The Executive Appeal with Alex D. Tremble

How do you maintain company culture with remote workers? Special guest Michael Arena Ph.D. thoroughly explores this topic.Michael Arena Ph.D. is the chief science officer and co-founder of the Connected Commons, a research consortium that brings together business and academic thought leaders to develop and apply organizational network solutions. He is also a faculty member in Penn’s Masters in Organizational Dynamics program. Arena most recently served as the vice president of talent and development at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he leveraged network analysis to enable employee growth, organizational culture and innovation. Prior to joining Amazon, Michael was the chief talent officer for General Motors Corporation where he helped to facilitate the business transformation, which is highlighted in his book Adaptive Space. Michael also spent two years as a visiting scientist with MIT’s Media Lab researching human networks and he acted as a design thinking coach within the Stanford School.Main Takeaways:Arena’s research centers around networks, how people interact with each other and how remote, hybrid, and in-person work environments impact employees and social culture within organizations.About 50% of daily influencers are identified as the informal networks within organizations and the influencers who may not be high on the organizational chart are often  highly trusted and valuable assets to their team and company.The two types of connections are bonding and bridging connections. Bridging connections are those who link up teams. Remote = a 30% loss of the bridge connections and building back in a remote environment has been a struggle.The debate of back in the office vs remote can be decided with science.  Arena says  employees love remote work and the flexibility, but  some companies have eliminated the remote model. A hybrid model can be good for well being, productivity and life balance.  Looking  at data at the time of need is key in the debate about work models. A disconnection from workmates can occur with remote only, but a blend can contribute to connections being reestablished.A large amount of people want to work remote but also want to reconnect with colleagues. The autonomy to choose and have flexibility is what most desire, but it’ll take time to work the anxiety out of the in-office, remote or hybrid model debate for each company and team. We are social beings that communicate through social signals and we lose that with remote only work.Moderation is needed to find the smart  balance for social connections within both remote and physical offices and teams and still enjoy our human existence.Hustle vs Human Experience… don’t let your soul be stolen by organizational goals. You can’t lose you in the midst of your success. Don’t let it override you. You have to set boundaries, goals and commitments to yourself. In your career, don’t be scared to create personal boundaries.If you’re not pushing up against  that boundary of failure you’re not being your brilliant self. Failure isn’t the opposite of success, it's part of it. If you don’t dance with the boundary of failure you’re not breaking through. Push through and flirt with it and see what will happen. The way you show up in your network matters as much to your success as your ability to perform and can account for 30-40% of your performance. It matters to your career who you are around. Find the energizers and you can create a much better effect. 

Eve Aronoff Trivella competed in the 56-kilogram weight division. To mention a few, she earned a Bronze medal in the 1982 World Judo Championships at the age of 19 and finished 7th in the 1987 World Championships. She was a member of the historical First Women’s Olympic Judo Team of 1988 where she earned 6th place. She medaled in 14 National Championships: 12 senior and 2 junior. She is a 5 time U.S Open champion.Aronoff Trivella was the recipient of the prestigious Olympian Award sanctioned by the U.S Olympic Committee. The award is in recognition of athletes who have made significant contributions to the various Olympic disciplines. Additionally, she was elected to the United States Judo Association Hall of Fame as an outstanding female competitor.Other honors include the Phyllis S Harper Sportsmanship Award from the United States Judo Federation in 1984, Resolution 10-1983 from the City of Yonkers New York in recognition of her excellence and contribution to the sports world, Metropolitan Judo Association for Outstanding Female Competitor for the year 1978-1979, and Coach of the Year at the New York State Championships for the year 2019. Aronoff Trivella has been the proud founder and owner of Eve’s Ultimate Body Training LLC since the 1980s, teaching private one on one fitness and or Judo sessions as well as group. She also has created a fitness Judo workout for beginners, intermediate or advanced, using a combination of fitness exercises and Judo techniques without a partner which has been very useful during the Covid 19 pandemic.Main Takeaways:Women’s judo and the intricacies and strategies of the sportHow the artful fighting sport of judo translates into the strategies of life. (Ie practice, preparation, and goals.) The importance in organizing and balancing life, happiness and purpose when  managing a full plate in your career and personal lives. Strategizing your health plays a direct role in your overall success and how it shouldn’t be last on our list. Exercise = energy Overcoming life changing obstacles. At 6 years old, Eve battled rheumatic fever and a life threatening, debilitating and painful condition taking away her ability to walk. In that storm, she was introduced to the world of judo. Being “stuck” in life or going through a painful situation can sometime lead to having to do awkward, uncomfortable things to build strength and change your life in the future. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because taking the negative and turning into positive is the success. If you try there’s no failure. Achievement and success is in trying and winning.Navigating a male dominated sector: Eve’s place in the male dominant sport of judo and her advice to women. Be yourself, do your thing, do it to the best of your personal ability and drown out the surroundings. Eve’s advice: Take a breath, focus, prioritize and take one step at a time especially when managing a busy lifestyle.Do things that make you happy. Things you enjoy and want to do all day. Build on that joy in your profession, life and daily routine.End  your day with something that makes you feel good and have faith and belief in yourself. 

