into was Greg's ethos - "life is about time and relationships." He emphasized the power of curiosity and engaging in meaningful conversations, which can be a catalyst for not only personal but also professional growth. We talked a bit about the world of repurposing content. It's not just about putting your content out there on as many platforms as possible but also about making it unique to you as an individual. Greg shared insights into expanding distribution beyond the major platforms, fostering audience growth, and looking at monetization through a more creative lens. Moreover, Greg and I exchanged stories about the serendipities of podcasting, where you can unintentionally find clients and build lasting relationships. It’s about capturing conversations and ideas through recording since, as podcasters and content creators, we must realize the potential wealth in our spoken words. Below are some key takeaways from our conversation: - Build relationships first; metrics like download numbers are secondary. - Content repurposing across various mediums can amplify your message. - Explore creative monetization and distribution strategies beyond the traditional frameworks. - Authenticity is crucial; use AI and tech to organize thoughts but maintain your personal voice. - When inviting guests, provide them with materials to help promote the episode for mutual benefit. Finally, if you'd like to connect with Greg you can find him on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman/ (Just remember to send a personalized message when you do!) Plus, check out the platform Cast Magic to see the work they’re doing to help content creators and podcasters amplify their voices here: https://elylikes.com/castmagic

In today's session, I had an awesome chat about the ins and outs of putting on amazing virtual events with my rockstar friend Bernie DeSantis III, the president and CEO of Insignia Training Partners. Bernie brought his A-game, sharing his experience on enhancing virtual training and events, something many of us are always striving to do better with. We all know virtual events can be challenging, and Bernie pinpointed the common blunders many make, from lackluster energy levels to poor audio and video quality. If you want to keep your audience hooked, you’ve got to keep engaging with your camera as if you're talking face-to-face with your audience. We also went over a few small but mighty details that can make or break a virtual event. It's all about audience interaction. Bernie also highlighted the wonders of the interactive tools that you can use to step up the engagement during your presenations.. Here are just a few od the important takeaways from this episode: - Keep your energy high and make sure to engage with the camera during virtual events. - Know your platform's tools and features to maximize audience interaction. - Invest in good audio equipment and test your setup before the event. - Don't underestimate the power of practice and preparation – run those dress rehearsals! - Small details can have a huge impact on the quality and success of your virtual events. Bernie is a wealth of knowledge and a great person to know in the universe of virtual event planning and execution. Want to get connected with Bernie? Here is his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/badiii/

Welcome back to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, and today's guest is the incredible Michael Hession, a wealth-building strategist who's mastered the art of infinite banking. In our conversation, Michael delves deep into the mechanics of using life insurance as a tool for creating and sustaining wealth. He lays out a clear path for individuals and business owners alike, showing them how to leverage the same financial strategies that icons like Walt Disney have used to fund their dreams and maintain control over their hard-earned money. Here are some pivotal points we covered: The vast potential of infinite banking and its accessibility to not just the corporate elite, but also to individuals who want to build financial resilience.How whole life insurance policies serve as more than just a death benefit – they're dynamic, growing assets with tax advantages and loan opportunities.Michael’s personal journey discovering these strategies and how they can empower us to become our own bankers, giving us greater financial freedom and flexibility.The practicality of infinite banking, breaking down the notion that these strategies are complex and showing how they can be used for everyday financial requirements. Take-A-Ways from the episode: Infinite banking isn't just for the ultra-rich; it’s a strategy accessible to all.Life insurance can be a powerful vehicle for intergenerational wealth transfers.The importance of redirecting our cash flow to retain more of our income.The significance of educating beneficiaries to continue leveraging these financial tools. After listening to Michael Hession discuss the concept of infinite banking, how do you see it fitting into your current financial planning? Is this something new to you, or have you already been utilizing this method? For those looking to delve deeper into infinite banking or reach out to Michael for guidance on creating lasting wealth, you can visit https://ThePerfectAsset.net. 

