How Leaders Think with Kenny Lange

Dr. Alise Cortez, Chief Purpose Officer at Elise Cortez and Associates, is an inspirational speaker and social scientist passionate about fostering connection in the workplace. She discusses how the pandemic has reshaped work dynamics and emphasizes the need for empathy to combat burnout. Cortez highlights the importance of spiritual intelligence in driving creativity and innovation, while offering practical strategies for leaders to create more humane, collaborative environments that prioritize well-being and authentic connections.

Benj Miller is the CEO of System and Soul, dedicated to helping teams grow with purpose, while McKenzie Decker manages daily operations, unlocking team potential. In this discussion, they dive into the journey from renegade founder to effective leader, emphasizing the balance between visionaries and operators. They explore mindset shifts essential for business growth and navigating leadership identity. The duo also shares insights on embracing change, maintaining authenticity, and fostering collaborative workplace cultures.

In today's episode of "How Leaders Thing," your host Kenny Lange sits down with Amanda Fry from Talent Crowd @JoinTheCrowd to dive into the importance of genuine conversations, providing value to others, and creating meaningful relationships. They explore Amanda's experience with social media, the challenges of maintaining originality in content creation, and the impact of algorithms on engagement. They also discuss the role of data in understanding audience behavior and the need for leaders to align actions with their company's mission.For more inspiring and insightful content, don't forget to subscribe to the How Leaders Think Podcast.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast:* Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kennylange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss an episode!Resources:1. Amanda's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafrye/2. Kind Transparency: Say what you mean (without being a jerk): https://amzn.to/48KZBt43. Talent Crowd Website: https://www.talentcrowd.com/4. Clarity Field Guide: https://amzn.to/3F8aRlE 5. S2 Roadmap: Kennylange.com/road-map6. https://databox.com/ Timeline:[00:00:00] Intro[00:01:27] Social media is becoming monotonous and exhausting.[00:05:19] Algorithmic manipulation causing issues in social media.[00:08:20] Leadership's influence necessitates thoughtful actions online.[00:12:34] Generic emails impact audience engagement, deliverability.[00:15:39] Data-driven marketing clashes with audience benefit.[00:16:39] Data tells a story, but goal matters.[00:23:26] Value proposition and uniqueness vital for success.[00:26:59] Reflect on brand, trust instincts, curate identity.[00:27:50] Explore talent crowd's website for fun engagement.[00:31:54] Clarity on ideas helps filter potential contributions.[00:36:13] Analyze data, set goals, make a plan.[00:39:46] Tech consulting platform with diverse talent pool.[00:40:40] Genuine transparency fosters trust and success.#socialmedia #authenticity #datadrivenmarketing #marketing

Logan Lyles, an evangelism and content marketing expert at Teamwork.com, shares insights on the evolving landscape of marketing. He discusses the shift to Nearbound marketing and the critical role of defining your Ideal Client Profile. Lyles emphasizes the importance of trust in the 'who economy' and building partnerships for effective strategies. He also covers the benefits of co-marketing and collaboration in B2B sales, highlighting how audience feedback and short-form video can enhance trust in consumer engagement.

