The Rising Leader

You've been with us as we dive into tough conversations about resilience and navigating uncertain times. In this episode, I brought on Gregory Vetter, a revolutionary entrepreneur who transformed a family recipe into Tessa Mae's, the leading organic salad dressing brand in the US, and pioneered clean food manufacturing. Gregory shares his remarkable entrepreneurial journey, detailing how he handled the trials that came with scaling a successful brand, investor infighting, and eventual turmoil, all while maintaining his integrity and leadership values. Gregory Vetter's resilience and perseverance make his story truly inspiring. Once an insurance seller searching for change, Gregory found his calling in the food industry, co-founding Alta Fresh Foods and establishing the Homegrown Brand Accelerator. In his book, "Undressed: The Unfiltered Story of My Failed American Dream and How It Led to Success," he candidly outlines how he turned setbacks into stepping stones towards his ultimate goal. Gregory's leadership philosophy centers around leaving things better than he found them and leading by example. “You have all the answers. You're just too scared to say them.” - Gregory Vetter This week on The Rising Leader:·     Understanding the struggles of entrepreneurship and leadership through Gregory’s story ·     How to find purpose and meaning in challenging times ·     The significance of cultivating a strong morning routine ·     Importance of having a trusted support system ·     Navigating the emotional reactions to professional setbacks ·     Pursuing personal growth through adversity ·     The role of literature and historical figures in gaining perspective ·     Balancing willpower and rational decision-making in overcoming obstacles Gregory Vetter's Contact Information:·      Website: GregoryVetter.com·      Instagram: @GLVetter·      LinkedIn: Gregory Vetter Resources Mentioned:·      Gregory Vetter’s book: "Undressed: The Unfiltered Story of My Failed American Dream and How It Led to Success"  Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. 

In this episode, I explore the profound connection between spirituality and leadership. Over the last 40 years, I've been on a deep spiritual journey that has greatly influenced my personal and professional life. From overcoming homelessness and addiction to writing "The Rising Leader," I've integrated my spiritual growth into understanding and teaching leadership dynamics.For the past few decades, my quest has been one of spiritual introspection, evolving significantly since turning 60. This journey has allowed me to question and understand complex spiritual concepts and their role in developing effective leadership skills. It's not just about religious values but a more profound, personal spiritual connection that influences how we lead and connect with others.“Spirituality in leadership means rising above automatic reactions  to effectively address challenges.” ~Mark SilvermanThis week on The Rising Leader:·     My journey and its integration with leadership·     Defining spirituality beyond religious labels·     Insights on emotional intelligence as a key leadership trait·     The importance of presence and self-inquiry·     Lessons from spiritual thinkers like Michael Singer and Ram Dass·     Reflect on how my spiritual journey has influenced my leadership style over several decades.·     Explore the role of emotional intelligence in creating strong, effective leadership.·     Discuss how spiritual insights encourage being present and handling challenges with clarity.·     Illustrate how spirituality helps leaders transcend automatic reactions to address problems more effectively.·     Draw from the teachings of Michael Singer and Ram Dass to reinforce the connection between spiritual growth and leadership development.·     Stress the importance of self-awareness in defusing difficult situations through asking insightful questions.·     Highlight that proper growth involves freeing oneself from what previously held one back.Resources Mentioned:Books: "The Untethered Soul", "Living Untethered", "The Surrender Experiment" by Michael SingerGrab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Michael Neill, an internationally renowned transformational teacher and CEO of Genius Catalyst, blends wisdom and humor as he discusses navigating uncertainty in our modern world. He emphasizes the distinction between reality and the stressful stories we create in our minds. Neill shares insights on transforming unpleasant thoughts into growth opportunities and the importance of compassion in learning. With personal anecdotes, he inspires listeners to reconnect with their inner guidance for a more fulfilling and peaceful life.

Have you ever thought about what truly drives effective leadership? For many, it isn't about wielding power with an iron fist; it's about creating a culture where people feel valued and safe. In this engaging episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Garry Ridge, former CEO of the WD40 Company, who transformed a household name into a global success story, not through authoritarian command, but by fostering an environment of care, safety, and engagement.Garry Ridge, a distinguished thought leader, author, and former Chairman and CEO of WD40, shares his profound leadership insights emphasizing emotional intelligence and team culture. With over 35 years of experience, Gary has been at the helm of creating positive workplaces and is also an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego. His book, "Any Dumbass Can Do It," offers numerous learning moments from his leadership journey at WD40.“A leader cannot give their leftovers; each interaction deserves a full plate.” – Garry RidgeThis week on The Rising Leader:·      The significance of a clearly defined, authentic purpose·      How WD40 became one of the best companies to work for·      Creating a culture where employees feel safe and valued·      The difference between motivating and inspiring team members·      Why we must reduce fear in organizations for better engagement·      Insights into embracing failures as learning moments·      How to combat the current 'pandemic of loneliness'·      The personal journey to emotional intelligence and self-awarenessGuest Contact Information:·      Website: thelearningmoment.net·      LinkedIn: Garry Ridge on LinkedInResources Mentioned:·      Book: "Any Dumbass Can Do It: Learning Moments from an Everyday CEO at a Multibillion Dollar Company" by Garry Ridge·      Quiz: Master Your Dumbassery Quiz at thelearningmoment.netGrab Your Copy of The Rising Leader HandbookDo you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you.In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