In our latest #MeetCoolPeople session, we were graced by the exceptional Jen Grosso. As a seasoned well-being expert and performance consultant, Jen brought 25 years of rich experience into our conversation. Her wisdom wasn't just theoretical; her strategies and empathetic approach have real-world effects, including resurrecting businesses on the brink. Jen shared how intertwined our professional hurdles are with our personal well-being. We learned that when a business is faced with challenges, such as cash flow interruptions caused by unpaid contracts, it's not enough to merely chart out plans and timelines. We also have to safeguard the mindset and morale of the very individuals steering these business ships, ensuring they remain afloat long enough to conquer the storms. Here are some powerful takeaways from my talk with Jen Grosso: - Cash flow issues can be debilitating for a business, but addressing the well-being of the team is just as critical as solving financial woes. - Long-term success demands that we stay vigilant for signs of trouble in our business and personal lives. - Consistency in maintaining positive habits can greatly impact our performance and resilience, particularly in turbulent times. - Small, simple daily practices such as staying hydrated and taking breaks can significantly boost decision-making and overall well-being. - Personalizing self-care routines according to individual needs is key—it's not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to building resilience. Connect with Jen Grosso at http://boldfireinstitute.com/

Welcome back to another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast. I'm your host, Ely Delaney, and today I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bravis Brown, a multifaceted leader with an incredible track record, who now focuses on redefining the approach to recruitment. Our conversation dove deep into the symbiotic relationship between generalists and specialists within a team & why you need both. Bravis shared his perspective on why it's crucial to have team members who possess the foresight for scaling the organization, as well as individuals who are deeply knowledgeable about specific customers and products. This blend is essential for both operational success and strategic growth. We also touched on the often overlooked aspect of adapting job roles to the evolution of a business. This is a game-changer, as Bravis pointed out, for ensuring the vision and job duties remain aligned as a company expands. Bravis's focus in recruitment is to place candidates based on not only their present capabilities but also their future potential and adaptability—illustrated by some compelling hiring stories he shared. Here are your key takeaways from today's chat: The interplay of generalists and specialists is fundamental in a team's composition for a well-rounded view of your business's future.Revisit and revise job descriptions regularly to ensure they align with your company’s growth and vision.Leadership's intentions vs. daily realities can shift under the pressures of the business environment.Hiring for future potential facilitates business adaptability and growth.Strategic networking and utilizing resources like mind-mapping can improve hiring efficiency and help realize business visions. Interested in connecting with Bravis Brown? Be sure to find him at https://ConnectWithBravis.com

On the latest episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I was joined by Jessica Gruber, the creative strategist and founder of Buzzworks Creations, an international website design agency. Jessica shared her journey of transitioning from print and creative art direction to the digital side of things, and how she found her passion for helping business owners translate their strategies into user-friendly website experiences. She also discussed her approach to building a strong team and the importance of finding the right people to work with. **Key Takeaways:** - The importance of a unique value proposition (UVP): Jessica emphasized the significance of having a clear and compelling UVP prominently featured on a website to quickly convey what the business does, who they serve, and how they solve problems. - Enhancing the call-to-action (CTA): Jessica highlighted the need for an attention-grabbing CTA button, such as "Contact Us" or "Schedule an Appointment," placed distinctly on the website to encourage user engagement. - Building a strong team: Jessica shared her experience of starting a business as a solo entrepreneur and gradually building a team, emphasizing the value of delegating tasks to focus on core strengths and grow the business effectively. Jessica's discussion shed light on the fundamental aspects of website design and strategic business growth, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to enhance their digital presence. Connect with Jessica Gruber: https://buzzwks.com

In this episode of #MeetCoolPeople, we have the pleasure of featuring Misty Gilbert, a transformational coach, blogger, writer, and sought-after speaker. Misty joined us to share her wisdom about resilience, how to identify and overcome what’s holding you back from true transformation in your life, and even what it takes to gear up for a TEDx talk.  During our conversation, Misty emphasized the significance of recognizing one's own weaknesses and working diligently to improve. Her approach is one that resonates with many, as it involves embracing authenticity and aligning with core values to overcome life's hurdles. Here are some vital takeaways from our time with Misty Gilbert: - **Preparation is Key**: Misty underscored the importance of over-preparing when it comes to delivering a talk. From her TEDx experience, she learned that knowing your material inside out is essential. - **Recording as a Tool**: Using video to watch yourself deliver presentations is invaluable. It allows you to catch nuances in your body language, tone, and pacing. - **The Power of Vulnerability**: By sharing her personal story, Misty touched on how vulnerability connects you with your audience and reinforces the authenticity of your message. - **Understanding Your Audience**: It's crucial to know who you're speaking to. This knowledge shapes the delivery and preparation of your content, ensuring it resonates well. - **Navigating Emotional Pain**: Through her coaching, Misty assists clients in traversing the complexities of emotional pain to find alignment and clarity in their lives. Misty's journey from the setbacks of leaving a cult in 2013 to her defining TEDx talk on authenticity should be an inspiration to us all.  Want to stay connected with Misty? Be sure to check out her website at www.mistywgilbert.com