The Friday Habit

Welcome back to part two of our 2-part episode of The Friday Habit! In this installment, we continue our exploration of project management with our special guest, Clint Padgett.We're picking up right where we left off, delving into the world of informed scheduling decisions, strategic resource utilization, and the critical role of engagement and transparency in building a sense of ownership among team members.Plus, we'll dive deeper into the exciting intersection of technology and project planning, discussing how automation and AI are transforming the field while emphasizing the enduring importance of human collaboration, commitment, accountability, and pride in the work.If you missed part one, be sure to catch up, and if you're ready for more insights into project success, you're in the right place! Main Topics02:05: The importance of people management in project success05:24: The  silo effect in companies18:03: The necessity of in-person meetings for connection20:33: Managing by Commitment28:22: The future of project management  Episode Linkshttps://clintonmpadgett.com/https://projectsuccess.com/ Go to TheFridayHabit.com to find show notes for this episode. There you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.If you have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover don’t forget to record us a quick voice memo and send it to hello@thefridayhabit.comThanks for listening to The Friday Habit.Until next time. Live every day like it’s Friday.Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Friday Habit! Today, we've got a fantastic guest lined up for you. We're catching up with Clint Padgett, a seasoned pro in the world of project management. Clint's not just any project management guru; he's also the president of Project Success, Inc. We'll be diving into some intriguing topics today, focusing on sustainable business growth and how project management plays a crucial role in achieving those long-term success goals.Now, let's start by hearing Clint's insights on what he's learned from his father about the core essence of project management. Plus, we'll chat about the significance of operational management and how it all ties into the ambitious pursuit of growing your business.But that's not all! Clint has an inspiring journey that we'll be exploring today. He's gone from the Navy to higher education and even worked at The Coca-Cola Company. It's a story that highlights how a strong work ethic and unwavering dedication can take you places. From his time in the military to overcoming some seriously tough working conditions and pursuing higher education, Clint embodies the idea that the harder you work, the luckier you become. So, stay tuned for some incredible insights and stories from Clint Padgett!Main Topics00:04:15: Entrepreneurship in a small town00:08:57: Clint's experience in the Navy and the shipyard00:11:03: Working at Coca Cola00:14:00: The balance of hard work and perseverance in success00:17:26: The beginning of the journey towards the Olympics00:20:44: Working cross-functional projects00:22:54: Journey from being an employee to the company's CEO  Episode Linkshttps://clintonmpadgett.com/https://projectsuccess.com/ Go to TheFridayHabit.com to find show notes for this episode. There you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.If you have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover don’t forget to record us a quick voice memo and send it to hello@thefridayhabit.comThanks for listening to The Friday Habit.Until next time. Live every day like it’s Friday.Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

In this episode, we have the privilege of interviewing Ron Simmons, a seasoned entrepreneur and former politician. Ron's journey is filled with valuable insights and wisdom that every small business owner and aspiring entrepreneur should hear. Join us as we dive into a conversation about lifelong learning, the secrets to maintaining a successful long-term partnership, taking bold and uncomfortable steps, recognizing opportunities, and finding the perfect balance between faith and entrepreneurship. Ron introduces a unique metaphor—the "red wagon"—to help us understand the different roles and responsibilities in business.Key Highlights:1. Ron emphasizes the significance of focusing on execution and not letting worries about things beyond your control hold you back. It's all about taking action and making things happen.2. Ron shares the importance of finding mentors in various aspects of life and business. These mentors can provide valuable guidance and insights that can make a world of difference in your journey.3. Personal growth and reflection are key components of success. Ron encourages us to invest in our personal development and take the time to think and reflect on our goals and progress.4. Ron highlights the value of authenticity and transparency in both personal and professional life. Being genuine and honest in your interactions can build trust and credibility.5. Challenges are a part of every entrepreneurial journey. Ron's advice? Stay laser-focused on your goals, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain a positive attitude even in the face of adversity.

Welcome to The Friday Habit with your hosts Mark and Ben! In this episode, we have a special guest joining us, Ron Simmons, a seasoned politician who served three terms in the Texas House of Representatives. During his time in the House, Ron was a member of several crucial committees, including Appropriations, Transportation, Elections, Homeland Security, and Business & Industry.Join us as Mark, Ben, and Ron engage in an enlightening discourse about harnessing opportunities and maintaining a targeted focus in entrepreneurship. They'll illustrate how seemingly minor engagements can open new windows of opportunity and advise on the importance of concentrated efforts within one's chosen niche.Practical steps on optimizing focus and harnessing opportunities will be discussed comprehensively for the benefit of aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, our hosts and guest will bring forward the necessity of adapting businesses to client needs and market shifts, emphasizing the balance between innovation and core values.Mark, Ben, and Ron will also encourage entrepreneurs to cultivate a culture of continuous innovation, embracing technological advances and building a scalable business infrastructure. Tune into this episode for fresh perspectives on entrepreneurship and strategies for success in the face of evolving markets.