Welcome back, leaders. Today, we're exploring how to adapt and thrive amidst uncertainty in the ever-changing landscape of 2025 and beyond. John Little joins me for a candid conversation on resilience, adaptability, and finding anchors in unprecedented times. We delve into introspection, community, and personal growth to help you confidently navigate, no matter what challenges arise.John Little is a business leader, entrepreneur, and consultant with over 25 years of experience. John is the principal consultant and founder of The Winner’s Edge Coaching, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in Inclusion, Equity, Belonging, and Engagement strategies, leadership development, business structures, and operation management. With a comprehensive understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, John has led impactful strategy for global enterprises, advising top executives, including CEOs, COOs, CFOs, and CHROs, on DEI initiatives. As a certified DISC, MBTI, and FIRO-B facilitator, John provides valuable insights into personality types and relationship dynamics, enhancing his coaching effectiveness. “Just keep showing up; that's the most important thing that you can do.” ~John Little This week on The Rising Leader:·     Navigating the uncertainties of 2025 and finding resilience·     The need for introspection and mindfulness for self-growth·     Building community to combat isolation and find support·     How to handle fear and reluctance in times of the unknown·     The importance of mourning expectations to move forward·     Challenges and attributes of effective leaders in today's world·     Self-awareness and understanding imposter syndrome·     Encouraging confidence through past successes Connect with John:The Winners Edge CoachingLinkedInGrab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.   

Have you ever been so triggered that you lost your composure in a situation? In our latest episode of The Rising Leader, I delve into what happens when high achievers and leaders lose their calm and how they can navigate these turbulent moments. This episode explores the strategies I teach, grounded in emotional intelligence, to handle one's emotions when under pressure and maintain clarity and control.In today's episode, I recount a personal story involving my eldest son, sharing how I managed my initial emotional reaction. I share my process of moving from fear to understanding and effective communication. This real-world application of the principles I teach provides insight into maintaining authenticity and taking responsibility for one's emotions.“When you're losing your shit, you cannot be inauthentic. You can't completely fake it.” ~Mark SilvermanThis week on The Rising Leader:·     Dealing with emotional triggers in leadership roles·     The importance of being even-tempered under pressure·     Taking responsibility for your emotions·     The power of naming your emotions·     How to use language to communicate when you're triggered·     Building partnerships through shared language·     Maintaining authenticity while taking control of your emotions·     Practical steps for managing moments of high emotion      Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

I'm thrilled to bring you this inspiring conversation with Steve Schlafman, a former venture capitalist who has undergone a powerful transformation in his life and work. We dive into our complex relationship with success and how to thrive amidst the constant changes in today's world. Steve's journey from the high-paced world of venture capital to founding Downshift, a coaching firm that supports ambitious professionals through transition and transformation, provides a fascinating lens on redefining success and maintaining ambition without burnout.Steve Schlafman comes to us with an impressive background, having held roles at top firms in New York, such as Primary Venture Partners and RRE Ventures, as well as operating positions at Microsoft, the New England Patriots, and various startups. Despite this success, Steve felt disconnected and burnt out, prompting a period of self-discovery that ultimately led to the founding of Downshift. Through his work, Steve now helps executives and creators refine their inner compass in an intentional and deeply energizing way."It's not about slowing down to a standstill; it's learning to change gears so you can accelerate." ~ Steve SchlafmanToday on The Rising Leader:·     The realization of a need for change often starts as a whisper and grows into a secret that needs to be honored.·     Professionals feel off despite their success, and there's a longing for authenticity and fulfillment.·     It’s possible to remain ambitious while developing a healthy relationship with your career and personal life.·     Slowing down isn’t about inactivity but about being deliberate to gain momentum and deeper fulfillment.·     Acknowledging and addressing resistance can aid significant personal and professional growth.·     A well-balanced life outside work contributes to better performance and satisfaction within work.·     Embrace the unknown and mystery rather than viewing every problem as needing an immediate fix.·     We are deeply interconnected with our environment; recognizing this can bring more awareness and adaptability.Guest Contact Info:·      Schlaf.co·      @schlaf·      Downshift.meResources:·      Blog: Where the Road BendsGrab Your Copy of The Rising Leader HandbookDo you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you.In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Visit our website for more exclusive content and information.