How do you keep your team engaged in a recession? WAEPA CEO Shane Canfield and The EnerGeo Alliance's VP of Communications and External Affairs, Gail Adams unpack this topic. M. Shane Canfield brings more than 25 years of experience in insurance and non-profit leadership to WAEPA.Shane came to WAEPA in 2016 and served previously as Executive Director of the Council on Employee Benefits. He has spent most of his career in the pooled-risk group/affinity insurance industry. In his role as WAEPA CEO, Shane is responsible for strategic planning and leadership, managing stakeholder relationships, and serving our Board of Directors in organizational oversight. With extensive experience in coalition building, government relations, and reporting to Boards, Shane leads WAEPA by consistently prioritizing member satisfaction, membership growth, and retention.He earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from George Mason University, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Washington Adventist University, and is a board member for the Council of HR Management Associations, member of LIMRA, PIMA, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP), and is a past board member of the ASAE Business Services Inc. Additionally, Shane holds various certifications, including CEBS, RHU, CAE, SPHR, and SHRM-SCP.Gail Adams is the Vice President of Communications and External Affairs at the EnerGeo Alliance, an international upstream energy trade association. She has more than 20 years of experience in the environment and natural resources public policy arena and working with states and local governments. She has more than 30 years’ experience in public affairs, non-profit organizations, and governmental affairs.She is a former Presidential Appointee as Director of the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs (OIEA) for the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Immediate Office of the Secretary where she managed relationships between the DOI and Governors, state and local elected officials and the more than 6000 stakeholders and organizations that represent interests related to DOI. She also had a key role on the President’s Task Force on Travel & Competitiveness and helped to craft the nation’s National Travel and Tourism Strategy which brought the United States from 10th in the world back to first in market share for world tourism.Adams is a former television news anchor, public affairs show host, and radio personality. She is also a certified grants writer. Adams is a graduate of Louisiana State University.Main Takeaways:A unique behind-the-scenes view of how the energy and life insurance industries are fairing through the recession. There are a variety of ways to motivate people internally with training,  progressive opportunities and in the community through collaborative work.Programs that bring diversity, equality and inclusion should never be put on the chopping board due to budget cuts as these initiatives create a stronger and more talented workforce to move your company forward.Professional development during the recession may include innovative thinking, changes in career direction, and obtaining additional training to pivot for employees.Always use the ART method when interacting with your employees. Be Authentic, have Representation and show Transparency. Learn the importance and spectrum of the energy industry and the imperative nature of life insurance. 

Alex D. Tremble is an award-winning speaker, author, executive, and leadership expert who advises some of our nation’s most senior level leaders on how to shape their company’s culture to attract, retain and develop diverse and highly effective leaders. In addition to his speaking, coaching, and consulting, Alex is the host of The Executive Appeal podcast, which is focused on providing ambitious leaders with the leadership and career advancement skills required to excel as senior and executive leaders. Alex began his career as the youngest Federal Government employee to create and manage three Federal Government-wide senior leadership development programs, and quickly went on to establish his own leadership development company, GPS Leadership Solutions LLC., while publishing two bestselling leadership books ("Reaching Senior Leadership: 10 Growth Strategies Every Government Leader Should Know” and “The GPS Guide to Success”) geared towards helping leaders gain influence and attain career success. Alex is honored to be a Fellow of The Aspen Institute's Socrates program. He is also a Leadership Center for Excellence 40 under 40 honoree, was spotlighted as a top leader to know by the International Association for Talent Development, and is passionate and committed to helping our leaders across the world reach their highest potential; personally, and professionally. Finally, Alex also serves as the Chief Culture Officer for America’s second largest national conservation corps; American Conservation Experience. Alex received his Bachelor's degree in sociology and psychology from William Penn University and his Master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology from the University of Baltimore. When he is not working, he enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and going on long hikes with his wife. Please visit AlexTremble.com to gain the tools and strategies your organization needs to develop the culture and leaders needed to accomplish its mission.Main Takeaways:If people don't know you need help, they're not as willing to help youBe thankful for your bad supervisorsDon't avoid the painFind time for you