In this episode, Mark Labriola II and Benjamin Manley interview Andre Dantzler from SociallyU. Andre shares his journey from working in the corporate world to starting his own business and the importance of systems and mindset in building a successful business. He emphasizes the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship and the importance of finding alignment in your work. Andre also discusses the balance between work and family life and the process of discovering your identity and purpose. He shares his experience of hiring and growing his team, emphasizing the value of caring for employees and creating a positive customer experience. Andre also highlights the significance of excellence and love in his approach to business. He explains how sharing knowledge and secrets has been revolutionary for his company. Overall, Andre's journey showcases the power of building a team, fostering ownership, and prioritizing the well-being of both employees and customers.TakeawaysEntrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart and requires resilience and optimism.Finding alignment in your work and saying no to opportunities that don't align with your values and strengths is crucial.Balancing work and family life is essential, and it's important to prioritize and be present in each area.Discovering your identity and purpose takes time and self-reflection.Growth in business often requires hiring and surrounding yourself with the right people. Building a successful business requires a systems mindset and the ability to ask the right questions.Hiring employees instead of relying solely on contractors can lead to a more cohesive and committed team.Excellence and love are key guiding principles for creating a positive customer experience.Sharing knowledge and secrets can lead to growth and attract clients who appreciate transparency and value.Chapters00:00 Introduction to The Friday Habit01:01 Guest Introduction: Andre Dantzler from SociallyU02:27 Andre's Origin Story and Business Journey08:54 Leaving the Corporate World and Starting His Own Business13:15 The Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship19:19 Balancing Work and Family Life25:32 Finding Alignment and Saying No to Opportunities29:34 Discovering Identity and Purpose35:33 Growth and Hiring in the Business35:46 The Importance of Systems and Mindset36:46 Challenges and Growth in the Studio37:33 The Impact of Growth on Systems39:14 Hiring and Financial Considerations40:28 The Difference Between Contractors and Employees41:48 Creating a Team and Fostering Ownership44:31 Building a Sustainable Business45:53 The Importance of Excellence and Love47:48 Creating a Positive Customer Experience50:42 The Role of Hospitality in Shaping Culture53:12 The Power of Caring for People56:05 The Value of Sharing Secrets and Knowledge01:01:42 Connecting with Socially InclinedGo to TheFridayHabit.com to find show notes for this episode. There you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.If you have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover don’t forget to record us a quick voice memo and send it to hello@thefridayhabit.comThanks for listening to The Friday Habit.Until next time. Live every day like it’s Friday.Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Welcome to another episode of The Friday Habit, where your hosts Mark Labriola II and Benjamin Manley, along with guest Patrick Thean, guide you to strike the right balance between strategy and execution. Tune in as they elaborate on "# CEOs and the Crucial Role of Execution in Business Success." Uncover the deeper layers of effective execution, its pivotal role in transforming grand strategies into tangible results, and the importance of embedding it into your business operations. Learn to foster a rhythm that meshes brilliantly with your execution-focused mindset and how to cultivate it in your organization's day-to-day operations.Further, delve into a discussion about stepping up from an enterprising entrepreneur to a strategic CEO. Take away invaluable insights from this enlightening conversation around the common struggles, epiphanies, and identity realization that ensues during this evolution. Whether you are on the path of selling your first enterprise, poised to usher into a new venture, or finding your niche, this episode is sure to provide a trove of wisdom to aid your journey.Go to TheFridayHabit.com to find show notes for this episode. There you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.If you have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover don’t forget to record us a quick voice memo and send it to hello@thefridayhabit.comThanks for listening to The Friday Habit.Until next time. Live every day like it’s Friday.Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Though Patrick Thean’s list of accomplishments as a CEO, international speaker and best selling author is impressive, his humble attitude is what really draws clients to him. Growing up in Singapore, Patrick experimented early on with small business ideas, selling tape recordings of the World Cup to his friends in grade school. He later came to the United States and graduated from Cornell with an engineering degree, met his wife and founded his first company. Patrick’s business philosophy is both strategic and personal. He doesn’t take himself too seriously and is more interested in executing what he’s promised to his clients. Now he passionately and purposefully coaches business owners to identify a problem that needs solving as the foundation for a successful business plan. His three keys to success are focus, alignment within the team, and accountability to commitments. By consistently reflecting on what can be learned in each interaction with someone, Patrick continues to build a legacy focused on “people to people” relationships.Main TopicsPatrick’s early entrepreneurial spark (01:30)Solve a problem with your business plan (05:25)3 keys to success (08:47)Patrick’s first company (11:00)Repeat the sales pitch (15:15)Learning from every interaction (18:00)Main concepts of his book Rhythm (20:40)  Episode Linkshttps://www.patrickthean.com/new-home Go to TheFridayHabit.com to find show notes for this episode. There you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.If you have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover don’t forget to record us a quick voice memo and send it to hello@thefridayhabit.comThanks for listening to The Friday Habit.Until next time. Live every day like it’s Friday.Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