In this episode of "How Leaders Think," host Kenny Lange is joined by guest Jakub Grajcar, currently at Zenpilot. They dive into the importance of emotional capacity and risk-taking in leadership. Jakub shares insights on how leaders can connect with their teams on a deeper level and understand their needs. They discuss the concept of measuring success by looking back and reflecting on personal accomplishments and growth. Furthermore, Jakub emphasizes the power of listening, provides practical tips for building emotional capacity, and recommends resources like "The Coaching Habit." This thought-provoking conversation offers valuable insights for leaders looking to enhance their leadership skills.For more inspiring and insightful content, don't forget to subscribe to the How Leaders Think Podcast.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast:* Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kennylange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss an episode!Resources:The Gap and The Gain: https://amzn.to/3LlRoRHVivid Vision Book: https://amzn.to/45QyhaDVivid Vision Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/cameron_herold_your_vision_statement_sucksThe Coaching Habit: https://amzn.to/3LlA0wHJakub’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakub-grajcar/ZenPilot Website: https://zenpilot.com Timeline:[00:00:49] Kuba is a content manager at Zen Pilot, known for coaching and metalhead persona.[00:04:29] While people often worry about the risks, it takes resolve to make big personal or professional changes. It's important to focus on the potential advantages and make the leap.[00:06:31] Focusing on risk and gain, thinking of past and future, seeking out supportive people.[00:13:11] Leaders should communicate their vision in detail when recruiting to attract the right people and filter out those who may not align long-term. A clear vision reduces risk and magnetizes ideal candidates.[00:14:24] Using magnetic vision to attract the right people and repel the wrong ones, having a story that includes everyone's role is crucial for successful leadership.[00:17:57] Pain and stress in being in a band, importance of one-on-one meetings for leaders.[00:23:43] Love takes courage to care about someone not just as a team member, but as a person. Building emotional capacity and empathy involves developing listening as a skill. Assigning oneself the role of an interviewer can promote curiosity and better conversations. The book "The Coaching Habit" offers helpful questions.[00:25:53] The text highlights the importance of asking questions and listening in coaching. It emphasizes the value of the question "What's on your mind?" to start conversations and encourages leaders to share their own thoughts and feelings. Building emotional skills is crucial for leaders transitioning from individual contributors.[00:30:21] Focus on listening and empathy in conversations to build connections and deeper understanding.[00:33:26] Zenpilot solves project management issues for organizations, providing accountability and visibility through a system in ClickUp or Teamwork. It creates peace and momentum for agencies, and has helped various organizations. Learn more at zenpilot.com and book a call.

In this episode of "How Leaders Think," host Kenny Lange is joined by guest Tom Richard, a former corporate worker turned founder and CEO. Tom shares their journey of transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship and the challenges they faced along the way. They discuss the importance of being outcome-focused, building a strong foundation for success, and the value of doing good work. Tom also emphasizes the role of consistency, authenticity, and service in effective leadership. Listeners gain valuable insights into the mindset of a founder and the key elements that contribute to their success.For more inspiring and insightful content, don't forget to subscribe to the How Leaders Think Podcast.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast:* Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kennylange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss an episode!Resources:Tom’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomrichard/Tom’s Website: https://unlimitedtechsolutions.comTimeline:[00:02:12] Too much focus on creative guruism. Do good work.[00:04:43] Authenticity and serving others lead to success.[00:07:49] Focus on customers, product, and team building.[00:10:57] Money is part of a stable, peaceful life. Build on a foundation of service.[00:15:52] Leadership is more than inspiration, it's service.[00:20:24] Entrepreneurship: challenging, rewarding, different from expectations.[00:24:09] Took responsibility, got help, no longer imprisoned.[00:26:26] Take ownership, think beyond yourself and company.[00:30:24] Book or hire? Cheaper to read.[00:33:03] Success is measured by results, not knowledge.[00:39:05] Why can't leaders focus on outcomes?[00:41:30] Reinventing oneself: cycle of creating, maintaining, destroying.[00:44:37] Agree with you, precious about my business.[00:49:23] Be curious about yourself, observe and grow.

