Beyond Fulfillment Podcast

Here are my top 3 takeaways from my conversation with Brian J. Esposito: 1. Celebrate Your Achievements: Every entrepreneur's journey is unique, and success is subjective. Brian emphasized the importance of not getting caught up in comparing oneself to others on social media. Instead, focus on your own goals and journey and take pride in the progress you've made. This approach leads a healthy self-image and overall well-being. 2. Find the valuable lesson within Setbacks: When faced with adversity, make it a habit to look for valuable lessons. Brian shared his life-altering car accident experience, where he chose to find the silver lining. Despite the monumental financial challenges that followed, he remained grateful that no one was killed and used the experience to rid himself of negative influences. By seeking the good in every situation, you can uncover lessons that propel you forward to new levels of success and growth. 3. Harness the Power of Strategic Partnerships: Strategic partnerships can amplify results by leveraging each other's strengths, expertise, and networks. Brian highlighted the massive success of Diamond Lake Minerals under his leadership as CEO, attributing their exponential growth to the collective synergy of industry icons ( Anthony Scaramucci, Larry Namer, Michael J. Malik Sr, Agnes Budzyn Brandon Fugal) serving on their advisory board. The right set of strategic partners can create “lightning in a bottle” as Brian described it and multiply a company’s growth. Bonus Takeaway - Transform Disappointment into Change: Although disappointment is challenging, it can serve as a catalyst for innovation, pivoting, and taking calculated risks. Brian shared his experience in the beauty brand distribution industry, where initial happiness turned into frustration when he missed out on the upside of brands he helped launch. He used this disappointment as motivation to change his business model, ensuring equity participation in future brand growth. When disappointment prompts you to reevaluate your strategy, it can lead to meaningful progress towards your goals. #entrepreneurship #businessowner #businesssuccess #businessgrowth #podcastguest #podcastshow

Here are my top 3 takeaways from my conversation with Kevin Lawton: 1. Embrace life's unexpected turns: Sometimes, the best experiences in our lives come from unexpected circumstances. Kevin shared the story of how he stumbled into the supply chain industry by accident. While searching for industry resources online, his boss encouraged him to start a podcast. Embracing this opportunity, Kevin met just the right person with podcasting experience who helped him kickstart his show. Being open to these serendipitous moments can lead to the most pleasant surprises in life. 2. Play to your strengths: By focusing on what you're naturally good at, you can leverage your unique skills and expertise to your advantage. Kevin talked about the early days of his podcast when he felt lost and overwhelmed. However, he tapped into his operational background and created efficient systems. He also outsourced tasks to an intern, allowing him to maintain a consistent recording schedule for years with over 400 episodes. Playing to your strengths enables you to perform at your best and achieve higher levels of success and fulfillment. 3. Think outside the box: Entrepreneurs are willing to take risks, explore new possibilities, and challenge conventional thinking. Kevin shared the story of his first Promat show, where he quickly went from not knowing the show existed to securing a press pass. He hired interns from Craigslist to help with promotion and conducted interviews booth to booth with a handheld recorder. This unconventional approach became a turning point in his podcasting career, helping him further establish his personal brand. Thinking outside the box empowers us to break free from conventional norms and discover new paths to success. Bonus Takeaway - Mission does matter: One of the most rewarding aspects of entrepreneurship is building something meaningful that makes a difference in people's lives. Kevin expressed how fulfilling it is to hear testimonials from people his podcast has helped. His underlying mission was to educate and inform those in the industry. These stories serve as a reminder of the impact we can have and fuel our drive to continue making a meaningful contribution. #podcastshow #podcasthost #businessowner #businesssuccess #entrepreneurship