In part two of the discussion with storyteller, author, and keynote speaker Mark Carpenter, he shares some of the strategies he employs in telling great stories people will remember. Before utilizing storytelling to teach, lead, sell or inspire, it is important to know the purpose behind telling that story. When the storyteller is clear on why they are sharing a story, they can choose important details to share or discard, and the pacing falls into place. They can also begin to look for experiences to turn into stories that would serve their purpose. Mark encourages authenticity in delivering a story. Citing recent groundbreaking research, the neuroscience behind the power of storytelling is compelling. Brain wave activity increases during a story versus simply receiving information. When listeners engage with a story, they access their personal memories in order to find relatability, which solidifies the likelihood they will remember the message. Stories also trigger the brain to release oxytocin, which is the chemical that leads to trust and connectivity. When a storyteller shares authentically with honorable intention, people respond with deeper levels of engagement and buy-in. Not to be used in a manipulative way, the power of storytelling as a leadership skill is growing at the corporate level thanks to pioneers like Mark. Humans have communicated through storytelling for millenia; it only makes sense that forward-thinking leaders would apply the approach to professional development. Main TopicsUsing storytelling in sales (01:20)Common roadblocks in developing stories (04:25)Pacing in storytelling (06:50)Impact of stories on the brain (10:00)Increasing relatability chemicals in the brain (15:25)Mark’s current consulting projects (18:30)Workshops for use storytelling as a leadership skill (21:30)  Episode Linkshttps://master-storytelling.com Go to TheFridayHabit.com to find show notes for this episode. There you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.If you have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover don’t forget to record us a quick voice memo and send it to hello@thefridayhabit.comThanks for listening to The Friday Habit.Until next time. Live every day like it’s Friday.Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

Teaching and storytelling is in Mark Carpenter’s DNA. With decades of experience in corporate communications, marketing, writing, and consulting, Mark now helps people master the art of storytelling to communicate information with purpose. In his work with clients, he often hears objections to storytelling because people don’t believe they have any stories worth telling. As outlined in his book and through his insightful training techniques, Mark guides leaders in crafting extraordinarily powerful stories from seemingly ordinary experiences. One of the most important factors in achieving masterful storytelling is clearly defining the purpose of the story. Any experience that evokes an emotional reaction holds within it a lesson. Inspired by Joseph Campbell’s archetypal Hero’s Journey, Mark breaks down story development into three sections: the current state, the conflict, and the change. When leaders use storytelling to relay information, they are transferring the wisdom of experience so that the listener doesn’t need to go through it themselves. As with any professional development skill, storytelling is like a muscle that builds strength through practice and repetition. Most people learn best through stories as they are more engaged and likely to retain the information.  Main TopicsTeaching is in Mark’s DNA (04:10)Emotional reactions lead to great stories (07:00)Storytelling as a leadership skill (10:00)Developing storytelling through practice (10:46)How Mark strengthened his storytelling skills (14:05)Storytelling vs. relaying information (15:15)Using stories to teach, lead, sell and inspire (17:45)  Episode Linkshttps://master-storytelling.com Go to TheFridayHabit.com to find show notes for this episode. There you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.If you have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover don’t forget to record us a quick voice memo and send it to hello@thefridayhabit.comThanks for listening to The Friday Habit.Until next time. Live every day like it’s Friday.Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts

When podcaster, author, and lifelong entrepreneur Justin Jackson co-founded Transistor, a podcast publishing platform, he already had years of experience building a business. As a child and young adult, Justin experimented with writing code and starting businesses in industries that interested him. When he and his wife started their family, the pressure to achieve financial security increased. Though some of his ventures failed, all these experiences were setting him up for his next big achievement. Because of his time being saturated in the market, he was able to catch the right wave at the right time; he’s riding that wave all the way to success. Justin’s advice to those looking to start a business is to build something for which people are already searching. Around 2016 when podcasting was just beginning to gain popularity, he noticed that it was still very much a DIY industry. Thus the idea to streamline podcast publication was born. Now Transistor makes creating podcasts accessible for the average person, regardless of their experience with coding and technology. In this way, clients find him instead of having to seek out those who are interested in his product. He’s also invested a lot of intentional time building relationships with his partner and team members. The purpose of owning his own company is to build a beautiful life for himself and those he works with. Every decision is made from this personal stance, and his company continues to grow at the pace that best serves that value. Main TopicsGrowing a podcast audience (06:00)Justin’s early love for entrepreneurship (10:45)Understanding the dynamics of your industry (16:00)Inner drive to forge your own path (17:30)Balancing work and family life (22:10)Justin’s introduction to coding (25:30)Inspiration for Transistor (30:15)Slow growth of the business (36:00)Protecting your partnership (43:30)Researching the market (51:12)Expanding the reach for your business (56:00)Ben’s top 5 takeaways (103:00)  Episode Linkshttps://transistor.fm/ Go to TheFridayHabit.com to find show notes for this episode. There you can also find links to our websites and ways to get in touch. At the bottom of the page you can download our guide to the Friday Habit system that will show you how to set aside one full day each week dedicated to working on your business instead of in your business.If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe and leave us a review in the Apple podcasts app.If you have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover don’t forget to record us a quick voice memo and send it to hello@thefridayhabit.comThanks for listening to The Friday Habit.Until next time. Live every day like it’s Friday.Listen, rate, and subscribe!Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Podcasts