Take it from a pro on how to stand out from the competition. Like professional comedian and award winning actor Mark Christopher Lawrence.Mark Christopher Lawrence (MCL)is the 2012 recipient of the San Diego Critics Circle’s Craig Noel Award for Outstanding Actor Of The Year. He’s an international headliner that has worked with the likes of Sinbad, Jerry Seinfeld, Rodney Dangerfield, and Jeff Foxworthy as well as, having headlined clubs and colleges all over the USA and Canada.MCL is best known for his series regular role as Big Mike on the NBC TV series CHUCK. He recently completed production on the hit ADULT SWIM TV show BLACK JESUS and is recurring on The PureFlix Show Malibu Dan The Family Man. He can be seen on the Disney Channel’s original TV movie LifE Is Ruff and guest appearances on Lab Rats, Good Luck Charlie, Heroes, Weeds, My Name Is Earl, Reba, Grounded for Life, Crossing Jordan, and Amazing America with Sarah Palin. MCL is in pre-production on several projects as a writer and/or producer and has just released on PureFlix.com his hilarious talk show Pure Comedy, which he also hosts. On video, you can watch MCL’s work in The Pursuit of Happyness, The Island, Garfield, Terminator II, Fear of a Black Hat, and Cooties to list a few.Other awards and nominations that MCL has been blessed to achieve are as follows: NAACP Award for Best Ensemble - Glasshouse2010 San Diego Critics Circle Nomination for Best Actor - Boy Willie - Piano Lesson2012 San Diego Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actor of the Year - A Raisin In The Sun/TopDog UnderDog2012 San Diego Critics Circle Nomination for Best Actor - Walter Lee - A Raisin In The Sun2012 San Diego Critics Circle Nomination for Best Actor - Lincoln - TopDog UnderDogMain takeaways from the episode:Key TakeawaysFailures can help you grow. Some people do not start off as great right off the bat while others could get success initially but get failures later on. The point is to learn from this.Whether you are doing comedy, public speaking or a presentation, you should always be prepared for what you are talking about. You should practice to a point that you come off as authentic and unscripted to your audience.You need to know your material so well that you can go off on a tangent ans still stay on track. Nothing does well if you are not prepared for it.Always learn, watch and grow while you are working with people that are in positions that you want to be in. You can learn from your peer’s achievements and failures.Always take time to reflect on your life. Celebrate the wins and achievements that you have made while appreciating the growth. Looking back on where you have been also helps to direct where you want to go in the future.Remember to control what you can and let go of what you can’t.If you have certain dreams or aspirations that are unfulfilled, you will regret it. Don’t leave them at the table, instead go out and try it. Win or lose, the point is to try.

Are you challenged by comparison? Looking to overcome imposter syndrome? Guest Ryan Changcoco shares insight to tackle the challenge. Ryan is the founder and principal of the Changcoco Consulting Group. Prior to CCG, Ryan served as the Chief Executive Officer of CSurgeries and The Physician's Edge Group, as well as the Head of Product Strategy for Management Development and Director of Government Workforce at ATD. He also served in various lead positions at CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield and The Advisory Board Company.Ryan's experiences as an executive and product strategist led to his effectiveness as a consultant for several organizations. Ryan has expertise in digital marketing and strategy, new product development, content development, and executive operations.As former head of several startups, Ryan has led various efforts with seed-round and series A raises. Currently Ryan serves as a senior advisor to several start-up organizations and associations including: The Senior Executives Association (SEA), Oji Life Lab, and Bedrock Learning. He is also the executive producer of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, hosted by renowned professor and psychoanalyst, Dr. Robin Stern, co-founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Ryan is also serving as an Executive in Residence of insights, innovation, and experience for LeadersUp, a non-profit organization funded by Starbucks and Google to bridge the racial and economic divide for BIPOC talent within the U.S.​Main Takeaways: Checking your imposter syndromeHaving a transparent partner /colleague for real feedback The importance of hiring Knowing when to pivot “Leadership and management is the hardest job you’ll love.”How to providing support beyond critical feedback Trusting & building with angel investors & VC’s“First, the heart”