Here are my top 3 takeaways from my conversation with Summitt Hogue: 1. Identify Unmet Needs: Pay attention to what's not being done in the market. By focusing on unmet needs or underserved markets, you can create a niche for your business and gain a competitive advantage. Summit experienced this firsthand as a real estate broker when he decided to focus on a specific industry instead of a territory. This allowed him to expand his reach and develop expertise, making him more valuable to his customers. Identifying market gaps positions you to innovate and differentiate yourself from competitors. 2.Take Initiative: Entrepreneurs often wear multiple hats and have various responsibilities, & there's always something you can do to improve your business. Summit learned this lesson growing up on the farm from his father, who taught him to be proactive and find something to do if there was nothing assigned. Applying this mindset to his real estate career paid off. Whether it's going the extra mile for customers or finding new ways to source leads, he always found something he could do as it was second nature. Taking initiative and being proactive can help you seize opportunities, solve problems effectively, adapt to change, and position yourself for success. 3. Believe in Your Dreams: Believing in the possibility of achieving your dreams is a powerful tool to overcome obstacles. Summit's inspiring story of making the Texas Tech football team against all odds showcases the importance of unwavering belief and taking action. Despite a late start to his high school football career & a serious senior year injury, Summit approached Coach Tuberville with confidence and showcased his abilities, ultimately earning a spot on the team. When you are clear about your goals and take action despite circumstances, amazing things can happen. Bonus Takeaway - Full Circle Moments are Special: Full circle moments are significant for entrepreneurs as they validate the hard work, perseverance, and dedication they put into their vision. Summit shared his experience with the IWLA, the premier warehousing association & their flagship event. He started out having to network in the lobby due to financial constraints Just a few short years later, Summit’s company grew to the point they became a sponsor at their event. These moments demonstrate what's possible with hard work, resilience, and determination. Embracing full circle moments can fuel your belief in achieving your dreams and serve as a reminder of the possibilities that lie ahead. #entrpreneur #entrepreneurship #businesssuccess #podcast #ecommerce

These are my top 3 takeaways from my conversation with Diane Marie Pisera: The Power of Accountability: Having someone else to hold you accountable adds structure and responsibility, making it easier to establish routines and habits. Diane discussed the advantages of accountability in relation to social media posting, and the pitfalls of not posting intentionally. Having an accountability partner, whether it’s a branding expert or anyone else on your team, can be a powerful tool to help you stay consistent and on track to reach your goals. Act despite fear: The best way to overcome fear is to face it head-on. Diane talked about the common fear among entrepreneurs of posting on social media and shared her own experience with it. She emphasized the importance of starting, keeping at it, and how it gets easier over time. By confronting our fears in a controlled and manageable way, we can desensitize ourselves to that fear, building up tolerance and resilience. Being Around Entrepreneurs: Surrounding yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs can be incredibly inspiring. Diane highlighted her experience at a female leadership conference where she networked with other high-performing entrepreneurs & how hearing their stories was "expansive". Being in the presence of other entrepreneurs can inspire you to dream bigger, take risks & believe in your own abilities & while being a catalyst for growth and continuous learning. Bonus take away - Leverage the Power of Social Media: One of the biggest benefits of being on social media for entrepreneurs is personal branding. It allows you to showcase your skills, expertise, and interests, attracting new opportunities. Diane shared her surreal experience of being on a Times Square billboard and how the opportunity came via LinkedIn. When you let go of fear and express your authentic self on social media, you never know what opportunities may come your way. Connect with Diane on LinkedIn: #entrepreneurship #accountability #socialmediamarketing #entrepreneurlife #ecommerce

Here are my top 3 takeaways from my conversation with Charlie Saffro: 1. Find Your Sweet Spot: Entrepreneurs thrive when they can work in an area that aligns with their skills, strengths, and passions. Charlie highlighted the importance of working within her sweet spot, where she can leverage her strengths and delegate tasks that don't align with her expertise. By focusing on the areas that naturally energize and motivate you, you’re able to produce your best work. 2. Workplace Culture Matters: Workplace culture plays a pivotal role in employee engagement, talent attraction and retention, performance, and company reputation. Charlie emphasizes the significance of working with companies that prioritize taking care of their employees. It's not just about filling vacancies; it's about creating a supportive environment where employees are recognized for their achievements, learn from setbacks, and feel valued and respected. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to give their best effort, go the extra mile, and contribute to the organization's success. 3. Don’t Neglect Self-Care: Entrepreneurs often face demanding schedules and high levels of stress, which can lead to neglecting physical health and work-life balance. Charlie highlighted the importance of self-care, including activities like yoga and meditation, which provide a mental break and help maintain balance amidst the demands of entrepreneurship. Prioritizing self-care can significantly enhance productivity, creativity, and decision-making abilities, leading to overall improved performance. Bonus Takeaway: Demonstrate You Care: When businesses demonstrate that they genuinely care about their customers, it builds trust, loyalty, and emotional connection. Charlie's company created a commercial titled "We Give a Sh*t" to set themselves apart from the prevailing attitude of indifference. The aim was to show that they truly care about the impact they have on clients, job applicants, team members, and everyone they interact with. Adopting this philosophy in all business interactions can enhance a brand's reputation, build customer loyalty, and drive business growth. To connect with Charlie see the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliesaffro/ LinkedIn Company Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cs-recruiting-llc/

Here are the Top 3 Takeaways from my conversation with Jason Henkel: 1. Prioritize Flow State: Flow state is a highly focused and immersive mental state that enhances enjoyment, concentration, and cognitive abilities. Jason emphasized the importance of deliberately entering a protected flow state so you can multiply your cognitive abilities x 5 & achieve peak performance. He shared his firsthand experience as an early graduate of the Flow Genome Project and how teaching those methods had a positive impact on his clients, leading to many referrals. When you make flow state a priority, you can significantly enhance your productivity while experiencing immense joy. 2. Your WHY will get you through the valley Entrepreneurship often comes with uncertainty, fear, and doubt. Jason discussed the challenges he faced in the early stages of his business journey and the importance of having a deep intrinsic reason why. He emphasized how a strong why can help you push through the valley of fear and uncertainty that all entrepreneurs must go through. This will build resilience & potentially lead to breakthroughs, growth & ultimately success. Be sure to clearly define your why as it’s vital for navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. 3. Embrace Playfulness: While running a business requires seriousness, being too serious all the time can be detrimental. Jason highlighted the importance of playfulness in entrepreneurship. Approaching challenges with a fresh perspective, thinking outside the box, and finding innovative solutions are facilitated by a state of playfulness. Jason emphasized the value of being childlike and not forgetting about laughter, play, and being present minded. Embracing your inner child can lead to increased creativity and a competitive edge in business. Bonus Takeaway: Give Your Brain a Break: Continual focus and intense work can result in mental fatigue, decreased productivity, and burnout. Jason emphasized the importance of regularly giving the brain a break to rest and recharge. He discussed the perils of excessive stimulation in the digital age and the drawbacks of being "always on." Taking breaks is essential for long-term success and sustained high performance in the demanding world of entrepreneurship. Knowing when to turn off and give your brain the necessary breaks is crucial for maintaining productivity and well-being. By implementing these takeaways, entrepreneurs can enhance their performance, navigate challenges with resilience, and find joy in their work. #businessowner #growthmindset #businesscoach #businessowner #podcastepisode

Here are my top 3 takeaways from my conversation with Mia Mazal: 1. Critical feedback is your friend. When customers provide honest and unfiltered feedback, it gives us insights into areas where we can improve. Mia constantly seeks feedback from her customers and colleagues, specifically looking for negative feedback. She is committed to personal growth and believes that the quickest way to improve is by listening to her customers and learning where she can make adjustments. She also acknowledged her own perspective could be biased so she always encourages others to share their opinions of her work. 2. Your company culture can make or break your business. A positive company culture attracts and retains top talent, while a negative culture leads to high turnover and difficulty attracting talent. Mia discussed how S-works has a culture of inclusivity, where people are encouraged to be themselves and share content that reflects their true identity. As a result, S-works has a 95% retention rate and created a workplace that everyone desires to be a part of. When your workforce feels valued, included, and connected to their team, they are more likely to be committed to the organization's goals and go the extra mile. 3. True Teamwork is Priceless When employees have a reliable team for support and assistance, they are more likely to produce their best work. Mia shared her experience of a demanding trade show travel schedule that limited her capabilities. However, her team stepped in immediately to help with tasks she couldn't handle. This allowed her to focus on prospecting and networking, which contributed to their overall growth and benefited the entire team. When a team is united by a common goal, the collective efforts create a synergistic impact on the company's success. Bonus takeaway - There’s power in not being attached to an outcome: Life is unpredictable, and things often don't go according to plan. If we are too attached to a specific outcome, we may struggle to adapt. Mia emphasized the importance of "embracing unexpected outcomes" as her career took a different path than she initially envisioned. When we let go of attachment to a particular outcome, we can alleviate unnecessary pressure and improve our mental well-being. #humanresources #entrepreneurship #supplychain #businesssuccess #podcastguests #podcastepisode

Here are the top 3 takeaways from my recent conversation with Joe Spisak: 1. Learn from losses: Joe's initial board game launch, "Dicey," experienced underwhelming sales and encountered various challenges. However, this experience proved to be invaluable when he later developed his board game "OK Boomer." By learning from his previous mistakes, Joe was able to streamline the product development, marketing, and fulfillment processes for "OK Boomer." This allowed him to scale quicker leading to millions of dollars in sales in the coming years & ultimately a successful divestment of the company. Failures can provide valuable lessons that serve as a catalyst for future success. 2. The fundamentals of success are universal: Joe's upbringing in a family of wrestlers shaped his perspective. His father instilled in him the three pillars of success: focus, discipline, and consistency. Joe applied these principles not only in his journey as a Division 1 collegiate wrestler but also in his entrepreneurial pursuits. These habits are crucial for achieving success as they help us stay on track, overcome obstacles, and make steady progress towards our goals. Regardless of the industry or field, these fundamental principles remain universal. 3. The significance of balance: Joe emphasized the importance of finding balance in life. He shared how his involvement in competitive jiu-jitsu serves as a much-needed break from the stresses and pressures of entrepreneurship. Engaging in hobbies or activities that divert attention from work-related responsibilities can provide relaxation and rejuvenation. It’s important to find outlets that allow us to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Bonus takeaway: Find a mentor: Joe highlighted the significant impact of having a mentor within his industry. Seeking guidance from those more experienced can greatly enhance our chances of success. A mentor can offer valuable insights, expand our network, help develop our skills, provide perspective, and offer emotional support. #fulfillment #warehouse #warehouses #ecommercebusiness #ecommerce #entrepreneurship #entrepreneurlife #businessowner