In today's episode, I dive into a powerful meditation technique I recently discussed with the incredible Michael Neal, author of Super Coach and the Inside Out Revolution. This meditation is designed to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and bring us into the present moment, where we can tackle challenges with clarity and focus. I share my personal experience with this technique and how it has helped me overcome procrastination and anxiety in my own life."One of the reasons we're good in a crisis is something terrible is happening, but we show up as our best because we can show up in the present, we can do incredible things in the present." ~Mark SilvermanToday on The Rising Leader:·     Procrastination is often rooted in fear and anxiety and can be overcome through mindfulness and meditation.·     The past is already gone, and we often don't remember it clearly. It's important to thank the past and let it go.·     The future is unknown, and we can't do anything about it in the present. Worrying about the future only creates unnecessary stress and anxiety.·     The present moment is where we are always safe, grounded, and able to manage things effectively.·     Setting a timer for focused work periods can help us stay present and productive.·     Our minds often wander to the past or future, leading to stress and unhappiness. Restoring ourselves to the present is crucial for our well-being.·     Simple grounding techniques, like wiggling your fingers and toes or taking deep breaths, can help you stay present and focused.·     Focusing on the task, whether washing dishes, handling paperwork, or making a phone call, can help us stay grounded in the present moment. Resources Mentioned: Super Coach by Michael Neal The Inside Out Revolution by Michael Neal The Now Habit by Dr. Neil Fiore The Now Habit at Work by Dr. Neil Fiore Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook
Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you.
In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.

So, we're early in the new season of "The Rising Leader," today, we're diving deep into the themes of grounding, success, and transformational coaching with Michael McDonald. In light of the significant changes expected in 2025, it's vital to understand how to stay grounded and centered amid the chaos. Michael, a transformational coach with clients ranging from CEOs to other coaches globally, shares his evolved coaching philosophy, focusing on subtracting rather than adding to his client's lives to find their inner tranquility and true potential.Michael McDonald is a transformational coach for entrepreneurs and executives, working with CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, and mentoring other coaches around the world. With a style described as part Mr. Rogers, part Inception, he helps high performers find effortlessness, inspiration, and simplicity in everything they’re up to, great and small.“Something awesome is trying to happen, and your job is to allow it.” - Michael McDonaldToday on The Rising Leader:·     Recognize the difference between overwhelm and overload to manage stress effectively.·     Circumstances aren’t inherently scary; it’s our stories about them that cause fear.·     Grounding and finding inner stability is about subtracting mental clutter, not adding new tasks.·     People often complicate their lives with unnecessary actions and thoughts.·     The deep mind is a wisdom-oriented, intuitive part of our brain that should guide us, with the conceptual mind serving as an advisor.·     Authentic, intuitive impulses come from a place of knowing beyond our conceptual thoughts.·     Most empowerment strategies involve creating stronger concepts, while true peace comes from quieting the mind.·     Trusting yourself and letting go of rigid thoughts can lead to profound peace and effectiveness.Resources Mentioned:·      Book: "Loving What Is" by Byron Katie·      TED Talk: "How to Make Stress Your Friend" by Kelly McGonagall·      Book: "Reinventing Yourself" by Steve Chandler·      Michael Neal's YouTube Video: "Why Aren’t We Awesomer?"·      Heroic Arete +1s by Brian Johnson·      Watch Ian McGilchrist’s talks on YouTubeTo follow Michael McDonald and tap into his daily doses of wisdom, visit his website at authenticintegrity.com or email him at michael@authenticintegrity.com. Instagram: @authentiintegrityGrab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.   

You’ve probably heard me say a million times that when I feel resentment, it’s a sign of something more profound. Maybe it means I haven’t set a boundary, I haven’t asked for something I want, or maybe, just maybe, I’m jealous. In this episode of The Rising Leader, I dive deep into the goldmine hidden in our feelings of resentment and harsh judgment. By examining our emotions and reactions, we can uncover valuable insights about our unmet needs and desires. Whether dealing with colleagues at work or frustrations on the road, there’s always something to learn from the negative feelings we harbor.This week’s episode features insights from an executive coaching session. The client, a brilliant leader, stayed up until 2:00 AM fixing reports from his team, while another leader in the organization had no such issues. We peel back the layers of jealousy and resentment to reveal lessons in leadership and accountability. Without swinging to extremes, we explore how even the most negative judgments can be turned into self-reflective gold.“Resentment can be a beacon pointing us towards what we truly desire or lack in our lives.” ~Mark SilvermanThis week on The Rising Leader:·     How resentment reveals unmet needs·     The importance of setting boundaries·     Transforming jealousy into self-improvement·     A coaching case study on leadership and report handling·     The power of accountability in leadership·     Using negative judgments as positive learning tools·     Venting frustrations: Road rage as a reflection of inner desires·     Expanding personal and professional range through self-reflectionResources Mentioned:“Lead From the Heart: Transformational Leadership for The 21st Century” by Mark C. Crowley“Radical Candor: Fully Revised & Updated Edition: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity” by Kim Scott  Grab Your Copy of The Rising Leader Handbook Do you find yourself rising through your company's ranks so fast that you wish you had a manual to become an effective leader? Then, The Rising Leader Handbook is right for you. In The Rising Leader Handbook, you’ll learn how to shift your perspective and gain the leadership skills you need, regardless of the breadth of your responsibilities, by leveraging the relationships you’ve built with the CEO, the Leadership Team, and the team you lead as well as your relationship with yourself.Visit The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers into Effective Leaders to grab your copy and start mastering your skills to become your team leader. Leader, It’s Time to Rise! Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Rising Leader Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | GooglePlay | Stitcher | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help me reach more listeners like you. Join me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website.