How can great leaders ask more questions? Hear communication strategist Skot Waldron share his insight for executive leaders.For the past 20 years, Skot Waldron’s work for clients such as J.P. Morgan Chase, CDC, Georgia Tech, Royal Caribbean, Sesame Workshop, The Home Depot, and The Coca-Cola Company has included national and international communication programs.Skot Waldron is an internal communication strategist who uses his extensive knowledge of brand development to build loyalty amongst individuals, teams, and organizations. Unlike most communication programs out there, Skot coaches leaders and employees to become liberators using programs that are simple, scalable, and sustainable for the long term. He believes the influence you have, your alignment as an organization, and your ability to execute effectively all begin with you and how you communicate.Main Takeaways:A brand is its reputation. How others perceive you, what they believe about you, what you say when you are quiet, and what others say about you when you are not around, that’s your brand.For great brands, leaders must first induce positive first impressions, then maintain consistency, which will foster creditability and authenticity, and finally, trust, which will nurture loyalty. A multigenerational workplace is being created in order for both perspectives to contribute to the creation of something amazing.When you're not at your best as a leader, you can't give them your best because you can't radiate what you don't have. As a result, one must be conscious of himself, of others, and of the purpose to help others.

We all understand the importance of mental health. But why is giving grace good for mental health? Guest Mitch Brooks breaks this down in detail.As Co- General Partner of High Street Equity Partners, Mitch's focus is on pre-seed and seed stage investments. While he reviews all categories at the early stage, he is particularly interested in the future of work, marketplaces, and health tech. Prior to founding High Street Equity Partners, Mitch worked with early and growth-stage companies as an investor and as an operator. Prior to venture, Mitch was the Chief Operating Officer of b2b SaaS company DSI. He started his career in corporate at FINRA and Caterpillar. Mitch holds a MBA from Florida A&M University, and lives in Washington, DC with his wife Cadene. Main Takeaways:How can you make your voice heard without yelling? Once you get more confident in yourself and your accomplishments, you dont feel the need to be loud or take up space but people will respect your confidence and being authentic to yourself.How can you build confidence when you dont feel like you belong in certain spaces? ON a personal level, Mitch believes in nurturing confidence from an early age.As our generation has kids and we look to raise the next generation we should be more intentional to raising confidence to our kids and encourage them to reach their full potential and celebrate them on their journey.If we are committed or dedicated to something we can overcome those feelings that want to hold us back. We need to believe that we are more powerful and capable of doing so much more than we think we can do.Be very cognizant of where you can learn from. Always keep learning and improving more about your craft.You should keep an open mind and heart and constantly keep evolving and adapting to change. By being more bond and courageous, all of us will be better with time.

When you should you say no to a customer? Wes Michael shares a wealth of thought this subject and why you should think about it first. A market research industry veteran of over 40 years, Wes earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania. In 2013, Wes launched Rare Patient Voice based on a novel approach to building a market research panel, one that enables patients and caregivers to share their voices with the researchers and companies developing products to improve patients’ lives. He structured the company on the core values of being a good resource for patients, a good partner to clients, a good employer to staff, and a good citizen in our community. Since then, Wes has seen the company grow, expanding from the US to Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, and Germany, completing thousands of projects, and providing customized service to hundreds of clients. He hopes that RPV’s work can help the lives of patients and caregivers who are able to participate in our studies, and of those who come after.Hobbies: Walking his dogs, piano, history, exercisePets: Ace (mix of Beagle and Brittany) and Stanley the Chocolate LabLikes: Hearing from patients who have enjoyed taking part in a studyDislikes: When no one qualifies for a studyFun Facts: Wes spent a year in Edinburgh, Scotland and ran cross country with the Hare & HoundsMAIN TAKEAWAYS:“You need to have a folder somewhere… where you say: IDEAS (...) Don’t loose track of these things”“Deadlines are important. We work towards deadlines. But you can negotiate, you can talk to them, let them know...” “You’ve got to look at what’s the fair amount. Somebody doesn’t deserve all of your time.”

Looking for advice on overcoming your fear of networking? Let Juliann Edwards of TC Energy share her journey that will reshape your perspective! Juliann Edwards is the Vice-President Energy Origination & Development at TC Energy, and in 2023 will be formally appointed to the Board of Directors of Bruce Power.Currently Edwards is the Chair for U.S. Women in Nuclear, Family Advocate for RSRT where she has raised over $600,000 and awareness for Rett Syndrome Research Trust with the intent of helping irradiate Rett Syndrome, a disorder her daughter Lily was diagnosed with in 2017. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Marketing from the University of South Florida.Main Takeaways From This Episode:Networking In The BeginningGoal setting practicesWomen In Nuclear - Micro mentoring moments"Do it scared." - AlexHow to make time for networking & your passions"Hard is not bad, hard is just hard.” - Juliann