These are the top 3 takeaways from my conversation with Sir Darren Jacklin: You can ALWAYS be resourceful. Regardless of the financial resources we have or don’t have, we all can find creative solutions to the challenges in front of us. Darren is a shining example of this principle & he shared several examples of this from his own journey, from starting his “Rent a Kid” business by knocking on doors at age 7 to using college interns to help launch his corporate training business when he was living check to check. When we tap into our own ingenuity, we can find innovative ways to solve problems, overcome setbacks & reach new levels of personal growth. Habits speak volumes. If we want to know the root cause of our results in any area of life, look no further than our daily habits. As Darren highlighted in our interview: “Your life will demonstrate what you’re committed to, because behavior never lies” . When we develop consistent daily disciplines that move us towards our goals, those small actions continue to compound over time & add up to significant progress in the long run. Get around winners. Surrounding yourself with winners helps raise your standards and expectations, so you can be inspired, supported, and challenged to reach your full potential. Darren spoke candidly about how attending Dale Carnegie Training & Toastmasters International were pivotal in helping him turn his life around, mainly because of the positive, supportive people within those organizations. The company you keep has a significant influence on your mindset, behavior, and well-being. Choose wisely! Bonus takeaway: Find clues within your early years: When Darren reflects on his childhood, he sees the clear indication that he was meant to be an entrepreneur. He didn’t like being told what to do, yearned for freedom & wanted to live life on his terms. As children, we often engage in activities that bring us joy & excitement without any external pressures or expectations. When we revisit our childhood experiences, we can identify activities that naturally sparked our curiosity & passion thus providing insights into what we’re meant to do. #businessowner #habitsforsuccess #ecommercebusiness #businesssuccess #entrepreneurship #ecommerce

Here are my top 3 takeaways from my episode with Joe Lynch of The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Setbacks can be blessings in disguise: Joe detailed how he found himself expectedly booted from his high paying corporate job in Automotive after the financial crisis of 2008, and how that led him into the logistics industry. What seemed like a bad break at the time was ultimately what he needed. That humbling experience helped Joe realize the importance of helping others in need & also led him to use his creativity to establish a blog, which later became his successful podcast. He now operates his podcast full time & enjoys a much happier & more fruitful career. However, he wouldn’t have ended up where he is without enduring that difficult experience. Adversity & setbacks are never enjoyable at the time, but they can teach valuable lessons and guide us towards our desired destination. Embrace the Grind: Joe discussed his early podcasting days and what it took for him to build the Logistics of Logistics into one of our industry’s premier podcasts. Although we’re bombarded with messages encouraging instant gratification, high performers know that building anything worthwhile takes time. Consistent disciplined activity over time, learning from mistakes, persevering through challenges, & keeping the focus on creating value for others are what have set Joe’s podcast apart & given it longevity. It’s being willing to embrace the grind & do the small daily actions that will compound over time that sets top performers apart from the rest. The value of a coach: Joe's decision to make his podcast his full-time occupation was influenced by his executive coach, who used various testing modalities to help him identify his strengths & weaknesses, and thus what type of work could suit him best. Top performers understand the value of continuous learning & improvement and always invest in themselves. Joe's experience highlights the importance of seeking guidance and support from coaches or mentors to enhance performance and discover new opportunities. Bonus takeaway: Just keep going, everybody has had failures: Joe learned from many of the successful guests on his show who openly shared their failures. This came as a surprise to Joe & helped him realize that persistence is the key to success. . Everyone experiences failures, setbacks and adversity. The difference with those that succeed is persistence, they just keep going, they don’t quit. The ability to persist, learn from failures, adapt strategies, and keep moving forward that differentiates those who succeed. To connect with Joe on LinkedIn, please go here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephlynchjr/ #ecommercebusiness #logistics #supplychain #warehouse #ecommerce #podcast #podcastguests