In this episode of "How Leaders Think," host Kenny Lange welcomes guest Tim Spiker to discuss overcoming insecurity and embracing courage in leadership. The conversation delves into the lack of awareness among leaders regarding security and humility, and the negative impact of insecurity on oneself and others. Tim shares personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting the importance of self-talk, reframing negative narratives, and developing humility. They also explore the role of traveling buddies in leadership development and the significance of transparency and courage in fostering successful leaders. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own leadership journey and embrace a mindset of growth and courage.For more inspiring and insightful content, don't forget to subscribe to the How Leaders Think Podcast.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast:* Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kennylange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss an episode!Resources:Tim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timspiker/Tim’s Website: https://beworthfollowing.com Tim’s Book, “The Only Leaders Worth Following”: https://www.amazon.com/Only-Leaders-Worth-Following-Succeed/dp/1950867048/Timeline:[00:00:24] Transform, renew, think with insightful leadership podcast.[00:03:22] Three key aspects of leadership: courage, humility, security.[00:07:10] Lack of security and humility in leaders.[00:12:28] Childhood trauma can impact adult behavior significantly.[00:16:19] Courage more conscious than insecurity or humility.[00:19:04] Transparency and vulnerability are essential for leadership.[00:24:20] Leaders need to relate to their followers.[00:27:24] Courage: Small steps count, gain momentum. Insecurity: Negative self-talk breeds insecurity. Humility: True humility is thinking of others.[00:34:36] Importance of accountability and learning from others.[00:37:44] Start writing potential candidates, offer and receive.

In this episode of the How Leaders Think podcast, host Kenny Lange sits down with special guest Ryan Watson, an experienced former agency owner and founder of Upsourced, to delve into the fascinating topic of the life cycle of agencies.As a renowned expert in the industry, Ryan shares his unique insights on how agency owners can navigate the various stages of growth and effectively manage their finances.Ryan discusses the common challenges faced by agency owners when it comes to measuring and managing multiple metrics simultaneously. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on one specific problem at a time, such as improving gross margin, to build momentum and drive meaningful progress.Drawing from his own experiences as an agency owner, Ryan provides valuable advice on when to seek the right kind of help and how to overcome the restricting nature of traditional financial advisors. He highlights the different stages of an agency's life cycle, from the creation phase to the scaling phase, and explains the key priorities and challenges that arise at each stage. Throughout the episode, Ryan shares practical tips and strategies for agencies to achieve profitability, sustainable growth, and efficient operations. He emphasizes the need to identify and prioritize the "one thing" that truly matters for an agency's success, rather than getting overwhelmed by multiple key performance indicators.Join Kenny Lange and Ryan Watson in this insightful episode of the How Leaders Think podcast, where they navigate the intricacies of agency growth and provide expert guidance on how to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape.For more inspiring and insightful content, don't forget to subscribe to the How Leaders Think Podcast.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast:* Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzh* Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=* Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54b* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kennylange/podcasts* Website: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss an episode!Resources:Ryans’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankeithwatson/Upsourced: https://upsourcedaccounting.com Create Mode YouTube video: https://youtu.be/DFccD669A5ABuild Mode YouTube video: https://youtu.be/C4NqX5ON9RIGrow Mode YouTube video: https://youtu.be/G4x0ozOboXMScale Mode YouTube video: https://youtu.be/ASODk8jE44ATimeline:[00:01:34] Pregnancy, business focus, KPIs, agency growth.[00:03:53] Focus on one thing, avoid overwhelming complexity.[00:08:26] Build mode: Solvency, project profit, cash reserves, operating profit margin, repeatable revenue generation.[00:13:44] Two scenarios: grow or remain unprofitable.[00:18:18] Stages of agency growth bring unique challenges.[00:21:35] Phases need different financial expertise, stay lean. Inflection points: $1M, $3M agency. CFO at $3M helps, don't overspend.[00:25:43] Accountants help businesses make informed decisions.[00:29:30] Figure out your agency's one thing.

On this episode of the How Leaders Think podcast, I interview entrepreneur Chris White about his approach to leadership and supporting small business owners.Chris discusses the value of the MBA program, which provides participants with a framework and support system through a cohort of like-minded individuals. He emphasizes the importance of executive coaching and the negative consequences of not pursuing these opportunities.Chris also shares his inspiration behind the Micro Business Academy (MBA) and highlights its focus on mindset and providing affordable resources. As an expert in business operations and strategy, Chris describes himself as a visionary and operator. He introduces tools such as the S2 (System & Soul) Roadmap, a one-page business plan, and the use of organizational charts and scorecards with key performance indicators (KPIs).He stresses the significance of effective communication and the importance of setting quarterly objectives. Chris also discusses the cohort that focuses on creating a roadmap for entrepreneurs and the value of collaboration and AI tools. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by small business owners, including financial pressure and the potential for isolation and loneliness. Chris emphasizes the importance of seeking help and offers a diagnostic tool to measure the health of businesses. He challenges the notion of measuring success solely through finances and encourages listeners to find a deeper sense of purpose.Chris reflects on his journey as an entrepreneur and the motivations behind his work with stage one and stage two companies. He highlights the importance of self-care and preventing burnout. As a believer in serving God, family, and clients, Chris aims to help as many small businesses as possible.Join me and guest Chris White on this episode of How Leaders Think as we explore the mindset and strategies behind successful leadership in the business world.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzhGoogle Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54bYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kennylange/podcastsWebsite: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss an episode!Resources:Chris’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-chris-white/Micro Business Academy: https://microbusinessacademy.ioSystem & Soul: https://systemandsoul.comTimeline:[00:02:05] Helping small business owners succeed and thrive.[00:06:12] MBA mindset, belief, action, affordable coaching for small businesses.[00:11:48] Visionaries and operators need structure, communication, and clarity.[00:17:17] Guide important, wearing all hats difficult. Cohort model valuable to expert's reputation.[00:19:31] Helping small businesses through coaching and cohorts.[00:23:45] Entrepreneurship is isolating but companionship helps.[00:28:10] Success shouldn't be measured solely by finances.[00:31:37] Cohort helps entrepreneurs craft unique value propositions.[00:36:07] Evaluate pain, take diagnostic for business health.

On this episode of the How Leaders Think podcast, our special guest, Bill Green, dives deep into the importance of leading with values in the workplace.Drawing on insights from the US Surgeon General's report on workplace well-being and mental health issues, Bill highlights the need to prioritize people and their values over desired outcomes. He offers a free culture checkup that provides an assessment of an organization's core values and suggests sharing it with senior leadership and the entire organization to gather feedback.Bill emphasizes the significance of understanding how employees see and feel about working in the organization and recommends useful tools and websites for exploring values. He urges leaders to have conversations with employees about the alignment between values and experiences and discusses the equation of culture, where values plus organizational habits determine the culture one deserves.Bill emphasizes the importance of creating connection and engagement in the workplace and shares strategies for maintaining connections in the remote work era. He encourages leaders to gather input from everyone in the organization, foster day-to-day engagement with company values, and align the company's culture with its business goals.🎧 Join us as we explore the transformative power of leading with values and discover how it can positively impact workplace well-being and profitability.Other places to find the “How Leaders Think” podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-think-with-kenny-lange/id1434737807Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wKtzb6KaF1vNlG9TsZkzhGoogle Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL2tlZXAtcmlzaW5nLXdpdGgta2VubnktbGFuZ2U=Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b13c5d64-50db-4626-9685-c356116ec54bYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kennylange/podcastsWebsite: https://howleadersthink.kennylange.com/Be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss an episode!Resources:Bill’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-green-detroit/FREE Culture Check-up: https://affectadvisors.com/culturecheckup/System & Soul: https://systemandsoul.comTimeline:[00:02:42] Leadership must bridge the strategy-execution gap.[00:04:34] Leadership values should be meaningful and actionable.[00:09:04] US Surgeon General highlights workplace mental health.[00:12:14] Creating connection as leaders is essential; it leads to better outcomes.[00:16:16] Three steps to create a thriving culture.[00:21:20] Disruption creates opportunity to reimagine work.[00:24:31] "Lead with values for a better culture."[00:30:24] Values matter at any stage of leadership.[00:32:39] Free culture checkup: assess values in 6 minutes