Brian John, founder of Echo and Athena, possesses a deep-seated passion for leadership, inspiration, and kindness—a trinity of values he identified as his calling from a tender age.

A firm believer in the power of productivity and the significance of leaving a lasting legacy, Brian's relentless pursuit of results saw him ascend swiftly within the educational sphere.

Brian's journey, spanning several transformative years, ultimately culminated in the creation of Echo and Athena, a venture that stands as a testament to his lifelong commitment to leadership and the profound desire to drive forward meaningful change.

Memorable Moments

00:00 From football coach to principal, battling depression.

03:51 Creating Echo and Athena: Leadership, Mental Wellness, Impact.

07:22 Inspirational talk on Love Led Leadership summary

12:06 Cognitive well-being coaching for busy professionals.

13:52 Appreciation for paving the way in leadership.

16:41 Personalized client approach, flexible program, concierge coaching.

20:05 Encouraging wholeness and possibility in professional development.

Top Takeaways

Sure, here are ten key takeaway concepts from the "Business Inspires" podcast episode titled "Echo and Athena":

Leadership Grounded in Well-being - Brian John founded Echo and Athena as a reflection of his journey through stress and depression to advocate for an alternative approach grounded in mental well-being and authentic leadership.

Authenticity and Legacy - The importance of pursuing authenticity in personal and professional life to build a legacy predicated on meaningful interactions rather on outcomes alone.

Echo and Athena’s Genesis - The name "Echo and Athena" represents a call back to one's true self and the wisdom and courage to embrace authenticity.

Mental Health Awareness in Business - An acknowledgment of the mental health epidemic and the push towards a more integrative approach to life and work that prioritizes employee engagement and connection.

Love Led Leadership - A proposed style of leadership by Brian John that involves leading oneself first, overcoming personal traumas, and triumphantly empowering others to build an authentic and loving work culture.

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

• City of Upper Arlington.
• Robles Designs
• City of Grandview
• LBB Edutainment

To schedule a guest appearance, or find out more about sponsoring Business Inspires, send an email to:

Katie Ellis, President/CEO, Tri-Village Chamber...

In this episode of Business Inspires, host Brett Johnson and co-host Katie Ellis sit down with the dynamic Yasmine Robles, owner and lead (self-proclaimed!) digital nerd of Robles Designs.

Yasmine shares her journey as a solopreneur to becoming the head of a growing team at Robles Designs. She dives into the ups and downs she's faced as an entrepreneur and how personal and business challenges have intersected along the way.

Yasmine emphasizes the importance of networking, building relationships, and creating drool-worthy websites for small businesses "hell-bent" on taking over the world.

She also discusses her strong values on education, team management, and the future aspirations for Robles Designs.

Top Takeaways

1. Personal and professional challenges are often intertwined. Yasmine Robles highlights how personal ups and downs influenced her business journey, emphasizing the importance of resilience and determination to reach business success.

2. Networking is key. Yasmine's commitment to networking has not only helped her business grow but has also enabled her to support and inspire others within her community, emphasizing the power of genuine connections.

3. Business values matter. Yasmine emphasizes the significance of providing support and education to clients, prioritizing relationship building over sales pitches, and striving to empower clients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions for their businesses.

4. Embracing a progressive work culture. Yasmine values her team and demonstrates this through flexible work hours, unlimited PTO, and by offering comprehensive benefits, portraying a people-first approach to business management.

5. Multifaceted inspiration. Yasmine's background as an industrial designer has imbued her design process with a focus on diverse sources of inspiration, from physical objects to user experiences, driving the creativity in her work.

6. Continuous learning and adaptability. By being attuned to the latest tech trends and relying on her team for input, Yasmine highlights the importance of staying relevant in a fast-paced industry.

7. Long-term strategic planning. Yasmine's participation in the Goldman Sachs entrepreneurship program reinforced her understanding of her balance sheet and strengthened her strategic business planning abilities, providing invaluable insight into financial management.

8. Pursuing diverse projects. Beyond her passion for serving b2b clients, Yasmine is open to a variety of projects and clients, reflecting her adaptability and ability to find joy in new experiences, particularly in product-based businesses like seasonings and coffee products.

9. Ambitious yet grounded aspirations. Yasmine's vision for the future combines business growth with a balanced personal lifestyle, maintaining a remote work environment and a focus on recurring clients.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Personal ups and downs affect business success.

05:16 Corporate culture breeds competition, unlike business ownership.

08:50 Flexibility and benefits matter more than pay.

12:38 Using user feedback to improve website usability.

15:52 Personal connections and budget flexibility for projects.

18:18 Team ensures staying current with AI and design.

21:40 Exceeding goals,...

Welcome back to Business Inspires! We asked George Cleary and George Cleary II to join us, to talk about The Cleary Company celebrating 30 years of ingenuity.

They've transformed home renovations, emphasizing relationships and sustainable growth. These industry pioneers have shifted from general contracting to an all-encompassing design-build model, revolutionizing client experiences.

With a culture that's won national accolades, the Clearys align deeply with community values, sponsoring events and championing vital causes like Pelotonia.

They're not just building homes; they're nurturing a legacy of innovation, community spirit, and relentless commitment to excellence.

Top Takeaways

**Embracing Growth and Innovation**: - The Cleary Company's shift from general contracting to offering design and architectural services illustrates the value of evolving business models to better serve customers.

**Intergenerational Wisdom**: - The partnership between George Cleary and George Cleary II highlights the synergy that can be achieved when experience and fresh perspectives combine within a family-run business.

**Cultural Pillars of Success**: - The company’s strong culture, commitment to problem-solving, and collaborative spirit are foundational to its national recognition and internal cohesion.

**Employee Development and Satisfaction**: - The Cleary Company’s emphasis on training and supporting staff in pursuing new opportunities contributes to a positive work environment and employee loyalty.

**Community Engagement and Responsibility** - The company's longstanding support for the TriVillage Chamber and participation in philanthropic endeavors reflects the importance of business roles as corporate citizens.

**Technology as a Lever for Industry Progress**: - George Cleary’s enthusiasm for technological advancements demonstrates the necessity of staying current with industry trends to remain competitive and improve problem-solving techniques.

**Vision for the Future**: - Looking ahead, The Cleary Company plans to focus on growth that emphasizes community impact and the well-being of both clients and employees while staying true to its core values and culture.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Found joy in renovating homes, pursued construction career.

04:57 Growing up in a business-oriented home.

09:27 Inspiring clients through personalized home design process.

10:23 Design process empowers client satisfaction and budget.

16:10 Value relationships, not just making money.

25:57 Supporting community through volunteer work and donations.

32:20 Unsure of future, but stays innovative.

To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular...